Chapter 47 The Test Begin

It went without saying that Gion was her younger sister, and for Aizen, the brightest rising star in Marine, Vice Admiral Tsuru naturally had her reasons for such thoughts. With his unassuming gentlemanly demeanor and exceptional talent, Aizen had already garnered admiration and support among Marine's upper ranks. Many saw him as a future Admiral, a beacon of hope for the organization's future.

Tsuru's suggestion wasn't born out of whimsy. Instead, it was a reflection of her insight into the Marine's future prospects. Aizen's intelligence, humility, and ability to inspire others made him an ideal match for someone like Gion.

"Sister Tsuru! What are you talking about?" Gion's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, her voice rising in protest.

However, despite her words, her eyes couldn't help but steal glances in Aizen's direction. His calm, composed demeanor amidst the tension of the training grounds seemed to draw her attention like a magnet.

Noticing her younger sister's subtle reactions, Tsuru simply chuckled. She didn't press further, understanding that such matters should unfold naturally. Still, she thought to herself that it wouldn't hurt to give them a gentle nudge when the time came.

"The test has begun," Tsuru said softly, her gaze shifting to the training ground below.

The air grew heavier as the final test commenced.

---

Sakazuki, ever the impatient one, charged forward with barely a thought, leaving Aizen and Kizaru to exchange knowing looks.

"Still as hotheaded as ever," Kizaru muttered lazily, brushing off his uniform as he watched Sakazuki rush headlong toward Zephyr.

Zephyr, standing in the center of the training ground with his imposing presence, barely moved as Sakazuki's magma-fueled attack approached. The massive burst of heat and fire barreled toward him, only for Zephyr to swat it away with Armament Haki-coated hands as if it were an insect.

"Reckless, Sakazuki," Zephyr scolded. "You think raw power alone can overcome experience? Try again."

Sakazuki gritted his teeth, clearly frustrated. "If you two don't move, I'll handle him myself!"

With a sigh, Aizen finally drew his zanpakutō, the sharp glint of the blade catching the sunlight. "Sakazuki, strategy over brute force. Let's work together."

Kizaru smirked. "Guess I'll join the fun too."

With a flicker of light, Kizaru disappeared, reappearing beside Zephyr with a blinding kick aimed at his side. However, Zephyr countered effortlessly, his Haki nullifying the attack before launching Kizaru back several meters.

"You're relying too much on your Devil Fruit, Kizaru," Zephyr chided, his voice calm yet firm.

"Guess I'll have to try harder, huh?" Kizaru replied, brushing himself off and grinning lazily.

As the two regrouped, Aizen stepped forward. His calm demeanor sent a ripple of anticipation through the training ground. "Teacher Zephyr, allow me to take the lead."

Zephyr's eyes narrowed slightly. "Show me what you've got, Aizen."

The moment Aizen moved, the atmosphere shifted. His reiatsu surged, an overwhelming pressure washing over the training ground, causing even the spectators to momentarily lose their breath. Aizen's movements were precise, calculated, and graceful as he closed the gap between himself and Zephyr.

His blade glimmered as it slashed through the air, aiming for Zephyr's shoulder. Zephyr blocked the strike with his Haki-covered arm, but the force behind Aizen's attack caused him to slide back slightly.

"Impressive," Zephyr admitted, his tone serious. "You've grown even stronger."

Aizen pushed his glasses up with his free hand, his smile calm and assured. "I still have much to learn, Teacher. Shall we continue?"

---

Gion, watching from the sidelines, couldn't take her eyes off Aizen.

"Sister Tsuru… is he really that strong?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with curiosity.

Tsuru nodded, her expression one of quiet admiration. "He's not just strong, Gion. He's extraordinary. Watch closely—this is the future of Marine."

Gion's cheeks flushed again, her heart racing as she watched Aizen clash with Zephyr, his every movement radiating confidence and power.

In that moment, she couldn't help but silently agree.