Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

Prisoners, huh?

Using such a term to describe the beings under the rule of the Spirit King…

Even with just this explanation, Seiya could already grasp Aizen's perspective and philosophy.

As Aizen continued to elaborate, Seiya fully understood the man's thoughts.

Aizen laid bare his knowledge of the Spirit King and his views about the world.

Like the man he would become a century later, Aizen was on a relentless journey in pursuit of freedom.

Unable to tolerate any tangible entity standing above him.

Refusing to accept a life of aimless existence.

Striving to change his environment and break free from his chains.

This is what Aizen is trying to achieve.

Seiya, unsurprised by this revelation, showed no visible reaction.

After all, the Aizen of the original story was an indelible character. Meeting him in person now only overlapped with what Seiya already knew.

"Truthfully, I originally planned to observe you for a while longer, Seiya," Aizen began.

"After all, I understand the dangers of forcing growth. Even when hastening development for the better, impatience can lead to failure."

You really do know better, don't you, sensei?

"But regrettably, I no longer have the luxury of time."

Adjusting his glasses, Aizen smiled lightly.

"Now that I've been promoted to Lieutenant, I'll have far less opportunity to interact with you."

"Only through consistent and close interactions can mutual understanding flourish. Distance may add a sense of mystique, but it's ultimately an obstacle to genuine connection."

"It is a shame that I won't witness your growth firsthand anymore. But at the same time, I've come to realize something worth celebrating."

So, what exactly did you realize?

Aizen's deep gaze seemed to pierce through Seiya. His voice took on a dreamlike tone.

"Seiya, what does learning mean to you?"

"…???"

What a strange question.

Though the question felt oddly out of place, Seiya pondered it seriously, given the atmosphere.

Progress?

Before Seiya could speak, Aizen answered his own question.

"Regardless of what your answer might be, it would never be the act of learning itself, would it? Because that would be utterly meaningless."

"Seiya, you and I are alike. We are monsters who merely wear the appearance of humans."

"To others, what seems intricate, profound, and difficult to comprehend is something we can grasp with minimal effort."

"People call us geniuses. But tell me, does such a label hold any real value?"

After all—

"We didn't choose to be this way, did we?"

The statement was cryptic, but Seiya quickly grasped Aizen's intent.

Within just a month, Seiya had risen from being just another student to someone others approached with deference.

Because of his fight with Ōmaeda, even the instructors who used to treat him dismissively now treated him with respect.

While these changes might seem superficial, they demonstrated Aizen's point.

The subtle distance he had felt in interactions, like the one earlier with Isane, solidified Aizen's argument.

Seiya had simply done what he was capable of and what he ought to do.

Yet others now regarded him differently, keeping him at arm's length, creating an invisible barrier of reverence and estrangement.

This was never what Seiya had wanted.

There was no need for such caution—why couldn't things stay as they were before?

The realization stung, not with bitterness but with a faint sorrow.

Aizen's voice broke through Seiya's musings.

"Judging by your expression, it seems you understand what I meant, Seiya."

Geniuses are doomed to loneliness.

Ants, no matter how hard they try, can never reach the height of an elephant.

"So, if the elephant were to try and understand the thoughts of the ants, that would certainly be an act of humility. But in turn… is that fair to the elephant?"

Once again, thoughts that had lingered in Seiya's mind resurfaced, bringing a new wave of introspection.

Having walked the same path, he found himself resonating with Aizen's perspective.

It was this glimmer of understanding that brought a faint lightness to Aizen's tone.

He smiled at Seiya's profile, as if genuinely pleased.

"And that's not all, Seiya. You're aware, aren't you? The nobles hold sway over Soul Society, enjoying privileges beyond belief."

"Though I hate to sound rude, this parasitic system has grown grotesquely bloated. If it's possible…"

"I wish to join you and like-minded individuals in establishing a new order."

Only someone as composed yet cunning as Aizen could deliver such a revolutionary idea with an air of calm authority.

Seiya exhaled slowly, knowing he couldn't allow himself to be entirely swayed.

Even if it felt "naïve," he had to try to counter.

"But surely, there are benevolent nobles?"

Aizen chuckled softly, unshaken.

"It's not unusual to think so. But Seiya, let me give you a simple analogy."

"Just as we eat meat, most of us do not need to be involved in the slaughter. To certain animals, we may even appear kind."

"It's the same with the nobles."

Guh…

What a devastating rebuttal.

Not only was Aizen a master of strategy, but his rhetoric was also leagues beyond Seiya's.

"Seiya, as I mentioned before, we are prisoners bound by chains."

"We resist, struggle, and yearn for freedom in a sky of our own."

"But there are those who don't resist. They grow numb, convinced that those without chains are beasts, and wear their chains as badges of honor."

"They even become zealous in their loyalty, turning against their former comrades with a vengeance."

"And the most tragic part?"

"These people are not few in number. They proudly uphold the old order, treating it as their sacred duty."

"Isn't that such a sorrowful truth, Seiya?"

Aizen stepped forward, standing directly in front of Seiya. His voice carried an inviting warmth.

"That's why we must unite, Seiya. Only together can we overturn this unjust system. Lend me your strength."

With those words, Aizen fell silent, awaiting Seiya's response.

How should I answer?

There was hardly a choice to make.

By revealing the Hōgyoku and appealing so earnestly, Aizen had already laid his cards on the table.

Before speaking, Seiya scratched the corner of his mouth, an uneasy smile forming on his face.

"Aizen-sensei, you're pretty confident I'll agree, aren't you?"

"Why else would you say all this?"

Aizen chuckled, his expression unreadable.

"Who knows? Perhaps I simply wanted to have a longer conversation with you, Seiya."

"…"

With nothing more to ask, Seiya took a deep breath and stood up.

From today onward, Employee #002 of Aizen Inc. would officially begin his duties.

Now, how should I pledge my loyalty?

Should I kneel? That seems suitably formal…

Just as Seiya began to bend his knees, Aizen extended a hand.

"No need for such formality between us, Seiya. A simple handshake will do."

That easy?

Seiya reached out, grasping Aizen's hand firmly.

Aizen's smile spread, like ink dissolving in water—calm yet undeniably satisfied.

The faint gleam of his glasses caught the light, exuding a mysterious aura.

"Welcome aboard, Seiya."