Ailin's Proposal  

"But from my perspective decades ago, that was something I could never have accomplished. I am extremely grateful to Captain Yoruichi for the help she provided me."

Ailin sighed.

Indeed, after Haruko's soul had weakened, the only solution Ailin could think of was to seize the "Hogyoku" from Kisuke Urahara, hoping its power could restore Haruko's soul.

However, Ailin later learned that at that time, while Kisuke Urahara had conceived the idea of creating the "Hogyoku" and collected some experimental data, he was stuck without finding the "Soul King's power", so even if Ailin had defeated Kisuke and Yoruichi, he would never have obtained the "Hogyoku" from Kisuke.

When Ailin had threatened Kisuke with the "Hogyoku" back then, it was truly a blunder in hindsight.

No, the outcome turned out fine. Kisuke successfully created the perfect "Gigai", allowing Haruko to become a "vessel" again, recovering from her soul's deterioration.

From Ailin's words, Shunsui Kyoraku could sense Ailin's sincerity.

It seems this was perhaps one reason why Captain Yoruichi was willing to accept Ailin's favor in helping him.

When the two entered the Kuchiki family's parlor, Haruko and Nanao Ise had not arrived yet, so the two chatted freely.

The more they talked, the more they connected, to the point where Ailin even revealed his past of staking out Shunsui at taverns.

"Captain Kyoraku, you don't know, when I was on duty in the 2nd Division, I most admired your carefree attitude... After all, you know Captain Kyoraku, as the covert mobility force, if we didn't reach the assembly point within the designated time during an emergency, many would be locked in the Maggot's Nest...

Back then, I longed for freedom, to come and go as I pleased. When I learned from Soi Fon that I could leave the Division, I was so excited..."

Recalling those times, Ailin couldn't help but smile.

"After that, in order to run into you Captain Kyoraku, I went to taverns to drink almost every day. Unexpectedly, I never encountered you Captain Kyoraku, but instead met Haruko first, leading to everything that followed..."

"Hahaha, then that was my fault for not encountering Captain Ailin at the most opportune time."

"Hehe, it's not too late now."

Glasses clinking, Ailin and Shunsui grew more connected as they talked. They even addressed each other by name.

"Come, Kyoraku, a toast to our friendship!"

"Sure, to our friendship!"

Even though Shunsui was usually quite calm, he was infected by Ailin's energy during their exchange.

If Haruko hadn't brought Nanao to the parlor, Shunsui might have forgotten why he came in the first place.

"Haruko." Seeing Haruko, Ailin's eyes lit up as he warmly called her over. "Come, come, Haruko, let me introduce you to Captain Kyoraku of the 8th Division. Kyoraku, this is my wife, Haruko Kuchiki."

Haruko gave Ailin a sideways glance: "Come now, Ailin-kun. I knew Captain Kyoraku when I was studying at the Spiritual Arts Academy, there's no need for you to introduce us."

Then, Haruko slightly bowed to Shunsui: "It's been a long time, Captain Kyoraku."

"Ah, Miss Kuchiki, it has been a while."

"What brings Captain Kyoraku to the Kuchiki home today?" Seeing how familiar Shunsui and Ailin were, Haruko asked Ailin in a low voice.

"Hey, I brought his niece home, if he didn't come, his niece might not even recognize him anymore."

"Hm? Ailin, you actually brought a girl home? Are you tired of me now?"

Upon hearing Ailin brought Captain Kyoraku's niece home, tears suddenly welled up in Haruko Kuchiki's eyes, big drops rolling down.

"I knew it, I'm just an ordinary woman, not even a Shinigami. If I wasn't fortunate enough to be born into the Kuchiki family, I would've been devoured by Hollows on the Wandering Streets long ago... Captain Kyoraku's niece must be more suitable for you than me, Ailin. I, I bless you both..."

After speaking, Haruko covered her face with her hands, about to rush out of the parlor, only to be embraced by Ailin.

"Haruko, let me explain."

"I won't listen, I won't listen..."

Haruko covered her ears, shaking her head like a rattling drum, refusing to accept any of Ailin's explanations.

"This..." Ailin rubbed his head.

What a headache. When did Haruko learn this trick?

At this moment, Ailin's peripheral vision caught Nanao's mouth seeming to say something. After carefully discerning, Ailin read Nanao's lip movements.

"Pretend."

"Pretend, huh? Pretend?"

Ailin's heart stirred, observing carefully.

Indeed, he had been too focused on Haruko earlier, missing her subtle actions. Now looking, Haruko's performance was indeed quite exaggerated.

Moreover, after he stopped coaxing her, Haruko would occasionally peek at his expression through the gaps in her hands.

Seeing that he had seen through her, Haruko panicked inwardly.

"Oh no, will Ailin be angry?"

Haruko then wanted to end her act and apologize to Ailin.

However, Ailin didn't expose her intent, instead going along with Haruko's performance.

"Haruko, you must believe me, I'm wholeheartedly devoted to you, how could I ever tire of you? Think about it, who did I bring back these past few days? It could only be Nanao, right?"

"Really?"

"Truer than pure gold."

"Hmph, then I'll forgive you." Haruko lowered her sleeve covering her eyes, revealing a smile. At this moment, Haruko showed no sign of having cried.

"Hahaha, Captain Ailin, you two have such a wonderful relationship, it's enviable."

Even before Nanao signaled to Ailin, Shunsui had seen through Haruko's intent. However, this was between husband and wife, an old man like him shouldn't meddle.

"Haha, that's right."

Ailin readily accepted Shunsui's praise.

As for Haruko, this was her first time acting that way in front of others, so she felt a bit shy upon coming to: "My apologies for your having to see that, Captain Kyoraku."

After exchanging pleasantries, Ailin called Nanao over.

"Uncle Ailin."

"Good girl, Nanao."

Patting Nanao's head, Ailin said: "Nanao, Captain Kyoraku is your father's younger brother, your uncle. Now that Captain Kyoraku has come here, you probably know what he wants. What are your thoughts on this? If you're willing to go with Captain Kyoraku, then I'll still be your uncle and Haruko will still be your aunt. However, if you want to stay at the Kuchiki home, then even Captain Kyoraku cannot take you away. And moreover..."

Glancing at Haruko, Ailin took her hand: "Haruko and I will take you in as our adopted daughter, bestowing you the 'Kuchiki' name."

"Nanao, what do you think?"

These past few days, Ailin had clearly seen Haruko's affection for Nanao.

At the same time, he also knew that in the Soul Society, a realm consisting entirely of souls, it was difficult for new souls to be born.

Moreover, Ginrei Kuchiki was over three thousand years old but only had two children, Sojun and Haruko Kuchiki.

The previous head of the Shihoin family and initial Captain of the 2nd Division, Chika Shihoin, was over four thousand years old. Yet she only had one daughter, Yoruichi.

No, a few years ago, Chika gained another son, apparently named Yushiro Shihoin. It was said that Yushiro's talents were no less than Yoruichi's.

Given Haruko's current physical state, even if the "Avalon" anchoring was removed, it would be impossible for her and Ailin to conceive a child together in just a few short years.

So their greatest possibility was adopting a child. Based on the current circumstances, Nanao seemed quite suitable.

Hearing Ailin's words, Nanao hesitated briefly, while Shunsui beside her also dropped his smile.

As the sole remaining member of the Ise clan, Nanao was the inheritor of the sacred "Eight Mirror Sword", the destiny and responsibility of the Ise clan.

However, as Nanao's mother and Shunsui's sister-in-law, she did not wish for her daughter to suffer the same curse.

Thus, Nanao's mother had entrusted the Ise clan's sacred "Eight Mirror Sword" to Shunsui early on, asking him to safeguard it and free Nanao from the Ise clan's curse.

Now, if Nanao agreed to Ailin's invitation to become their adopted daughter, then to some extent, bearing the "Kuchiki" name would mean Nanao was no longer of the Ise clan.

Seeing Ailin and Haruko's hopeful gazes, Nanao was about to accept. However, in the end Nanao went to stand beside Shunsui.

"I'm sorry, Uncle Ailin, Aunt Haruko... I really like you both, and want to become your daughter. But..."

Recalling the tragedy in her family, Nanao lowered her head. "I don't know about the Ise clan's curse, but I know my father's death was no accident."

Before her closest family, Nanao revealed the secret hidden deep in her heart: "Even if it's because the Ise clan lost our sacred artifact and I cannot inherit the Eight Mirror Sword, I still want to find the killer who took my parents' lives as an Ise daughter, to avenge them..."

"Alas..."

Hearing Nanao's words, Ailin was somewhat prepared, though Haruko still felt disappointed.

"If that's the case, then go with Captain Kyoraku. I think Captain Kyoraku also wants to find out who killed your parents. However, even if we can't be mother and daughter, Haruko and I will still be your uncle and aunt. Feel free to visit the Kuchiki home whenever you can."

Ailin's words were a bit long-winded, but Nanao listened intently.

"Also, if you do find your parents' killer and want to avenge them, remember to call me or Captain Kyoraku to come along, lest your inexperience lead you to be deceived and become someone else's blade without realizing it."

"Yes, I understand, Uncle Ailin." Nanao nodded.

She knew Ailin said this not because he feared she would become someone's blade, but rather that her abilities were insufficient and she might be killed seeking vengeance.

With Uncle Ailin or Captain Kyoraku beside her, even if her enemy was Captain-Commander Yamamoto, they likely wouldn't let her be killed so easily.

"Also, Uncle Ailin, I've already submitted an application to join the Shinigami Women's Association to the President. Once I graduate from the Academy and become a Shinigami, I'll be a member. By then, I might frequently need to trouble you and Aunt Haruko, I hope you won't resent me."

"Hey you little girl, you've only just found your uncle and you're already belittling this non-blood-related uncle of yours."

Ailin lightly flicked Nanao's head with his finger, smiling: "Put those little ideas aside, do you really think you can pull one over on me like that?"

"However, Nanao, whether becoming a Shinigami or avenging your parents, strength is most important. After you join a Division, be sure to request three months of leave from your Captain to let me guide you for a time."

"Hahaha, Nanao, you're quite fortunate." Before Nanao could respond, Shunsui laughed: "Your Uncle Ailin has the title of 'Strongest Shinigami' you know.

But Ailin's most enviable quality is his ability to train disciples. Captain Byakuya Kuchiki of the 6th Division received just three months of Ailin's guidance over a decade ago, yet reached Captain-level so quickly."

The current 3rd Seat Gin Ichimaru of the 5th Division is Ailin's disciple. I've heard Vice Captain Aizen praised Gin highly, saying if the 5th Division's Vice Captain position was determined by strength like the 11th, Gin would likely be the Vice Captain."

"Wow, Uncle Ailin is that amazing?"

"That's right."

"So, Nanao, want to come study with me for three months after graduating?"

While Shunsui's words were somewhat exaggerated, Aizen's strength could not be compared to the current Gin.

Over a decade ago, Ailin had kicked Aizen flying, he didn't know if he still could now. After all, though Ailin's spiritual pressure had continued rising these past decades, it paled compared to the "Hogyoku"-wielding Sosuke Aizen.

Though before fusing with the Hogyoku, Ailin was confident he could defeat Aizen. Nevertheless, the gap between them was gradually narrowing.

Ailin recalled when Aizen defected from the Soul Society over a century later, he had said his spiritual pressure had reached the limit for Shinigami.

A boundary Ailin had yet to cross.