Bleach: Threads of Destiny

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Due to the peculiarities of Aaron and Unohana Retsu's identities, they were allowed to bypass the entrance exams for the Shin'ō Academy and received their uniforms directly.

After a brief orientation, Aaron and Unohana donned their academy uniforms and began their journey as students. It appeared that higher authorities had given special instructions, as Aaron was exempted from joining the other first-year students in selecting an Asauchi at the Academy's Kazama workshop.

Instead, Aaron, unbothered and relaxed, used his free time to explore the academy and its surroundings. His wandering eventually led him beyond the boundaries of the Shin'ō Academy, to a bustling street nearby.

As he strolled, a familiar voice called out from behind him.

"Hey, hey! Little guy! Where do you think you're going?"

Aaron turned to see none other than Ōetsu Nimaiya, the renowned "Sword God" and a member of Squad Zero. The man regarded Aaron with a broad grin, clearly amused.

"It's Lord Sword God! What brings you here?" Aaron asked with a polite smile.

"Ah, the Phoenix Palace gets dull when it's just me. I thought I'd go for a stroll, and what a coincidence to run into you here!" Nimaiya replied, his grin widening.

Aaron, however, doubted this encounter was mere coincidence. Given their dramatic first meeting, it seemed unlikely. Moreover, his exemption from the standard Asauchi selection process suggested Nimaiya's involvement behind the scenes. The timing of this encounter seemed deliberate, as if Nimaiya had an important reason for seeking him out.

"Little guy," Nimaiya began, "would you be interested in visiting my Phoenix Palace?"

Aaron nodded immediately, masking his curiosity. "It would be an honor to visit the residence of the Sword God."

"Great! Let's go, then!" Nimaiya said cheerfully, clapping Aaron on the shoulder before leading him away.

Half an hour later, they arrived at the Phoenix Palace, a magnificent structure whose grandeur left Aaron momentarily speechless.

"Well? Pretty impressive, huh? Hahaha!" Nimaiya chuckled, his pride evident.

"Indeed, it's extraordinary," Aaron replied politely, taking in the palace's intricate architecture.

"Come on in! I'll give you a proper tour. It's been ages since I've had any new guests!" Nimaiya exclaimed.

He led Aaron through the palace, enthusiastically introducing various features and explaining their significance. As they toured, Aaron noted the absence of anthropomorphic Zanpakutō within the palace. Considering the current timeline—1,000 years before the main Bleach storyline—this made sense. The concept of giving Zanpakutō a physical, human-like form likely had yet to be developed.

After the tour, they returned to the main hall, where Nimaiya took his seat at the head of the room. He observed Aaron with an intense gaze, as though deliberating on something.

Aaron endured the silence for a moment before breaking it. "Lord Sword God, thank you for your hospitality. If there's something you wish to discuss, please feel free to tell me. Your gaze is... unsettling."

Nimaiya burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Sharp one, aren't you? Well, you're right. I did have a reason for inviting you here."

"I assume this is about the branch?" Aaron asked calmly.

Nimaiya's eyes lit up with excitement. "Exactly! I've been dying to ask—how did you manage to cut through an iron blade with a mere branch?"

Aaron smiled faintly. "It's a simple principle, really…"

He then explained the concept of "breathing" and the inherent rhythm in all things—a fundamental aspect of his swordsmanship. However, he carefully omitted any mention of the system or the more fantastical elements tied to his abilities.

By the end of the explanation, Nimaiya looked both astonished and impressed. "Incredible! I never thought such a concept existed. For someone your age to develop such a unique approach... It's remarkable!"

"Your praise is too generous, Lord Sword God. It's merely something I stumbled upon through trial and error," Aaron replied modestly.

Nimaiya's lips twitched, and he feigned exasperation. "Trial and error, he says! You really know how to make a man feel inadequate."

Despite his words, it was clear that Nimaiya admired Aaron. While the young man's strength was still growing, his creativity and potential were undeniable. Nimaiya was convinced that Aaron would one day become a formidable force within the Soul Society.

With his curiosity satisfied, Nimaiya refrained from probing further. After all, every genius carried their own secrets, and Aaron was no exception.

Author's Note:

Regarding the timeline, I must apologize for an inconsistency in earlier chapters. While I initially suggested that the Shin'ō Academy didn't exist 1,000 years ago, my recent research indicates otherwise. As a result, I've corrected the setting, placing Aaron and Unohana as students of the Shin'ō Academy. Thank you for your understanding!

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