Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

The abilities of a Zanpakutō are typically a private matter.

Most Soul Reapers wouldn't reveal theirs unless necessary—after all, for many, it's their trump card.

To be honest...

"Isn't asking something like that kind of rude?"

Hiyori's bluntness could be brushed off as childish ignorance, but the fact that no one else stopped her made things feel... different.

Then again, if Seiya truly wanted to become a captain one day, he'd eventually have to reveal his Shikai and Bankai.

It was inevitable.

So, was this their way of asking for his proof of allegiance?

By voluntarily showing his abilities here and now, he'd be signaling goodwill.

Seiya blinked, then smiled.

"Words alone wouldn't do it justice."

He took a step back, hand resting on his Zanpakutō's hilt, his grin unwavering.

"So why don't I just show you? That'll make things clearer."

Some of them looked a little surprised, but no one interrupted.

If anything, they seemed intrigued.

Seiya sighed inwardly.

No wonder Aizen was able to manipulate you all so easily.

Seriously, what's with this bunch and their insatiable curiosity?

All of them—absolute gossip fiends.

Honestly, if they weren't so nosy, Aizen wouldn't have had such an easy time executing his plans.

With those thoughts running through his mind, Seiya maintained his composure.

Drawing his Zanpakutō, he held it before him.

"Then... excuse me."

Shikai release.

"Devour your own tail, Ouroboros."

—

After the demonstration, the first to react was Kuna Mashiro.

This girl... was very expressive.

"Whoa?! What was that?! I barely even saw anything... But it was so cool!"

Her statement was utterly useless.

Kensei, looking unimpressed, shoved her down to sit beside him.

Compared to her, the others actually analyzed what they had seen.

Rōjūrō Otoribashi straightened up, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"Manipulating the surrounding air and energy... creating different environments to force an opponent into a disadvantageous position before engaging them in combat."

He nodded to himself.

"I see. So, it's a type of illusion-based Zanpakutō."

That caught his attention.

Love Aikawa, however, remained neutral.

"Interesting, but not particularly special."

As expected of someone with a more seasoned perspective.

"Since it's just an illusion and doesn't create real obstacles, it doesn't enhance attack power either. In the end, it all comes down to fundamental skills, doesn't it?"

Kensei nodded in agreement.

"Yeah. Still, for something like that, it's best suited for support in a fight."

He turned toward Shinji, who had been watching in thought.

"Training this kid's gonna take a lot of work, huh?"

Snapping out of his musings, Shinji simply smiled.

"It's fine~ We've got plenty of time."

With that, the topic seemed to settle.

Seiya had deliberately chosen this version of his power to show them.

After all, three of these captains had already fought him before.

Even if they looked down on him now, he couldn't afford to let them see his real strength.

Not yet.

And since Bankai is always tied to Shikai, he had to be careful.

Sāgara Ryū was still hidden.

Just like how Renji's Hihio Zabimaru differed from his Zabimaru, Seiya had retained a separate name to mask his true abilities.

With Ouroboros, all they could see was a sea fog illusion.

It was a commonly known classification of Zanpakutō.

Plenty of other Soul Reapers had similar ones—like Kyōka Suigetsu, Muramasa, and even Nirgge's Jirōbō.

So, for now... it was a safe cover.

Seiya sheathed his sword, sensing a shift in the atmosphere.

The way they looked at him now was... softer.

—It was almost amusing.

People fear the unknown. But once something becomes familiar, they open up.

No wonder Aizen found them all so easy to manipulate.

Now that he had gained some level of trust, Seiya was finally being accepted into their circle.

Throughout the gathering, the captains asked him questions here and there, but it was the lieutenants who showed him the most kindness.

They probably already saw him as their future peer.

Mashiro, despite her chaotic energy, mostly just ranted about Kensei not doing his paperwork.

—Being a lieutenant is so much work!

Kensei, for his part, looked utterly exhausted. He clearly hated administrative duties.

As for Hiyori—

…She was drunk.

Her face was red, her voice raspy from shouting.

—"If ya don't get somethin', just come ta me! I gotcha covered!"

Considering her personality, Seiya would take that offer with a grain of salt.

While it was a bit overwhelming to be around so many new people, the gathering didn't last too long.

By sundown, everyone was dispersing.

As Seiya followed Shinji back, he noticed the captain was... very unsteady.

"...You sure you're okay after drinking that much?"

Shinji let out a breathy laugh, swaying slightly.

"It's fine, it's fine~ I'm in a great mood today, so a little fun won't hurt."

"Isn't it bad for a captain to act this way? Makes the division seem... undisciplined."

"Hah! My reputation's never been that strict to begin with."

…Was that really something to be proud of?

"Anyway, what'd you think of everyone?"

Seiya paused to think.

"They seem... decent. At least, they were all friendly enough."

"Hah?! That's it?"

Well... what else was he supposed to say?

Still, Shinji just chuckled.

"You'll warm up to them soon enough."

…Will I?

Seiya merely smiled.

Maybe.

—

Returning from the gathering, Seiya settled into life in the 5th Division.

Just as Shinji had warned, his workload was heavy.

But thanks to his prior internships in other divisions, he wasn't completely clueless.

Shinji trained him personally, and over the course of six months, Seiya gained invaluable experience in management and decision-making.

By the end of it, he had improved so much that even Shinji admitted—

"Honestly? I could probably just hand the division to you now."

—

Late one night, after finishing his reports, Seiya stretched his arms.

"Alright, I'll leave the rest to you. If you have any trouble, don't hesitate to ask me for help."

"Thank you, Vice-Captain Arima!"

The 5th Division member bowed deeply.

Seiya gave a patient smile.

"That's too formal. Technically, Aizen is still the vice-captain."

The man just grinned.

"But isn't everyone already assuming you'll take the position soon? Aizen hasn't even been around lately..."

He lowered his voice conspiratorially.

"Honestly, most of us are expecting you to take over any day now."

Seiya rubbed his temple.

"You should probably stop saying that out loud."

Despite agreeing, the guy clearly wasn't going to stop.

With a sigh, Seiya locked up the files and prepared to leave for the night.

But—

He paused.

A familiar set of footsteps approached.

Click.

The door unlocked.

The latch clicked.

And as the door slowly opened, moonlight spilled into the dimly lit room.

Standing in its glow—

Calm.

Collected.

Wearing the same unreadable smile.

Aizen Sōsuke.

It had been six months.

Yet, he looked exactly the same.

As Seiya stood to greet him, Aizen spoke first.

"Please—remain seated, Seiya-kun. After all, you're practically the new vice-captain now."

…Ouch.

Seiya sighed.

"Must you say things like that, Sensei?"

Aizen simply smiled, adjusting his glasses.

"Half in jest, of course."

But—

There was no need for further words.

His presence alone was enough.

The game had resumed.

"Seiya-kun, how has your time here been?"

Seiya, ever composed, responded smoothly.

"As you instructed, I've dedicated myself to mastering administrative work. I may not be perfect, but I understand the procedures well enough now."

Aizen chuckled.

"Good. That's very good."

He lifted a hand, pushing his glasses into place.

"Tomorrow, I'll be removed from my position. Hirako's plan is unfolding perfectly—he'll transfer authority to you, ensuring a seamless transition."

Flawless.

A textbook political maneuver.

Yet, Aizen had his own plans.

"So, Seiya-kun—how are things progressing?"

Seiya answered steadily.

"All preparations in Rukongai are complete. According to reports, Kensei Muguruma and Mashiro Kuna have already arrived at the designated location."

The curtain had risen.

Aizen's gaze deepened.

"And tell me, Seiya-kun—do you find it cruel to strike down these comrades?"

Seiya was silent for a moment.

Then, he murmured.

"...They're good people."

"So?"

"So let's make it quick."

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Powerstones?

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