As the first rays of morning sunlight stream through the window, Aizen opens his eyes.
Today is the day of the graduation exams for him, Satoru, and Seinosuke.
Though for him, something as trivial as a graduation exam is little more than child's play.
But since he's decided to participate, he should approach it seriously.
Unlike the carefree Satoru, he is a man who values ceremony.
Waking up early, grooming himself, and facing the new day in peak condition—just the thought of it is pleasant.
With this in mind, Aizen sits up and glances toward Satoru's bed.
At this sight, a question mark involuntarily pops up in his mind.
Satoru's bed is untouched—the blankets haven't been disturbed at all.
Did this guy not come back all night?
Aizen falls into contemplation.
He quickly recalls the last thing Satoru said to him the night before.
At the time, he had been sitting on his bed, mentally organizing the next steps of his experiment.
Many of the procedures revolved around his newly acquired test subject—Kenpachi Kiganjō.
Because there were so many new elements, the majority of his thoughts had been occupied with mental rehearsals.
Satoru had seemingly greeted him then.
"Sōsuke, I'm heading to the Shihōin house. If the teacher comes for bed check, cover for me, yeah?"
Aizen had been busy constructing a mental model of Kenpachi Kiganjō, even performing simulated surgeries on it.
Satoru's words went in one ear and out the other—he had simply nodded absentmindedly.
Looking back now, Aizen feels his blood pressure rising.
This guy Satoru went out to play all night on the eve of their graduation exams?
Though he's witnessed Satoru's unreliability time and again, today still manages to shatter his expectations anew.
And speaking of the Shihōin house...
After the prison incident, the Shihōin family and the rebel forces have been at odds.
That guy Satoru, if he's staying overnight at the Shihōin family's main residence, it wouldn't be a problem.
But if he and that unreliable family head sneak out to play in the middle of the night, it could be quite dangerous.
Right now, the waters of the Seireitei run deep and murky.
No one can guarantee how much hidden strength the rebels still have within the Seireitei.
At the very least, Aizen doesn't believe that the forces currently visible represent the full extent of the rebels' power.
Surely those two wouldn't be so reckless…
With a somewhat resigned mood, Aizen finished washing up, put on fresh clothes, and walked out of the Shin'ō Academy gates, heading toward the Seireitei.
Their graduation exam had been arranged in a training ground inside the Seireitei.
This struck Aizen as odd.
He had checked the records of previous students who graduated early—their exams had always been held within the academy.
This was the first time he had heard of a graduation exam being held inside the Seireitei.
It almost felt like some kind of scheme was hidden beneath this…
Arriving at the designated location, Aizen stepped into the training ground.
He had come early, so the area was still empty.
Just as he was about to find a spot to close his eyes and rest for a while, Aizen suddenly froze.
Wait… had he missed something just now?
He sharply turned his head and looked toward the center of the training ground.
At some point, a figure had silently appeared there.
A white haori, a smooth bald head, sage-like eyebrows and beard, and that iconic large cane…
Recognizing the figure, Aizen's heart sank.
Captain-Commander, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto!
Why would someone of his stature appear here?
Could it be… for him?
Countless thoughts flashed through Aizen's mind in an instant.
Just as he was rapidly calculating how to escape if a fight broke out, a voice suddenly reached his ears.
"You are Satoru's classmate, the one applying for graduation alongside him?"
Despite being hundreds of meters apart, Yamamoto's voice carried perfectly, as if he were standing right beside him.
Hearing Yamamoto's words, Aizen first bowed deeply in respect.
Then, he used Shunpo to appear before Yamamoto, adopting the demeanor of a slightly flustered young man.
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto! I never expected you to personally come here—I apologize for my lack of proper etiquette!"
Yamamoto shook his head slightly, indicating that he didn't mind.
He studied Aizen for a moment before speaking. "You are Sōsuke Aizen, applying for standard graduation."
Aizen was surprised.
He lowered his head. "Yes, Captain-Commander. It is an honor for you to know my name!"
Looking at the young man before him, Yamamoto raised an eyebrow slightly.
From Satoru's mouth, he had often heard the name Sōsuke Aizen.
According to Satoru, this classmate of his was exceptionally talented, sharp-witted, and far-sighted—destined to become a pillar of the Soul Society in the future.
Yamamoto had always taken this as mere boasting.
But now, upon meeting Aizen in person, Yamamoto was surprised to find that while Satoru might have exaggerated a little, the core of his claims wasn't far from the truth.
First, there was his Spiritual Pressure.
Though Aizen wasn't releasing his Reiatsu, making it difficult to gauge his true strength, Yamamoto could confidently say this young man was at least at the level of a high-ranking seated officer.
And from their brief exchange, it was clear that Aizen possessed a remarkably mature mindset, well-versed in social etiquette.
Such talent truly lived up to Satoru's words—he would undoubtedly become a pillar of the Soul Society in time.
At this thought, Yamamoto's mood brightened considerably.
The more outstanding the younger generation becomes, the more hope this old man has of retiring early.
In good spirits, he casually asked, "Isn't Satoru with you?"
After half a second of thought, Aizen truthfully reported:
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto, Satoru went to the Shihōin residence as a guest last night and hadn't returned by the time I left the academy."
Satoru was Yamamoto's student, and judging by his usual comments about Yamamoto, their relationship was quite good.
By informing Yamamoto of this, Satoru likely wouldn't face any punishment.
And if something had actually happened, Yamamoto would be promptly informed and could take action.
Hearing Aizen's words, Yamamoto's heart skipped a beat.
Satoru went to visit Yoruichi Shihōin and didn't return all night?
His expression darkened as he tapped his cane.
Seconds later, a figure appeared beside him in a flash, kneeling on one knee.
Yamamoto asked, "From last night until now, has there been any unusual activity at the Shihōin residence or the 2nd Division barracks?"
The messenger covered his ear and whispered something.
After a brief pause, he shook his head:
"Report—no abnormalities detected!"
"Hmm..."
Yamamoto nodded, slightly relieved.
Then, a terrible thought occurred to him.
Though unlikely, could Satoru and Yoruichi Shihōin have done something improper during the night...?
To make a move on the head of the Shihōin family without any marital ties or even an engagement—if this were exposed, the repercussions would be severe.
Many nobles would likely erupt in fury, accusing Satoru of violating Soul Society's traditions.
After some contemplation, Yamamoto glanced at Aizen.
From Satoru's usual remarks, these two shared a close bond, and Satoru trusted him deeply.
Coupled with Aizen's composed and respectful demeanor earlier, he exuded a sense of reliability.
Clearing his throat lightly, Yamamoto spoke:
"Sōsuke Aizen, take my orders and go to the Shihōin residence. Bring Satoru back here."
"Remember—if you encounter any situation beyond your control, do nothing. Just bring that boy back immediately!"
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