Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy.
Today was the day of the opening ceremony.
After completing all the enrollment procedures and attending the ceremony in the afternoon—
There was still some time left before curfew, something akin to an evening self-study period.
Normally, there would be a small class during that time,
but today was a special case, and the period had been turned into a brief integration lecture for new students.
First-Year, Class 5.
Among the new students was Arima Shinya, who at that moment wore an expression of pure nervousness.
It had been the twenty-fifth year since he reincarnated into this world,
and this would be his first step beyond the miserable streets of Kusajishi District,
where he had survived among the refugees.
Feeling nervous on the first day of class was normal —
but what made Arima Shinya's entire body stiffen, to the point that even his… well, his "spiritual anus" tightened,
was the man standing on the stage of the classroom.
His short, slightly wavy hair resembled a lotus flower blooming after the rain — soft, yet carrying a touch of elegance.
His brown eyes, partly hidden behind rectangular frames, shone with impeccable light,
curving gently in a way that conveyed both kindness and mild apology.
At first glance, he looked like a gentle, mild-mannered man.
Physically, he was even too slim to be considered imposing.
But that face… and especially that voice —
were unmistakable.
"Good evening, dear students.
I am the instructor responsible for overseeing your mental health and academic progress from now on."
"My name is Aizen Sōsuke."
"We will be together for the next six years.
It is an honor to be your advisor — I look forward to everyone's cooperation."
The voice was calm and gentle…
But for Arima Shinya, every syllable felt like a bullet piercing through his brain, spreading chaos.
The Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy trained the future members of the Kidō Corps, the Stealth Force,
and the legendary Thirteen Court Guard Squads.
The program lasted six years, and only the best among the best managed to graduate earlier than that.
Arima, on the other hand, only wanted to secure a stable life.
After all, just by entering the academy — even without standing out — he'd already have a guaranteed job.
A guaranteed job, my friend!
He was perfectly content with that.
Being stronger than the commoners on the streets was enough.
He didn't need — nor did he dream — to become the strongest in the world.
But unexpectedly… on the very first day of class, he ran into the final boss.
"Oh no… my past-life memories are starting to attack me!"
The mastermind behind the entire story of Bleach.
One of the three spiritual "fathers" of Kurosaki Ichigo.
The destroyer of glasses, the master of elegant speeches,
the man who could make even a prisoner's uniform look like runway fashion — Aizen Sōsuke!
And he was there.
Right in front of him.
How am I supposed to survive this?!
Should I just… die right now?
Arima's soul almost left his body,
but Aizen's next words brought him back to reality.
"As you can see, I am currently serving in the 5th Division of the Thirteen Court Guards.
Within the structure, this division is responsible for rescue operations and tactical support."
"On the insignia of the 5th Division, there is the silhouette of the plant Pieris japonica, also known as andromeda…
Does anyone here know the meaning of its flower?"
Two seconds of silence.
No one answered — evidently, no one there was that cultured.
Aizen, however, showed no sign of surprise.
On the contrary, it seemed he had predicted that exact reaction.
"You must be nervous since it's your first day, I imagine?
Hehe, I hope everyone quickly grows accustomed to this environment.
Time is short, and the Academy's curriculum is quite intense."
Adjusting his glasses at the bridge of his nose, Aizen maintained his tranquil smile.
"The meaning of the Pieris japonica flower is: sacrifice, danger, purity, and a sweet feeling of affection.
These words also represent my blessing to all of you."
"Indeed, learning is something painful."
"But at the same time, I hope each of you will come to understand the true essence of the Shin'ō Academy.
And that, when you become truly capable individuals, you will not forget your duties and responsibilities."
The more Arima listened, the stranger his expression became.
No, no… something's off here.
Aizen was a master of deceit,
but the sincerity in his words… felt real.
It was as if he truly believed in what he was saying.
"Damn it… I can't read minds, but does he always talk like this?
With that charismatic, convincing tone?
It's way too dangerous!
Could this be one of his… peculiar fetishes?"
While he pondered, a girl in the front row timidly raised her hand.
Aizen noticed her immediately and smiled.
"Go ahead."
"Ah… excuse me, Professor Aizen. I've heard about you!
You were also a brilliant graduate of this Academy, right?
May I ask… what's your current position in the 5th Division?"
The seating system within the Divisions determined the hierarchy just below Captain and Lieutenant.
Having a "seat" meant possessing both status and power.
Aizen Sōsuke, with his modest smile and crescent-shaped eyes, answered gently:
"I'm nothing special.
At present, I hold only the 4th Seat."
He had spoken humbly,
but immediately the room filled with murmurs.
"What?! So young… and already the Fourth Seat?"
"No way! Professor Aizen must be so skilled that it was easy for him!"
The chatter grew louder.
Aizen, however, did not interrupt.
He simply continued smiling, patiently observing everything.
There wasn't a hint of authoritarianism in him —
and yet, he connected with everyone naturally.
For a teacher, that was a rare talent.
The atmosphere in the room felt light, almost welcoming.
Arima finally began to understand what was going on.
Thinking back…
according to Bleach's "timeline,"
Aizen only began his evil schemes after becoming a Lieutenant, right?
He vaguely remembered that Aizen had indeed worked as an instructor at Shin'ō Academy for a while.
Even after becoming a Captain, he occasionally taught calligraphy classes.
If he's still just the Fourth Seat, then… there must be at least a hundred years before the main story begins, right?
Maybe the Aizen of this era was still "normal."
Which meant… he still had a chance to survive.
As these thoughts drifted through his mind,
a soft voice called him back to reality.
"Student Arima… Arima-kun?"
"—Ah?! Y-Yes, sir!"
Standing up instinctively, Arima realized that all twenty-something students were looking at him.
Aizen, still wearing that same gentle smile, gave a light nod.
"Arima-kun, for us to coexist harmoniously, it's important that we get to know each other better.
After all, you'll be spending six years together — and may even end up working side by side one day."
Holding the attendance sheet, Aizen continued calmly:
"Please, give a brief self-introduction. One minute should be enough."
In an instant, all eyes turned to the back of the room.
Arima, who sat in the last row, happened to be first on the list.
A chill of tension ran down his spine.
But now wasn't the time to hesitate.
He clenched his right fist and rested it lightly on his chest, taking a deep breath.
Inhale…
Exhale…
Calm down.
You've got this.
Following the gaze of the class, the boy slowly stood up.
His face was delicate, with refined features.
Long black hair tied in a high ponytail,
like the tail of a stallion — firm, vivid, and eye-catching.
With his lips pressed together, he took a deep breath and began to speak:
"Nice to meet you all.
My name is Arima Shinya, from the Kusajishi District.
I like tofu and spinach, and I hate natto.
My specialty is… kendō! (Japanese swordsmanship)."
"My hobby is training.
I hope to learn a lot from all of you."
After the brief introduction, he bowed his head and sat down.
Silence.
Absolute silence filled the room.
Aizen, who had been watching closely, was the first to break it with a calm applause.
"Excellent, Arima-kun.
I see you came from one of the most distant districts, didn't you?
It must have been a difficult journey to get here."
"Ah, it was nothing… I'm used to it, Professor."
"I'm glad to hear that.
Your spirit is admirable."
The compliment came with a genuine smile — or at least, it seemed genuine.
Arima only responded with an awkward nod, trying to hide his nervousness.
Soon after, the professor called the next student.
The introductions continued one by one until all twenty-four new students had spoken.
When the final voice faded, Aizen returned to the center of the stage.
"Now that we've gotten to know each other a little better,
allow me a few final words before we end tonight."
His posture — upright and serene — radiated confidence.
His presence was so steady that the entire room seemed to calm just by watching him.
"You are here because you possess spiritual potential,
something that sets you apart from ordinary people.
But remember — talent is only the first step."
"True strength is born from the desire to learn, to understand, and to grow.
Spiritual power is not merely a weapon.
It is a responsibility, one that requires discernment and purpose."
As he spoke, Aizen walked slowly between the rows.
Each step was silent, yet carried a natural authority.
When he passed by Arima's side, the boy nearly stopped breathing.
Aizen paused, tilted his head slightly, and spoke in a low tone — quiet enough for only him to hear:
"Keep training, Arima-kun.
Your potential may bloom in ways you cannot yet imagine."
A light chill ran down Arima's spine.
For a brief moment, he had the eerie feeling that that gaze had pierced right through him —
as if Aizen could see directly into his soul.
But the professor had already moved away,
returning to the center of the room with that same gentle smile.
"That will be all for today.
Sleep well tonight — tomorrow, we'll begin the formal classes."
"Ah, and one last reminder: always keep your hearts pure.
In a spiritual world, even the smallest impurity can become a lasting shadow."
With a light bow, Aizen Sōsuke concluded the lecture.
"Good night, everyone."
"Good night, Professor Aizen!" the students replied in unison.
As soon as the professor left, the atmosphere in the room relaxed all at once.
Some students began chatting, others exhaled in relief.
"Wow… he's amazing, isn't he?"
"He doesn't seem like just the Fourth Seat, he feels way above that."
"And that gaze… so kind, yet so intense…"
Arima, however, remained frozen, his mind in turmoil.
No way. I really just spoke with Aizen Sōsuke… himself?!
And he even complimented me?!
What did he mean by 'bloom in ways you cannot yet imagine'?
Is he already eyeing me?!
The boy grabbed his head with both hands.
"No, no, no… this can't be happening.
I just want to live quietly, get average grades, and graduate in peace!"
"Please, universe, don't drag me into anything that has the word 'Aizen' in it!"
But fate rarely listens to such pleas.
The moment Arima looked up again,
he saw the night sky of the Soul Society stretch outside the window — vast, deep, and silent.
A cold breeze slipped through the open window, gently stirring his black hair.
He didn't know it yet,
but that casual encounter would mark the beginning of a long and inevitable story —
one that would place him on a path toward forces far greater than he could ever comprehend.
A faint, ironic smile crossed his lips.
"Ah… what a great start to school life, Arima."
"First day, and you've already met the most dangerous man in the world."
While the others chatted happily,
he remained seated, gazing at the moonlight.
And there, beneath that pale, distant glow,
the boy from Kusajishi — Arima Shinya — took his first step
onto the silent stage of the Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy —
unaware of just how deep the shadow awaiting him would be.