"Miyako Amemiya, Captain Ukitake seems to be looking for you," Sentaro Kotsubaki came up to Miyako Amemiya and told him.
"Captain? Is it about the assignment to the Human World? I saw some of the seniors in the division returning to Soul Society," Miyako Amemiya asked, puzzled.
"Probably, I'm not too sure either," Sentaro Kotsubaki said, spreading his hands.
"Thank you for telling me, senpai. I'll go over now."
Miyako Amemiya set off for the Captain's office. Recently, the previous batch of Shinigami assigned to the Human World had returned. Miyako Amemiya believed that it was highly likely he would be assigned to the Human World, as he had frequently asked Captain Ukitake and other seniors about this matter during this time.
Arriving at the Captain's office door, Miyako Amemiya knocked.
"Captain, it's me. I heard you were looking for me."
"Ah, Miyako Amemiya? Please come in quickly."
Opening the door, Ukitake was seated behind his desk, while Kiyone Kotetsu stood nearby with a stack of documents, helping Ukitake with his work.
"Captain, is it about the Human World mission?" Miyako Amemiya asked.
"Oh, that matter. It is indeed somewhat related to why I called you," Ukitake said with a smile.
Related? Miyako Amemiya was puzzled.
"Actually, recently, the Head of the True Spiritual Arts Academy specifically came to see me, hoping you could attend the new Sixth Year graduation ceremony," Ukitake said with a smile. "Actually, I happened to mention you during a casual conversation with other Captains. You were indeed among the candidates for the Human World assignment, so when someone asked, I couldn't help but bring you up."
"A conversation with a Captain?" Miyako Amemiya's internal alarm bells immediately went off.
"Yes, when I went to Seireitei for some business, I happened to meet Captain Aizen of the Fifth Division," Ukitake said. "Captain Aizen is a very kind person. During our conversation, I mentioned you, as a genius who graduated early and became an Upper Seat shortly after joining the division. Captain Aizen seemed very interested in you as well."
"Ah, speaking of which, you should know this too. Captain Aizen is a special calligraphy lecturer at the True Spiritual Arts Academy and has a very good relationship with the Head. Every year's graduation ceremony invites some outstanding graduates to attend. Captain Aizen seemed to have been asked by the Head to do this, and he recommended you. So, the Head asked me to invite you to attend this year's Sixth Year graduation ceremony."
"Is that so? I understand. I will go. As a graduate of the True Spiritual Arts Academy, it's a great honor," Miyako Amemiya replied calmly.
'No way, I knew Aizen wouldn't let go of any genius,' Miyako Amemiya secretly grumbled to himself, but Miyako Amemiya had already considered this situation when he graduated early.
Initially, Miyako Amemiya did not show any intention of graduating early from the start. Instead, he directly proposed early graduation in his fourth year. Therefore, he did not encounter Aizen either at the graduation ceremony or the Soul Burial ceremony in the Human World.
Just when Miyako Amemiya thought he had escaped, he didn't expect to be noticed by Aizen after joining the division.
'It seems I still can't escape Kyōka Suigetsu's hypnosis,' Miyako Amemiya calmly pondered. 'Not going is impossible. Not going would only make Aizen more vigilant, and I'm about to go to the Human World. If Aizen focuses on me in the Human World, no one will even know if I die.'
"Hmm, when you return, it will be time for you to truly participate in the Thirteenth Division's missions," Ukitake explained.
"I understand, Captain," Miyako Amemiya let out a sigh of relief inwardly. The first step of his plan was about to begin.
"Congratulations, everyone. You have successfully become members of the Gotei 13. From now on…" The somewhat gray-haired Headmaster was speaking on the stage. Beside him, Amamiya Miyako, as a special guest, was chatting with Aizen.
"Miyako Amemiya is truly remarkable," Aizen, wearing glasses, said gently. "In just one year after graduating, she has become a high-ranking Seat Officer of the Thirteenth Division."
"You flatter me, Captain Aizen." It was impossible for Amamiya Miyako not to be nervous, but she wasn't overly panicked either. Based on the information Amamiya Miyako possessed, the current Aizen was indeed excellent at maintaining a facade, making people feel as if they were basking in a spring breeze. So, normal conversation was all that was needed.
"No, Miyako Amemiya is truly too humble. The number of geniuses who graduate early in the Soul Society is few and far between, and as one of them, it wouldn't hurt for Miyako Amemiya to show a bit more pride." Aizen praised her with his magnetic voice.
"No, I still have a long way to go. My goal is to be like the former Kaien Vice-Captain, so I cannot be too arrogant." Amamiya Miyako spoke nonsense with a serious expression.
"Kaien? Ah, Kaien was indeed a remarkable person, but unfortunately…" At this moment, Aizen looked very regretful.
'What are you regretting? It was all your doing.' Amamiya Miyako couldn't help but admire Aizen's ability to speak against his conscience. Perhaps, in Aizen's view, this matter truly wasn't a big deal.
"Next, we invite the current Captain of the Fifth Division, Captain Aizen Sōsuke, to speak."
"Then I shall go ahead, Miyako Amemiya." Aizen said with a smile.
Aizen slowly walked forward. A commotion arose from the audience, as many people from the True Spiritual Arts Academy had attended his calligraphy classes, and many of them had become Aizen's fans.
After Aizen stood on the stage, he simply waved his hand lightly, and the commotion below immediately ceased. It was evident that Aizen's personal charisma was very high.
"…As Shinigami who maintain the balance of the world, you must not be complacent after graduation. You must actively train yourselves. As the signature skills of Shinigami, Zan, Ken, Soku, and Ki, must not be neglected…" Aizen spoke from the stage.
"As you all know, the Zanpakuto is our Shinigami's most important ability, and you need to awaken it yourselves. The Asauchi in your hands, if you can truly know its name, then the Asauchi will transform into a true Zanpakuto."
"This is a rare opportunity. Next, I will demonstrate a Shikai of a Zanpakuto here, allowing you all to further understand the Zanpakuto."
'Sure enough.' Amamiya Miyako was not wrong; Aizen had started to 'demonstrate' his Zanpakuto again. What he called a demonstration was actually activating the true function of his Zanpakuto, Kyōka Suigetsu: complete hypnosis.
"Shatter, Kyōka Suigetsu." With a cracking sound, a mist appeared on the scene, and everything began to blur.
"My Zanpakuto, Kyōka Suigetsu, is a water-type Zanpakuto. It can use the chaotic reflection of mist and water currents to confuse enemies, making them fight among themselves." Aizen said with a smile, and soon after, he retracted the Zanpakuto's release.
Amamiya Miyako dared not make any move, just like everyone else, staring at Aizen. And just now, Amamiya Miyako also noticed that Aizen occasionally glanced at Amamiya Miyako's movements.
'I've been hypnotized.' Although she realized this and had predicted it long ago, Amamiya Miyako's heart still sank. Being hypnotized by Kyōka Suigetsu meant that she would be no match for Aizen from now on. 'Cannot confront him directly.' Amamiya Miyako firmly kept this in mind.
Aizen came to Amamiya Miyako's side and said to him with a smile, "Miyako Amemiya, it's your turn next."
"Thank you, Captain Aizen. The Shikai of the Zanpakuto truly opened my eyes. This is my first time seeing a Zanpakuto release; it's truly amazing." Amamiya Miyako actively displayed her ability to speak to people in their own language.
"With Miyako Amemiya's ability, I believe you will also be able to reach that point in the near future." Aizen said gently.
After Miyako Amemiya finished her speech, she walked back to her division quarters. After witnessing Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu, her desire for strength increased even further. But this was already decided; no one could stop her from acquiring power, from acquiring power that surpassed everything. Clenching her fists, Amamiya's steps were heavy and firm.