Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

"Spiritual pressure is a rather broad term. If I were to break it down…" Aizen paused, seemingly reflecting.

"Think of it as the density of one's soul. The stronger the individual, the denser and more powerful their soul becomes.

"When restrained, it's almost imperceptible, but once released, it can feel as overwhelming as the pull of a black hole."

Aizen's calm explanation filled the room as he continued, "Yes, much like gravity, spiritual pressure creates an immense force.

"For those whose spiritual pressure is far weaker, merely standing in its vicinity can cause suffocation, weakness, or collapse. In severe cases, it can lead to fainting or shock."

He chuckled softly, his usual composed demeanor unchanged.

"You're wondering about yesterday, aren't you? Whether what I did to you was a demonstration of spiritual pressure?"

"Seiya-kun," he teased gently, adjusting his glasses with a slight smirk, "I think you already know the answer."

Aizen, now dressed once more in his sleek black uniform, spoke with a blend of humor and authority.

"As I mentioned earlier, using spiritual pressure to intimidate someone can feel akin to an adult bullying a child.

"However, if the 'child' has the physique to match the adult… the intimidation naturally turns into provocation."

"In such a scenario, even the most unassuming individual would be forced to fight back when their life is on the line. It's a decision born of desperation, a refusal to yield when faced with annihilation."

The meaning behind Aizen's actions had never been clearer.

Resting against the headboard, Seiya let out a sigh of disbelief, his expression one of frustration mixed with resignation.

"So, Aizen-sensei," he began, his voice tinged with incredulity, "you used your spiritual pressure to force me into a life-or-death situation, all to awaken my latent strength?"

"Precisely," Aizen confirmed with a faint nod.

Seiya groaned, shaking his head as if to clear his thoughts.

"No, no, no. This method is ridiculous! Isn't there a less extreme way to teach someone? I'm begging you—what happened to the idea of gradual progress?!"

He sighed internally.

Aizen… your teaching methods might need a serious rethink.

Aizen chuckled in response, folding his arms before hesitating slightly—his expression briefly twisting in discomfort as he decided to lower his hands instead.

"Admittedly, things did get a bit out of hand," he admitted with a hint of amusement.

"Blowing up half the dojo was… unexpected. But don't worry, I have enough savings to cover the damages. There's no need for you to concern yourself with the cost."

"That's not what I'm worried about!" Seiya retorted, exasperated.

The material damages were secondary. What truly weighed on Seiya's mind was the injury Aizen had sustained—a wound caused by Seiya's own blade.

Despite being confined to a hospital bed, Seiya was acutely aware that the person who had suffered the most wasn't himself, but Aizen.

His attack, unleashed in a desperate moment of survival, had been a full-force blow meant to kill.

Aizen hadn't even attempted to defend himself, allowing the strike to land.

The result? A grievous wound, deep enough to expose bone.

It was a miracle that Aizen had even survived.

Feeling the weight of Seiya's gaze, Aizen smiled faintly, his right hand gesturing to the bandaged area on his chest.

"Are you worried about this?" he asked, his tone lighthearted.

Seiya's expression twisted into one of discomfort.

Of course I'm worried!

His first time drawing a blade had ended not in slaying a Hollow or fighting an enemy but in injuring the very teacher who had guided him.

It's horrifying just thinking about it!

Trying to hide his unease, Seiya scratched the corner of his mouth awkwardly.

"You really don't need to blame yourself, Seiya-kun," Aizen assured him.

"As I mentioned before, I'm still new to teaching. Many things are unfamiliar to me, and while I might seem confident, I'm learning just as much as you are."

"My role is to guide you, to help you discover your path and unlock your potential. This time… perhaps I acted a bit rashly.

"Still, I'm satisfied with the results."

Aizen tilted his head slightly, his fingers brushing against the bandages peeking out from his uniform.

"Let this serve as a lesson," he said with a wry smile. "A reminder—etched into bone—of the risks we take to grow stronger."

Though Aizen's words were meant to ease Seiya's guilt, they did little to assuage his conscience.

Seiya sighed, resigning himself to the fact that arguing further was futile.

"Thank you… for your guidance, Sensei," Seiya muttered, his voice low.

Aizen's gaze softened as he turned his attention to the window.

"Enough idle chatter, Seiya-kun. After last night's ordeal, I trust you've gained some understanding of how to wield your spiritual pressure."

Seiya nodded solemnly.

"Good," Aizen said, his approval evident in his tone. "That's what I expect from my students."

"Controlling one's spiritual pressure is a fundamental skill for a Shinigami. It's the foundation of many techniques, especially Kido. Without proper control, you'd be no better than a general unable to command their troops."

The analogy resonated with Seiya, reminding him of examples from his past life.

Aizen's explanation continued.

"Of course, spiritual pressure isn't solely a matter of training. Just as people are born with varying physical attributes—height, strength, stamina—spiritual pressure, too, is influenced by one's innate potential."

"Still, with dedication, one can refine and strengthen it, just as one can train their body."

Seiya nodded again, his mind spinning with thoughts of training and potential.

"Seiya-kun," Aizen said, his tone shifting.

"Your spiritual pressure is exceptional—far beyond that of your peers. In fact, it rivals that of lower-ranked seated officers."

Seiya blinked, stunned by the revelation.

Seriously? That's… news to me.

Seeing Seiya's bewildered expression, Aizen chuckled.

"As expected, you hadn't noticed," he said. "But rest assured, with time and proper guidance, you'll come to understand your gift."

Aizen's words carried an almost paternal pride as he added, "I look forward to seeing how far you can go."

After offering a few parting words, Aizen excused himself, leaving Seiya to reflect on their conversation.

Sitting on the hospital bed, Seiya felt a mix of relief and exhaustion.

One thing's for sure, he thought, next time, I'll avoid any training that involves life-or-death stakes.

Gathering his belongings, including his newly acquired Asauchi, Seiya prepared to leave the infirmary.

He had barely taken a step toward the door when it swung open.

Standing there was Tosen Kaname, a fruit basket in hand.

Facing Seiya, Tosen tilted his head slightly, a faint frown on his face.

After a long pause, he finally spoke.

"Have I… overestimated my importance?"