Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

"Shikai."

"The first stage of releasing a Zanpakutō, and the initial step toward manifesting a Shinigami's true self."

"Typically, through observing one's Shikai, we can infer a great deal about their emotional state and personality."

"A flamboyant person, one who wears their heart on their sleeve, tends to have a flashy and exaggerated Shikai appearance. Such individuals love to draw attention to themselves."

"On the other hand, a more reserved and composed person will have a Shikai with minimal outward changes. This reflects their inward nature—cautious and guarded."

"Of course, there are exceptions. Sometimes, a Zanpakutō's form may deceive. But such cases are rare, and focusing on exceptions often leads us nowhere."

Aizen's gaze rested calmly on Seiya Arima.

The smile on his face deepened, his eyes shimmering with amusement.

"And through observation—the simplest and most direct method—I've already discerned something, Seiya-kun."

"Your Zanpakutō belongs to the second category."

Mature and restrained.

A manifestation that doesn't flaunt its uniqueness but instead leans toward subtlety and refinement.

Hearing Aizen's assessment, Seiya lowered his gaze to his Zanpakutō, studying it carefully.

It was long and sleek, its blade possessing a distinct clarity that seemed to shimmer faintly under the moonlight.

What stood out the most, however, was a silver chain extending from the hilt, wrapping around his wrist like an intricate accessory.

The chain was composed of numerous finely interlocked links, each etched with delicate, cryptic symbols—symbols that resembled ancient runes or pictographs.

The craftsmanship was extraordinary.

"Beautiful yet functional… but delicate, almost fragile."

Though Seiya had previously released his Zanpakutō in private, this was the first time he allowed someone to examine it so closely.

He couldn't help but scratch the back of his head, offering an awkward smile.

"Uh… Aizen-sama, my Zanpakutō feels a bit too flashy to be called 'restrained.'"

Understanding Seiya's unspoken thoughts, Aizen chuckled softly.

"Seiya-kun, subtlety doesn't mean plainness. Even elegance and sophistication can be expressions of restraint."

"Appropriate refinement reflects control."

The praise sounded both professional and profound.

Aizen raised his right hand to stroke his chin, his expression growing more thoughtful as he observed Seiya's Zanpakutō.

"Still… I've seen many Shikai forms before, but yours is rather unique."

"Almost as if…"

The thought lingered in the air for a moment before Aizen finished.

"As if it's designed to shatter."

Seiya blinked.

"...Shatter?"

"Yes."

Aizen's gaze lingered on the silver chain wrapped around Seiya's wrist.

"Your Zanpakutō looks fragile, like glass. Beautiful, but also delicate—almost as if it's meant to break."

The words hung heavy in the air.

It was an unsettling observation, but Seiya couldn't fully agree.

After all, his Zanpakutō, Ouroboros, had successfully blocked Kiganjō's devastating attack.

If it were truly fragile, it would have shattered back then.

"I think it's stronger than it looks," Seiya remarked, sharing his thoughts.

Aizen raised an eyebrow in curiosity, his lips curving into a faint smile.

"Is that so? Interesting… Perhaps there's more to it than meets the eye."

He seemed lost in thought for a moment, then nodded to himself.

"Regardless, there's no need to worry. Continue as you are, Seiya-kun. We'll uncover its secrets in due time."

After a brief pause, Aizen spoke again, his tone shifting to something more playful.

"Of course, seeing such a fascinating Shikai makes me tempted to show mine in return."

Aizen's smile deepened.

"But unfortunately… my Zanpakutō's ability is a bit special. I can't demonstrate it without significant preparation. I'll explain it to you another time."

Seiya remained silent.

He knew exactly what Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu was capable of.

Complete hypnosis.

Aizen's refusal to reveal it made perfect sense—after all, the true strength of his Shikai lay in deception and information asymmetry. Keeping his opponents unaware of its nature was the key to his success.

"Now then, Seiya-kun," Aizen said, his voice growing more serious.

"Come at me with everything you have. Show me what you've learned."

Seiya adjusted his stance.

Holding his Zanpakutō horizontally, he exhaled slowly, steadying his breathing.

Taking half a step forward, he shifted his weight and brought his blade to bear.

The atmosphere grew tense.

In an instant, Seiya activated his unique ability.

The world faded to black and white.

Colors vanished, leaving behind a grayscale void.

Within this monochromatic domain, Seiya's perception sharpened to an extreme degree.

This was his Möbius Loop, a space where time and possibility intertwined endlessly.

The labyrinth unfolded in his mind—a complex maze of crossroads and infinite pathways.

Four identical versions of Seiya branched off in different directions, each exploring a unique possibility in search of the optimal outcome.

Blue-tinted illusions flickered and dissipated as countless scenarios played out before him.

One by one, he witnessed his own defeat.

—Kicked in the stomach by Aizen.

—Struck down by a precise sword strike.

—Rendered unconscious by a single tap to his forehead.

Though none of the outcomes resulted in death, each scenario ended with Seiya being decisively incapacitated.

"Damn it… He's serious this time."

Then—

One possible future flashed before Seiya's eyes.

An opening. A weak point.

There.

The shattered fragments of failed possibilities reassembled, and time resumed its natural flow.

Seiya surged forward.

In the colorful, living world, he advanced swiftly, narrowing his eyes as he swung his blade in a horizontal slash.

Aizen sidestepped the initial attack with ease, just as Seiya had predicted.

But instead of pressing the attack, Seiya abruptly tucked his body inward, dodging to the side.

In that exact moment—

Aizen's hidden left hand emerged from his sleeve, crackling with energy.

"Hadō #63: Raikōhō!"

A bolt of electricity exploded forth, illuminating the night sky like a sudden thunderclap.

Though the spell was cast without incantation, it carried enough destructive power to obliterate anyone caught in its path.

For a moment, it appeared as if Seiya had been consumed by the blast.

But when the smoke cleared—

Seiya emerged unscathed, appearing behind Aizen.

Without hesitation, he swung his Zanpakutō in a clean, precise arc.

A slash.

The fabric of Aizen's haori split apart, and the blade bit into his back, cutting through flesh.

Aizen staggered slightly, blood staining his fingers as he reached behind him to touch the wound.

He had been hit.

Yet, instead of showing pain or frustration, Aizen simply smiled.

"Ah… I see."

He turned slowly to face Seiya, his expression one of pure delight.

"So that's how it works…"

"You've done well, Seiya-kun. Truly impressive."

But then—

Aizen's gaze darkened.

"However…"

"There's a glaring weakness in your ability."