Chapter 9: Good Intentions
Captain Unohana had even said that without Ailin's healing techniques, at minimum over a dozen more lives from the Second Division would have perished during that one mission.
At the time, Captain Unohana also smilingly told Yoruichi Shihōin who came to visit her subordinate that if Ailin wished to join the Fourth Division, she could make arrangements for him to become Third Seat.
Given enough time, surpassing Seinosuke Yamada to become Vice-Captain wasn't impossible either.
However, it seemed because that guy kept too low a profile for some time while Yoruichi-sama was also careless and unmindful, she forgot to look for him after returning.
That was why Shaolin Fon found it unbelievable that in such a short period, rather than taking up Captain Unohana's offer to be Third Seat of Fourth Division, this man now wanted to challenge Second Division's Marenoshin Ōmaeda for the vice-captaincy instead.
Though, could this guy actually defeat Marenoshin Ōmaeda?
Shaolin Fon felt somewhat uncertain on this matter. Marenoshin Ōmaeda wasn't some average Shinigami.
Not only had he once served under Yoruichi-sama's father, the previous Shihōin Clan Head Chika Shihōin, as Second Division Vice-Captain for over a hundred years already, he was also that lazy man's childhood friend! Damn it, it should be that man always annoyingly tailing Yoruichi-sama instead!
However, regardless of Shaolin Fon's immense distaste towards that indolent man, she had no choice but to acknowledge the talent he possessed. Even for a genius, at minimum ten years were required just to complete Bankai training for their Zanpakutō. Yet that man...
Shaking her head at this point to banish that annoying person from her mind, Shaolin Fon spoke up, "Ailin, are you certain about challenging Vice-Captain Ōmaeda? Perhaps you aren't aware, but Marenoshin Ōmaeda has been the Second Division's Vice-Captain for nearly two hundred years already."
Ailin was a talent, most prominently displayed in his mastery over healing techniques. In all her years, Shaolin Fon had yet to hear of Captain Unohana personally headhunting anyone into Fourth Division while even promising a Third Seat position right off the bat. Ailin was the first.
Shaolin Fon had no intentions of losing such a talent from Second Division even if he couldn't remain eventually. She also didn't wish for Ailin to leave with a bad impression of them.
Having ascended to Second Division captaincy shortly after Yoruichi's departure, Shaolin Fon's talents and perspective weren't inferior either.
"Oh? I see, thanks for the reminder."
Shaolin Fon's concern was admittedly beyond Ailin's expectations. However, he accepted her kind intentions all the same.
Currently, Ailin smiled and nodded at Shaolin Fon, "But since I've already decided to challenge Marenoshin-sama, naturally I have some confidence about my odds too."
As he spoke till here, Ailin deliberately patted the Zanpakutō by his waist.
"Very well, since you're brimming with assurance, I'll relay this matter to Yoruichi-sama and have her arrange your duel."
Seeing Ailin's response left Shaolin Fon frowning slightly as she opted not to persuade him any further. So he has already achieved Shikai huh? No wonder he's overflowing with confidence.
Although... forget it. Perhaps his Zanpakutō abilities are simply formidable.
"Mm, I've recorded your Reiatsu signature. Once Yoruichi-sama finalizes the date, I'll notify you via Hell Butterfly."
"Thank you, little bee."
Having obtained the outcome he desired, Ailin beamed at Shaolin Fon and gave his thanks before taking his leave from the captain's quarters. However, his parting words left Shaolin Fon momentarily stunned.
"Little bee? How does he know of this name?"
As the next clan leader of the Fon Clan, Shaolin Fon naturally had a name tied to her family. But she could only officially adopt that title after formally becoming her clan's Head. Currently, only Yoruichi-sama was privy to that appellation which she frequently used to address Shaolin Fon. Ailin was merely an ordinary Shinigami. How would he know of something so confidential?
After musing briefly yet still unable to deduce the source of her other identity getting leaked, Shaolin Fon could only shake her head and resume handling administrative affairs.
Simultaneously, she also didn't neglect to swiftly pass Ailin's intentions of challenging Vice-Captain Ōmaeda via Hell Butterfly to Yoruichi-sama.
Mm... Shaolin Fon swore that she definitely didn't deliberately notify Yoruichi-sama for the purpose of interrupting any private time between her and that man. Rather, being a Second Division member, she naturally had the duty to promptly report any matters she couldn't handle herself to Yoruichi-sama for her personal resolution instead...
As the stealth unit, secrecy was paramount for Second Division. Hence, their oversight was far stricter compared to other divisions.
Not only were members required to be on standby at all times, things like inter-squad gatherings for drinks which other divisions could enjoy simply didn't exist for them, especially the Penal Corps. Aside from missions, they genuinely had zero recreational activities external to their barrack quarters.
Thus, a seated officer's challenge match was an exceptionally rare form of entertainment that everyone coveted.
Indeed, once word of Ailin intending to face off against Vice-Captain Marenoshin Ōmaeda began circulating, his living quarters became practically non-stop. In particular, his former squad leader Kuta Aokigi paid no less than three visits daily.
Just earlier, Ailin had only just seen off one squadmate he previously healed. Yet Kuta Aokigi had already arrived again.
"Hahaha, Ailin, I knew you were destined for great things!"
Ignoring Ailin's speechless stare, Kuta Aokigi bumped him aside and barged right into the room with several companions.
"Quickly, Ailin, let me introduce you guys."
"This is Second Squad Captain Fukuyama Shirogane of the Patrol Corps. These two are Big Tachibana and Small Yanagi Shōhei from his squad."
"Greetings Captain Fukuyama. Nice to meet you Big Tachibana, Small Yanagi."
Once introductions were complete, Kuta Aokigi wrapped an arm over Fukuyama Shirogane's shoulder and complained softly, "Shirogane, I finally managed to excavate such a talent with huge potential. When Ailin heads over to your side in the future, you'll need to foster him well."
Catching these words instantly grabbed Ailin's attention. So Kuta was already paving the road ahead for him huh... Considering the people he brought over recently, there were members from nearly all five corps - Detention, Patrol, Executive, Recon, Internal. Now, Fukuyama Shirogane was part of Internal Affairs.
The five divisions in Second Division were Detention, Patrol, Executive, Recon, Internal. Aside from Detention which Ailin was from, Kuta had pulled strings everywhere already.
If Ailin succeeded in defeating vice captain Marenoshin Ōmaeda, he would become one of Second Division's most prominent figures. But failure meant...
Eliminating a mere Penal Corps member without leaving any traces was truly too easy. Clearly, fearful that Ailin would be resented after losing the match, Kuta had cashed in a pile of connections early in hopes that Ailin could obtain a good position later regardless of the outcome.
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