Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

Squad Twelve.

In the well-structured hierarchy of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, this was the division responsible for research and development.

Later, it would become the foundation for the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, a subsidiary specializing in technological innovation and data analysis.

Within its subdivisions, the Institute would handle areas like communications technology and spiritual wave measurement.

A perfect blend of tradition and progressive innovation—

"So long…"

Seiya Arima sighed as he flipped through the introduction booklet in his hands.

"And why does it feel like some weird advertisement? This tone reeks of marketing. Feels like I'm walking into a shady MLM seminar!"

The sheer commercial vibe practically oozed off the pages, filling the air.

Walking ahead of him, Aizen chuckled softly at Seiya's grumblings but didn't turn around.

"Are you really overwhelmed by just this? Truly, you're still young, Seiya-kun."

"Sensei, this booklet is 120 pages long!"

Seiya snapped the booklet shut, his face betraying a mix of irritation and exasperation.

"Aizen-sensei…"

"I'm listening, Seiya-kun."

"Is it just the two of us on this field assignment today?"

"That's correct. After all, few people express interest in the Research and Development Institute. Its unconventional mission and ideology often clash with traditional values, making it even less popular than Squad Four."

"Is that so…"

Seiya frowned, sensing something off. Even if it wasn't a popular choice, surely someone else would volunteer.

It felt more like Aizen had intentionally ensured they were alone for this trip.

Wait… is this what people call "special treatment"?

"By the way, how's the fit on those clothes?"

Instinctively tugging at the hem of the borrowed black uniform, Seiya nodded cheerfully.

"Fits fine! Thanks for letting me borrow it, Aizen-sensei."

Normally, field assignments required students to wear their academy uniforms, but since it was just the two of them, the rules seemed more… flexible.

The outfit was one of Aizen's spares, carrying a faint scent of soap. Despite being well-maintained, Seiya couldn't help but notice one thing:

The shoulders were broader than he'd expected.

Despite their similar builds, the width of Aizen's shoulders made the fit slightly off for Seiya, leaving the uniform looking a bit loose.

As they walked, Aizen suddenly stopped, half-turning to glance back at Seiya.

His gaze lingered on Seiya's shoulders for a moment before his brow furrowed ever so slightly.

"As I thought… I had a feeling it might not fit perfectly. It does look a little off."

Aizen reached out, seemingly intent on adjusting something, but stopped mid-motion, his hands hovering awkwardly.

For all his precision in many areas, altering clothes was clearly not his forte.

"It's fine, Sensei. It just looks a little baggy—nobody's going to notice."

"That won't do. First impressions matter, Seiya-kun. Proper attire reflects proper character."

You're oddly particular about this, Sensei…

Resigned, Seiya smiled wryly.

"Fine, fine. I'll get two tailored uniforms when we get back so I won't have to trouble you again."

This answer seemed to satisfy Aizen, but his expression remained contemplative.

"My apologies, Seiya-kun."

"Huh? There's no need to apologize for this, Sensei."

You're being way too formal.

Or maybe it's because he sees me as a reflection of his teachings? Is he worried my appearance might tarnish his reputation?

Such a concern would fit Aizen's meticulous personality.

As Seiya pondered, Aizen spoke again, his tone thoughtful.

"It was my oversight that led to you going out dressed like this. As your teacher, it reflects poorly on my guidance."

Ugh…

Aizen-sensei, you're way too good with words. This is genuinely touching, you know?!

"Sensei, how much further is it to our destination?"

Trying to shift the topic, Seiya glanced at their surroundings. They had left the academy early in the morning and had been walking for quite a while.

"About half an hour more."

It was nearing mid-morning; by the time they arrived, it would almost be lunch.

Seiya nodded thoughtfully, sighing as he tilted his head back to glance at the sky.

I wonder how everyone else is spending their field day.

Did Tōsen, Isane, or Nanao go through this same routine as first-year students?

This kind of reflective moment always came with a tinge of nostalgia, even for someone like Seiya.

Lost in thought, he was pulled back to reality by Aizen's voice.

"We've arrived."

Seiya blinked, raising his head to take in the sight of their destination.

Before them stood a massive, arch-shaped structure. Its location was desolate, devoid of any residential areas or shops nearby.

The building's isolation was stark, its purpose clearly unique.

As if reading Seiya's thoughts, Aizen began to explain without prompting.

"It's quite remote, isn't it? But that's precisely the point. Squad Twelve's duties require secrecy and discretion. Its location reflects that need for isolation."

He's like a tour guide…

"But all of this is in the handbook, on page 117. It seems reading isn't one of your strengths, Seiya-kun."

I take it back, Sensei!

Before they could even approach the building's entrance, a figure appeared, standing by the gate and waving enthusiastically.

"You've finally arrived! I've been waiting for you two!"

Who…?

Someone had come out personally to greet them. Aizen's connections were truly impressive.

But as they drew closer, Seiya's expression began to shift.

The man's features became clearer: short, slightly tousled blond hair, striking green eyes, and a hint of stubble on his jaw. His disheveled appearance gave him an air of rugged charm.

Wait, this guy looks way too familiar…

Seiya's stomach churned with a mix of nerves and disbelief.

"Good to see you, Captain Urahara," Aizen said smoothly.

"And good to see you too, Fourth Seat Aizen."

Oh no. It really is him.

Kisuke Urahara.

The legendary captain of Squad Twelve and the first head of the Research and Development Institute.

Seiya swallowed hard, struggling to process the man standing before him.

Sensei, you didn't think to warn me about this?!

While Seiya's mind raced, Aizen and Urahara exchanged pleasantries, chatting as if they were old friends.

Finally, Urahara turned his attention to Seiya, his green eyes twinkling with amusement.

"This must be the rising star I've been hearing about—Seiya Arima, was it?"

Seiya forced a polite smile, though internally, he was screaming.

Why does everyone know who I am?!

Urahara's demeanor was warm and friendly, but Seiya couldn't shake the image of his iconic green coat, fisherman's hat, and wooden sandals.

It was hard to reconcile the man before him with the legendary figure he'd imagined.

"Seiya-kun."

Aizen's voice snapped him out of his daze.

Startled, Seiya bowed quickly, his voice slightly rushed.

"Ah, yes! I'm Seiya Arima. It's an honor to meet you, Captain Urahara. Apologies for spacing out earlier."

"Not at all, not at all," Urahara said, laughing. "It's perfectly normal to feel nervous on a field assignment like this."

His relaxed attitude was unexpectedly reassuring.

Stepping aside, Urahara gestured toward the building.

"It's rare for someone like you to choose Squad Twelve for a field visit. A pleasant surprise, I must say."

You should ask Aizen-sensei about that…

Glancing back at Aizen, Seiya found his teacher's expression unreadable.

Guess I'll just have to roll with it.

Following the two men, Seiya stepped into the Research and Development Institute.

The interior was vast but dimly lit, with no windows to let in natural light. Instead, the space was bathed in a faint, eerie glow from various monitors and machinery.

The atmosphere was undeniably futuristic, though the dimness made it feel somewhat oppressive.

"You might find the environment a bit unsettling at first, Seiya-kun," Urahara said, his voice breaking the silence.

Walking ahead of Seiya, Urahara slowed his pace to walk alongside him.

"Most people here are deeply focused on their research, so they might seem a bit distant. But don't worry—they're all good people at heart."

Why does that sound more ominous than reassuring?

Still, it fit what Seiya knew about Squad Twelve. Under Urahara's leadership, the squad had undergone significant changes, including the controversial "rehabilitation" of prisoners from the Maggot's Nest.

Though controversial, it was a testament to the squad's commitment to progress and innovation.

Yeah, he's definitely a cool guy…

Seiya chuckled to himself, nodding politely.

"Thank you for the reassurance, Captain Urahara. I'll do my best to adapt."

Urahara's smile widened.

"Well said, young man. I like your attitude."