Naruto: Copy System

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When word of Kenpachi Kiganjō’s disappearance reached Yamamoto, he frowned but ultimately said nothing.

Perhaps he simply didn’t deem it a matter of great importance. The captaincy of the 11th Division changed hands so frequently that Yamamoto was no longer particularly concerned when one of its captains ran into trouble.

Of course, an investigation was still necessary, but for now, he decided to set the matter aside.

Besides, as for Shin’s claim that the Senkaimon had malfunctioned, Yamamoto wasn’t entirely convinced. The Senkaimon had been in use for centuries with very few actual incidents.

“Captain Kyoraku, regarding the defectors, I hope you can offer me an explanation.”

Yamamoto turned his attention back to Shunsui Kyoraku, once again demanding answers about the traitors. Shin had thrown Kyoraku under the bus earlier, leaving him to explain the situation with a look of pure misery.

Then again, it wasn’t as if Shin had set him up. Kyoraku had intended to let Shinji Hirako and the others go from the start, so the responsibility was already his.

In the end, Kyoraku was inevitably punished, though it was little more than a slap on the wrist. The task of hunting down Shinji Hirako and his group was reassigned to other captains.

Yamamoto probably knew that when it came to reliability, Shin and Kyoraku were a lost cause.

Their strength was unquestionable, but their methods were another story entirely…

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“I wonder why Captain Aizen is here??” Kyoraku asked Sōsuke Aizen as he was leaving the 1st Division barracks.

Kyoraku wore his usual smile, but Aizen could sense the wariness in his heart. It seemed Shinji and the others had said something after all.

Aizen, however, remained unfazed. He adjusted his glasses, his face still adorned with a warm, gentle smile.

“I’ve only recently become a captain and am still unfamiliar with many things. I came to ask the Head Captain for some guidance on management…”

There were no flaws in his explanation. Aizen’s face was a mask of perfect innocence.

“…” Kyoraku studied him intently but found nothing out of the ordinary, as if Aizen had no connection to the incident whatsoever.

But would Shinji Hirako and the others frame Aizen for no reason?

Kyoraku found himself caught in a dilemma. He glanced over at Shin, hoping for some kind of hint, some sign that Shin had noticed something amiss.

Though Aizen appeared completely normal, Kyoraku’s suspicion did not waver.

Aizen maintained his smile, but inwardly, he frowned. If Kyoraku remained this vigilant, it would severely restrict his future actions.

He considered doing something to dispel Kyoraku’s suspicion, but ultimately decided against it. Such an attempt would not only likely fail but could also backfire. Doing nothing was the best course of action.

He would just have to be more careful in the future. And besides, did Kyoraku really think he could keep an eye on him?

Aizen smiled faintly, gave Shin a nod of acknowledgment, and turned to leave.

As for Kyoraku, he was still in conversation with Aizen—or so he thought.

In Shin’s eyes, he was talking to thin air. Shin almost laughed at the sight, then turned and left as well.

He wasn’t worried about Kyoraku. Aizen was being so bold—did he know Shin wouldn’t expose him?

As he walked away, Shin pondered Aizen’s actions. He concluded that this was Aizen’s way of testing him, gauging his attitude.

Based on Shin’s reaction, Aizen would decide whether or not to leave the Soul Society.

If Shin had intervened, Aizen would likely have prepared to flee. But since Shin did nothing, it meant he had no intention of exposing him just yet.

Shin’s guess was correct. Aizen was indeed testing him. If things went south, Aizen still had Hueco Mundo as an escape route. He had already begun laying the groundwork there, establishing a significant presence. If a real crisis arose in the Soul Society, Aizen could escape to Hueco Mundo in an instant. In that realm of Hollows, the average Soul Reaper wouldn’t be able to touch him.

“What exactly is Shin Uzumaki thinking?”

Aizen returned after Shin had left. He couldn’t figure out Shin’s game, but his intuition told him it had something to do with him.

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Shin had already returned to the 2nd Division, where he saw Ginrei Kuchiki standing at the entrance. A smile spread across Shin’s face.

“Well, well, Captain Kuchiki. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Ginrei looked at Shin and spoke. “I have a favor to ask of you, Captain Shin.”

“A favor? Let’s hear it first. If it’s too much trouble, you’ve come to the wrong person.”

Shin made it clear upfront. Besides, their relationship wasn’t exactly amicable.

Ever since Shin had killed Kōga Kuchiki, there had been tension between them. For Ginrei to come to him for help was quite a surprise.

“His name is Byakuya Kuchiki. He is my grandson. I would like you to give him some guidance.”

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He had originally intended to ask Yoruichi, but she had all but kicked him out. Ever since spending time with Shin, she had perfected the art of doing absolutely nothing.

She had no interest in dealing with a troublesome kid. And with Byakuya’s stone-cold expression, he was indeed difficult to approach.

In the original story, Yoruichi had taught Byakuya, but the current Yoruichi was in no mood for teaching.

“That’s no problem at all. I would be honored,” Shin said with a smile, agreeing immediately.

Hearing Shin’s surprisingly quick agreement, a trace of suspicion flashed in Ginrei’s eyes. It was too fast, making him feel that something was off.

“What’s wrong? You don’t think I’m capable? If you’re having second thoughts, you can just leave.”

Shin’s face suddenly turned stern.

“No, I will leave Byakuya in your care.” Ginrei left his grandson and turned to depart.

The young Byakuya stood there, his brow slightly furrowed, a silent and reserved figure. He might not be as cold as his future self, but he was already a man of few words.

Byakuya was no longer a child. He had already graduated from the Shin’ō Academy and joined the 6th Division. Although he was qualified to be the 3rd Seat, Ginrei felt he still needed more training.

So, Byakuya remained an unranked Soul Reaper, a decision made to earn the respect of his subordinates and prevent him from starting at too high a position.

As the head of the greatest noble clan, the Kuchiki family was especially mindful of how others perceived them.

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