Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

Seiya limped back to his dorm room, his face covered in bruises.

"Oww, oww…" He groaned as he plopped into a chair and started applying medicine to his injuries, staring at his reflection in the mirror.

Turns out, Isane Kotetsu wasn't someone you wanted to push too far. Her hakuda skills were no joke—once she got serious, it was impossible to block her punches.

Thanks to his connections with the Ōmaeda family, Seiya had managed to upgrade to a more luxurious single-room dorm. It was peaceful, private, and perfect for someone like him who often needed to keep things discreet.

Sitting at his desk, Seiya carefully peeled open a letter addressed to him.

The handwriting was neat and elegant.

"To Seiya Arima—

It has been a while, Seiya. The harsh winter nights grow long, and the cold days stretch on endlessly."

"I trust you are taking care of yourself—eating well and keeping warm without needing any reminders from me."

"It has been over a month since our last communication. I wonder, has your training progressed since then? I hope you remain diligent in your pursuits."

"Discipline yourself. Remain steadfast in your heart."

"The reason I'm writing today concerns your upcoming squad internship. When winter gives way to spring, you'll be assigned to another division, correct?"

"If it's possible, I'd like you to choose the Eighth Division for your next placement."

"Captain Shunsui Kyōraku is an extraordinary leader and someone you could learn much from. Spending time with him will help you grow."

"Additionally, if the opportunity presents itself, do not pass up any chances to meet Jūshirō Ukitake or Commander Yamamoto. Those encounters could prove invaluable."

"We'll discuss the details during our next meeting. For now, these are just suggestions. You're free to chart your own course."

"To that end, I've compiled a list of important individuals on the back of this letter. Use it as a reference."

"A letter can never fully express my thoughts or emotions. Though I have much to say, mere words fail to capture even a fraction of my feelings."

"Take care, Seiya."

—Aizen Sōsuke

Seiya chuckled as he finished reading.

As expected from Aizen.

The letter was meticulously crafted, with not a single word out of place.

He glanced at the letter he'd sent to Aizen a few weeks prior. The difference in quality was painfully obvious.

"Yeah… I definitely can't compete with someone like him."

Soul Society's culture placed great emphasis on literacy and education. Writing well was seen as a mark of refinement—something Seiya knew he still needed to work on.

Turning the letter over, Seiya examined the list Aizen had provided on the back.

Sure enough, the names matched the individuals he'd expected.

1st Division Captain: Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni 2nd Division Captain: Yoruichi Shihōin 4th Division Captain: Retsu Unohana 8th Division Captain: Shunsui Kyōraku 12th Division Captain: Kisuke Urahara 13th Division Captain: Jūshirō Ukitake

Six names in total.

Each one represented a key figure within the Gotei 13—individuals with tremendous influence and power.

Seiya pondered the implications.

Is Aizen suggesting that I treat these captains as potential adversaries?

The thought sent a shiver down his spine.

"I'm supposed to engage with people like Yamamoto and Unohana?"

The very idea made him sweat.

Yamamoto? Are you kidding me?!

I'm supposed to fight that old man? That's a death sentence, Aizen!

But after his initial panic subsided, Seiya took a deep breath.

Jokes aside, he knew this was the path he had chosen.

With time on his side, Seiya didn't feel the need to rush.

He could take things slow. One step at a time.

Glancing at the letter once more, Seiya smiled.

"See you in a hundred years…"

With a small burst of spiritual pressure, he mimicked Aizen's signature move—burning the letter in his hand until it crumbled to ash.

The Next Day

Dressed in fresh clothes and carrying his recommendation letter, Seiya made his way to the Eighth Division barracks.

A squad member verified his identity before leading him inside.

The long corridor they walked down was lined with doors marked with seals and wards.

It was clear this division placed great emphasis on secrecy and information management.

The squad member, noticing Seiya's curiosity, offered an explanation.

"Because the Eighth Division specializes in intelligence, we have strict protocols in place to safeguard our information. Please refrain from wandering into restricted areas."

"I see," Seiya nodded. "That makes sense."

Still…

"Do you really need this many sealed rooms?"

The squad member scratched his head awkwardly, unsure how to respond.

A new voice answered instead, smooth and playful.

"Of course, boy. Information is life."

Seiya spun around in surprise.

Standing behind him was a man with a flamboyant appearance.

His long, slightly wavy hair was tied into a ponytail, adorned with feminine hairpins. He wore a pink kimono-style haori over his uniform and carried a straw hat on his head.

His relaxed, laid-back demeanor made him instantly recognizable.

"Yo~ I've been waiting for you."

The man grinned, extending a hand.

"I'm Shunsui Kyōraku, the current captain of the Eighth Division."

Seiya blinked.

He hadn't expected to meet the captain so soon—or for Kyōraku to be so casual and approachable.

Trying to compose himself, Seiya straightened his posture and took a step back, preparing to introduce himself.

But Kyōraku cut him off with a laugh, clapping a hand on Seiya's shoulder.

"No need for all that formal stuff, kid. I've already heard plenty about you."

Kyōraku smiled warmly.

"To be honest, I was so excited to meet you that I skipped out on a performance by Sanjō."

"…Sanjō?"

Seiya was confused.

The squad member standing beside him leaned in and whispered.

"She's a popular geisha. She's retiring soon to get married, so this was supposed to be one of her last performances."

"Ah, great job, Sanmoku!" Kyōraku laughed.

"Y-Yes, Captain! Just doing my duty!"

Seiya couldn't help but sigh internally.

Why does this feel more like gossip than official business?

Kyōraku's playful demeanor aside, he took his role as guide seriously, personally leading Seiya through the barracks.

As they walked, Kyōraku glanced at Seiya with curiosity.

"So, it's your first time here, right? What do you think of the Eighth Division so far?"

Seiya thought for a moment before answering.

"…A little mysterious, I suppose."

Kyōraku chuckled.

"'Mysterious,' huh? That's an interesting way to put it."

He folded his hands in front of him and smiled.

"Well, that makes sense. After all… Soul Society itself is shrouded in mystery."

"The things we know, and the things we don't know—there's no end to either."

Kyōraku's gaze grew distant as he spoke.

"Much like a grand theatrical performance, what you see on the surface is dazzling and polished…"

"…but behind the scenes?"

His smile turned wry.

"It's dark. Rotten. A filthy core hidden beneath a shiny exterior."

Kyōraku stopped and glanced at Seiya out of the corner of his eye.

"So… Seiya-kun…"

"What secrets are hiding beneath your polished surface?"

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Powerstones?

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