The white banners of the Gotei 13 fluttered gently in the breeze, their symbols standing tall under the cloudless sky. Rows of students, adorned in freshly pressed uniforms, stood in rigid formation on the polished stone courtyard of the Central Spiritual Academy. The ceremonial platform was elevated above the courtyard, where all thirteen captains stood in a solemn line, their haoris drifting slightly in the wind.
The Head Instructor finished his address, his voice echoing across the courtyard.
"…and so, with honor and pride, we welcome the next generation of Shinigami into the Gotei 13. May your blades be sharp, your hearts unyielding, and your loyalty unwavering."
A brief moment of stillness followed—then a thunderous applause erupted from the gathered instructors, families, and officers in attendance.
Among the graduates stood Lisa Yadōmaru, calm as ever. Her hands rested at her sides, eyes forward, but her ears twitched ever so slightly when she heard her name called
"Lisa Yadōmaru," boomed the voice of Captain Shunsui Kyōraku, stepping forward with a rare glint of seriousness in his eyes. "By recommendation of the Central Spiritual Academy, and by authority of the Gotei 13, you are hereby assigned to Squad 8."
Lisa nodded once, stepping out of line and ascending the steps toward him. Her expression was unreadable—but the slight adjustment of her glasses and the brief pause before she accepted her squad's insignia betrayed a flicker of pride.
Waiting for her was Nanao Ise, already in Squad 8 uniform. Unlike the others, she had joined early under a special mentorship program due to her unique spiritual intellect. With Lisa's official induction, Nanao was now formally acknowledged as a full-fledged officer of the 8th Division.
Shunsui looked between them both. "Well, looks like I'm surrounded by sharp-eyed women now," he muttered, half to himself. "Better not slack off too much."
Lisa didn't smile, but she did tilt her head slightly. "I wouldn't expect leniency from us, Taichō."
Nanao adjusted her glasses in sync with Lisa—an unspoken understanding already forming.
Across the courtyard, Hiyori Sarugaki stood bouncing slightly on her heels, fists clenched with impatience. She didn't bother hiding the energy burning through her limbs, even during a ceremony. She practically vibrated with the need to do something.
"—and Hiyori Sarugaki," came a voice from above. It was Captain Kirio Hikifune, her cheerful tone cutting through the formal air, "is now assigned to Squad 12."
Hiyori's head snapped up. Her mouth dropped open for half a second.
"Me? Really?" she blurted
Hikifune laughed and waved her forward. "Come on, short stuff! We've got experiments to do!"
The audience chuckled lightly, but Hiyori had already bolted from her line and rushed toward Hikifune, a crooked grin forming across her face. She looked up at her new captain—taller, broader, warmer—and couldn't hide her satisfaction.
"Don't think I'm gonna be your errand girl," Hiyori said, trying to sound tough.
"Oh, I know," Hikifune replied, wrapping a strong arm around her shoulders. "I picked you 'cause I need someone who doesn't flinch when things explode."
A few seats over, Kensei Muguruma stood silently as the final names were called. His arms were crossed, his gaze cool and steady. As Mashiro Kuna's name echoed out, he gave a subtle nod.
"By my request," he said, his voice firm and direct, "Mashiro Kuna is assigned to Squad 9."
Mashiro bounded forward like a spring-loaded arrow, flipping once in the air before landing next to him with a grin that could light up the entire division barracks.
"Taichō!" she beamed, throwing up a peace sign. "I knew you'd pick me!"
Kensei exhaled through his nose. "You ranked second in your class. You earned it. Now try not to break everything on your first day."
"No promises!" she chirped.
The courtyard began to empty slowly as placements were completed. Officers began escorting their new subordinates to their respective barracks. Families lingered for last goodbyes. The banners of the Gotei 13 billowed proudly overhead, marking the beginning of a new era.
Shinji Hirako, watching quietly from the rear of the platform, turned to Sakazuki.
"They're strong," he said. "Maybe even stronger than we were."Sakazuki didn't look away from the departing students. "Strength is easy to measure," he replied. "Let's see how they carry it."
Mohit, still at his post behind Shunsui, spoke up softly. "Some of them will break. Some of them will rise. The rest… time will shape."
Kensei Muguruma remained standing at the edge of the platform, arms folded, his gaze steady. Mashiro stood beside him now, humming to herself and kicking at the air idly.Then the next name echoed across the courtyard:"Kaname Tōsen."Silence followed. The crowd stilled.From the back of the formation, a calm, soft-spoken figure stepped forward—tall, robed in black, and serene. His dark glasses gleamed faintly in the light of the setting sun, and his hands were folded respectfully in front of him. His movements were fluid, purposeful, and quiet.Kensei gave a slight nod."I requested him," he announced, tone firm. "Kaname Tōsen—welcome to Squad 9."Mashiro tilted her head. "Him? He's… kinda quiet."Kensei replied without missing a beat. "So was Urahara, once."Tōsen approached, offering a low bow. "Captain Muguruma. Thank you. I will serve Squad 9 with honor.
Kensei looked him over. "I read your thesis on justice in the field of retributive ethics. Your sword's clean. Your mind's sharper. Let's see what you can do with both."
Tōsen nodded. "I seek to walk the path of least bloodshed. But if I must raise my blade, it will be for peace."
Mashiro blinked. "That's… intense."
Kensei gave a rare, faint smile. "It's exactly what we need."
Elsewhere on the platform, Shinji Hirako leaned lazily against a support beam, one hand in his pocket, the other fiddling with the hem of his captain's haori.
His eyes flicked toward the final name on his list. He smiled—though there was something unreadable behind the grin.
"Sōsuke Aizen."
The name rang with a faint musicality, the kind that settled into ears and stayed there.A well-composed, polished young man stepped forward. His uniform was immaculate, his posture perfect. But it was his eyes—warm, intelligent, unreadable—that made more than a few of the other captains glance his way.Shinji gestured casually toward him. "Yeah, I picked this one."Ukitake raised an eyebrow. "You sure? He's… different."Shinji smirked. "Exactly. Too many loud ones lately. Time for a quiet thinker."Aizen reached the platform and bowed deeply."It's an honor to serve under your command, Captain Hirako."Shinji studied him for a moment. "That voice of yours—real smooth. Anyone ever tell you that?"Aizen smiled modestly. "I've heard that once or twice."
"Uh-huh," Shinji replied, though his tone turned more curious than mocking. "You're good with words, Aizen. Let's hope you're just as good with your blade.""I'll let my actions speak louder than either," Aizen said politely.Shinji's eyes narrowed, just a little."I'll be watching."
The captains had begun to disperse, walking in pairs or alone, each guiding their newly assigned subordinates toward their respective division barracks. The energy of the graduation still hung in the air, mingled with pride, promise… and shadows that hadn't yet stretched into their full length.
Shinji Hirako, hands tucked into his sleeves, was already halfway down the causeway leading to the 5th Division's barracks. Aizen followed quietly behind him, perfectly measured, his posture composed, his gaze scanning everything without appearing to.
That was when a figure silently emerged from one of the side paths—a tall man, wrapped in regulation uniform with a black blindfold tied neatly across his eyes.
Lieutenant Mohit.He moved with practiced precision, his steps soundless, his presence barely noticeable until he stood beside Shinji.
Shinji turned slightly. "Yo. Didn't think you were still hanging around, Mohit."
Without preamble, Mohit leaned in slightly, his voice barely more than a breath.
"Be aware of your subordinates, Shinji."
Shinji blinked, expression flickering with curiosity—but before he could ask for clarification, Mohit had already turned, gliding back toward the 8th Division path where Captain Shunsui Kyōraku waited with a half-smile and a raised flask.
From behind, Aizen, who had observed the interaction, stepped forward.
"Lieutenant Mohit," he said politely, offering a formal bow. "It's an honor to meet you."
The blindfolded man didn't pause, didn't respond. He merely passed Aizen with silent, unhurried steps and returned to Shunsui's side like a ghost retreating into shadow.
Aizen's eyes followed him for a moment longer, unreadable.
Shinji scratched his head, glancing sideways at his new subordinate. "You're curious about him, huh?
Aizen kept his tone even. "Respectfully, yes, Captain. I haven't met many lieutenants with such… presence. He seems formidable."
Shinji let out a low whistle and laughed softly. "Formidable? That's an understatement."
They resumed walking, the sun now painting long golden lines across the stone paths of Seireitei.
"A lotta folks underestimate him because of the blindfold," Shinji said. "But lemme tell you—he's sharper than most of us who can see."
Aizen listened quietly, hands behind his back.
"He doesn't talk much," Shinji continued, voice more serious now. "Keeps to himself. Real calculating. But when it comes to the people he trusts… he'll fight hell itself for them. Even if he won't say it out loud."
"And in terms of strength?" Aizen asked, tilting his head slightly.Shinji glanced back at him, a slow grin forming. "Second strongest in our batch. Just under Arthur, the current Kenpachi. You do the math."Aizen's brows lifted just slightly, the corner of his mouth twitching with interest. "Impressive."Shinji gave a small nod, then stopped walking for a beat."But don't forget what he said," Shinji added, eyes narrowing just a little. "He's not the kind to waste words."He looked back toward the distant silhouette of Mohit beside Shunsui."So if he's telling me to watch my subordinates…""…I'd be a fool not to listen."They walked on. The wind picked up slightly, stirring the cherry blossoms.And somewhere behind his calm eyes, Aizen smiled—just enough that no one would notice.