Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy.
Today was the first day of school. After completing the enrollment process and attending the opening ceremony in the afternoon, there remained a period akin to evening self-study before curfew, which would normally include a brief lesson.
However, today was special, so this time slot was replaced by a small internal class lecture.
Class 1-5.
As a new student, Arima Seiya currently wore a rather tense expression.
This marked his twenty-fifth year since crossing over to this world and his first step away from eking out a living in Rukongai's Zaraki District.
It was only natural to be nervous on his first day at the academy.
But what made Arima so nervous that he felt his body clenching was the man standing at the podium.
His short, slightly wavy hair had a gentle curve, reminiscent of lotus petals unfurling after the rain.
Behind rectangular glasses, his brown eyes shone faintly, curving slightly as if apologetic.
On the surface, he appeared to be a soft-spoken man. If judged by his build, he even seemed somewhat frail.
But that face, paired with his distinct voice, was far too recognizable.
"Good evening, students. I am your instructor, responsible for your psychological health and academic progress."
"My name is Sōsuke Aizen."
"Starting today, I will be working with you all for the next six years. As your mentor, it is my honor, and I ask for your cooperation."
His gentle voice felt like a barrage of armor-piercing shells, blasting Arima Seiya's mind into a fragmented mess.
The Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy was an institution dedicated to training future members of the Kidō Corps, the Onmitsukidō, and the Gotei 13.
The curriculum spanned six years, though only the most exceptional students could graduate early.
Arima had merely wanted a steady living—so long as he didn't perform too poorly, employment was guaranteed.
This place offered secure jobs.
Arima was quite satisfied with his situation. After all, anything was better than struggling to survive as a street dweller. He didn't aim to become invincible or anything. That kind of ambition was beyond the realm of realistic expectations.
But who could have imagined this? On his very first day, he would encounter the ultimate boss.
Oh no, his past-life memories surged forth like a nightmare!
The man who defined Bleach.
One of Ichigo Kurosaki's three father figures.
The glasses-breaker, the king of smooth one-liners, and the man who could make prison attire look like haute couture.
This guy showing up here? How was he supposed to survive?
Suicide, perhaps?
Arima felt like his soul was about to float away. But then, Aizen's next words brought him back to reality.
"As you can see, I currently serve in the 5th Division of the Gotei 13, a specialized unit focused on rescue operations."
"The division's insignia depicts the silhouette of the Andromeda flower. Can anyone here interpret its symbolic meaning?"
A two-second silence followed. Evidently, there were no connoisseurs of refined symbolism present.
Aizen, however, didn't seem the least bit surprised. It was as if he had anticipated this outcome.
"Is it nervousness as new students? Haha, I hope you all adjust to this environment quickly. After all, the curriculum here at Shin'ō Academy is quite intense."
He adjusted his glasses slightly, the smile on his face unchanging.
"The Andromeda flower represents sacrifice, danger, purity, and sweet emotions. That is also my blessing to all of you."
"Indeed, learning is inherently arduous."
"Simultaneously, I hope you all grasp the essence of Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy. When you eventually become capable individuals, do not forget your responsibilities and duties."
The more Arima listened, the stranger his expression became.
Something felt off—very off.
While Aizen was undoubtedly a master of deception, his earnest tone as he said these words gave Arima a faint sense of genuine sincerity.
It was as if he truly believed in what he was saying.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. While Arima wasn't an expert at reading minds, was this guy always like this? It was way too convincing.
Or could this be part of Aizen's twisted sense of humor?
As Arima pondered, a girl in the front row nervously raised her hand, prompting Aizen to nod at her.
"Please, go ahead."
"Uh, um… Sensei Aizen, I've heard of you! You're one of the academy's top graduates, right? May I ask which seat you currently hold in the 5th Division?"
The seat-ranking system denoted positions of power and skill, just below the ranks of Captain and Vice-Captain.
Wearing a humble smile, Aizen's eyes curved into a gentle arc like crescent moons.
"I am unworthy of much praise. Currently, I merely serve as the Fourth Seat."
His words were modest, but the class erupted into murmurs.
"Huh?! So young… and already the Fourth Seat?"
"No, no, Sensei Aizen is so capable! Surely a position like Fourth Seat is just a stepping stone for him!"
The chatter continued unabated.
Aizen didn't seem inclined to interrupt, instead observing everything before him with a composed smile.
As a teacher, he lacked an aura of stern authority.
Yet at the same time, his ability to effortlessly build rapport with the students seemed almost like a natural gift.
The atmosphere in the classroom was lively.
Arima Seiya, at last, began to collect himself.
Upon reflection, according to the storyline, this man only began his schemes after becoming Vice-Captain, right?
Though Arima didn't recall Aizen's exact career trajectory, it seemed plausible he had indeed served as a teacher at the Shin'ō Academy for some time.
Even after becoming Captain, Aizen continued to host periodic calligraphy classes at the academy.
The seat-ranking information should be useful. Judging by this timeline, the major events of the story are likely at least a hundred years away… right?
Perhaps Aizen only started plotting after becoming Vice-Captain. For now, this version of him seemed… relatively normal.
So, does that mean there's still hope for me?
Arima's thoughts fluctuated, but Aizen's voice once again reached his ears.
"Arima-san, Arima-san?"
"…Ah? Ah, present!"
Arima instinctively stood up, realizing that over twenty classmates were now looking at him.
With a smile, Aizen nodded toward him.
"Arima-san, to foster harmony in the days to come, engaging in communication is a wonderful way to open hearts. Since we're all gathered here, why don't you introduce yourself briefly? It could be a valuable opportunity to connect, as we might work together in the future."
Holding a piece of paper in his hand, Aizen added softly, "You're first on the list, so you'll have just one minute. Please, introduce yourself."