Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

"Sorting and categorizing."

"Gathering and filtering."

"These four tasks form the core of our work. The rest involves administrative matters, mostly routine and procedural."

"While there are occasional assignments outside, interns like me don't handle any critical operations."

"But… I did get much closer to Kyōraku Shunsui."

With his internship at the Eighth Division now over, Seiya Arima had returned to the academy. But before officially resuming his classes, he made a point to visit the Fifth Division headquarters for a progress report.

Sitting behind his desk, Aizen Sōsuke listened to Seiya's update with a gentle smile on his face. His expression made it clear—he was very pleased with Seiya's performance.

"Well done," Aizen said, nodding in approval.

"This has exceeded my expectations."

"With just a brief internship at the Eighth Division, you've managed to make contact with key figures."

"Seiya-kun, your progress is always accompanied by pleasant surprises."

Sitting beside Seiya, Tōsen Kaname quietly pushed a steaming cup of tea toward him.

"Drink."

Seiya took the tea with a polite nod.

Returning to the Fifth Division felt like coming home.

There was no need to tiptoe around conversations here. Everyone in the room was a trusted ally.

After taking a sip, Seiya glanced at Tōsen.

"Thanks… but, Tōsen, what's with the new hairstyle?"

Tōsen reached up and touched his hair, now styled in a voluminous afro.

"Ah, I wanted a change. What do you think?"

Seiya raised an eyebrow, trying not to laugh.

"It's… alright. But why an afro? You look like a West Coast rapper."

"West Coast? Rapper? What's that?"

Before Seiya could explain, Aizen closed a folder and placed it neatly into a drawer.

"Let's set aside the small talk for now."

His calm voice drew both men's attention.

"Seiya-kun, I want to ask about Kyōraku Shunsui."

"What are your impressions of him?"

Seiya took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding.

"Kyōraku-taichō is… a man of contradictions."

"He acts lazy and carefree, but he's far from simple. His mind is sharp, and he weighs risks quickly."

"In a way, his laid-back demeanor is a form of camouflage."

"Beneath that relaxed surface, Kyōraku-taichō is anything but gentle."

Aizen chuckled softly at Seiya's observations.

"Well said."

Tōsen's expression shifted to one of mild surprise.

"The Eighth Division captain… is he really that calculating?"

Seiya nodded, recalling Kyōraku's tactics during the original timeline's battles.

"Absolutely. Kyōraku-taichō is the type to smile while stabbing you in the back."

"Think back to the Fake Karakura Town battle. He ambushed Starrk with a smile and took him down quickly."

Tōsen frowned, clearly deep in thought.

"I never would've guessed. He always seemed… indifferent."

"That's the point. His personality makes it easy to let your guard down."

Aizen, having heard enough, sighed quietly.

"Kyōraku-taichō is indeed a master of deception. His ability to find weaknesses and exploit them is well-known."

"To see through his facade so quickly, Seiya-kun, is a rare talent."

"Once again, you've proven yourself."

Satisfied, Aizen leaned back and picked up another file.

Turning to Tōsen, he asked:

"Kaname, have you decided which division you'll be joining?"

Tōsen straightened his back and gave a respectful bow.

"Yes, Aizen-sama. After careful consideration, I've chosen the Ninth Division."

Seiya blinked in surprise.

The Ninth Division?

It wasn't a shock—he knew this would happen. In the original timeline, Tōsen eventually became its captain.

Still, hearing it confirmed was strange.

Aizen raised an eyebrow.

"The Prison Unit? Why that division?"

Tōsen answered calmly.

"Given my limited abilities, it would be difficult to advance quickly in more competitive divisions."

"But the Ninth Division is unique."

"Because its primary responsibility is dealing with prisoners, the position doesn't require perfect vision. My blindness wouldn't hinder me."

"Moreover, it's less popular among recruits. With enough dedication, I'm confident I can rise to a leadership position swiftly."

Aizen smiled in approval.

"Well reasoned. Your logic is sound."

At that moment, Seiya couldn't help but interject.

"Speaking of the Ninth Division… isn't the current captain Six-Fingered Kensei?"

Aizen pushed up his glasses, the lenses catching the light.

"Yes. Muguruma Kensei."

Ah, yes.

Seiya remembered him.

Muguruma Kensei.

A captain known for his serious demeanor and impressive combat skills.

And yet…

He always seemed to get humiliated.

Seiya bit back a laugh as memories of various internet memes flooded his mind.

"It won't take long."

"A 'century-old captain,' reduced to screaming on the ground after losing an arm."

"One of the most meme-worthy characters in the entire series."

Seiya let out a quiet chuckle.

"Pfft."

Tōsen turned toward him, confused.

"What's so funny?"

Seiya waved a hand dismissively.

"Ah, nothing. Just a funny thought."

Ignoring Seiya's amusement, Aizen and Tōsen continued their discussion.

Eventually, Seiya glanced at the clock and decided it was time to leave.

"I should get going."

He stood, offering a polite bow.

"Thank you, Aizen-taichō. Kaname."

Aizen nodded, his usual warm smile on his face.

"Take care, Seiya-kun. And don't neglect your training."

Seiya groaned playfully.

"You're always so strict, Aizen-taichō."

With a final wave, he left the room.

As his footsteps faded down the hallway, Aizen and Tōsen sat in silence.

Eventually, Tōsen stood as well, preparing to leave.

"I should be going, too."

Aizen nodded but hesitated briefly.

"Wait, Kaname."

Tōsen paused, curious.

"Yes, Aizen-sama?"

Aizen's expression softened, though there was a hint of hesitation in his eyes.

"Have you… considered changing your hairstyle?"

Tōsen frowned.

"...Again?"

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Powerstones?

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