Fate In Bleach (482)

Chapter 482 - Gin Ichimaru's Inner Conflict

However, just as Ichigo Kurosaki had stated, he himself was quite open about it, believing that if the Seireitei truly intended to kill him, they wouldn't have restored his spiritual pressure.

"Alright, Ichigo."

Ailin spoke, breaking Ichigo Kurosaki's awkwardness.

"We are captains of the Gotei Thirteen, after all. We cannot be away from the Seireitei for long."

"Also, Ichigo..."

"Although Aizen's Hueco Mundo forces have been defeated for now, no one can predict what future crises may arise. If you want to protect those you care about, you must attain even greater power."

Regarding the prophecy of Yhwach's return in two years, under Ailin's subtle influence, the upper echelons of the Seireitei were aware.

However, Ichigo Kurosaki was merely a Substitute Shinigami. Coupled with Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's pride—his belief that the affairs of the dead did not require the living's involvement—and the fact that while Ichigo was currently strong, there were others in the Gotei Thirteen comparable to him...

At the very least, Shunsui Kyoraku, Jūshirō Ukitake, and Zaraki were all currently in the same league as Ichigo.

As for Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, strictly speaking, he was on the same level, but the immense power of Ryūjin Jakka set him a tier above the others.

Therefore, Yamamoto hadn't factored Ichigo Kurosaki into the calculations for the battle against Yhwach.

A thousand years ago, Yamamoto had been able to defeat Yhwach. Now, he remained confident in his ability to do so again.

As for Ailin, it went without saying.

Only Yhwach, after completely absorbing the Soul King, could possibly make Ailin treat him seriously.

Of course, despite this, Ailin wouldn't move against Yhwach before the latter reached his complete form.

After all, the Soul King's release still required Yhwach to accomplish it.

"Yes, I understand, Teacher Ailin."

"Well then, until we meet again, Ichigo!"

After waving goodbye to Ichigo Kurosaki, Ailin and the others stepped into the Senkaimon...

...

"Gin, two persimmon cakes."

In the Seireitei, at a breakfast stall, Ailin called out to the owner busy making persimmon cakes inside.

"Right away, Teacher Ailin. That'll be 170 kan."

Soon, Gin Ichimaru, wearing a white chef's apron, handed two small bags to Ailin.

"Hey, Gin, after all these years we've known each other, can't you give me a discount?"

Ailin grumbled as he took the bags.

"Hahaha, Teacher Ailin, you and I are different. You're a captain of the Gotei Thirteen, earning a hefty salary each month, never worrying about food or clothing."

"I'm different. I only have this little skill to support my family. You know how much Rangiku spends. If I give you a discount, I won't be able to support Rangiku."

More than a year had passed since the Seireitei defeated Aizen's Hueco Mundo forces.

During this time, although Gin Ichimaru, due to his assassination attempt on Sōsuke Aizen at the final moment and Ailin's vouching, hadn't been branded a criminal accomplice of Aizen and imprisoned in the Muken...

Even if Gin Ichimaru's purpose in staying by Aizen's side was to kill him, his betrayal of the Seireitei was an undeniable fact.

Under these circumstances, even with Ailin's guarantee, Gin Ichimaru couldn't possibly return to his position as captain of Squad Three.

His status as a Shinigami had even been revoked, and his Zanpakutō confiscated.

Of course, these were minor matters for Gin Ichimaru.

Although he hadn't succeeded in killing Aizen to avenge Rangiku Matsumoto, the part of her soul stolen by Aizen had been retrieved by Ailin and returned to her.

Over the past year, having regained the "Soul King's Nail," Rangiku Matsumoto's strength had improved significantly. Although she hadn't mastered Bankai yet, her power ranked near the top among the vice-captains.

After everything they had been through, Gin Ichimaru and Rangiku Matsumoto had naturally gotten together.

Rangiku Matsumoto went to work at Squad Ten as usual, while Gin Ichimaru, with Rangiku's financial support, opened a persimmon cake shop in the Seireitei.

Gin Ichimaru was very satisfied with his current life.

He had never harbored grand ambitions; he simply wanted to protect Rangiku Matsumoto.

However, Rangiku, to avoid revealing her relationship with Gin and becoming his weakness, had spent years numbing herself with alcohol.

Now, although her wish had been granted and she was together with Gin Ichimaru, the habits formed over decades were ingrained and couldn't be easily changed.

The profits from Gin Ichimaru's persimmon cake shop could barely cover Rangiku Matsumoto's expenses.

Decades ago, Rangiku Matsumoto drank with Izuru Kira, Shūhei Hisagi, Shunsui Kyoraku, Ikkaku Madarame, Tetsuzaemon Iba, and others, who naturally wouldn't let a woman pay the bill.

Now, although her drinking companions remained the same, Gin Ichimaru couldn't accept other men paying for Rangiku Matsumoto.

Precisely because of this, Gin Ichimaru had raised the price of his persimmon cakes several times.

If not for the frequent patronage of Squad Three members, as well as those from Squad Five and Squad Ten, the shop probably would have closed down long ago due to the high prices.

"You really haven't changed at all, Gin."

After finishing the persimmon cakes in a few bites, Ailin waved at Gin Ichimaru.

"However, Gin, powerful strength is essential to protect what you hold dear. Having experienced it once, you should understand this better than anyone. Less than half a year remains before Yhwach's prophesied return. I hope you can make up for your regrets in the upcoming battle."

"I'm leaving."

Gin Ichimaru narrowed his eyes, watching Ailin's retreating back.

"Teacher Ailin, have you seen something again?"

Indeed, although Gin Ichimaru was very content with his current life...

For him, the memory of a young Rangiku Matsumoto being attacked by Sōsuke Aizen, while he hid helplessly in the woods, had never faded.

He could die for Rangiku, but that night, he hadn't been able to step forward.

Even though he had given himself countless excuses later, none could convince him.

Using his own soul to mend Rangiku's soul, infiltrating Aizen's side, attempting to reclaim what Aizen had stolen from Rangiku...

All of it was Gin Ichimaru's atonement for not being able to step out from the woods that night.

To resolve this inner conflict, Gin Ichimaru had to stand up and properly protect Rangiku the next time she faced danger.