Akira's combat abilities were unknown.
However, Aizen knew that whenever a Hollow appeared — even one an ordinary academy student could handle — Akira would instantly collapse and beg him for help. What others would find mortifying had become routine for this priest.
When did it all begin? Aizen pondered deeply.
As Captain of the Rescue Division, Shinji could effortlessly slaughter Hollows without even releasing his Zanpakutō. In his wake, he left only corpses.
Some of the Gillian Menos didn't even leave remains, instead dissolving directly into Reishi amid the light and flames of Kidō, becoming one with Soul Society.
In terms of efficiency, he far outmatched Akira.
Soon, Shinji had eliminated 99% of the Gillian/Hollow group that had invaded Soul Society. At someone's request, he specifically spared two "lucky" survivors, sealing them with Bakudō for later transfer to the 12th Division's research facility.
After handling the Hollow group, he stationed two 5th Division members to guard Akira and the others while he led the remaining forces to investigate the Hollows' source. These mysterious Hollow appearances in Rukongai demanded investigation to prevent future catastrophes.
Akira, drained by the ritual enhancement, collapsed after the battle, his face as pale as a dried fish.
The side effects had hit him hard. His wounds bled heavily, and his Reiatsu had plummeted so low he seemed near death.
"Just a fatal wound..." He gritted his teeth and looked at Aizen, "Sōsuke, I think I can still be saved, could you..."
Aizen sighed, realizing he'd overestimated this man. Even without enemies present, he'd still plead for help. Simply... utterly shameless...
Kaidō light bloomed in his palm, gentle Reiatsu enveloping the wound to stimulate healing.
Though he maintained a low profile at Shin'ō Academy, Aizen ranked among the most gifted students in practical applications. Even using just Division Officer-level Reiatsu, he could stabilize Akira's grave injuries.
One of the Division guards also produced emergency medical supplies and roughly bandaged the wounds.
Soon enough, color returned to Akira's face, and his spirit lifted. He then took over his own healing.
To the amazement of the two Shinigami Division members, he performed an imperfect Kaidō technique. The ghastly wounds healed visibly, with results far superior to their own attempts!
Witnessing this, both officers stared at their hands, questioning everything they knew.
How could the same healing technique yield such drastically different results?
"Out of Reiryoku." Akira groaned after healing halfway, "Better return to Captain Unohana. Her fees may be steep, but her service is unmatched."
These words left the two Shinigami even more confused. Would Captain Unohana really personally treat injuries of this level?
What's this kid talking about—fees and service? Is this something we can get with money?!
They felt the 4th Division must be giving preferential treatment. Could the difference between people really be this vast?
While Akira was recovering his spiritual pressure, Shinji returned with his squad.
"We've done a preliminary investigation, but experts will need to examine the specific details." He said, looking gravely at the two, "It seems spatial fluctuations inside the mountain, combined with an unknown powerful Kidō, created a Garganta. This led to the Menos invasion of Soul Society."
{T/N: Garganta is the space between the Three Worlds of Bleach, which trough Hollows tend to use to escape Hueco Mundo and invade the Human World or Soul Society.}
At these words, Akira broke into a cold sweat, holding his breath. Aizen glanced at him discreetly but remained silent.
As Shinji noted, this was merely his assessment based on the current situation — the true cause would need expert investigation.
If a single Shunpo from Akira could tear Soul Society's space and create a Garganta large enough for Menos to pass through, he would be the first to question it.
It wasn't impossible — just highly improbable. The odds were about the same as this priest defeating Genryūsai with one punch and becoming Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13.
Most of Soul Society's spatial fabric was stable, with only a few fragile nodes scattered about. These nodes typically existed in the lower-ranked Rukongai districts. Places like the 32nd District rarely had such spatial vulnerabilities.
"You, you, and you." Shinji pointed to three people, "Stay here to guard the scene until the 2nd Division and research facility personnel arrive. The rest of you, return to Seireitei with me."
Before departing, he checked Akira's injuries specifically, and finding nothing serious, felt reassured.
Strangely, this man's unusual behavior hadn't caught much of his attention. Instead, it was Aizen — playing his minor role on the sidelines—who gave Shinji an odd feeling.
It was as if a hazy mist surrounded him, making him utterly inscrutable. Yet looking again at his seemingly carefree demeanor and transparent expressions, he appeared neither worth attention nor suspicion.
'Was it just my imagination?' Shinji withdrew his gaze from Aizen with a slight frown, 'How could two people with such opposite personalities get along so well?'
Strange indeed.
Everyone departed from the ravaged outskirts toward Seireitei.
Shortly after their departure, two blurry Kidō lights flickered across the barren ground.
The three Shinigami standing guard noticed nothing unusual, continuing their watch with bored expressions.
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Under the 5th Division's escort, everyone returned safely to Seireitei.
Shinji headed directly to the 1st Division to report. The appearance of Menos in Soul Society was a grave matter — without Akira's intervention, that Adjuchas might have devoured the entire 32nd District.
Meanwhile, Aizen returned to Shin'ō Academy to file his report. Such a major incident required a proper explanation from the Academy.
Left to his own devices, Akira made his way to the 4th Division's Coordinated Relief Station like it was his second home.
He moved with practiced efficiency: check in, pay fees, lie down — all in one fluid motion, his familiarity with the routine almost pitiful.
As his awareness returned, he noticed someone occupying the adjacent bed.
"Well, if it isn't the unfortunate one! Long time no see!"
Sōjun Kuchiki: "..."
⤫⤬⤫
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