"I didn't expect Captain Aizen to notice that," Shin said, surprised.
Aizen smiled gently. "Oh? Then was President Tachikawa intentionally hiding it?"
Shin shook his head. "I wouldn't call it hiding. It really is part of my Zanpakutō's ability. I've only recently awakened it, so I've been practicing how to use it properly. Also, I train a lot on my own, and this spirit particle veil helps prevent injury during training."
"I see." Aizen nodded. "Such diligence explains your excellence."
"There are many diligent people around me. I don't think I stand out much," Shin said humbly.
"You're too modest, President Tachikawa. I've heard your swordsmanship scores far exceed those of your peers. That level of skill can't come from talent alone. But for someone so gifted in Zanjutsu to possess a healing-type Zanpakutō… that's unexpected." Aizen's voice remained casual, like idle chatter between acquaintances, with no hint of a captain's authority—making it all too easy to lower one's guard.
"I was surprised too," Shin sighed. "I would've preferred a Zanpakutō with a more offensive ability."
"Tachikawa-kun, you're not being honest."
Aizen shook his head slowly. His smile took on a faint, unreadable edge, leaving Shin briefly at a loss.
"A Zanpakutō is a reflection of the soul. Its ability mirrors the user's inner self. If yours is a healing-type that can use Kaidō, it means that, deep down, you long for such power. It says a lot—you're someone who thinks of others."
"…"
Shin found himself unsure how to respond and instead stood quietly, expression unreadable.
Aizen then set down the file in his hands. "Why don't we visit Class A now? Their lesson should be starting, yes?"
Shin checked the schedule. "They have a Kidō class today—likely practicing Hōdō. We can observe. If Captain Aizen is willing, perhaps you could even offer a bit of guidance?"
Shin led Rukia and escorted Aizen and Gin to the open-air training ground for Class A's Kidō lesson.
The presence of the Fifth Division Captain and Vice-Captain caused a stir among the students.
The instructor immediately approached Aizen with haste.
"Captain Aizen, I wasn't expecting—"
"No need for formalities," Aizen said with warmth. "Please carry on with your lesson as usual. I'm just here to observe."
"Would you be willing to instruct the students, Captain?"
"If it's no trouble to you."
"Of course not."
Aizen stepped to the front of the class, greeting the students with a mild smile.
Shin and Rukia remained quietly at the classroom entrance. Rukia seemed to be gesturing discreetly to a student—Shin followed her gaze and saw a red-haired boy with a distinct hairstyle.
Renji Abarai.
Aizen began teaching theoretical aspects of Kidō, his explanations clear and engaging. The students listened with rapt attention—after all, it was a rare honor to be taught by a captain of the Gotei 13.
He even invited each student up to demonstrate their Kidō, pointing out their flaws and giving tailored advice.
Watching from the side, Shin couldn't help but marvel. Aizen is thorough to the point of admiration… Even Shiba Kaien, known for his approachability, was slightly outdone.
Then came a small hiccup.
When it was Renji's turn to cast Hōdō #31: Shakkahō, he made a critical mistake and nearly injured himself. Aizen subtly intervened, using his own reiatsu to absorb the explosion's backlash. He then patiently explained the principles behind Shakkahō and encouraged Renji to try again.
Renji stood frozen under the weight of every classmate's eyes. Even Rukia was watching. The pressure crushed him.
He inhaled sharply, raised an arm, and began chanting:
"O lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, fluttering wings, crowned with man's name! Heat and turmoil, seething across the seas, step forward—"
The incantation was flawless, but Shin, standing at the entrance, noticed the spiritual energy inside Renji beginning to flow incorrectly. He shifted back half a step.
"Hōdō #31: Shakkahō!"
Aizen noticed it too. Just as Renji's reiatsu surged outward, Aizen swiftly pressed a hand on his arm—quenching the unstable spiritual energy. Instead of flames, only a wisp of black smoke escaped his palm.
Renji: "…"
Aizen: "…"
Aizen looked at Renji, sighed softly. "Young man, I suggest you spend some time revisiting your Kidō theory after class."
Laughter erupted among the students.
Renji's face turned crimson. He didn't dare glance toward Rukia, only muttering a quiet, "Yes, sir," before retreating to his seat.
Shin, observing Aizen closely, gave a faint chuckle. Despite the glasses, he caught a glimmer in Aizen's eye—a flicker of quiet indifference, the look of someone who had already judged a person's limits.
"Renji really does work hard," Rukia said suddenly, voice tense.
Shin turned to glance at her. She thought he'd been laughing at Renji. He spoke up: "That wasn't what I was laughing at."
"Oh?" A voice joined in—Ichimaru Gin. His eyes were slitted shut as usual, smirking slightly. "Then who was President Tachikawa laughing at?"
"No one. Just remembering how awful I was at Kidō back when I started. I wasn't much better than that student."
"Really now?" Gin raised an eyebrow. "Hard to believe, if I'm honest."
He was sharp—he could sense that Shin wasn't just another average student. Gin knew the aura of talent all too well—when something came naturally, easily, like it was part of your bones.
"It's true," Shin said without flinching, then pivoted the topic. "Even if that student struggled with Kidō, his potential lies elsewhere. With the right guidance, I bet he'll shine in a different field."
[Rukia]Affinity: 31
Gin said nothing more.
Shin's smile deepened.
Aizen continued teaching with care, finishing the entire class. He earned the admiration of every student present. Many had expected Gotei 13 captains to be distant, unapproachable figures—but Aizen turned out to be personable and kind.
As the class ended, many students watched him leave with reluctance in their eyes.
"These kids really take me back," Aizen murmured as they stepped outside. "Reminds me of my own days at the Academy."
He turned to Shin again, smiling.
"It's been a long time since I've set foot in Shin'ō. Maybe I'll come more often—if the teachers and students don't mind, I wouldn't mind taking over a few lessons now and then."