Removing his glasses, the Fifth Division's lieutenant, Aizen Sōsuke, took a soft cloth and began meticulously wiping the lenses.
The atmosphere carried an inexplicable lightness, though Seiya Arima, the one who prompted it, found himself unable to laugh.
Was my comment really that amusing?
He could only conclude that sophisticated individuals had a completely different sense of humor from ordinary folk.
Returning the teacup to its saucer, Seiya parted his lips slightly, his expression shifting into a pensive look.
"You seem like you have something to say, Seiya-kun."
Aizen's perceptiveness was razor-sharp. Seiya had only hesitated momentarily, and the lieutenant had already picked up on it.
"I'm debating… whether I should bring it up."
Setting the cloth on the edge of the desk, Aizen calmly placed his glasses back on his nose. His demeanor remained tranquil and composed.
"Thoughts rarely form fully realized on their own, Seiya-kun. If you're struggling with something, that's all the more reason to share it."
"As your mentor, I'd be happy to provide guidance."
Seiya's gaze fell to the tea in front of him. He took a deep breath and spoke in a low voice.
"If we keep following this path… won't we eventually come into direct conflict with the Captain-Commander?"
Aizen was silent for a moment before responding conservatively.
"That's a possibility I can't rule out. The likelihood… isn't insignificant."
The reply was cautious, even understated. But the reality was clear.
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni was the head of the Gotei 13 and the most formidable opponent standing in their way. The two sides were irreconcilable by nature.
Seiya understood this truth all too well. Hearing Aizen's reply, he gave a faint smile.
"You're considerate of my feelings, Aizen-sensei."
There was no need for subtleties—the blunt truth would have sufficed. Yet Aizen had chosen a roundabout way to soften the blow.
Aizen chuckled softly, his usual calm smile in place.
"Even a fleeting fantasy has its place, Seiya-kun. I just don't want you to abandon your idealism so readily."
How gentle of him.
Seiya leaned back slightly, smirking.
"You're as eloquent as ever, Aizen-sensei."
"With practice, Seiya-kun, you can achieve the same."
"Haha, I'll pass."
Seiya waved off the idea. He knew he lacked the knack for elegant diplomacy. His strength lay in his directness.
He leaned forward, his gaze resolute.
"Aizen-sensei… I have an unreasonable request."
Aizen rested his right hand on the desk, propping his chin on his palm. His interest was piqued.
"Go ahead."
"If we do face off against the Captain-Commander in the future, I have a request."
Seiya's voice was steady, yet his words carried immense weight.
"Leave Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni to me."
The room fell silent.
Even Aizen, known for his unshakable composure, seemed momentarily taken aback by the audacity of Seiya's statement.
Yamamoto Genryūsai.
Even Aizen, with all his cunning and power, viewed the Captain-Commander as an unparalleled threat. Yamamoto was the most powerful Shinigami in history, a figure of unmatched might who had led the Gotei 13 for over a millennium.
For someone like Seiya—young, unseasoned, and without a completed bankai—to take on such a challenge?
The notion seemed absurd.
Anyone else making such a claim would have been dismissed outright. But coming from Seiya, Aizen paused to consider.
This wasn't arrogance. Seiya had always been level-headed. His boldness had a purpose.
"Seiya-kun," Aizen finally spoke, his tone curious. "Can you explain why?"
Seiya took a deep breath, his expression firm.
"There's no grand reason. It's just something I have to do."
The answer was vague, yet the conviction behind it was clear.
Yamamoto's unyielding nature made compromise impossible. He was a man of singular resolve, one who would willingly sacrifice himself for his ideals.
In a future left unchanged, Seiya knew Yamamoto would likely meet a tragic end—crippled, humiliated, and ultimately slain.
He also knew what would follow.
Aizen, his mentor, would be imprisoned. Condemned to millennia of solitude, a slow descent into despair and irrelevance.
It didn't have to be this way.
Seiya clenched his fists.
I'll change everything.
"It might sound foolish now," he admitted. "But I'll become strong enough to face Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni."
"Strong enough to stand beside you, Aizen-sensei. To ascend beyond the limits placed on us."
"And to uncover the truth behind everything… and make things right."
Seiya's determination burned brightly. Aizen, seeing the unshakable resolve in his student's eyes, exhaled a long, deliberate sigh.
For once, his usual composure seemed to falter.
"Seiya-kun, your words stir conflicting emotions in me."
He leaned back, his expression tinged with melancholy.
"I'm proud that you've found your path and your conviction."
"But at the same time, I worry for you. The road ahead will be treacherous."
He paused, giving Seiya a long, searching look.
"This choice… are you prepared for the hardships it will bring?"
Seiya grinned, the picture of confidence.
"I can handle it."
Aizen smiled faintly, his demeanor softening.
"Very well, Seiya-kun. Do as you see fit."
The fledgling must one day leave the nest.
Aizen watched his student with a rare sense of admiration.
"I will support your decisions unconditionally, Seiya-kun," he said at last.
Seiya nodded, his resolve unwavering.
This was only the beginning.
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