Even more dangerous than Aizen

Just as Hirako Shinji was about to reply, he suddenly sensed something—and the smile on his face froze.

Pata… pata… pata…

Footsteps echoed from the distance.

From faint to heavy, they grew louder, drawing everyone's attention. One after another, rows of Shinigami in standard black uniforms appeared from different streets surrounding the Fifth Division barracks.

When the footsteps finally halted, over two hundred Shinigami stood behind Aiyan in orderly lines.

And facing them—more than 600 Shinigami of the Fifth Division.

What made Hirako Shinji's expression twist even more was the appearance of three familiar figures, all wearing either short-sleeved or long-sleeved captain's haori.

One woman. Two men.

"Captain Unohana."

"Captain Isshin."

"Lieutenant Sasakibe."

His eyes darkened as he stared at each of them, especially at Retsu Unohana. His heart sank. The presence of the First Kenpachi turned from a safety net into a looming threat.

He had thought she might help restrain Aiyan—never imagining that she would show up on the opposite side.

"I heard there would be a captain-level duel," Unohana said calmly. "As the captain of the Fourth Division, it's my duty to ensure medical readiness and prevent unnecessary deaths. Don't you think so, Captain Hirako?"

Retsu Unohana—known in secret as Yachiru Unohana, the First Kenpachi and the most dangerous combatant in the Soul Society—spoke with serene authority.

To her, Hirako's protests were nothing more than noise.

"And you, Lieutenant Sasakibe?" Hirako turned quickly, seeking support. "What would the Head-Captain say if he saw this?"

Sasakibe Chōjirō remained composed. "The Head-Captain sent me."

Just that single sentence made Hirako Shinji feel his foot collapse beneath him.

"And if I remember right, wouldn't this drag the Shiba Clan even further down?" he said, turning to Shiba Isshin, trying to use his status against him.

But Isshin only smiled faintly and replied in kind, "Funny. I remember you saying something just like that to me half a month ago in the Kendo Hall."

"I'll take it back."

"I didn't misjudge Aizen… but I clearly misjudged you."

Hirako turned slowly to Aiyan, his expression unreadable—somewhere between stunned and uneasy.

Now it was all clear.

The reason these captains and lieutenants appeared with troops… the timing, the planning, the manipulation—it was all Aiyan's doing.

"You…"

"Aiyan Sōsuke…"

"You're a dangerous man."

"Even more dangerous than Aizen."

His voice trembled slightly. Before, he couldn't understand Aiyan. Was he a naive older brother? A political pawn? Or something deeper?

Now he knew.

Aiyan was no mere protector. He was a calculating mind, a master of influence. A hidden threat.

"Is that what you wanted to say in your final hours as the Fifth Division Captain?" Aiyan replied softly, the cold smile never leaving his face.

So what if Hirako called him dangerous?

Was Unohana not dangerous?

Didn't Sasakibe swear loyalty to the captain of a merciless strike force?

Even Isshin, whose carefree manner masked a powerful resolve, had chosen his side.

As for Aiyan?

Everyone knew he was a good brother.

"Don't talk like the battle is over already," Hirako snapped. "You're not the Captain-Commander yet. As of now, we stand on equal ground."

"Who wins isn't decided until the very end."

Despite his earlier panic, Hirako quickly regained his calm. He wasn't a new recruit. He'd survived centuries, battles, betrayals, and even Aizen. His pride as a captain wouldn't let him crumble so easily.

"Then let our Zanpakutō speak," Aiyan said, eyes flashing coldly behind his dark-rimmed glasses.

So Hirako still clung to that illusion?

That they were equals?

That Aizen or Aiyan was simply some genius on the rise?

No. To Aiyan, they were stepping stones—puppets in a long game. Tools to shape the Fifth Division into his kingdom. And later… to begin the Hollowfication experiments.

"As you wish," Hirako said, brushing his blond hair aside and standing tall.

He had no illusions anymore. The Authorities couldn't suppress Aiyan now.

Only his Zanpakutō could determine this.

"Captain Isshin," Unohana spoke softly, her tone formal. "If you would—create a Kidō barrier to contain the battlefield."

"Understood," Isshin replied.

Everyone present knew what captain-class combat meant. Even a careless blow could level half a squad barracks. And here, both fighters were guaranteed to release their Zanpakutō.

"Bakudō #81: Dankū formation—Eight-Fold Barrier."

As Isshin pressed his palms to the ground, a brilliant orange cube of energy rose and enclosed the battlefield, isolating Aiyan and Hirako Shinji inside.

The instant the barrier settled, Hirako acted first.

He already knew Aiyan's terrifying swordsmanship—he'd experienced it firsthand at the Kendo Hall. This time, he wouldn't allow Aiyan to control the fight with close combat.

"Collapse—Sakanade!"

As the release command rang out, Hirako's Zanpakutō shimmered and transformed. The handle became hollow with a circular loop, the blade itself forming five tiny holes along its surface.

At the same time, a strange aroma filled the air—sweet, almost intoxicating.

It spread rapidly, swallowing the entire interior of the barrier.

Clang!

Aiyan reached out calmly to draw his Zanpakutō—but noticed something strange.

His arm, which should've moved downwards, turned upwards instead.

"Huh?"

"Welcome to the world of inverted senses, Aiyan Sōsuke."

Hirako's smirk returned.

"My Shikai ability—Sakanade—reverses your perception of up and down, left and right, front and back."

"It twists your vision, your balance, even your sense of direction. You'll see yourself slashing left but actually strike right. You'll try to dodge back but walk straight into danger."

He spun his Zanpakutō lazily in one hand, watching Aiyan's reaction.

"But you already noticed that, didn't you?"

Instead of panic, Aiyan showed only mild surprise. His face returned to a calm, icy focus almost immediately.

Like he'd already predicted this outcome.

"Not going to move?"

"Smart. You're trying to figure it out first," Hirako said, circling him slowly. "But it's pointless."

"In this reversed world, you're the only one affected."

"Your brilliant swordsmanship means nothing now. And my attacks? Even a sloppy one will be your nightmare."

He raised his blade and pointed it forward.

"Like this—"