Quick! Everyone, gather at the training field! A high-ranking officer from the Gotei 13 will be arriving soon! The graduation exam will be held in the World of the Living—you'll be hunting Hollows. For all of you who want to graduate smoothly and become Shinigami, this is your chance to prove yourselves!
A loud, boisterous student ran down the dormitory hall, shouting at the top of his lungs. Without checking if anyone was actually listening, he immediately turned to dash toward the next dorm to repeat the announcement.
Rolling over lazily in his bed, Aoyama yawned as he glanced outside at the students rushing in panic. "Another world, huh? Shame it's still not my home… I wonder when I'll finally get back and just relax with a good game of LoL."
In the world of Bleach, students of Shin'ō Academy needed to pass an exam to graduate and be admitted into the Gotei 13. They had to earn the instructors' approval and receive their graduation certification.
Of course, exceptions happened. When the Seireitei mobilized for a campaign against Hueco Mundo, captains and vice-captains of the Gotei 13 would sometimes arrive at the Academy early to recruit talented individuals.
After all, each world produced its share of prodigies—people whose brilliance shone far above their peers, naturally drawing the eye of those seeking talent.
Resigned, Aoyama rose and followed his classmates toward the massive training field, as large as a sports arena, where they were to await the arrival of the Gotei 13 officers.
On the way, a refined-looking man with square-rimmed glasses walked ahead, smiling gently as he listened to a young girl's chatter behind him. "I understand. Don't worry, nothing will go wrong. As my lieutenant, you should have more faith in me."
With a bright smile, Hinamori Momo replied cheerfully, "Mm, I've always trusted you, Captain Aizen."
To everyone's surprise, it was none other than Aizen Sōsuke, the gentle and respected captain of the Fifth Division, who had come to Shin'ō Academy.
As Aizen entered the field in his captain's haori, radiating warmth with his kind smile, Aoyama involuntarily shivered. His eyes narrowed in shock at the man before him.
Around him, the other students were buzzing.
"Oh my god… am I seeing things? It's really Captain Aizen of the Fifth Division! Then again, it makes sense—he even taught us calligraphy once. It's not strange he'd come here in person."
"Exactly! Captain Aizen is so talented and gentle. I wish I could join his division."
"Shut up, Sanrō. With your skills, you're not even guaranteed to graduate. If you don't pass, the best you can hope for is becoming some noble's guard."
"Bah! Don't underestimate me. I'll join the Fifth Division no matter what! There's no way I'll fail a simple exam. And I'd never waste my life being a noble's guard—that's the last resort of losers with no future."
Still wondering why fate had led him to cross paths with Aizen so early, Aoyama's thoughts were interrupted by Aizen's calm, gentle voice. Startled, he looked up immediately.
"You there—Aoyama, correct? Impressive work. Your scores in zanjutsu, hakuda, kidō, and shunpo are all excellent. Would you be willing to serve as squad leader for this examination? I only need you to handle a few small matters for me. It won't be troublesome."
Aizen's voice was warm, like that of a kind older brother, designed to inspire trust. But anyone who knew his true nature would never be fooled into thinking he was a good man.
Beside him, Hinamori gave Aoyama a quick look, urging him to agree.
But after a brief pause, Aoyama shook his head firmly. "I'm sorry, Captain Aizen. I'm not strong like you, and I don't think I'm qualified to lead. Someone more capable would be better suited—there's a student in our year who's truly outstanding. He'd be a better choice to ease your burden."
…He refused.
A student who hadn't even graduated yet had declined Aizen's request.
Were it not for the fact that Aoyama's spiritual pressure seemed unremarkable, Aizen might have suspected he knew something he shouldn't.
Glancing down at the roster, Aizen's smile didn't waver. "I appreciate your honesty, Aoyama. I had actually hoped to ask the top-ranked student myself, but he's already been claimed by the Eleventh Division."
His gentle tone continued without a crack. "So you really are the only one who can serve as squad leader this time. Don't worry, it won't be burdensome at all—just guiding your peers."
Whispers erupted around the students.
"No way… Did I just hear that right? Aoyama actually refused Captain Aizen's invitation? What an arrogant bastard!"
"Shh! Keep your voice down. Do you want Aoyama to beat you up? Remember the last assessment? His scores were higher than all of ours. If he sets his sights on you, don't count on me to back you up."
"Damn it! Some friend you are—you'd abandon me just like that? Fine, I don't need you anymore!"
Aoyama grinned faintly at Aizen, noticing out of the corner of his eye that his Book of Monsters was still accessible. This time, he didn't refuse. Instead, he nodded.
"In that case, I'll accept. I'll do my best to help Captain Aizen. If I fall short, I'll ask for your understanding."
Aizen chuckled softly. "There's no need to worry. You're an outstanding young man. With talent like yours, you'll rise quickly—likely becoming a seated officer right after graduation. I simply hoped to form a good relationship early, in the hopes you might someday join my Fifth Division."
"You flatter me, Captain," Aoyama replied, feigning humility. "I still have much to improve. But since I've accepted your order, I'll fulfill it seriously."
"A promising youth with the right attitude," Aizen said warmly. "Do your best—I expect great things."
Aoyama wore a simple kimono, his zanpakutō an ordinary, unremarkable blade at his hip. He looked like any other faceless student. Yet the moment Aizen and Hinamori walked away, his expression darkened. He spun toward the students behind him and barked:
"Everyone, shut the hell up! Hollow hunts are deadly—don't think you're safe just because you're taking a graduation exam. Pay attention, and stick with the group if you don't want to die. Otherwise, if you're killed, you'll have no one to blame but yourselves!"
After the outburst, he ignored their reactions and strode after Aizen, humming faintly.
The world of Bleach.
The Seireitei.
The Gotei 13.
If he now stood among the "side of justice"… perhaps it was time to play a much bigger game.
Would he use the name of justice to wipe out all evil?
Or plunge headfirst into darkness—claiming Hueco Mundo for himself, and ascending as the ruler of Las Noches?