Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

Seiya Arima had just completed his internship with the Eighth Division.

Returning to the relative peace of academy life, he welcomed the quiet.

Winter passed quickly, and before spring fully blossomed, he attended a graduation ceremony and was officially promoted to his second year.

"From today on, I'm finally a senpai, huh?"

Standing in the long corridor, Seiya watched the incoming flood of first-year students entering the academy, like sardines packed in a can. A wave of nostalgia hit him.

"It's been a full year since I enrolled, huh…"

Reflecting on everything that had happened over the past year, his expression grew solemn.

From his first day at the academy to now, it had been one eventful, chaotic ride.

"This past year was wild… maybe this year, I'll catch a break?"

As if the universe wanted to mock his wish for peace, a letter from Aizen soon arrived.

The content wasn't long or complicated, but the moment he finished reading it, Seiya's eyes widened in disbelief.

"'Kiganjō was ambushed in the Rukongai and has been confirmed dead.'

'The assailant remains unknown. However, following the tradition of the Eleventh Division, a new Kenpachi has taken his place.

The induction ceremony will be held in three days.'

Seiya-kun, the new Kenpachi has been born."

Aizen's letter carried a tone of melancholy and intrigue.

But in contrast, Seiya's expression became incredibly complicated.

Because he already knew the identity of the new Kenpachi.

"That guy… he's already shown up?"

The image of a wild-haired man with a jagged scar over his eye, carrying a massive, worn-out blade, flashed through his mind.

"So, Zaraki Kenpachi is already stepping onto the stage?"

It felt early, but the timing did make sense.

If Zaraki's reign as Kenpachi had lasted less than a century by the start of the original timeline, then this development was right on schedule.

Seiya frowned, feeling a growing sense of urgency.

"Zaraki Kenpachi…"

This guy was exactly the type to completely counter Seiya's combat style.

"Damn… he's a nightmare matchup for me."

Most people's power levels fluctuated only during significant moments, like achieving Shikai or Bankai.

But Zaraki?

His strength scaled based on his desire to fight.

He was completely unpredictable.

"How do you strategize against someone like him? You can't. His power's entirely subjective."

Even Ichigo was similar in this regard, but Ichigo could be reasoned with.

Zaraki, on the other hand…

"He's a maniac who just loves to fight anyone and everyone."

"If I can avoid him, I will."

Seiya had no intention of crossing paths with Zaraki unless absolutely necessary.

This wasn't his style of battle.

After receiving Aizen's letter, Seiya visited the Fifth Division barracks for a private meeting.

Aizen, with his usual calm demeanor, had already anticipated Seiya's arrival.

"Going forward, Seiya-kun, I'd recommend aiming for the Fourth Division or Thirteenth Division."

"You've had interactions with both Unohana and Ukitake, so they won't feel like strangers."

"With the right timing, I believe you can learn valuable things from either of them."

Taking Aizen's advice to heart, Seiya submitted an application to join the Thirteenth Division for his next internship.

His reasoning was simple—the Thirteenth Division often visited the human world.

"Traveling to the human world a century before the original timeline? That's an opportunity I can't pass up."

As for the Fourth Division…

If not for Zaraki's presence, he might've gone with Unohana. But with Kenpachi around, Seiya had no interest in hanging around someone who might snap at any moment.

A week later, Seiya received unexpected news.

"Congratulations! You've been selected for an internship with the First Division."

The instructor's cheerful smile didn't match the bombshell announcement.

Seiya blinked, trying to process what he'd just heard.

"Uh…"

"One more time?"

The First Division?

Why the hell would they choose me?

There were too many questions.

Why was his instructor so happy about it?

Why was interning with the First Division suddenly treated as if it were winning the lottery?

And most importantly—

"Why the First Division?"

Seiya had explicitly applied for the Thirteenth Division.

After all, they frequently patrolled the human world.

Exploring the pre-canon human world seemed like a unique opportunity.

"Something's off… someone must've interfered with my application."

The next day, Seiya hurried to the First Division to report for duty.

Standing before the entrance, he took a deep breath and called out:

"Seiya Arima! Second-year student! Reporting in!"

From the shadows emerged Chōjirō Sasakibe, the First Division's stoic lieutenant.

With his usual elegant demeanor, Sasakibe gave Seiya a faint smile.

"Hmm… much more energetic than last time."

He turned slightly and gestured for Seiya to follow.

"Come along. The Captain-Commander has been waiting for you."

"What?"

Seiya's eyes widened in disbelief.

Yamamoto Genryūsai is waiting for me?

Why?

Why would the Captain-Commander personally take an interest in a mere academy student?

The nerves hit immediately.

Still, he didn't dare question the situation. Quietly, he followed Sasakibe down the long corridors of the First Division Headquarters.

Soon, they reached a large sliding door—plain, yet imposing.

Sasakibe stepped forward and knocked softly.

"Captain-Commander, Seiya Arima has arrived."

"Come in."

As the door slid open, Seiya stepped into a spacious, traditional room.

The tatami mats gleamed with polish, clearly well-maintained.

There was very little furniture, save for a large calligraphy scroll hanging on the far wall.

The scroll bore a single bold kanji character:

"心" — "Heart."

Standing beneath the scroll was a man whose presence commanded absolute respect.

Wearing a captain's haori draped over his shoulders, the ancient figure turned slowly to face Seiya.

His gaze locked onto Seiya, like a tiger sizing up its prey.

With a voice as firm as mountain stone, Yamamoto spoke:

"I've been waiting for you, boy."

Why would you be waiting for me?!

Before Seiya could process it, Yamamoto calmly removed his haori and set it aside.

Then, he cracked his knuckles, stretching his shoulders.

"I want to see what you're truly capable of."

The atmosphere grew heavy as Yamamoto took a stance, his bare torso revealing countless battle scars etched across his skin.

With a thundering voice, he called out—

"Come. Let's exchange a few blows."

Seiya gulped, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Exchange blows?!

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Powerstones?

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