Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

"Missed class credits can be appealed and withdrawn. Since we're already aware of the situation, it's on record that you were injured while performing a good deed outside the Academy, correct?"

"Don't worry. Aizen-sensei has already reported the matter. Everyone acknowledges your actions."

"So, according to protocol, all you need to do is fill out these forms and submit a report."

"However, the lessons you missed over these days can't really be made up... but, well, for someone like you, it probably doesn't matter."

"After all, you're not just a standout among the first-year students—you're one of the top prodigies in the entire Shin'ō Academy."

Nanao Ise adjusted her glasses as she handed a neatly compiled set of documents to Seiya.

"Alright, genius, get through the process, will you?"

"...???"

While it was nice that others had prepared so much for him, the tone of her words gave Seiya a subtle sense of sarcasm.

Was this Nanao's trademark soft-spoken style of cutting remarks?

Captain Kyōraku, your relative is really hard to deal with!

Plastering on an awkward smile, Seiya took the prepared file and nodded in response.

"Thank you for your help, Senpai."

"It was nothing—just doing my job."

Nanao turned slightly, her gaze lowering as she displayed a faintly wistful expression.

"You've improved quickly, haven't you? I suppose by now, you've gotten over any deficiencies with Kidō."

"No, no, it's all thanks to your guidance from before."

"Have you ever seen a child teaching an adult how to use chopsticks?"

The thought alone is laughable, isn't it?

To Nanao, that was exactly how her previous efforts at teaching Seiya felt.

"You're quite good at hiding your talent, aren't you…"

Her tone carried a tinge of admiration.

Such words weren't surprising. Compared to a true genius, even someone with Nanao's natural abilities couldn't compare.

And yet, it was as it should be—this man shone so brightly, it was no wonder.

More importantly…

"Instead of chatting with me, don't you have something more important to take care of?"

Faced with this blunt reminder, Seiya had no choice but to stop lingering.

"Alright then, Senpai. I'll take my leave. See you around!"

From her spot at the windowsill, Nanao propped her chin on one hand, her smile blooming like a lotus on the water.

"Alright, take care."

As she watched him walk away, Nanao couldn't help but sigh softly.

Though she had prepared herself, there was still a hint of inner conflict.

If only… if only she had reacted sooner, perhaps their relationship wouldn't feel so awkward now.

The spring breeze knocked on her door, but before she could respond, it had already drifted away.

Seiya wanted to visit Isane, but she had already left to begin her internship with the 4th Division.

It was likely during this time that Isane developed her deep respect and admiration for Captain Unohana.

Her path seemed set, in its own way.

I'll catch up with her later.

Next on the list of people to see...

Kaname Tōsen.

That guy was as active as ever, smiling inexplicably the moment he "saw" that Seiya was fine.

"At least you didn't die."

Who opens a conversation with something so ominous?

But on reflection, hearing Tōsen make a joke was a rare kind of progress.

The two found a place to sit and exchanged a few casual words.

Given their rapport, Seiya didn't hold back, explaining everything to Tōsen in detail.

In response, Tōsen thanked Seiya for trusting him and offered his evaluation.

"So, Kiganjō must really hate you by now."

"Huh? Why?"

"The 11th Division is known for its combat-driven nature. A man as volatile and flamboyant as him… it's not hard to guess he's also a sore loser."

Tōsen tilted his head slightly, his hands folded in front of him, his tone steady.

"People like him, who revel in violence, can't handle failure. Their pride is brittle and easily shattered."

"He'll undoubtedly hold a grudge against you—especially since you're just an Academy student."

"It's like a so-called expert hunter getting bitten to shreds by a rabbit."

...That was a brutally accurate assessment.

So, was bluntness a common trait for blind people?

It was slightly troubling.

Though Seiya had grown stronger, Kiganjō's power couldn't be underestimated.

Even if Kiganjō had clawed his way to Captaincy through less traditional means, his strength was undeniably that of a 3rd-class spiritual pressure—far beyond Seiya's current level.

It'll take time, but I'll surpass him eventually…

For now, I guess I really have no choice but to stick it out at the Academy until graduation.

Sensing Seiya's unease, Tōsen let out a small chuckle before continuing.

"But that's all secondary. For now, Arima, you should head to the faculty office."

"Huh? Why?"

"Aizen-sensei is waiting for you."

…Wait, since when did you two get so chummy?

Before Seiya could voice his confusion, Tōsen was already walking away, leaving behind only a cryptic statement.

"Make your choice wisely, Seiya. I truly hope we'll continue walking the same path... after all, kindred spirits are far too rare."

Near dusk, Seiya arrived at the faculty office.

There, he found Aizen Sōsuke packing his belongings into a cardboard box.

What is he doing?

The sight gave off an almost absurd "fleeing the scene" vibe.

As their eyes met, Aizen smiled and set his work aside.

"You've finally arrived, Seiya."

It seemed he had been waiting for a while.

Although Seiya had come seeking answers, the warmth of Aizen's demeanor deflated his initial resolve.

It's hard to confront someone who's smiling at you so kindly.

After a moment of hesitation, Seiya scratched his head awkwardly.

"Uh… thank you for helping me, Aizen-sensei."

"Heh, it was nothing. After all, considering you clashed with a Captain, things would've been quite inconvenient for you if the truth had come out."

That was undeniably true; Aizen had done him a significant favor.

But it wasn't why Seiya had come to see him!

"Aizen-sensei, I…"

Before he could finish, Aizen spoke first.

"Seiya, starting tomorrow, I'll be temporarily leaving Shin'ō Academy. I've been promoted to Vice-Captain, and with the added responsibilities, my teaching role here has been reduced to part-time."

"...???"

Seiya's mind scrambled to process the information.

Alright, get it together. He got promoted. Say something appropriate.

"Uh… congratulations, Aizen-sensei?"

"Thank you."

Aizen's smile remained calm as he adjusted his glasses and added:

"I'll only be returning to the Academy once a month. Instruction will be handled by others, so, strictly speaking, you no longer need to call me 'sensei.'"

What the hell? You're graduating faster than I am!

Before Seiya could voice his disbelief, Aizen raised his head slightly, his expression turning contemplative.

"Don't feel regretful. Partings are merely prelude to better reunions."

"And before I go, I'd like to tell you something."

Aizen's tone softened as he adjusted his glasses again.

"First… I owe you an apology."

"Encountering Kiganjō was an unfortunate accident, but it was partially my fault."

"From your perspective, I can imagine you must have been quite displeased. Being deceived is never a pleasant feeling… but please, hear me out."

After a brief pause, Aizen continued.

"Seiya, you're the fastest learner I've ever seen. Your progress has challenged many of my preconceived notions."

"You're truly remarkable. Given time, you'll undoubtedly grow into a pillar that supports the Soul Society."

"So, I have a sincere invitation for you…"

Aizen extended his hand toward Seiya, smiling warmly.

"Seiya Arima, would you like to walk this path with me?"