Chapter 16: Aizen's Lesson

"I didn't expect you to see through that, Captain Aizen," Shin said, sounding surprised.

Aizen smiled. "Oh? Are you suggesting that President Tachigawa was intentionally hiding it?"

Shin shook his head. "It’s not so much hiding it as it is the nature of my Zanpakuto. I’ve only recently acquired it, so I’ve been practicing how to use it. Besides, I train quite regularly, and this spiritual energy helps me avoid injury during my sessions."

"I see," Aizen nodded. "You are so diligent, President Tachigawa; it is no wonder you are so outstanding."

"Many people around me are the same, so I really wouldn't call it diligence," Shin replied modestly.

"You are too humble, President Tachigawa. I have heard that your swordsmanship scores far exceed those of your peers. You certainly couldn't achieve that level of skill with talent alone, yet it is surprising that while you possess such swordsmanship, your Zanpakuto is of the healing type." Aizen spoke with a smile, his tone as casual as if he were simply making small talk. As a Captain, he carried himself without a hint of airs, making it easy for others to lower their guard.

Shin sighed. "To be honest, I was surprised myself. I had hoped my Zanpakuto would be one with great offensive power."

"President Tachigawa, you are being dishonest."

Aizen suddenly shook his head, his smile taking on a deeper, more meaningful quality that left Shin momentarily stunned.

"The existence of a Zanpakuto is, at its core, a part of one's own soul, and its abilities are a reflection of one's inner heart. Since you possess a healing-type Zanpakuto capable of Kido-based restoration, it suggests that you truly yearn for such power deep down. It is clear that you are a person who thinks of others."

"..."

Shin was left speechless by this remark, standing there with a thoughtful expression.

Aizen set aside the documents he was holding and said, "Let’s go check on Class A. Is their class starting soon?"

Shin checked the schedule for each class and said, "It just so happens that they have Kido class today. They should be practicing Reiraku. We can go observe, and if you are willing, Captain Aizen, perhaps you could offer some guidance."

Shin, accompanied by Rukia, led Aizen and Ichimaru Gin to the outdoor classroom where the first-year Class A was having their Kido lesson. The arrival of the 5th Division Captain and his Lieutenant caused quite a stir among the students. The instructor quickly approached Aizen.

"Greetings, Captain Aizen. May I ask..."

"It is nothing," Aizen said warmly. "I am just here to look around. Please, continue with your class as usual."

The instructor asked, "Would you be willing to offer the students some guidance, Captain Aizen?"

"If you don't mind, teacher."

"Of course not."

Aizen stepped to the front of the students and greeted them with an easygoing attitude. Shin and Rukia stood quietly by the classroom entrance. Rukia seemed to be greeting a student, and as Shin followed her gaze, he spotted a red-haired boy with a peculiar hairstyle.

Aizen took over for the teacher, explaining theoretical concepts of Kido. The students listened with rapt attention; in their eyes, it was a rare opportunity to be taught by a Captain of the Gotei 13. Aizen then thoughtfully invited students to come forward and demonstrate their Kido, pointing out individual flaws and areas for improvement for each one.

Watching from the sidelines, Shin couldn't help but feel impressed by Aizen's dedication—even Kaien Shiba, who was known for being able to connect with students, fell slightly short of this.

However, there was a small incident during the lesson. When it was Renji's turn to perform the Hadō #31, Shakkahō, he made a mistake and nearly injured himself. Aizen used his own spiritual pressure to neutralize the backlash of the explosion, then carefully explained the principles of Shakkahō and what one should be careful of when casting it, encouraging Renji to try again.

Standing in the center of the field, Renji felt the pressure intensify, knowing all the students—and Rukia—were watching him. He took a deep breath, raised his arm, and chanted: "Ye lord! Mask of flesh and bone, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea bell reverses, tugs at the south, step forward..."

The incantation was flawless, but Shin sensed that the spiritual pressure fluctuations within Renji were completely off, and he imperceptibly took half a step back.

"Hadō #31, Shakkahō!"

Aizen clearly noticed it as well. The moment Renji's spiritual pressure began to surge, Aizen stepped in and pressed his hand against Renji's arm. The spiritual energy that was meant to become flame was instantly stifled, leaving only a puff of black smoke in his palm.

Renji: "..."

Aizen: "..."

Aizen looked straight at Renji and sighed. "Student, do go back and spend some time thoroughly understanding the theory behind Kido."

A burst of laughter erupted from the students. Renji’s face turned bright red; he didn't even dare to look at Rukia at the entrance of the classroom. He muttered a submissive "Yes," turned around, and returned to his place.

Shin had been watching Aizen's reaction the entire time and let out a soft chuckle. Even though he wore glasses, Shin had caught a fleeting expression in Aizen’s eyes from the side. It was the calmness of someone realizing another person lacked talent.

"Renji worked very hard!" Rukia spoke up suddenly.

Shin glanced at her, realizing she thought he was laughing at Renji, and said, "I wasn't laughing at that student."

"Then who was President Tachigawa laughing at?" A voice sounded from beside him. It was Ichimaru Gin, his eyes narrowed, looking over with a half-smile.

"It’s nothing. I was just reminded of what I was like when I first started learning Kido. I wasn't much better than that student, honestly."

"Is that so?" Gin sounded slightly surprised. "I find that a bit hard to believe."

In his eyes, the President of the Student Council was at least not a mediocrity when it came to talent. Gin knew very well what it felt like to be talented—the feeling that everything came naturally to you.

"It is the truth." Shin’s expression remained neutral as he changed the subject. "Although that student’s performance with Kido was lacking, I noticed his constitution is quite unique. He might be very talented in other areas."

[Rukia]
[Affinity: 31]

Ichimaru Gin said nothing more. Shin, however, wore an even brighter smile.

Aizen taught the entire class with great dedication, successfully winning the favor of every student. Everyone liked this approachable Captain; many had initially expected a Captain of the 13th Division to be a stern and unapproachable figure.

After class, under the lingering gazes of the students, Aizen, Shin, and the others left the classroom.

"These students are truly interesting. It reminds me of when I was a student at the Academy," Aizen said, seemingly still reminiscing.

He looked at Shin with a chuckle. "It has been a long time since I’ve visited the Academy. I suddenly feel that I should come more often. If the teachers and students here don't mind, it wouldn't be bad to occasionally fill in as a guest lecturer."