The two left the room with their arms slung around each other's shoulders, in a rather ungraceful manner—although Aizen, being the "oppressed" side in relation to Hirako, could still sense a certain lack of effort and formality.
Phrases like "How long are you going to stay here?", "The team's work is very busy," or "Without you, we're struggling right now" vaguely reached Arima Shinya's ears.
It was clear that Aizen was already very close to Hirako Shinji and seemed to take on a variety of responsibilities within the team.
How efficient this instructor was.
Arima Shinya watched with satisfaction as Aizen bid farewell to the Captain of the Fifth Division.
Although he hadn't gained anything concrete in terms of attributes that night, simply seeing the Captain of the Thirteenth Division was worth the effort.
Happy, Shinya returned to the dorm, organized his belongings, and prepared to head to the sword practice field.
But just a few steps from the door, he saw a familiar figure.
Tōsen Kaname.
The young man still bore marks of swelling on his body. Though partially covered in bandages, he looked visibly uncomfortable.
"Eh? What are you doing here?"
Hearing the footsteps behind him, Tōsen slightly turned his head. His hair was perfectly slicked back, and his voice sounded calm.
"I learned of your identity and that you like sword training. I don't like owing favors to anyone, so I waited for you here."
He partially raised his hand, gently touching the hilt of his sword.
"The path of swordsmanship is long; there is much to learn… I can teach you something."
Ah, so that's what this is about.
Arima Shinya's gaze became playful—after all, he possessed 26 sword attribute points, though not as advanced as an official member of the Division.
But facing a senior just one year above him would be no problem at all.
"I'm not being arrogant, but in swordsmanship, you probably won't be a match for me."
Tōsen responded with a soft huff and a firm posture, deciding to face the situation.
"Words are useless. Let's see on the field who is better."
He truly had character.
Arima Shinya smiled slightly and stepped forward, walking alongside Tōsen.
"By the way, I noticed before, so I'll ask… is your skin color natural?"
"…"
"And this hair… being black, haven't you thought of a stylish look? Like a black power, dreadlocks, or even a middle-part rasta?"
"…"
"Say something, or it feels like I'm talking to myself—how boring~"
"Shut up."
And that was all Tōsen said.
Two hours later…
Both of them, covered in wounds, left the field with difficulty.
It was obvious that both possessed skills beyond what was expected.
Tōsen was using the technique of an old friend, maintaining his discipline along the path of the sword.
As for Arima Shinya, his 26 sword attribute points were no joke; it was also not something easily surpassed.
From the start, testing each other, to direct confrontation and intense exchanges of blows… nothing abnormal.
The left side of Shinya's face was swollen to twice its normal size, his eyes nearly shut.
It was the result of Tōsen's fierce attacks, though limited.
But he hadn't just been receiving blows either.
Seeing Tōsen holding his left arm, trying to withstand the pain, Shinya felt a silent satisfaction.
I'm not that weak after all!
And more importantly, the true goal of this practice was the gains.
[You wielded the wooden sword and had an intense training session with Tōsen Kaname, Swordsmanship +3]
Just from the attribute points gained, one could estimate Tōsen's level—a little above his, but surmountable with effort.
"You… are more skilled than you look."
Shinya just let out a small chuckle at the comment.
"You too, huh."
"Shall we meet again tomorrow?"
"Deal!"
Honestly, Arima Shinya's pride had been awakened.
If I can't beat Aizen, how could I not beat you? Just some ordinary black guy—I'll handle you easily!
Back at the dorm, he realized he had underestimated his own endurance.
The next day, his back and waist were sore.
It felt as if he had trained intensely at the academy, ignoring limits, and now his body was completely aching.
He wanted to ask for help!
But considering he didn't know anyone well, he hesitated for a moment; the dorm was already empty.
"Relying on others is useless, Shinya. Cheer up!"
He mustered all his strength to get up, wash himself, and treat his wounds…
The boy managed to attend classes, limping and with half of his face swollen.
Unsurprisingly, Arima Shinya became the center of attention in the class, which Aizen noticed.
The kind instructor initiated another round of guidance.
In the corridor outside the classroom, Aizen smiled and raised his right hand, gently covering Shinya's injured side.
A faint green light shone; the Reishi energy enveloped the wound, repairing it.
The bruise disappeared quickly, and his previously blurred vision cleared.
"Two incidents in three days… Shinya-kun, I didn't expect you to be so stubborn."
Sitting beside Shinya, Aizen crossed his arms and spoke softly:
"So, what happened this time?"
Arima Shinya explained everything about the training with Tōsen.
Aizen's expression showed visible satisfaction.
"I see… so you made a friend. That's good… Student life is simple, with no hidden motives."
"Finding someone with the same ideals at this stage is wonderful news."
"As your instructor, Shinya-kun, I'm very happy and pleased about that."
However…
Shinya saw Aizen adjust his glasses calmly.
"Such impulsive and reckless behavior should be reconsidered before next time."
The reflection in his glasses…
What intense pressure!
Shinya only smiled awkwardly and nodded.
"By the way, Shinya-kun, since you enjoy swordsmanship so much, you might want to ask to train with the Asada."
"Eh, can I do that?"
"Of course. Some things weren't mentioned to you freshmen simply because they weren't necessary yet."
Aizen smiled, raising his index finger, gesturing in the air as if wielding a teaching rod.
"Your goal as freshmen is to become Shinigami capable of acting on your own. Getting used to the sword early—isn't that a good thing?"
Shinya scratched his chin, finding the idea sensible.
The Asada, the initial form of the Zanpakutō… so far, he had only wielded a wooden sword, so he didn't know what handling the real one would be like.
His heart raced.
"So… Aizen-sensei, what procedures do I need to follow?"
"Write a request report; then I'll give you a copy. Additionally, you'll need a guarantor, since this action is exceptional; as just a student, it would be difficult to obtain."
It was a new concept but made sense.
Without that, it would certainly be difficult for Tōsen to guarantee your sword.
Therefore…
"Your guarantor will be me, Shinya-kun."
Upon hearing this, Arima Shinya felt slightly embarrassed.
He was a student of the Central Shinigami Academy and knew the consequences of breaking rules.
Minor: enrollment cancellation, expulsion.
Major: imprisonment and tears.
He didn't have the mentality of a king in prison, much less the life of a spirit.
If he were imprisoned, even Shinya would…
Aizen's courage to act like this was remarkable, even taking risks.
"It wasn't intentional, but I always seem to cause problems for Aizen-sensei… Sorry!"
The other merely smiled generously, waving casually.
"Minor things, nothing important. And I trust you, Shinya-kun, you won't disappoint me."
With that, there was no room for hesitation.
Arima Shinya solemnly nodded.
"I promise to complete the mission!"
Aizen smiled faintly and waved.
"Good."
On the way back, Aizen remembered something and warned Shinya:
"Focusing on a skill is good, but as your instructor, I must advise… Shinya-kun, the next monthly exam will be crucial."
Shinya's face froze.
He had completely forgotten.
School performance was important; for a good future after graduation, he needed to work hard.
What is my level?
The marker showed [Fist: 2]. Shinya scratched the corner of his mouth.
At this level, even stepping onto the stage to compete wouldn't be advantageous; at most, slightly better than a basic fist.
His task seemed heavy.
Too much specialization isn't good.
It seemed swordsmanship needed to be paused while other attributes should rise.
Seeing Shinya worried, Aizen smiled with satisfaction.
It seemed watching the student in distress was amusing. He stood up and said softly:
"Prepare well, Shinya-kun, I look forward to your performance."