"I didn't expect Captain Aizen to notice that," Shinichi said, visibly surprised.
Aizen smiled. "Oh? So you were deliberately hiding it, President Tachikawa?"
Shinichi shook his head. "I wouldn't say I was hiding it. That really is my Zanpakutō's ability. I only awakened it recently, so I've been practicing how to use it. I also train regularly, and this reishi barrier helps prevent injuries during my training."
"I see," Aizen nodded. "No wonder you're so exceptional, with such diligence."
"I can't really claim to be diligent," Shinichi responded modestly. "Many people around me train just as hard."
"You're too humble, President Tachikawa. I've heard your swordsmanship scores are far above your peers. Talent alone can't achieve that. And to think—someone with your sword skills has a healing-type Zanpakutō… truly unexpected." Aizen smiled again, his tone casual and friendly. Despite being a captain, he carried no air of superiority, making it easy for others to relax around him.
Shinichi let out a small sigh. "To be honest, I was surprised myself. I would've preferred if my Zanpakutō had some sort of offensive ability."
"President Tachikawa," Aizen said suddenly, shaking his head, "you're not being honest."
That caught Shinichi off guard for a moment.
"A Zanpakutō is a part of one's soul. Its ability is a reflection of one's inner self. For your Zanpakutō to have healing powers—it means deep down, you genuinely longed for such an ability. You strike me as someone who thinks of others."
"..."
Shinichi was momentarily at a loss for words, standing still with a contemplative expression.
Aizen then set down the files in his hand. "Why don't we go check in on Class A? Shouldn't their class be starting soon?"
Shinichi glanced at the class schedules. "Perfect timing—they have Kidō class today. They should be practicing Hadō. We could observe the session. If you're willing, Captain Aizen, maybe you could offer them some instruction?"
Shinichi and Rukia led Aizen and Ichimaru Gin to the first-year Class A's outdoor Kidō training field.
The arrival of the 5th Division's Captain and Lieutenant created quite a stir among the students.
The instructor immediately approached Aizen.
"Hello, Captain Aizen. May I ask—?"
"I'm just here to take a look around," Aizen replied warmly. "Please, proceed as usual."
"Would you be willing to offer the students some guidance, Captain?"
"If you don't mind."
"Of course not."
Aizen stepped to the front and greeted the students in a friendly manner.
Shinichi stood quietly with Rukia at the classroom entrance. She seemed to be waving discreetly at a particular student, and when Shinichi followed her gaze, he noticed a red-haired boy with an eccentric hairstyle.
Aizen began explaining Kidō theory with calm and clarity. The students listened with full attention—how often did a captain personally teach a class?
Then, showing exceptional kindness, Aizen invited students to come forward one by one to perform Kidō techniques, offering each of them personalized feedback on their weaknesses and areas for improvement.
Watching from the side, Shinichi couldn't help but admire Aizen's display of dedication. Truly "admirable." Even Shiba Kaien, known for his approachability, might not compare.
A small mishap occurred during the session. When Renji stepped up to cast Hadō #31: Shakkahō, he made a mistake and nearly injured himself. Aizen immediately used his own spiritual pressure to shield him from the resulting blast, then patiently explained the spell's principles and the proper casting techniques, encouraging Renji to try again.
But now that all eyes were on him—including Rukia at the doorway—Renji was under immense pressure.
Taking a deep breath, he raised his arm and recited clearly:
"Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Truth and temperance, upon this sinless wall of dreams unleash but slightly the wrath of your claws—"
There was nothing wrong with the incantation. But Shinichi could feel the fluctuation in Renji's spiritual pressure—just slightly off. He subtly stepped back half a pace.
"Hadō #31: Shakkahō!"
Aizen also noticed. Just as Renji's reiryoku surged to release the spell, Aizen stepped forward and gently pressed his hand down on Renji's arm. The spiritual particles that should have ignited into flames instantly dissipated, leaving behind only a puff of black smoke in Aizen's palm.
Renji: "..."
Aizen: "..."
Aizen looked straight at him, then sighed. "You should revisit your theory on Kidō when you go back."
Laughter erupted from the other students. Renji's face turned beet red. He didn't even dare look toward Rukia. With a mumbled "Yes, sir," he slunk back to his seat.
All the while, Shinichi had been watching Aizen's expression closely. He caught a flicker of something in his eyes behind those glasses—
A calmness that comes from confirming someone's lack of potential.
"Renji is very hardworking!"
Suddenly, Rukia spoke up beside him.
Shinichi cast a sideways glance. It seemed Rukia thought he was laughing at Renji too. So he clarified, "I wasn't laughing at that student."
"Then who was President Tachikawa laughing at?" another voice interjected.
It was Ichimaru Gin, smiling with narrowed eyes.
"Nothing much," Shinichi replied with an even tone. "I was just reminded of how terrible I was at Kidō when I first started out—not much better than that student."
"Is that so?" Gin raised his brows slightly. "Hard to believe."
To him, someone like Shinichi—President of the student council—clearly wasn't untalented. Gin knew that feeling well: when you have a gift, anything you learn comes easily.
"It's true," Shinichi said calmly, then changed the topic. "Still, although that student struggled with Kidō, I noticed something unusual about his physique. Maybe he's gifted in other areas."
[Rukia]
Affection level: 31
Gin didn't respond further.
But Shinichi's smile deepened.
Aizen devoted himself fully to teaching the entire class. He successfully won over all the students, who grew genuinely fond of this approachable and kind-hearted captain. Many of them had imagined Gotei 13 captains to be strict and unapproachable.
As class ended and the students reluctantly said their goodbyes, Aizen and the others left the training ground.
"These students were really something," Aizen said with a hint of nostalgia. "They reminded me of my own days at the Academy."
He looked at Shinichi with a bright smile. "It's been a long time since I've visited the Academy. Maybe I should come by more often. If the teachers and students here don't mind, I'd be happy to substitute for a class now and then."