"How could it be that simple? Do you think Bankai is some child's game?"
"Out of thousands of Shinigami in each generation, only a few ever reach Bankai. Once a Shinigami attains Bankai, their name becomes forever etched into the history of Soul Society."
"The manifestation of a Zanpakutō is only the first step toward Bankai. From there, it's still a thousand miles away from actually mastering it. Don't throw around the word Bankai so casually."
Byakuya Kuchiki's voice was cold and proud, yet despite the sneer in his words, he couldn't hide the flicker of disbelief in his eyes.
Because he had witnessed it himself—this same man had created a Zanpakutō and achieved Shikai in a single day, without even needing a sealed state.
"Byakuya, don't be so quick to judge."
Shiba Isshin shook his head.
"Senior Isshin, are you saying you think he really might reach Bankai?" Byakuya shot back without hesitation.
Isshin didn't answer right away. He stared at the back of the classroom, his tone thoughtful.
"I don't know if he'll achieve Bankai…"
"But I've never seen—no, never even heard—of a Shinigami who, during their very first attempt at sword meditation, had their Zanpakutō voluntarily materialize, come out of the spiritual world, and practically drag their master in without hesitation."
"At least, not in all the history of Soul Society I know."
Isshin's voice held no mockery. It was calm, matter-of-fact.
Byakuya opened his mouth, then closed it again. He wanted to respond—but he couldn't.
Despite his pride, Byakuya was no fool.
As the heir of the Kuchiki Clan, his education and awareness were far beyond that of a normal Shinigami.
He understood perfectly well that what Isshin said was true.
Even he—who had already achieved Shikai and was considered a prodigy—had seen Senbonzakura's manifested form only a few times. And yet, this guy's Zanpakutō rushed out like an overexcited dog on its first walk, clinging to him like a fan meeting their idol.
Forget mastering the spirit… Just from the Zanpakutō's behavior, it looked like it was ready to kneel down and beg for attention.
Byakuya glanced at Aiyan, then at the massive, crimson-red claw resting affectionately on his shoulder.
He couldn't help but wonder: We all wield Zanpakutō… so why is yours so damn eager to please?
[Your Zanpakutō is delighted that you want to meet it. It has cleaned the spiritual world in preparation for your visit and warmly invites you in for a heartfelt chat.]
While everyone else in the classroom was still frozen in shock, Aiyan heard the whisper in his ear. The next moment, his shoulder grew heavy, and his vision blurred.
When he came to his senses again, the classroom, the students, and even Aizen were all gone.
In their place was an endless sky above, and a brilliant, blazing sun shining from the heavens.
Beneath his feet stretched a vast and towering mountain, surrounded by clouds.
At the peak of the mountain, a red dragon with glowing star-like eyes was coiled up, gazing at him with warmth and curiosity.
"So we finally met… You must be Kōfūin."
Aiyan spoke calmly. Although it was a question, his tone left no doubt.
Kōfūin responded with a low rumble. A simple nod from her mighty head caused the entire spiritual realm to quake with wind and pressure.
"I just saw your physical form appear in Soul Society earlier."
"So… does that mean I'm ready for Bankai?"
Aiyan stepped forward, eyes calm and clear.
Despite this being their first meeting, he felt no awkwardness. Their souls were linked. It was more like reuniting with a dear friend after many years.
Kōfūin narrowed her glowing eyes, a playful gleam flashing in them.
"That depends on your answer."
"My answer?" Aiyan raised an eyebrow.
What answer? Weren't all his abilities earned through his own training?
Could it be that Bankai wasn't just a matter of power, but… negotiation?
"Here's the deal—when you fight, you must use me first. Not those three freeloaders who run off every time I breathe a little harder. Promise me that, and I'll help you unlock your Bankai."
Kōfūin curled her lip, voice full of disdain.
Aiyan blinked, confused.
…Reiatsu, Kidō, and Hakuda?
Kōfūin snorted as if she could read his thoughts.
"They might all be Shinigami powers, but Zanpakutō is the core. It's the root of everything. The other three? Just dust in the wind. Insignificant."
"Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō… They call them the Four Pillars of a Shinigami, but compared to me, they're just pebbles at the side of the road."
Kōfūin's contempt was clear in every syllable.
Aiyan: "…Are you sure your name isn't Uchiha?"
This arrogance… this superiority… if this dragon had a Sharingan, it'd probably awaken the Rinnegan on the spot.
"And? What's your answer?"
"Promise me or forget about Bankai."
Kōfūin's eyes narrowed. Her gaze was sharp and pressing.
"Before I answer… this place, our spiritual world—can Reiatsu or the others hear us?"
He was already starting to get a headache.
If Reiatsu, Kidō, and the rest had their own personalities and demands, and all of them started fighting for attention…
He'd never get any peace again.
"This is my domain. I made the rules here."
"They want in? They need my permission first."
"No one hears us unless I say so."
Kōfūin's dragon face looked smug.
Aiyan exhaled in relief.
"Alright then. You win."
Kōfūin suddenly leapt from the mountaintop, and midair, her form shimmered and changed.
In the blink of an eye, she transformed from a majestic red dragon into a tall, sharp-eyed woman with flowing crimson hair. Her figure was flawless, with a strong aura of pride and elegance, and her fiery gaze locked directly onto Aiyan.
Like a girlfriend demanding a designer bag.
"Promise me sweetly."
Aiyan nodded, voice steady.
"I promise. You'll be the first I call in battle."
Not because I'm afraid of the other three fighting over me or anything.
Not because you're beautiful in human form.