Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

Leaving the Shin'ō Academy behind, Seiya Arima headed straight for the barracks of the Fifth Division.

Though his connection with Kyōka Suigetsu meant he could enter unnoticed, Seiya preferred caution—an approach that had served him well thus far.

After navigating the familiar corridors, he arrived at the office door.

He raised his hand and knocked.

"Come in."

The familiar, gentle voice greeted him.

Seiya pushed the door open, stepping inside to meet the calm gaze of Aizen Sōsuke, seated behind his desk.

"Sorry for the delay, Aizen-sensei," Seiya began, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "I took a bit of a detour…"

Aizen clasped his hands together atop the desk, his tone as serene as ever.

"No need to apologize, Seiya-kun. Separation only enhances the joy of reunion."

"Thus, I treasure moments like these, no matter how fleeting."

Classic Aizen, Seiya thought with an inward chuckle. Still as poetic as ever.

He mentally noted to borrow such elegant phrases the next time he talked with Isane.

"Please, take a seat."

"Don't mind if I do!"

The moment the words left his mouth, Seiya realized he'd spoken far too loudly.

Both he and Aizen froze momentarily.

Seiya's face flushed as he coughed awkwardly, rubbing his neck.

"Haha… uh, sorry about that. I guess I got a little too enthusiastic."

Aizen's expression softened into a rare sigh, his tone tinged with mock exasperation.

"This must be one of the 'lessons' taught by Yamamoto-sōtaichō's Genryū style. While I hold the utmost respect for the Captain-Commander, I must say, some of his methods seem… less practical."

A hint of sharpness edged his words, but before Seiya could respond, Aizen steered the conversation elsewhere.

"Let's set that aside for now, Seiya-kun. I'm particularly curious about your recent experiences."

He adjusted his glasses with a smile, his tone dropping slightly.

"Especially your time under Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni. If possible… could you share some insights about him?"

Seiya understood the importance of Aizen's request.

The Captain-Commander was undoubtedly Aizen's most significant obstacle. In the original timeline, Aizen's opportunities to observe Yamamoto had been limited.

Now, with Seiya as a valuable insider, it was only natural for Aizen to make use of him.

Seiya didn't hold back, describing Yamamoto in detail—his demeanor, training methods, and personal quirks.

Aizen listened intently, occasionally nodding with a thoughtful expression.

"I see…" Aizen murmured, rubbing his chin. His expression grew serious as he processed the information.

From his reaction, Seiya could tell that the insights had been genuinely helpful.

"That's about all I know," Seiya concluded.

Aizen leaned back in his chair, a faint smile returning to his lips.

"More than enough, Seiya-kun. You've been a tremendous help."

Then, after a moment of pause, he added:

"If you don't mind me asking—what is your personal impression of the Captain-Commander?"

Seiya hesitated, scratching his cheek awkwardly.

"I can answer, but it'll be pretty subjective… are you sure that's okay?"

Aizen chuckled softly.

"I've already analyzed him objectively. What I'm truly interested in is your perspective."

Seiya thought for a moment before speaking.

"To me, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni is… a rigid, stubborn old man. Like an ancient pine tree—unyielding and weathered."

He paused, searching for the right words.

"He has peculiar standards, and his stern expression makes him seem unapproachable. But once you get to know him, you realize he's surprisingly reasonable."

Seiya smiled as he recalled moments of leniency from the old man.

"For example, he has strict rules about uniforms. At first, you'd think he's just a stickler for discipline. But the truth is, he's willing to make exceptions depending on the individual."

The image of Shunsui Kyōraku in his floral haori and Kenpachi Zaraki in his ragged outfit came to mind.

Despite Yamamoto's insistence on order, he never truly punished them for their disregard for tradition.

"He's the type to enforce rules on himself more than others. Strict, but not heartless. I guess you could say he's…"

Seiya crossed his arms, thinking deeply.

Ah, there it was.

"Strict with himself, lenient with others."

Aizen's eyes glimmered with interest as he absorbed Seiya's observations.

"Fascinating. To think the Captain-Commander has such a nuanced side…"

He rose from his chair and retrieved a prepared kettle of warm water from a corner of the room.

Pouring it into a teapot, he steeped some delicate tea leaves before setting the cup before Seiya.

"Thank you for indulging my curiosity, Seiya-kun. You've earned some refreshment—though it may be a humble offering."

The aroma of the tea was exquisite, its light, earthy scent filling the room.

"Oh, I don't—" Seiya began, but Aizen cut him off with a smile.

"There's no need to be overly polite. Harmony between friends requires a certain degree of candidness."

Faced with such insistence, Seiya relented, watching the tea leaves unfurl in the hot water until the liquid turned a pale green.

Aizen gestured invitingly.

"Please, have a taste. It's a rare blend I went out of my way to acquire—I'm sure you'll find it an interesting experience."

Seiya lifted the cup to his lips, taking a generous gulp.

The tea was smooth and aromatic, the flavors subtle and refined.

Setting the cup down, he took a moment to gather his thoughts.

"Well… at least it's not bitter?"

A brief silence followed.

Aizen's expression froze, his composure faltering for just a moment before his mouth quirked upward.

He turned slightly, raising a hand to cover his lips as a quiet chuckle escaped.

But the chuckle soon grew into laughter—rich and genuine, breaking through his usual calm demeanor.

"Haha… Seiya-kun, you always manage to surprise me with your unexpected remarks."

For the first time in a long while, Aizen Sōsuke laughed without restraint.

----------

Powerstones?

For 20 advance chapters: patreon.com/michaeltranslates