You are very strong, but my painting style is better than yours!

Aside from not being very mature, there's nothing particularly flawed in his personality.

Moreover, his talent is indeed outstanding. Behind the danger lies considerable potential. If he can be nurtured into a talent, then the Soul Society will become very stable, and there will be basically no need to consider defection incidents anymore. Senji Kyoga can easily suppress them.

If that's the case, the "nest of maggots" can become history, and when encountering troublesome figures again, we can confidently and boldly make the most of them without worrying about losing control.

Out of various considerations, and also out of appreciation for Hibiki himself, Yamamoto and Kuchiki, these two bigwigs, took turns mentoring Hibiki, which was also a way of expressing their support to the higher-ups.

Now that the Second Division has placed him under observation, it's tantamount to monitoring a retainer of the Kuchiki clan, which is illogical... but since it has happened, it must have been with Ginrei's consent.

"It seems that even the five noble families are not confident that they can truly wield this demonic sword."

Iori shook her head, feeling sorry for Hibiki's fate in the original timeline.

In the original "history", Xianghe was framed and imprisoned by his colleagues, which led to his further corruption and rebellion, and he was eventually sealed away permanently.

It is indeed tragic, but to be honest, the concerns of the higher-ups are not without merit:

Muramasa's sword has too much autonomy!

It can act independently of its master and is completely uncontrollable. Even if Xianghe did not defect, it is hard to guarantee that it will not cause trouble in the future!

In Iori's view, this was simply a case of a small horse pulling a large cart. Due to its unique nature, Muramasa required at least captain-level spiritual pressure to properly control it, but Hibiki's training was insufficient. He was like a Master without Command Seals, and was in a weak position.

"Go and have a look."

An idea flashed through Iori's mind. She stood up, put on her haori, straightened the wrinkles, and calmly walked out of the room.

……

"What a rare guest! Captain Aizen has taken the initiative to visit my humble abode... This is probably the first time, isn't it?"

"You can just call me Iori. I'm not here as the captain to meet the head of the noble family; I'm just a junior visiting my elder."

"Hehe~ Alright then, Iori."

Iori greeted Kuchiki Ginrei very politely. After exchanging a few pleasantries and focusing on some interesting stories about Kuchiki Sojun, Ginrei, who was usually serious, softened up.

"There are fewer and fewer people who can chat with me like this. Even if I still have a few old friends, we rarely meet outside of work... After all, it's easy for outsiders to feel uneasy if people like us are always discussing things in private."

Yinling stroked his beard, a slight upturn at the corners of his mouth.

"Young people, not to mention, get flustered whenever they see me, as if I were some kind of monster..."

"Iori, you didn't just come here to visit me, did you?"

"You were indeed well aware of this."

Iori smiled slightly, and without beating around the bush, recounted what had just happened, then asked directly:

"I know you definitely agree, but I'd like to know... do you trust Xianghe?"

Yinling remained calm and said indifferently, "The Seireitei does not operate on 'trust'. Rules are rules, and even the Kuchiki family is no exception."

"The Kuchiki family?"

"I intend to adopt him as my son."

Yinling spoke calmly, as if he were talking about a trivial matter.

Iori nodded as if suddenly realizing something: "I see. In that case, those with malicious intent will not be able to attack Xianghe at will."

"Xianghe's Zanpakuto is dangerous, and he must be monitored, but at the same time, he is a promising young man, just like you. It is the responsibility of us old folks to protect such young people from being stifled."

For some reason, Yinling, who is usually taciturn, revealed many of her feelings today that she would never normally express.

He was the kind of traditional East Asian patriarch.

"It is thanks to the support of seniors like you and our teachers that we have room to grow."

Iori sighed sincerely, then paused and changed the subject: "But Xianghe's situation is still dangerous. It's not just the external threats, but also his own problems... He will remain an unstable element until he completely controls that sword."

Kuchiki Ginrei nodded silently, agreeing with Iori's statement.

Even those like Yamamoto and Ginrei who were quite optimistic about Hibiki still harbored the idea deep down that "if necessary, they could only eliminate him." This was perfectly normal logic for a veteran captain who had experienced countless battles.

"In that case, let's find him a stable environment."

"Hmm? You mean... the Oni-doji?"

Yinling raised an eyebrow slightly: "Indeed, Xianghe is also very talented in the Ghost Path."

【Muramasa】Although dangerous, its ability is too extreme. Its pure physical damage is no different from that of ordinary swords. If the opponent does not have a Zanpakuto, then Muramasa is basically equivalent to a shallow attack.

Those who join the Kido-shu are usually skilled in Kido but do not use Zanpakuto. The Kido-shu's chief, Tessai Gurashi, is a captain-level expert. If something happens, dozens of Bakudos will be thrown at him. There is really no need to fear Muramasa's rebellion.

Yinling thought this was a proper solution, but it might alert Xianghe and give him unnecessary distractions...

"No, I'm not talking about the Oni-do sect."

Iori pointed to himself: "How about letting him join the Third Division?"

"……Um?!"

A look of utter astonishment crossed Yinling's usually expressionless face: "The Third Division? You?"

He thought of the spiritual pressure Iori displayed in battle, and his Zanpakuto, which was known as the "number one water-type sword"...

What a joke! This is no different from throwing a lighter into an armory!

Chapter 412 Loyal and Patriotic Captain Aizen!

Although Yinling didn't say it explicitly, Iori could guess what it meant from his expression and couldn't help but chuckle.

Within the Seireitei, there is a unified opinion about Iori. In addition to being "reliable," "gentle," and "loyal," her formidable strength cannot be ignored; she stands out even among captains.

Grim Reapers of his age are generally those who have only been in the team for a few years and haven't even reached the level of a junior executive.

Indeed, some people can quickly rise to the level of vice-captain or even captain, such as Shiba Kaien, Ichimaru Gin, and Hitsugaya Toshiro in the future.

Although not explicitly stated, the progress of characters like Isshin Shiba, Byakuya Kuchiki, and Yoruichi Shihouin is extraordinary; it's just that everyone assumes it's normal among the five major families.

Whether in the future or now, the Soul Society has never lacked geniuses.

Even among geniuses, Aizen Iori stands head and shoulders above the rest!

This is a talent that a normal Shinigami could not possess. Ordinary team members could only feel envy and admiration, while the higher-ups generally regarded him and Kenpachi Zaraki as the same type.

A born monster! An anomaly occasionally born in Soul Society!

If placed in Hueco Mundo, it would probably be the type of Ancient Hollow Ghoul.

This is different from Yamamoto. Yamamoto's strength is traceable. From his birth to awakening his Zanpakuto, to mastering Bankai, Kido, and Hakuda, it is clear that he achieved it step by step through cultivation.

The Captain-Commander's level is actually the "final form" that Toshiro Hitsugaya could reach if he didn't die young. It's just that he lived in a time of war, and because of the different environment, his growth trajectory was steeper and more dangerous.

Kenpachi Zaraki is clearly not that type...

In reality, Iori had once wanted to pretend to be a "hard-working genius" to reduce the attention from higher-ups. But as his strength continued to grow, his mindset changed, and he no longer cared about what others thought.

He still maintains some restraint, but not out of fear, but simply because "it's unnecessary."

Back to the main story, in Kuchiki Ginrei's opinion, Iori's suggestion was truly a bit wicked. If his Zanpakuto went out of control, it would inevitably cause a huge commotion, and the destructive power would not be weaker than the "annihilation of the Tenth Division" incident.

If it's just for the sake of protecting the Xiang River, there's really no need for this...

Even if Silver Ridge values ​​that demon sword highly, in every respect, the value of the Hibiki River to the Seireitei cannot compare to that of Aizen Iori—an exceptional monster who can perfectly control his own power.

"You've misunderstood, Captain Kuchiki."

Iori shook his head: "Transferring Hibiki to the Third Division is the most appropriate course of action right now, because he can no longer stay in the Thirteenth Division."

"Ok?"

Yinling frowned slightly: "Why?"

"It's not just that he receives excessive attention from others; in fact, his very existence threatens certain people."

Iori and Ginrei looked at each other openly, their clear gazes making the head of the Kuchiki family involuntarily want to listen to his opinions.

"Haven't you noticed that Xianghe should actually become a retainer of Shihouin?"

"……what."

Yinling's pupils shrank almost imperceptibly, then his eyes narrowed slightly, his expression remaining unchanged.

Iori continued, "It seems you did consider it, but then deliberately ignored it."

"...Xianghe is indeed very suitable for entering covert operations."

Yinling said carefully, "But that's precisely why he's the only one who can't join the Four Maple Institution."

As expected—Iori smiled, confirming her suspicions.

Xianghe's ability is dangerous, but if we know the information in advance, it is not difficult to counter it. As long as a captain-level Hakuda and a Kido master can launch a surprise attack and decapitate him before the situation gets out of control, we can suppress him!

Captains with powerful Zanpakuto are not suitable to be guardians of Hibiki. Only two organizations are capable of this job: the Kidoshu and the Second Division!

Because the Second Division has many sub-teams, like a small Gotei 13, each with its own function, the combat unit "Execution Army" is full of people who are good at hand-to-hand combat. Although in the anime they are just like clone grunts being beaten up, there are actually many skilled fighters among them.

Especially for the position of "Legion Commander," Shihouin was extremely selective and would rather have none than an unqualified one. In the original story, after Yoruichi's defection, Shihouin preferred to appoint Aya Hachisho (Soi Fon), one of his retainers, to the position rather than simply choose someone from within the family.

If Hibiki were in the Second Division, Yoruichi could lead her elite troops to control him should anything happen.

—But the problem is that Hibiki can't join the Second Division!

What is the essence of the Second Division?

Covert maneuver!

In reality, they are a special agent organization of Soul Society, and they control the entire process of intelligence, prisons, and executions, which is equivalent to police officers acting as judges.

What about Hibiki? He was basically invincible in the Bleach Civil War!

However, Shihouin is skilled in hand-to-hand combat and is not particularly afraid of this cursed sword, giving him the confidence to subdue Hibiki. Once they successfully combine, they will be as terrifying as the duo of "Uchiha & Jinchuriki".

If any of the higher-ups, including Ginryo and Yamamoto, had any sense, they wouldn't have sent Hibiki to the Second Division.

This isn't a question of whether or not to trust Shihouin; it's that an organization absolutely cannot allow a branch office to have the power to oppose its parent company!

On the other hand, if Hibiki continues to grow and becomes a captain in his own right, he will pose a significant threat to the Second Division.

Many people don't realize that for Muramasa, if he can bewitch and turn even a Zanpakuto into a defection, then extracting information from the sword spirit is also a piece of cake. He can even reveal private matters that even the Shinigami himself can't remember!

In other words, Xianghe can handle all aspects of the process, from intelligence gathering to execution, all on its own!

He doesn't even need a "nest of maggots" to manage prisoners; those guys have to obediently accept reform if they don't want to die at the hands of his Zanpakuto.

...Where does this leave the Second Division?

No matter which squad Hibiki takes over, he will automatically become a direct competitor to the Second Squad, which is really frustrating.

As one of the five great noble families, Shihōin might not care (in essence, they are imperial craftsmen, and their secret service organization is merely a subordinate force).

However, many of the minor nobles under his command have served in the Second Division for generations, with a stronger lineage than Kuchiki's Sixth Division. How could they possibly allow such a thing?

Adding Hibiki to the watch list means that the Second Division can no longer ignore his existence!

Yoruichi may have realized something after taking power. There wasn't much she could do from her perspective, so she wanted to remind the higher-ups of the 13th Division in this way—she may seem like a silly girl, but she actually knows everything.

She originally intended to find a reason to hint at something to Iori after monitoring Hibiki for a while, but she didn't expect Iori to be so perceptive, or rather... proactive.

"Some things are better left unsaid, but I know Qian Zixianghe and what kind of person he is. Even with such dangerous abilities, I don't think we should drag a passionate young man into the vortex of power."

After all, a demon sword is inherently extremely sharp yet very fragile; it absolutely cannot be used without a scabbard.

"I am very pleased that you have this kind of thinking."

Yinling gave Iori a deep look, full of expectations for the future: "You are so young, yet you can consider issues from a holistic perspective. It can be said that you have already developed a perspective beyond that of the captain."

The Commander-in-Chief and I have long worried about the future, but now it seems... there's no need to be so anxious.

"You flatter me."

Iori remained unfazed by praise or criticism and continued, "What I mean is, to truly protect Hibiki River, we must not only prevent others from acting maliciously, but also find a way to prevent him from threatening others."

"I understand this principle. It's the same as the maintenance of swords. A true swordsman should know how to conceal the edge."

Yinling asked, puzzled, "But why the Third Division?"

"You don't need to worry about my Zanpakuto."

Iori smiled. "I'm confident I can subdue it... Besides, if anything happens, I can control the extent of the damage."

"So confident?"

“That’s right, because I will be taking Hibiki to Hueco Mundo.”