[Location: Seireitei – 5th Division Lieutenant's Office]
The faint rustle of paper was the only sound in the sparsely lit room.
A man sat behind a low desk, dark brown hair, sharp jawline and handsome face, the lieutenant badge fitted gently on his right arm, sleeves neatly rolled, a fountain pen poised between his fingers, as he adjusted his glasses. Neat stacks of paperwork flanked him, yet he moved with a fluid calmness, as if burden carried no weight in his hands.
A kettle clicked quietly in the corner, steam drifting upward, coiling like a ghost.
The door slid open with barely a sound.
"Knock knock~"
The voice was light, almost sing-song. Footsteps followed, measured and soft, yet distinctly audible on the wooden floor.
Another stepped in. A youth, short silver white hair, a fox-like grin plastered across his face as always, though his eyes, narrowed to slits—betrayed little. He raised a hand lazily.
"Hope I ain't interruptin', Lieutenant.."
The bespectacled man didn't look up immediately. He finished signing a form with a graceful flourish, then set the pen down with precision.
"Not at all, Gin," he said with his usual warm cadence. "In fact, I was expecting you."
Gin chuckled softly and strode forward, his white haori fluttering faintly behind him as he approached the desk. "Well now, you really do see everything, don'tcha?" He tilted his head, the grin never leaving his lips. "Though I imagine ya already know what I'm here to say…"
He adjusted his glasses, finally meeting Gin's gaze, or what little he could see of it. "The experiment failed."
"Mhm. Dead Hollows. District 50's cleanup was a li'l too efficient this time." Gin leaned casually against a nearby beam, arms folded loosely. "Soi Fon, Hiyori, and dear Miss Rangiku showed up 'bout five minutes after the anomaly peaked. Snuffed 'em like a bad candle."
The bespectacled lieutenant remained unfazed. "I see."
"They didn't suspect anything, just a rogue Hollow incident. Although…" Gin's grin widened slightly, "Rangiku did spot a certain blonde boy with a sharp stare and a vanishing act. The others didn't, but she's not one to jive. Not ours, was he?"
His eyes narrowed slightly behind his glasses, the only hint of intrigue. "A variable. Not part of the experiment."
"That so?" Gin mused, tapping a finger against his chin. "Then we've got a surprise guest on the board. Wonder if he'll become a thorn… or just another pawn."
The man returned to his paperwork with a faint smile. "Even pawns can be useful, if you know where to move them."
Gin's grin twitched, as if amused by some private joke. "So… no damage to the plan then?"
"None." Aizen's tone was steady, serene. "This was only one small piece. The failure tells us what we need to refine. The Hollows responded to the reiatsu trigger, but their control degraded too quickly. We'll need to push the boundaries further."
He stood, walking slowly to the window. Outside, the white towers of Seireitei gleamed under the sun, pristine and peaceful. A deceptive picture.
"It's all moving," Aizen continued, voice low but resolute. "Every move, every encounter. This world still believes it operates on law and loyalty. But like any delicate structure… it only takes one hairline crack."
Gin joined him at the window, hands tucked into his sleeves.
"A crack big enough for us to slip through, huh?"
The man nodded, a glint of quiet satisfaction in his gaze. "Precisely. For now, we remain where we are. Watch. Wait. Let them believe they're in control."
"And the Lieutenants?" Gin asked, almost idly.
"They'll play their part. Every last one of them. Some will break, others will bend. And some… will follow."
The kettle clicked again in the background. The man turned, his presence commanding without force.
"Would you like some tea, Gin?" Gin's smile never wavered.
"If ya don't mind, Lieutenant" I do enjoy a good cup before things get messy."
---
A week later..
Seated cross legged underneath a tree in his courtyard, Minato's eyes were closed in deep meditation, blade resting on his laps. In the middle of the courtyard, a young boy was busily swinging a wooden sword, practicing shifting forms and techniques. After what felt like the 100th strike, the boy collapsed to his knees, covered in sweat. His palms were callused, and bled, but even while on the ground, trying to catch his breath, he never let go of his blade..
Minato brought his meditation to an end with a disappointed sigh. The wound on his back was fully healed now thanks to the old man. 'Why do you refuse to heed to me?' He thought as he glanced at the blade on his laps. The remaining days following the battle with the Hollows had been peaceful. Recovery or Training. He had spent all his time doing either.
He was slowly getting used to this new life, helping the old man when he was needed and relaxing in the few breaks that he timed for himself. Nothing too stressful. Of course, he was still on course, figuring out how to use the not too complex Jutsus with Reiatsu to enhance his repertoire. His only regret was his Flying Thunder God Jutsu and various Fuinjutsu which he seemed to have no way to access.
Aside that and the fact that the blade was still refusing to open up to him and accept him, he was steadily progressing. Not as fast as he would want, but progress was still progress nonetheless.
He turned his head towards the young boy who was down, heaving his lungs out. "You did well today, Genma. At least you made it pass one hundred strokes without dying.." Minato rested his cheek on his palm, a large proud smile adorning his face as he stared at the young boy who slowly rose to face him.
"You said if I can swing my sword one hundred times, you'll teach me. Please..." The young boy, Genma was a 10 year old with short brown hair and deep hazel eyes. Dropping his blade, he knelt down, as if scared that Minato would go back on his word.
"I did say that, Genma. And I intend to honor my word." Minato himself stood up, dusting his pants and walking to the boy. "Now, I made you swing your sword a hundred times, not because it would add any increase to your strength, but because, I want you to remember the pain, Genma, the burning sensation in your muscles, and the breathlessness of your lungs. let it fuel your quest for strength. Let it remind you of the reason you chose this path..."
Minato's eyes turned serious. He walked to the young boy and took out a wrapped present from the small backpack strapped to his back. Upon unwrapping, he took out a forehead protector, one that looked just like his and a custom made three pronged kunai.
"I wear this forehead protector as a reminder of my duty, as a Shinobi, and the will of Fire which I now impart to you Genma.." Minato wrapped the protector around the boy's forehead and handed the kunai over to him. "Use it protect yourself and the people that you want to protect."
"Thank you, Sensei.." He kowtowed, head touching the ground. "Heh, it's alright. You won't be thanking me after I drill you today.. Pick up your sword.."
Minato took a few steps back and took out a normal kunai. The old man had forged for him, his own supply of ninja tools as thanks for saving his life.
"There are no techniques for battle. Experience is greatest teacher. You learn as you fight.." The kid had yet to even get into a proper stance when Minato shushined beside him and slashed out, the kunai only stopping an inch from his left eye. "Don't think your enemies would give you a chance to get into a stance, Genma...Be prepared." Minato took a step backwards, allowing the kid to take a breather and regroup himself.
And then
CLANG!
The two blades clashed, resounding sparks flying across from the courtyard.
A/N: Donations are good, I really appreciate them. But lemme know what you guys think in the comments. If you want me to know you feel about the book, drop a review. I won't bite.