Chapter 28 ⥤ The Human-Shaped Mine Sweeper
Unlike the sword duel with Unohana, whose danger stemmed from pure killing intent — an instinctive desire for battle — the danger in this district was more like a mixture of malice, killing intent, and a disregard for life.
Although they couldn't detect the specific location of the other's Reiatsu, Akira was certain that the source of the malice might be quietly observing them from some hidden corner. Therefore, he dared not make any unusual movements.
Everything proceeded as usual.
It wasn't until they safely left the 32nd District that the Danger Instinct's warning finally subsided, and his tense nerves gradually relaxed.
"The scent of death..." Aizen furrowed his brow slightly, trying hard to recall all the abnormalities in the district.
He was aware of Akira's inexplicable intuition, so he didn't doubt the truthfulness of these words. But no matter how he tried to remember, he couldn't find any clues.
"Well, no need to worry too much about it." Akira laughed carelessly, "Let Kaoru-sensei and the others deal with the headache when the time comes. We just need to hand over the murderer's Zanpakutō, make an honest report, and then this matter will have nothing to do with us. Plus, we can get a nice reward. Tonight's tofu dishes are on me!"
Aizen nodded imperceptibly.
Although what Akira said made sense, for some reason, he had an uncomfortable feeling ever since hearing those words earlier.
With his current level of Reiatsu, for someone to avoid detection and not be discovered by him, they would have to be at least at a Captain's level, right?
Did this incident actually involve someone at the Captain level? What role did that rogue Shinigami play in all of this? And what was the truth behind everything?
Aizen lowered his eyelids slightly, and in his deliberately concealed pupils, a flame of curiosity burned fiercely.
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Shin'ō Academy. Teachers' office.
Uruoi stared at the distinctive Zanpakutō on the desk, lost in thought.
How long has it been? In less than a day, they had investigated the incident and executed the culprit. This kid's strength now rivals that of a high-ranking Seated Officer, doesn't it?
With this in mind, he narrowed his eyes and began to size up Akira, who was lounging in another teacher's chair.
Unfathomable! Utterly unfathomable now!
"This is your well-deserved reward." Uruoi efficiently placed a stack of bills on the desk, "Regarding the intelligence you mentioned about potential greater danger in the 32nd District of East Rukongai, I'll report it truthfully to the Captain-Commander. What happens after this is no longer your concern."
Akira casually pocketed the money and left, dragging along the pensive Aizen.
However, just before exiting, Aizen halted and turned back to say gravely:
"If possible, try to have a Captain investigate this matter."
Uruoi's expression froze, confusion flickering across his face, but upon seeing his serious gaze, he couldn't help but nod.
Although he didn't know much about this student, Sōsuke Aizen, the mere fact that he could keep up with Akira spoke volumes about his abilities.
"I should report to the Captain-Commander immediately." Uruoi snatched up the Zanpakutō from the desk and hurriedly left the office.
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Night fell.
Akira got his wish and savored the special tofu dishes at the Academy cafeteria. Though Aizen seemed somewhat distracted during the meal, he still ate heartily.
Tofu was one of his favorite ingredients. Its fragrant aroma, silky texture, and subtle flavor made it nearly impossible to ruin, even for a mediocre chef.
Fortunately, the Academy's culinary staff were far from mediocre.
After dinner, the pair returned to their temporary dormitory right on schedule.
The reconstruction of the Shin'ō men's dormitory was ongoing, so they were housed in a temporary structure built by the 12th Division's research group.
To their credit, the quality of this makeshift dormitory was quite impressive. Its only drawback was its somewhat cramped quarters.
For Akira and Aizen, sharing a four-person room, this wasn't much of an issue. Other temporary dorms housed four students, with one unfortunate unit crammed with six occupants.
"Belly full of food and coffee — life is good." Akira declared, sprawled on his bed like a contented fish, his face the picture of satisfaction.
Compared to his previous life of hardship in the Sakahone district, this was practically paradise.
Of course, he mused, resting his head on Nanao's lap would make it even better. He reminisced about his time at the shrine, when after a hearty meal, he'd recline on her lap, relishing a massage from her deft fingers.
The strength, touch, and technique had been unparalleled.
Aizen glanced at the lounging Akira, then returned to his own bed, immediately diving into his Reiatsu training.
Great curiosity, he believed, was fueled by formidable strength. No matter one's innate talent, without diligent practice, one would inevitably blend into mediocrity.
Though uncertain of Akira's exact potential, he had observed his recent performances with interest. If he maintained this trajectory, he might one day surpass Aizen himself.
This thought kindled a peculiar sense of urgency in his heart.
"Everyone's studying, so I should too." Akira sighed, sitting up straight.
The downside of befriending someone like Aizen was this: when he studied and trained, goofing off alone brought a crushing sense of guilt. Such guilt made it impossible to eat or sleep well — a form of mental torture.
Fortunately, Akira consoled himself, his own talent wasn't shabby. While he couldn't boast a photographic memory, he did possess a keen intuition.
He straightened his posture, ready to join in the studying.
'Reishi Affinity maxed out, let's see your limit!' As he fully released his Reiatsu, the long-awaited unexpected event unfolded.
The Reishi in the air began to flow in irregular patterns, gradually converging. A faint white glow emerged in the dormitory, illuminating the colorful fabrics above, below, and around.
Aizen slowly opened his eyes and sighed helplessly. He knew this incident wasn't as simple as it appeared.
This shrine priest was like a human-shaped mine sweeper — wherever he went, unexpected situations were bound to occur.
Akira, too, noticed the anomaly. As he clearly saw the changes in the dormitory, his eyes widened.
The white light was blurry and hazy. As Reishi gathered, it gradually became clearer, revealing a pure white, simple figure.
What is this? A pixelation come to life?!
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