Aizen Sōsuke.
At the sound of the name, Shin's eyebrow twitched slightly.
"I see… Understood. And the time?"
"The morning after tomorrow. Captain of the Fifth Division will arrive before classes begin. President Tachikawa, be sure to make proper preparations."
"…Got it."
Once the instructor who brought the message had left, Shin found his brow furrowing deeper and deeper.
Aizen…
He'd imagined this meeting more than once—what it might be like to stand before that man, and what kind of expression he should wear when it finally happened.
He hadn't expected it so soon.
"Shin?"
Lost in thought, he hadn't noticed Hisagi Shūhei walk in.
"Shūhei?"
"What're you thinking about?"
"…Nothing much. Just got word that a captain's visiting the Academy in a couple days. The faculty's putting us student council members in charge of reception and guidance."
"Oh, that time of year already." Hisagi didn't seem particularly surprised—this was tradition.
They were in their fifth year now. Since they first enrolled, they'd experienced these visits annually. Excluding substitute instructors, every year one captain would stop by the Academy—part of an effort to promote the Gotei 13 to students.
Over the years they'd seen Ukitake Jūshirō of the Thirteenth, Kyōraku Shunsui of the Eighth, Unohana Retsu of the Fourth, and Shiba Isshin of the Tenth.
"Who is it this year?" Hisagi asked.
"Captain Aizen of the Fifth."
"So how are we supposed to handle reception?"
Shin paused, mind already turning. Normally this would mean posting an announcement, throwing up a few banners, and having someone serve as a tour guide.
But his thoughts were elsewhere.
"We'll just hold a meeting this afternoon."
That afternoon, thanks to Rukia's coordination, the student council gathered and received their briefing. Shin quickly delegated tasks regarding the upcoming inspection.
The day arrived quickly.
Thanks to the student council's promotional efforts, the entire Academy knew about it. Students—mostly first-years—gathered in droves along the central walkway leading to the main gate, eager to catch a glimpse of a real Gotei 13 captain.
Shin eyed the "Welcome" banners his council members had hoisted and couldn't help but find them absurdly embarrassing.
Thankfully, they didn't wait long.
Two figures approached from beyond the main gates. The one leading wore a bright white haori—unmistakably the garb of a captain.
"He's here! He's here!"
The crowd buzzed, voices rising, then quickly quieting as the two drew near.
Captain Aizen Sōsuke of the Fifth Division was a refined, seemingly upright young man with short chestnut hair and black-rimmed glasses. His gentle smile made him appear approachable, even warm.
With just a glance, the students flanking the walkway were quietly won over.
That warmth wasn't just from his expression—it radiated from his reiatsu. Deep and oceanic, impossible to fully grasp, but without even the slightest sense of oppression. Just calm, just weight.
That was what a captain was.
Even though Hisagi and the others had seen captains before, each time still left them awe-struck. This was the kind of strength they might never reach in their lifetime.
Trailing behind Aizen was a silver-haired man in a standard shihakushō, a Vice-Captain's badge around his arm.
He, too, was a known figure—Ichimaru Gin. A former prodigy who graduated the Academy after just a year.
Shin stood waiting, Rukia and several student council members at his side.
"Captain Aizen. Vice-Captain Ichimaru. Welcome to the Shin'ō Academy."
Aizen halted, eyes falling on Shin. That soft smile curled deeper.
"You must be Tachikawa Shin, the student council president. I've heard of you."
Shin dipped his head slightly and returned the smile. "It's an honor to be recognized. We'll handle your escort through the Academy."
"Thank you. In fact, I'm very interested in this student council of yours. Would you tell me more?"
Aizen's eyes lingered on Shin—mild, warm… and yet, beneath the surface, something unreadable.
Shin led Aizen and Gin to the student council's headquarters, where they had prepared some documents in advance.
As they walked, he spoke briefly about the student council—its roles, its formation, the various departments.
"To create and organize something like this in such a short time is no small feat. Tachikawa-kun, it's clear you're quite capable." Aizen praised gently.
Shin replied modestly, "You flatter me, Captain. I only proposed the idea—the instructors did the real work. I'm not even sure I'm qualified for the role of president."
"I'd say you're being far too humble. No one's ever proposed a student council in all the Academy's history. And I also know your academic performance is among the top of your class. In fact, I contacted your homeroom instructor several months ago about your post-graduation division preferences. I was surprised to learn you chose to remain enrolled."
Shin's brow twitched.
There's a lot hiding in those words.
He responded calmly, "I just felt my abilities weren't solid enough yet. If I graduated too early, I might fail the recruitment trials for the Gotei 13."
"Who says you would?" Aizen's voice held a pleasant lilt. "If you were interested in joining my Fifth Division, I'd be happy to make room."
Shin chuckled and shook his head lightly."Thank you for the offer, Captain Aizen. But I don't think I'll be going to the Fifth Division."
"Oh?"
"A few days ago, I was lucky enough to awaken my Zanpakutō. It has healing-based abilities tied to Kaido. My instructor told me I'd be a better fit for the Fourth."
"Healing-type…?"
Aizen's expression turned thoughtful."That's a rare ability indeed. With a Zanpakutō like that, you'll surely shine within the Fourth Division."
"Thank you for your kind words."
Shin offered him a stack of files—details on the first-year students, class by class. If there were anyone Captain Aizen wanted to visit, he could use this list.
Aizen flipped through a few pages, then glanced up."President Tachikawa, would it be alright if we spoke privately? I'm sure the others here have things they need to do."
He meant the rest of the student council.
Though most had eagerly hoped to remain in the captain's presence, Shin nodded and motioned for them to leave. Only Rukia stayed, fidgeting nervously at Shin's side.
As he continued paging through the student profiles, Aizen spoke again:
"Pardon the curiosity, President Tachikawa—but the spiritual pressure constantly swirling around you, like a thin barrier… Is that part of your Zanpakutō's ability?"
Shin's gaze flickered.
To obscure his true reiatsu, he kept his spiritual particles in a continual state of outward flow. Since awakening his Zanpakutō, he'd developed more refined methods.
Now, a thin veil of spirit particles always cloaked him—so faint most couldn't even perceive it. Even Nandō hadn't noticed.
And this veil… did far more than just hide his strength.
Aizen looked up from the files, adjusted his glasses with a faint smile.
"Perhaps I'm just too curious. Would you mind enlightening me, Tachikawa-kun?"
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