Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

Although Shinji Hirako had extended the offer in a playful tone, there was no mistaking the weight behind it.

This was an invitation from a captain, a high-ranking officer in the Gotei 13.

It was an opportunity that Seiya Arima couldn't simply ignore, and he knew he needed to give a respectful response.

Seiya bowed deeply.

"Thank you for your generous offer, Captain Hirako. However, I'm afraid I haven't yet considered making such a decision at this time…"

His tone was humble and sincere.

Shinji simply nodded, showing no sign of offense.

"Got your own plans, huh? Well, that's not a bad thing."

After all, as long as it was for the betterment of the Seireitei, the specifics didn't matter much to him.

Still, there was something about Seiya that caught his attention.

"So? Which division are you thinking of joining?"

Seiya scratched the back of his head, flashing a slightly embarrassed smile.

"To be honest, I haven't decided yet. With the recent changes in the academy's policies, I plan to do more internships with various squads before making a final choice."

"…Huh?"

Shinji raised an eyebrow.

What changes?

Before Seiya could clarify, Aizen calmly stepped in to explain.

"It's part of the new strategy proposed by Captain Unohana and approved by six other captains. The goal is to improve the overall quality of squad members by increasing academy students' exposure to real fieldwork."

Aizen adjusted his glasses and continued with a composed tone.

"This reform requires students to rotate between different divisions during their internships to gain firsthand experience. The idea is to help them find the division that best suits their abilities while also familiarizing themselves with the duties of each squad."

Aizen paused, his gaze briefly flicking toward Shinji.

"Captain Hirako, you should be aware of this policy. It was presented during the captain's meeting three months ago."

Shinji's eyes darted toward the ceiling, feigning innocence.

"Ah… yeah… of course I remember that…"

Aizen's expression didn't change, but his words carried a subtle sharpness.

"Are you sure?"

"Why wouldn't I be?!" Shinji protested, a bead of sweat forming on his temple.

Aizen's tone remained calm, but his gaze held a knowing glint.

"Because you claimed to be feeling unwell and skipped that particular meeting."

"...Oh."

"I attended in your place," Aizen continued, his voice measured.

"I personally compiled a seven-hour summary of the meeting and delivered it to your office. Judging by your reaction… it seems you never read it."

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Aizen's lips.

"But it's understandable. Important figures tend to forget trivial matters."

Though his tone was polite, the subtle jab was unmistakable.

"I assure you, Captain Hirako, it's nothing to worry about."

"Even if it did take me seven hours to prepare those documents."

Seiya Arima stood frozen in place, listening to the tense exchange.

He could almost feel the metaphorical sparks flying between the two men.

Shinji Hirako was visibly sweating now.

"Aha… ha… ha… You know what? I just remembered something important! I'll leave you two to your chat—see you around!"

Without waiting for a response, Shinji bolted out of the room.

Seiya couldn't help but be impressed.

Aizen had just made a captain retreat in embarrassment.

Teacher, you really are terrifying.

The sound of Shinji's hurried footsteps faded into the distance, and the tension in the room lifted.

Aizen sighed softly as he began tidying the papers on his desk.

"My apologies, Seiya. That wasn't a very dignified display."

"No, no! It was fascinating!"

Of course, Seiya couldn't say that out loud. Instead, he maintained a polite demeanor.

After a brief pause, Seiya asked quietly:

"Um… Aizen-sensei, so what should I do next?"

Aizen finished organizing his papers and stepped around the desk, stopping beside Seiya.

He placed a hand gently on Seiya's shoulder.

"Just continue at your own pace. I don't have any specific tasks for you right now."

His words were warm, almost reassuring.

"I'll be focusing on the Hōgyoku research for a while longer. Although progress has slowed, I believe there are new avenues to explore. It's not something that needs to be rushed."

Aizen's smile deepened.

"Our time is abundant, Seiya. There's no need to hurry."

"Unlike Tōsen, I have high hopes for you. Take your time to experience other divisions, observe the different environments, and prepare yourself for what's to come."

"Understanding both allies and enemies is essential. Know your surroundings well before making your move."

Aizen's words carried a sense of mentorship, yet there was always a lingering weight behind them.

"Once the time is right, I'll contact you again."

Seiya nodded in understanding.

It wasn't surprising that Aizen had different arrangements for Tōsen.

Just yesterday, Tōsen had informed Seiya that Aizen had instructed him to wrap up his academy courses quickly and prepare to officially join the Gotei 13.

Yet Seiya hadn't received any such directive.

"Teacher wants me to keep a low profile for now, huh?"

It made sense. The more patient you are, the better your rewards.

Seiya couldn't complain.

After all, less pressure meant more time to prepare and improve.

Aizen smiled as he escorted Seiya to the door.

"Head back and get some rest. For now, our monthly training sessions will continue as scheduled."

"I'll be working closely with Tōsen in the coming weeks, so I'll reach out to you when necessary. Until then, focus on honing your skills, Seiya."

Seiya blinked.

There it was—that familiar sense of unease creeping in again.

Every time Aizen said something like this, it always led to… complications.

Dangerous sparring sessions.

Unexpected duels with people like Kiganjō.

Seiya rubbed his temples.

He could already imagine the trouble brewing on the horizon.

"Teacher… you're not going to throw me into a match with another captain, are you?"

His gaze turned skeptical, watching Aizen closely.

As if reading his thoughts, Aizen chuckled softly.

"Relax, Seiya. This time, there won't be any dangerous stunts."

"I trust your abilities."

He patted Seiya's shoulder once more, his tone soothing—yet with a hint of mystery.

"I'm sure you'll find this next arrangement… quite satisfactory."

The light reflected off Aizen's glasses.

Seiya's instincts screamed in warning.

Because whenever Aizen's glasses reflected the light like that… something devious was in the works.