Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

A compliment, but not one that brings joy.

Seiya knew all too well that Kisuke Urahara, for all his pleasant demeanor, was someone who masked a deeply enigmatic and calculative nature.

Birds of a feather flock together, huh?

It made sense that someone like Urahara could casually hold a conversation with Aizen—both were men whose minds operated on a plane beyond most people's comprehension.

"Seiya-kun, this must be your first visit to the Research and Development Institute, correct?"

Urahara's voice was light, his half-turn to glance at Seiya devoid of any pressure.

"If there's anything you're unsure about, feel free to ask. Since I was informed about your visit in advance, 90% of the facility is open for exploration today."

And the other 10%?

Seiya hesitated but decided against pressing the issue.

Behind him, Aizen chuckled softly, his tone mildly teasing.

"You're quite generous, Urahara-taichō. I recall that a few years ago, the conditions weren't nearly this accommodating."

Urahara rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, shrugging.

"Well, we don't get many academy students visiting anyway. Let's just call this a private exhibition. I even managed to take a day off to guide you two around."

Seiya tilted his head slightly, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"Are there really no students interested in interning at Squad Twelve this year?"

"Well… let's just say it's rare."

Urahara sighed, scratching the corner of his mouth with an air of helplessness.

"Most students gravitate toward squads with prestigious reputations. It's easier to impress others when you can say you interned somewhere like the Sixth or Second Squad."

Ah, that made sense.

Of course, the allure of working under noble houses like the Shihōin or Kuchiki families would be irresistible to many.

For commoners, such affiliations would be a source of pride and status.

"But, Seiya-kun," Urahara suddenly turned his attention to him, his tone shifting slightly, "is that not the case for you?"

Why is this about me now?

"You chose to enroll in the Shin'ō Academy and clearly have exceptional talent. Surely you have ambitions, dreams? Don't you care about fame, honor, or how others perceive you?"

Caught off guard by the direct question, Seiya quickly composed himself, offering a measured response.

"I don't particularly care about those things."

Nobility, prestige.

Reputation, legacy.

None of it mattered to him.

Seiya's focus was on the bigger picture: the instability of the Soul Society, the upheavals and conflicts that loomed on the horizon.

He had no time for superficial aspirations.

Besides…

"I trust Aizen-sensei's guidance."

Seiya grinned cheekily and clapped Aizen on the shoulder, a playful gleam in his eyes.

"Sensei's always had my back, so I believe his decisions are in my best interest."

Aizen let out a faint, almost inaudible chuckle, adjusting his glasses as he replied, "Trust is commendable, Seiya-kun, but I'd appreciate it if you maintained a more respectful demeanor during official outings."

"Got it! I'll work on that next time."

"Your response lacks conviction. Would you like to try again while looking me in the eye?"

No thanks!

Urahara observed their exchange with visible amusement, his lips curling into a faint smile.

"How enviable, Aizen-san."

Pausing his banter with Seiya, Aizen turned to Urahara, his tone calm and serious.

"Enviable in what sense, Urahara-taichō?"

"Exactly as I said. When I first met you, you had a certain air of solitude about you. But now…"

Urahara gestured subtly toward Seiya.

"You seem… less lonely."

Though delivered lightly, the statement subtly shifted the atmosphere.

Seiya glanced at Aizen, noting the brief silence that followed.

Aizen's lips curved into his usual serene smile, his tone unchanged as he replied, "Is that so? I suppose my time at the academy has introduced me to many intriguing individuals. It seems I still have much to learn about interpersonal connections."

Aizen-sensei, why do you sound so ominous…?

The conversation trailed off as Urahara resumed guiding them through the facility.

"This area is where we process and refine materials for gikongan production," Urahara explained, gesturing to a nearby room. "It's essential preparation for those planning to travel to the World of the Living."

He pointed further down the corridor.

"And over here, we conduct research on spiritual energy manipulation. The work is still in its early stages, but once completed, it could revolutionize life in the Soul Society."

His voice carried a noticeable energy when discussing his research, betraying his genuine passion for innovation.

Seiya observed the enthusiasm in Urahara's tone and couldn't help but think, He really loves this stuff, huh?

Eventually, they arrived at a heavy metal door, which Urahara tapped lightly.

"Beyond this is a restricted area. Apologies, but it's currently off-limits due to ongoing experiments."

After over an hour of touring the facility, the trio came to a natural pause.

"Seiya-kun," Urahara said, turning to him, "I still have some matters to discuss with Aizen-san. In the meantime, this gentleman here will guide you further."

A younger man stepped forward, his appearance sharp and slightly intimidating: short-cropped hair, narrow eyes, and an expression that, despite its smile, felt anything but friendly.

"Hello," the man said, his voice steady. "I'm Akon, one of the team leaders here at the institute."

Ah, so it's him.

Though Akon appeared relatively young, Seiya recognized him from future events in the original timeline.

In time, Akon would rise to become the third seat of Squad Twelve and deputy director of the Research and Development Institute.

"Hello. I'm Seiya Arima."

After exchanging introductions, Seiya watched as Urahara and Aizen departed through a separate doorway.

Those two are definitely up to something.

Seiya had suspected as much even before arriving at the institute, and their discreet departure only confirmed it.

Probably something related to the Hōgyoku…

He couldn't shake the feeling that their discussions involved technology that would eventually lead to the Hōgyoku's creation.

It wasn't hard to imagine Aizen subtly leveraging Urahara's resources for his own ends.

Sorry, Urahara-taichō… My boss plays dirty.

Lost in thought, Seiya was snapped back to the present by Akon's voice.

"Seiya-kun, since you're here, why not try the food in our cafeteria? There are a few specialties exclusive to this facility that you won't find anywhere else."

Seiya hesitated briefly. While the future Research and Development Institute under Mayuri Kurotsuchi wasn't exactly a place he'd trust for a meal, this was still Urahara's era.

Surely it's safe… right?

He was about to agree when Aizen's voice suddenly broke the air.

"Seiya-kun."

Seiya turned, startled to see Aizen looking back at him, his expression unreadable.

"Aren't you curious about what I'm going to see next?"

"…"

Uh… what?

Even Urahara appeared slightly taken aback by the comment.

"Hmm, Aizen-san…"

Seiya fidgeted, feeling an unexpected wave of tension.

Of course I'm curious! Who wouldn't be? But…

Weighing the risks of involving himself in whatever forbidden knowledge Aizen was pursuing, Seiya forced a smile and shook his head.

"It sounds important. I think I'll pass for now."

"Is that so…"

Aizen's response was calm, almost indifferent, as he turned back around and disappeared through the doorway with Urahara.

Left standing in the corridor with Akon, Seiya couldn't help but let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Sensei, what were you trying to do just now?