He had been praised.
But, honestly, there was no reason to feel happy about it.
After all, Arima Shinya knew very well — Urahara Kisuke might seem like a "good guy," but inside he was a well of darkness.
As they say: "It's no wonder that people of the same kind are drawn to each other."
To get along so well with Aizen-sensei, one would have to share the same kind of mindset.
"By the way, Arima-kun, this must be your first visit to the Department of Technological Development, right?"
Urahara Kisuke maintained a calm tone. When he turned partially, the gesture was casual, showing no sign of hostility.
"If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask. I've already informed the staff, so 90% of the areas are open today. You can walk around and observe whatever you like."
And the remaining 10%…?
Better not ask.
Aizen let out a light laugh beside him, in a tone that sounded slightly teasing.
"You're being generous today, Captain. I remember a few years ago the conditions weren't so… flexible."
Urahara laughed, scratching the back of his head in a relaxed manner, and shrugged.
"Ah, it's just that hardly anyone from the Academy ever visits. So I considered this a private guided tour. Coincidentally, I gave the internal staff a day off today, so I had time to accompany you."
Arima Shinya blinked, somewhat curious.
"So… no one wanted to intern at the 12th Division this year?"
"Hmm… you could say very few did."
Urahara ran his thumb over his lips, showing a faint smile but with an expression of resignation.
"The thing is, most prefer places with flashy names. That way, when they introduce themselves, they can proudly say where they served."
Ah, of course — and Urahara added, smiling:
"For example, the 2nd and 6th Divisions, where noble families dominate. Every year there's a huge line of interested candidates."
Makes sense.
He had never really thought about that detail, but looking at it closely, it wasn't hard to understand.
With names like Shihōin and Kuchiki at the top, for many commoners, working under their orders would already be a mark of prestige.
Although it was somewhat feudal in nature, it was ultimately a way to seek status through influence.
"But tell me, Arima-kun, you don't think that way?"
Huh? Why did the topic suddenly turn to me?
"Since you decided to enter the Shin'ō Academy and have so much talent, I imagine you also have ambitions, right?"
So…
"You don't consider fame, honor, or others' opinions something worth pursuing?"
Urahara observed him carefully as he asked the question.
Arima straightened his posture, thought for a moment, and replied calmly:
"To be honest… I'm not very interested in those things."
Nobility. Prestige.
Fame. Reputation.
None of it meant anything to him.
From the beginning, Arima never had rigid notions of hierarchy, nor special respect for ancient traditions — he found the Soul Society's feudal system tiresome.
Deep down, he just wanted to live in peace.
But with so much instability in the Soul Society and the future conflicts inevitably approaching, it was impossible to simply ignore everything.
That's why Arima knew he needed to choose a side — and bet early.
Cough, cough… so, the man beside me is my boss, Aizen Sōsuke.
Currently, I'm employee number 002 of "Aizen Corporation Ltd."
If there's any problem, please deal directly with the boss!
"Since entering the Academy, Aizen-sensei has always looked out for me. So I prefer to trust his judgment. I believe in his choices."
While saying this, Arima lightly patted Aizen on the shoulder twice, smiling cheerfully.
"Isn't that right, Aizen-sensei? It's okay for me to think this way, right?"
Aizen let out a subtle chuckle, pushed up his glasses, and replied in the same calm tone as always:
"Being trusted is a positive thing, Shinya-kun. But during external activities, maintain proper posture. Avoid acting frivolously."
"Understood. I'll control myself next time~"
"That didn't sound very convincing. Could you look me in the eyes and repeat that, please?"
No, thanks. That would already be psychological torture.
The scene made Urahara let out a light laugh, watching them with an almost nostalgic expression.
"That's good to see, Fourth Seat Aizen."
Aizen stopped joking, turned, and answered seriously:
"What do you mean by that, Captain Urahara?"
"Oh, just what I said. Before, when I had contact with you, I always had the impression that… you seemed a bit lonely."
The tone was casual, but the atmosphere around seemed to shift slightly.
Arima cast a sidelong glance.
Aizen remained silent for a moment — then curved his lips in a serene smile.
"Caught me, huh? Well, in the 5th Division, I really don't have many friends. Working at the Academy has allowed me to meet interesting people… Hehe, it seems I still have much to learn about hiding emotions."
Even hiding feelings is a form of cultivation, after all.
Urahara didn't respond, only giving a gentle glance at the two before resuming the walk.
"This is the materials and gigai processing sector. Arima-kun, you've probably read about this in books — it's essential for missions in the Human World."
"And here… well, this is a broader research area, focused on the use and control of spiritual energy. We're still in the early stages, but results should appear over time."
"I imagine you understand, right, Arima-kun? Since everything shinigami do depends on reiryoku, any stable and reliable invention in this field can change not just the Seireitei… but the entire Soul Society."
While talking about it, Urahara's tone changed — his voice gaining genuine enthusiasm.
Arima, watching his back, couldn't help but think:
This guy really loves research.
Otherwise, his voice wouldn't sound so lively when speaking on the subject.
"Further ahead is the restricted area I mentioned before. I'm sorry, but it's still unstable, so it remains closed for now."
After over an hour of visiting, the three had explored practically the entire laboratory.
Without a doubt, it had been an enriching experience.
Many technologies that, in the original timeline, would already be complete and widely used were here still in embryonic stages — some didn't even exist conceptually.
It was impressive to see all of this from scratch.
"Now, Aizen and I need to discuss some private matters. Arima-kun, this young man will guide you through the rest of the facilities."
Beside Urahara was a young man with a somewhat "intimidating" appearance:
Short hair, narrow face, triangular eyes.
The gaze — half white, half dark — didn't match the word "friendly" at all.
Still, when he met Arima's eyes, he smiled politely.
"Hello, my name is Akon. I'm the deputy leader of one of the research teams."
Ah… so it's you.
In the original timeline, when Mayuri Kurotsuchi became captain of the 12th Division, Akon took over as Third Seat and deputy director of the Department.
Even in the Blood War arc, he appeared frequently — seemed young and carefree, but surprisingly mature.
But… where are his horns? They hadn't grown yet, a hundred years ago?
"Pleasure, I'm Arima Shinya."
After the introductions, Arima cast a sidelong glance to the other side — where Urahara and Aizen were already walking toward a side door.
So they really do have matters to discuss.
He had already expected this since the start of the visit.
Most likely, the matter was the Hōgyoku — the Sphere of Destruction.
After all, the opportunities to unite these two men were very few, and this was certainly one of them.
From what he remembered of the original timeline, Urahara's progress was slightly below Aizen's.
So, if he was correct…
The boss — that is, Aizen — had probably sought him out first, aiming to spark his interest and gain access to some facilities.
Captain Urahara… I'm sorry, but you're going to be used.
These thoughts swirled in his mind until, returning to reality, he heard Akon calling him with a friendly smile:
"Arima-kun, since you came to visit the Department, how about lunch in the cafeteria? We have unique dishes — specialties you won't find anywhere else."
If it were a hundred years later, I'd never accept that so easily.
Who knows what Mayuri would have turned this place into by then…
But now, under Urahara's command, it still seemed safe enough.
I think.
Arima was about to accept the invitation when he noticed Aizen suddenly stop.
The man turned, his gaze hidden behind the lenses falling on him.
Then asked calmly:
"Shinya-kun… aren't you curious about what I'm going to see next?"
"…"
Huh?
He didn't expect Aizen himself to bring up the subject.
And it wasn't just him — even Urahara seemed surprised.
"Fourth Seat Aizen…"
The captain's tone showed genuine confusion.
And what about Arima's response…?
Ugh… how nerve-wracking!
Of course saying "I'm not curious" would be a lie.
After all, it was almost certain that Aizen was going to observe something related to the Hōgyoku, and even without fully understanding, seeing the process would be invaluable.
But, at the same time, he understood the risks perfectly.
At his current level, there was no way to get close to something so dangerous.
Thinking that, Arima just smiled and waved his hand.
"Sounds important… so I think I'll pass this time."
"I understand."
Aizen let out a light sigh, expressionless, and simply turned his back.
He and Urahara moved ahead, disappearing quickly around the corridor's curve.
Only Akon — with a slightly embarrassed smile — and Arima Shinya, somewhat uneasy, remained.
So… why did sensei ask me that question, after all…?