"Are you serious, idiot? What's wrong with Aizen?"
"He's doing great! Other Shinigami hide their Zanpakutō abilities like treasure, but this freshmanAizenhe didn't hesitate to openly demonstrate his Shikai just to help his classmates understand sword Zen. That's rare, and honestly, admirable."
Sarugaki Hiyori scoffed loudly, arms crossed, glaring at her captain.
She wasn't buying Hirako Shinji's suspicion for a second.
Despite only enrolling recently, the Ran En brothers had already become widely known throughout the Gotei 13. From division captains to vice-captains, nearly everyone had heard of their feats.
Shinji didn't flinch.
"If it were just about helping his classmates, I'd agree with you. Hell, I'd probably praise him myself."
"But now? He didn't just show his Shikai to a few classmateshe showed it to everyone in the entire Spiritual Arts Academy."
"That's not normal. That's not generous. That's calculated."
He shook his head slowly, the shadows under his eyes deepening.
"There's something wrong with that guy. Something very wrong."
Hiyori rolled her eyes.
"You call that dangerous? You're just being paranoid."
"Honestly, I don't think you're all that trustworthy, dumbass."
"Ugh. I should've picked a different captain," she muttered.
"And I should've picked a vice-captain who wasn't such a muscle-brained loudmouth. But here we are."
Shinji sighed, then picked up Aizen's personnel file from his desk and flicked it toward her.
"Just look at this. Pay attention to the place of birth."
"Birthplace?" Hiyori caught the document, skimming it aloud.
"Rukongai... North 80th District?"
"Yeah. That place."
Shinji raised a brow.
"You know as well as I doit's one of the four most lawless, chaotic districts in the whole Soul Society."
"You expect me to believe a guy born there just happens to be this polite, generous, soft-spoken saint?"
He leaned back, folding his arms.
"I've seen enough wolves in sheep's clothing to know one when I see it."
"You do realize Ran En is his brother, right? That guy could go toe-to-toe with captains already."
"He probably just protected Aizen really well growing up. That's why he's different."
"Out of the mud, but not stained," she added firmly.
"Not everyone from Rukongai is a criminal."
Shinji snorted.
"You just don't get it. You're looking at the mask, not the man behind it."
"But that's fine. You're not the only one."
"That's exactly what's dangerous about Aizenno one ever suspects him."
As Hiyori continued to dismiss his worries, Shinji grew increasingly disturbed.
Everyone trusted Aizen. Admired him. Defended him.
That was exactly the kind of man who could manipulate the world without ever raising suspicion.
Just the thought made Shinji's skin crawl.
He looked back down at Aizen's profile picturegentle eyes behind round glasses, calm expression, warm smile.
But Shinji?
All he saw was cold calculation.
He stared at the page for a long moment, then stood up abruptly, brushing off his haori.
"Oi, where are you going?"
Hiyori blinked.
"To meet him, of course," Shinji replied with a slow, deliberate grin.
"Let's go say hello to the ever-pure Aizen Sōsuke."
Meanwhile Maou Kendo Hall
Fifteen minutes before class began, Ran En and Aizen walked side by side through the main entrance.
Thanks to yesterday's lesson with Shiba Isshin, nearly everyone had improved in one way or another.
Groups of students were already waiting inside, murmuring quietly.
When Ran En and Aizen entered, they were greeted immediatelyby everyone.
"Ran En."
"Aizen."
Tousen Kaname and Tenbei Xiusuke greeted them with respectful nods, followed by Shihouin Yoruichi, Urahara Kisuke, and even the nobles in the class.
Ran En was known as the strongest first-yearoverwhelming even the noble elite with raw power and talent.
But Aizen had won everyone's respect with humility, integrity, and his willingness to reveal his Shikai for their benefit.
Especially Tousen and Tenbei.
After hearing Aizen liked tofu, they had prepared breakfast especially for him.
"Thanks," Aizen said with a kind smile, gratefully accepting the meals with both hands.
Then, turning to Ran En
"Here. This one's for you."
But before Aizen could offer the second bento, a slender, chocolate-toned hand extended one instead.
A perfectly wrapped bento box was held out toward Ran En.
"...I get one too?"
Ran En blinked.
He was used to Aizen getting gifts. Even earlier on their way here, students had stopped them with breakfast for Aizen.
But he?
Hadn't expected anything. Let alone something from
"Ran En, you better savor every bite."
A teasing voice rang out.
"This came from our Lady Shihouin herselfshe spent all night preparing it for you."
It was Shiba Kūkaku, smirking as she folded her arms.
Yoruichi's face flushed slightly.
"I-it's just a whim. I cooked too much, and didn't want it to go to waste."
"Too much spiritual energy in Soul Society food to just throw it out, you know?"
"So I thought I'd share."
Despite her confident exterior, Yoruichi at this age was still a young noblenot yet the brazen woman who'd later transform freely between cat and human form.
Right now, her noble upbringing still showed.
She tugged at her sleeves and looked away, embarrassed under Shiba's grin and Ran En's calm gaze.