Kurotsuki drew in a slow breath, eyes fixed on the dark night sky.
"No… that's exactly why I want to spend more time meditating. I need tighter control over my reiatsu."
Ukitake gave a small, knowing nod. "That's wise. Actually, there's something I've been meaning to talk to you about. You've been here five years now, and your progress has been nothing short of remarkable. In fact, I struck a deal with Captain-Commander Yamamoto himself. He sees what I see — the sheer volume of reiryoku you possess is staggering. If you learn to channel it properly, you could very well rise to captain one day."
Kurotsuki's brow arched, but he stayed quiet.
"The arrangement was simple," Jushiro continued. "You'd remain here, under my eye, for a maximum of ten years. After that, you'd have to enter the Academy like everyone else, and only then could you formally join the Gotei 13. Most students graduate in about six years, but… that depends on the person. Kaien finished in two. Ichimaru and Hitsugaya in just one. Personally, I think you could manage the same if you wanted, but there's no need to rush." His smile softened. "So. What do you say? Interested in joining sooner, or would you rather wait out the full ten?"
Kurotsuki tilted his head back, still watching the stars. His answer didn't come quickly.
"The Academy, huh…" He thought aloud.
"I've spent five years sharpening my reiatsu control, and just tested my shunpo against Toshiro. I'm keeping up fine. I've built a solid base in kido, thanks to Rukia and you. Hakuda here isn't so different from the 'kill-them-quickly' style my grandfather taught me. Add reiatsu and flash step, and it translates well enough. Same with zanjutsu. I had plenty of weapons training in life, so swordplay feels natural."
His lips curved faintly. "And I've already chewed through all 1,500 books in the Thirteenth's library. Two hours every night, five years straight. Assassin training helps — 500 words a minute, near-total recall. So I've got at least a basic grasp of Soul Society's history and structure now. Sure, I could wait another five years… but enrolling now means getting paid. Missions. Actual work. That's tempting."
Ukitake studied him quietly.
Guilt tugged at the captain's chest — perhaps he should have told Kurotsuki about the deal with Yamamoto earlier.
Perhaps the boy was upset, and simply hiding it.
But when Kurotsuki finally turned and grinned, all worry melted.
"Alright, Captain. Let's do it. Better to graduate sooner than later. And yes — I'll take the paycheck too."
Jushiro chuckled softly, shaking his head. Of course. It's Kurotsuki. What could possibly worry him? …Though, something tells me the other students won't quite know what to make of him. He's… unique, to say the least.
..
The next morning Kurotsuki rose at five as usual, stretched, and drilled shunpo for four hours straight.
Ukitake had told him the Academy term wouldn't begin until next week, which left him free time to prepare.
Instead of the usual zanjutsu and hakuda routine, he decided to make a rare trip to the Seireitei public library.
He was just about to leave when—
"Kurotsuki!"
He turned. "Hm? Rukia-senpai? What's up?"
"I heard you were heading to the library."
"…Yeah?"
"Mind if I join? I wanted to pick up a few books."
The redhead shrugged. "Two's company."
They walked in silence for a stretch, until Rukia finally blurted, "Um… is it true you beat Toshiro in tag yesterday?"
"Yeah. Happened."
"R-really?! Already? His shunpo is practically captain-class…"
Kurotsuki smirked. "Why, senpai… don't tell me you want to play tag too."
"Eh?! N-no! Thank you!"
"Too bad," he sighed, bored expression sliding back into place.
"…Wait." Rukia frowned. Did he actually want me to say yes? …I wouldn't have minded, honestly.
Before she could process it further, the library doors swung open in front of them. They both had to stop short as a tall figure stepped out.
"Ah. Forgive me, I didn't mean to bump into you."
Rukia immediately bowed her head. "It's alright, Captain Aizen. We'll be more careful."
The man smiled disarmingly. "No need to be so formal. You're Kuchiki Rukia, Byakuya's younger sister, correct? And this young man… must be Chigetsu Kurotsuki?"
Kurotsuki gave a lazy nod. "That's me."
A sharp pinch jabbed his side. "Ow—"
"Kurotsuki, mind your manners! This is Captain Aizen."
The boy let out an exaggeratedly cheerful voice. "Yes! That's me!"
Another pinch. "Ouch!"
Sousuke laughed quietly, amused at their back-and-forth.
After a few pleasantries, he excused himself, though not before casting one last curious glance at their retreating figures.
'Chigetsu Kurotsuki… intriguing. He masks himself well. Avoiding me deliberately, perhaps? Or is that simply his nature? And Rukia Kuchiki… she's developing nicely.'
The moment Aizen was gone, Kurotsuki's thoughts turned sharp.
'Tch. That bastard… he was analyzing me the whole time. Manipulators can sniff each other out, and I can't afford to clash with him yet. It was too dangerous.'
Kyōka Suigetsu.
Complete hypnosis.
Most of Seireitei is already dancing in his web, whether they know it or not. Even if I screamed the truth at the top of my lungs, no one would believe me.
Or worse—they'd be silenced.
If Aizen caught even a whiff that I was spreading rumors? He'd either cut me down where I stood… or turn me into some twisted experiment.
No.
Best to stay quiet.
For now.
"Hey."
A light thunk snapped him out of it. Something tapped his forehead. Kurotsuki blinked—Rukia stood there, holding a book like a weapon.
"Ow," he muttered, rubbing the spot.
"Show some emotion, will you?" she scolded, brows furrowed.
'You don't get it, Rukia. That man's been watching me for a long time. He already knows more about me than anyone should. If I play the obedient little recruit, it only makes him more suspicious.'
Before he could think twice, Kurotsuki suddenly pinned her lightly against the wall, eyes gleaming with mischief.
"You want emotion? How about this—?"
Rukia didn't flinch. She simply bit down on his hand. Hard. Then pulled back with a smirk. "Behave yourself."
Kurotsuki blinked at her nerve. Then he grinned, lips curling. "Yes, ma'am."
Her eyes narrowed dangerously. Without hesitation, she smacked him across the head—harder this time.
"Ow! Damn it, that hurts."
"Really?" she shot back, unimpressed. "Your face doesn't look like it. Maybe I should hit you harder, just to be sure."
Kurotsuki straightened suddenly, snapping into a perfect salute. His tone was dead serious.
"Captain Aizen, you've returned."
Rukia froze, blood draining from her face as she spun around in horror. "Wha—?!"
By the time she realized it was a bluff, Kurotsuki was already doubled over, clutching his stomach, laughing so hard he could barely breathe.