When Yoruichi Shihoin said "surpasses mine", her expression was very rich.
There was some disappointment, but more so, it was the aura of soaring fighting spirit.
"Goddess of Flash" Yoruichi, this was not her self-proclaimed title, but one bestowed upon her by enemies after countless battles.
It could be said that in terms of Flash Step, Yoruichi Shihoin represented the pinnacle of Soul Society. But now, Yoruichi Shihoin discovered that the Flash Step of her former vice captain was actually still above hers?
This sparked the pride within Yoruichi's heart.
Although "Goddess of Flash" wasn't a title she called herself, she did not wish to just hand over a title that belonged to her so easily either. She, Yoruichi Shihoin, would never be inferior to anyone!
Of course, before that, she still had to make things clear with her childhood friend.
"Judging purely from Flash Step, if either of us were to face him, we would only be in a passive position, extremely disadvantageous for us. Of course, if you wish to give it a try, I don't mind."
"Mm, I know." Kisuke Urahara nodded.
From Ailin's performance, Kisuke Urahara tentatively categorized him into the same group of people as himself for the time being.
Just thinking of what he would do if any harm came to Yoruichi, Kisuke Urahara could easily imagine that if he really did anything shady with Haruko Kuchiki's Gigai, Ailin would definitely make a move against him and Yoruichi. And it would be a fight to the death. Of course, their conversation was also to demonstrate their stance to Ailin to some degree.
After all, it wasn't long ago that he learned of a certain Captain's abilities from the mouth of that strange Zanpakuto that had possessed the dummy body. If Ailin had also created a Zanpakuto with similar capabilities, then a conversation like this would help put Ailin's mind at ease.
"Don't worry, I wouldn't risk our lives to provoke someone who might stand on the same side as us..."
***
"Ailin-kun..."
Haruko Kuchiki raised her head to look at Ailin's profile, her heart filled with endless warmth.
"Don't worry, Haruko."
Hearing Haruko Kuchiki's voice, Ailin thought she was worried about the situation with the Kuchiki family after they left. So he smiled and said, "I'm only going with you to the Human World for your treatment, it's not like I died."
"If the Kuchiki family encounters any problems, you can contact us in the Human World. I can return through the Kuchiki family's Senkaimon at any time."
"Mm."
Although Haruko Kuchiki had misunderstood his intentions, she did not explain and only hugged Ailin tightly.
After returning to the Kuchiki family with Haruko Kuchiki and getting her settled, Ailin headed towards the backyard.
"You've returned."
"Mm."
"So how is it?"
As Haruko Kuchiki's father, how could Ginrei Kuchiki not care about his daughter's condition?
He had been prepared to face his daughter's death once more. But over this past half year, the changes in Haruko Kuchiki also birthed some hope in Ginrei's heart.
"3rd Seat Urahara said that to completely resolve Haruko's issues, Haruko has to enter a Gigai that perfectly matches her soul and become 'human'. Letting the flesh nourish the soul..."
Next, Ailin relayed Kisuke Urahara's treatment plan he arranged for Haruko Kuchiki to Ginrei, putting Ginrei's mind at ease.
"However, father-in-law, after Haruko becomes human, her soul can only leave her body after death before she can return to Soul Society. With Haruko's spiritual pressure, it's very easy for her to come under Hollow attacks while living in the Human World... So after 3rd Seat Urahara completes Haruko's Gigai, I will accompany her to the Human World."
"The Kuchiki family and 6th Division..." Ginrei Kuchiki fell silent.
There was no denying that whether the Kuchiki family had Ailin or not in the next few hundred years would determine whether they could steadily remain as one of the Five Great Noble Clans of Soul Society, bringing the Kuchiki family to true heights. But now, he had to weigh between family and daughter.
After a period of silence, Ginrei Kuchiki let out a sigh. Let it be then. Without Ailin, relying solely on himself to introduce Koga into the Kuchiki family in this generation, the Kuchiki family might suffer great calamity instead.
Thinking so, Ginrei Kuchiki nodded at Ailin, "Go on then. I haven't died yet. Neither the 6th Division nor the Kuchiki family will fall into chaos."
"Mm." Hearing Ginrei say so, Ailin also heaved a sigh of relief in his heart.
Although Ailin would have brought Haruko Kuchiki to the Human World regardless of whether Ginrei agreed or not. Not only was it to treat Haruko Kuchiki, it was also to continue raising his own strength.
But Ginrei Kuchiki's attitude would directly impact Haruko Kuchiki's state of mind. If possible, Ailin did not wish for Haruko Kuchiki to have any mental burdens.
"Father-in-law, it will take three months for Haruko's Gigai to be completed. So accompany Haruko more over the next three months. As for Byakuya, since I cannot shield him from the wind and rain as his uncle before leaving, I'll guide Byakuya for a period of time first, so he can grow faster."
"Very well, then Byakuya will be in your hands this period, Ailin." Ginrei glanced at Byakuya practicing by himself, then nodded and left.
For Soul Reapers, battle was indispensable. His own strength could no longer support supervising Byakuya's sword and unarmed combat training. With Ailin taking over, things couldn't be better.
***
"Huh? Uncle, you're here."
Only after Byakuya Kuchiki completed his sword training did he notice his grandfather watching him practice had been replaced by Uncle Ailin.
"Haha, father-in-law had matters to attend to and left, letting me take over training you for three months. What's wrong, aren't you welcoming me?"
"Of course not." Byakuya Kuchiki hurriedly shook his head.
Ever since witnessing Uncle Ailin's " Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō", admiration towards Ailin in Byakuya's heart already surpassed that for his own grandfather.
It was just a pity that after that day, Uncle Ailin had been busy with 6th Division matters. Byakuya Kuchiki couldn't find an opportunity to ask Ailin for guidance.
Now that Ailin directly said he would guide Byakuya for three months, how could he not welcome it?
"I'm just too pleasantly surprised."
"Hehe, Byakuya. My training methods for you are different from your grandfather's. I just hope that after today, this surprise doesn't become a fright for you." After speaking, Ailin recited his Zanpakuto's release chant towards Byakuya—
"This body is naturally born for the sword."
"Blood like steel, resolute and unyielding; heart like glass, fragile and delicate."
"Crossing countless battlefields, never defeated, yet never understood."
"So I stand atop the Hill of Swords, intoxicated by victory."
"Throughout my life, it is meaningless."
As he chanted, a massive spiritual pressure surged from his body. This spiritual pressure almost pierced the sky, breaking through the clouds above the Kuchiki's residence, spreading out in rings in all directions.
"Bankai—Unlimited Blade Works!"