"The so-called spiritual pressure is a rather broad term. If we analyze it more deeply… hmm, we could describe it as the density of the soul."
"The more powerful an individual, the denser and stronger their soul. When this force is contained, it may appear calm and discreet — but once released, it exhibits a presence comparable to that of a black hole."
"Exactly — something similar to the force of gravity. When there is an absurd difference between two spiritual pressures, just being nearby is enough to provoke a feeling of suffocation."
"Fainting or being unable to remain standing are common reactions. In more extreme cases, the weaker ones may even go into shock or experience dizziness."
"This type of behavior is, in fact, a form of intimidation — after all, in essence, it's like an adult who, instead of fighting a child, merely makes them retreat out of fear."
"Hmm? You're asking if what I did to you yesterday was that?"
"Hehe… Shinya-kun, you probably already know the answer yourself, don't you?"
Dressed again in his fitted black uniform, Aizen maintained his usual serene expression.
Seeing the suspicious look from Arima Shinya, he adjusted his glasses with a slight push, his tone carrying a subtle hint of teasing.
"As I said a little while ago, using spiritual pressure to intimidate others is similar to an adult taking advantage of a child. But if the other side also possesses a physique — or rather, a soul — comparable to that of an adult, the effect can be the opposite."
"Yes, in that case, what would have been intimidation turns into provocation."
"Even the most unconscious individual would, at the critical moment, awaken and react. After all, this is a matter of life and death — there's no room for hesitation."
Upon hearing this, Aizen's intentions became more than clear.
Leaning against the head of the bed, with a somewhat melancholy expression, Arima Shinya couldn't help but comment:
"So, Professor Aizen, you pressured me with your own spiritual pressure so that, driven by the instinct to survive, I would awaken my power?"
"Hmm, you understood quickly."
But Arima shook his head, somewhat exasperated.
"No, no, no… this method is too absurd, don't you think?"
Couldn't it be done more gradually!?
Please! A bit of step-by-step progress is the proper way!
This was literally Spartan training!
Arima screamed mentally.
Aizen-sensei! Your teaching method has serious flaws in educational philosophy!
"Hahaha… well, in a way, the outcome ended up being quite different from what I expected."
Aizen seemed about to cross his arms, but then frowned, abandoning the movement.
"In the end, half the dōjō was destroyed — that was indeed an accident. But since I still have some savings set aside, Shinya-kun, you don't need to worry about that part."
"Professor, that's not what worries me…"
Losing material possessions was the least of his concerns. Even if he had to work to cover the damages, Arima believed he could manage.
The real problem… was Aizen's condition.
Arima lifted his gaze, and his eyes revealed a mixture of guilt and discomfort.
After all, although he was lying in a hospital bed, the most injured was Aizen Sōsuke.
The strike he had delivered had no restraint — it was a pure survival attack.
Without exaggeration, Arima's "response" had been a thrust intended to kill.
And Aizen… simply did not defend himself.
He took the blow head-on.
Torn flesh, deep wound — the cut revealed even bone.
A wound so severe that even the emergency aid students were moved to tears upon seeing it.
Noticing Arima's gaze, Aizen maintained his calm smile and pointed to his own chest, right where the bandage was.
"You're that concerned about this wound?"
Isn't it obvious!?
The first time I drew a sword wasn't to cut a Hollow, nor an evil enemy — but the very professor who had helped me so many times.
Damn! Just thinking about it gives me chills!
To hide his embarrassment, Arima scratched the corner of his mouth.
"Shinya-kun, you don't need to blame yourself so much. As I said before… I, Aizen Sōsuke, am also a novice teacher. Many things are still new to me. I may seem mature, but in the end, I'm still a beginner."
"Discovering the best way to guide my students — to help them find their own path and unlock their potential — is something I'm still learning."
"This method… yes, looking back now, I admit it was a somewhat reckless attempt. But at least regarding the results, I'm satisfied."
Saying this, Aizen tilted his head slightly and raised his right hand, pointing to the white bandage that stood out on his clavicle.
"Consider this a lesson engraved in the bones, hehe. I'm sure it will be an unforgettable experience."
As beautiful as his words were, they did little to ease the guilt Arima felt.
He wanted to respond, to say something — but upon seeing that serene smile, which seemed to hide something behind the calm, he only sighed.
There was no use insisting.
This man definitely has the potential to be an emotional masochist before finding his true purpose…
"Professor…"
Choosing his words carefully, Arima lowered his gaze and murmured:
"Thank you for your guidance this time."
Aizen pursed his lips into a slight smile but didn't reply. He just turned his gaze to the window, where sunlight streamed gently.
"Let's set aside conversations for now, Shinya-kun. After yesterday's practice, I imagine you already understand how spiritual pressure works, right?"
Without a doubt.
There was no more striking way to learn.
Seeing his student nod silently, Aizen nodded in satisfaction.
"As expected from my student. That's how it should be."
"Controlling one's own spiritual pressure flexibly is an essential lesson for every shinigami. It's the foundation of foundations — without it, efficient Kidō manipulation is impossible."
"It's like a general unable to command his troops. Even if he can fight on his own, it's an absurd waste of resources, don't you think?"
Arima understood the reasoning perfectly.
After all, in the original story, Kurosaki Ichigo was the perfect example of this — his spiritual path was unstable and fragmented, in total contrast to the wide, solid road of Unohana Retsu.
"Shinya-kun, although spiritual pressure can be trained, there are innate differences among people."
"There are highs and lows, strong and weak — it's like the human body. Inherited genes impose certain limits on growth."
"But with effort and practice, it is possible to improve to some degree. Up to here, I believe you understand, right?"
Yes — it was something even an elementary school student could understand.
But what did this have to do with what they were discussing now?
Noticing the confusion in Arima's eyes, Aizen smiled, his eyes shining with a strange glint.
"Shinya-kun, perhaps you haven't realized it yet, but… your spiritual pressure is absurd."
"…Huh?"
What is he talking about?
I don't feel anything like that!
Seeing Arima's perplexed expression, Aizen gave a smile as if to say, "I expected as much."
"As expected, you didn't notice. After all, you haven't had the opportunity to study it systematically yet."
"When you reach the second year, there will be a course dedicated exclusively to controlling spiritual pressure. I'm sure that by then, you will realize your true talent."
So we have to wait until then, right?
Why the rush to make me 'develop,' professor!?
Arima lamented internally, almost crying inside.
"I do agree that following the natural pace is better… but seeing such vast potential, it's hard not to feel tempted to test it a little."
"I thought that if carefully controlled, the damage could be minimized. But apparently, your spiritual pressure completely exceeded my estimates…"
Aizen brought his right hand to his face and lightly tapped his temple with his index finger, as if trying to organize his thoughts.
"Yes… this level of power is already beyond what is expected from a regular student. Shinya-kun, in terms of pure spiritual pressure, you are comparable to a low-ranking officer of a Division."
Is this… good?
Knowing I have "exceptional talent" isn't exactly comforting.
Thinking about it, perhaps it's because I've lived two lives.
Maybe the experiences and memories accumulated from my previous life strengthened my soul — which, consequently, increased my spiritual pressure.
But… is that all?
A thought arose in his mind.
His ability didn't directly strengthen him in this aspect… but if he continued to improve his four main attributes, wouldn't that, in a way, also strengthen his own soul?
And by doing so, wouldn't his spiritual pressure also become even more powerful and impressive?
Yes… perhaps that is indeed possible.
Despite yesterday's "accident," in the end, everything had resulted in valuable gains.
And that left him… strangely satisfied.
"Seems like Shinya-kun also reaped some rewards, right?"
"Ah, hehe… just a little."
The two — master and disciple — exchanged a smile.
Shortly after, due to numerous duties, Aizen had to leave.
Arima, on the other hand, was simply exhausted. After a brief rest, he decided to handle the paperwork for his discharge.
Sleeping for an entire day and night…
Apparently, taking his spiritual pressure to its absolute limit had drained not only his body but also his mind.
If possible, I don't want to go through that again.
Finding his sword beside the bed, he secured it to his waist — the asauchi returning to its rightful place.
He had barely taken two steps…
The door ahead opened.
At the entrance stood Tōsen Kaname, holding a basket of fruit.
Seeing Arima, he slightly turned his face to the side.
There was a brief silence.
Then, in a low voice, he murmured:
"Could it be… that I was a bit too presumptuous?"