Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

Following Tōsen Kaname's lead, Seiya quietly slipped out of Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy with him.

"So, where are we headed?"

"To a familiar place… Rukongai."

Ah, of course.

It was like going back home.

But escaping Seireitei wasn't exactly an easy feat. After all, night patrols by stationed members were a constant, and the gates themselves were always guarded.

Without a valid permit, even registered Shinigami couldn't leave freely.

Surely Tōsen was aware of these rules.

"Don't worry. Aizen-sama has arranged a dedicated route for us to leave the city," Tōsen assured him. "By following the designated path, we can avoid the patrols, and there's someone waiting at the gates to assist us. We'll reach the outer districts without issue."

As expected of Aizen.

The man truly thought of everything.

Roughly an hour later, Seiya reached the eastern gate's outskirts and spotted Aizen.

He appeared unchanged from three days prior, save for a vice-captain's insignia now wrapped around his left arm.

Wow, this look is perfect—exactly like the hundred-year-old version in the original story!

It seemed history's inertia was powerful indeed.

Seiya initially worried he might have arrived too early in the timeline, but it turned out he was right on schedule.

After all, compared to Aizen's century-spanning plan, a mere month's discrepancy was negligible.

"Seiya-kun, you've arrived."

Aizen's smile was as serene as ever. Seeing it again evoked a strange sense of familiarity.

"Yes, Aizen… er, Aizen-sama. It's been a while."

The habit of addressing him as "teacher" slipped out instinctively, making the moment slightly awkward.

Fortunately, Aizen didn't seem to mind, offering a soft chuckle instead. He placed a reassuring hand on Seiya's shoulder.

"Titles are just words. Don't worry about such trivialities."

Turning to Tōsen, Aizen's gaze lingered momentarily before he continued.

"Let's not delay any further. We should begin our journey immediately."

Seiya had wondered how they would manage to leave unnoticed.

Upon seeing Aizen in action, he quickly realized that no barrier could hold this man.

The three passed through a side gate, thanks to the drunken guards allowing them entry without hesitation.

The power of Kyōka Suigetsu's illusions truly shone here. No preparation, no complications—just follow Aizen, and you could walk in and out of Seireitei with impunity.

Once outside, Aizen explained their upcoming steps.

"We need to strengthen ourselves and secure prominent positions within the Gotei 13," Aizen began.

"Only by doing so can we gain access to critical information and use our influence to bend the Thirteen Court Guard Squads' will when necessary."

"For that reason, I need both you, Seiya-kun, and you, Tōsen, to achieve captain-level strength."

To achieve such a goal, increasing their strength was non-negotiable.

"Starting now, I will provide you both with more rigorous guidance," Aizen continued. "It will be far beyond the academy's curriculum. Prepare yourselves mentally—this will not be gentle."

Pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, Aizen's tone remained calm yet resolute, as though describing an unassailable truth.

"This is the first step toward true power. Be ready."

Here it comes.

Even though Seiya had anticipated this moment, hearing it out loud still stirred excitement.

The previous training sessions felt like an internship. Now that he'd "officially joined the company," Aizen seemed ready to invest in him properly.

This was the real "special treatment"!

Two hours of grueling training later, Seiya felt like he'd been run over.

True to Aizen's word, the level of instruction far exceeded the academy's standards.

"The essence of swordsmanship lies in balance—offense and defense in harmony. While the abilities of a Zanpakutō are vital, basic techniques often prove decisive in critical moments," Aizen explained.

"Hand-to-hand combat emphasizes body control—being fully aware of your breathing and footwork. This mastery forms the foundation of all other skills."

"Shunpo is fundamentally about manipulating spiritual pressure. The Shihōin family's ancestral techniques encapsulate its entire history."

"And Kido is no different. Each spell is built upon a meticulous structure, with incantations serving to stabilize and amplify its power. To wield it effectively, you must understand these elements thoroughly."

Aizen focused on refining their core skills, which matched the impression Seiya had of him.

After all, only someone who had reached the pinnacle of strength could afford to gaze beyond and aspire to transcend the limitations of a Shinigami.

Returning to the training session:

Tōsen had tapped out after the hand-to-hand combat phase, collapsing and retreating to rest.

Seiya, however, had endured to the end, as these core disciplines aligned perfectly with his strengths.

But that didn't mean he aced everything.

During the final exercise of the day, Seiya gritted his teeth, trying to summon his dwindling reserves of spiritual energy.

"Oh ruler! Mask of flesh and blood, all creation—"

Before he could finish the incantation, Aizen appeared at his side with impossible speed, delivering a precise kick to Seiya's waist.

Thud!

The force sent Seiya flying over ten meters, landing with a hard crash. He struggled to his feet, coughing violently.

"Your proficiency with Kido has improved considerably," Aizen remarked. "But never forget: these techniques exist to enhance combat efficiency."

"Often, incantations become a hindrance. Learning when to shorten or omit them entirely is another skill every Shinigami must master."

Wiping the bile from his lips, Seiya managed a wry smile.

Is this guy serious? This is just day one of training—at this rate, he's going to kill me.

"Still, you've done well, Seiya-kun," Aizen said, his tone softening. "To endure this far is impressive in itself."

"Well done."

"After all, I wouldn't expect anything less from my student."

Was this a compliment or a consolation prize?

Despite the mixed signals, Seiya appreciated the positive tone.

"Thanks… I guess."

Aizen sheathed his Zanpakutō and surveyed the scene: Seiya, panting but upright, and Tōsen, sprawled on the ground.

With a familiar smile, Aizen declared, "That's enough for today. Reflect on what you've learned and strive to apply it effectively."

Seiya helped Tōsen to his feet, replying between breaths, "Understood!"

Satisfied, Aizen continued.

"Good. Now, let's clean up some of the chaos in Rukongai. And while we're at it… we'll lay the groundwork for what's to come."