After Class
Following the end of the day's classes, Aizen carried his Zanpakutō and visited several other classrooms—just as he had done earlier in front of Shiba Isshin and the others.
The moment he explained the reason for his visit, the response from the teachers and students alike was one of shock—soon replaced by excitement and deep gratitude. Everyone sat up straight, eyes filled with anticipation and respect, ready to receive the full "Kyōka Suigetsu experience."
It was like offering a feast to every class.
By the end of the afternoon, while the Spiritual Arts Academy still looked the same on the surface, in truth, the entire Academy—from every instructor to every student—had fallen completely under Kyōka Suigetsu's hypnosis.
Now, everything the teachers and students of the Academy saw, smelled, heard, touched, or even sensed through spiritual pressure was no longer objective reality. It was only what Aizen allowed them to perceive.
"Congratulations to all the faculty and students of the Spiritual Arts Academy," Aiyan thought silently, a trace of amusement playing in his eyes. "Welcome to the Kyōka Suigetsu premium package."
He had witnessed all of it unfold. While mentally congratulating everyone at the Academy for their "inclusion," Aiyan knew the moment they had been preparing for was drawing near.
Whether it was settling scores with the Four Great Noble Houses who orchestrated the attack the night before, or enacting the long-prepared plan between him and Aizen, that day was fast approaching.
Now, all that remained was to let time ferment… and await their early graduation.
"Aizen… he really did everything he said he would."
From one of the upper floors of the Academy, Shiba Isshin, who had not yet left the grounds, was watching the events unfold. His expression was complicated—filled with both admiration and silent reflection.
"Aiyan, Aizen… If even one of these brothers were born into the Shiba clan, would we ever have to worry about our family's decline?"
He couldn't help but sigh in awe. A student who had attended his class for a short while had not only backed up his words with actions, but had done so on a scale that none of the teachers or captains could have anticipated.
Meanwhile, elsewhere...
In the First Division Captain's Office, Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni stood quietly, listening to the latest report being delivered by a member of the First Division's special forces, who knelt before him.
His aged eyes slowly narrowed with thought.
Regret.
That was the feeling growing faintly within him.
Yes—regret.
Last night, fear had gripped his heart. The extraordinary talents of the Aiyan brothers—especially their potential to become the next Sword Demons like Zaraki or worse—had forced him to hesitate. Coupled with the attack, and the political undercurrents he could sense, Yamamoto had made a cautious decision:
He would not personally bring the brothers into the First Division.
He had withdrawn… hoping to avoid creating monsters that might one day threaten the laws of the Soul Society.
But now, after hearing what Aiyan had said to Shihōin Yoruichi in class and seeing what Aizen had done throughout the Academy… for the first time in centuries, Yamamoto questioned his own judgment.
"Sasakibe," he suddenly said, turning his gaze to the Lieutenant at his side, Chōjirō Sasakibe, "Do you think this old man… made the wrong decision?"
Sasakibe remained silent for a moment, then spoke with measured calm.
"Captain-Commander, your concerns were valid. You feared that nurturing them directly might accelerate their growth into beings like the Sword Demons—forces beyond control. But I believe… not placing them in the First Division does not necessarily mean they will turn against the Soul Society."
"They may very well become its greatest protectors."
He paused, then added meaningfully, "A sword demon or a captain—sometimes, the only difference lies in a single thought."
Yamamoto's eyes remained on Sasakibe, unmoving.
"You're suggesting that if I had brought them under the First Division directly, I could have guided them with proper mentorship—kept them on a righteous path from the start, rather than letting them discover it through blood and battle?"
Sasakibe nodded slowly. "That's exactly it. Just because you aren't their official master doesn't mean you can't guide them. As the founder and principal of the Spiritual Arts Academy, as well as the Captain-Commander of Gotei 13, you already have the authority and the responsibility."
"Unohana Retsu was not your disciple either," Sasakibe continued, "yet under your watch, she gave up her bloodthirsty past and became the embodiment of healing and restraint."
A moment of silence followed.
Then Yamamoto's expression finally shifted.
"...You've reminded this old man of something important, Sasakibe."
He took a deep breath and nodded with rare acceptance.
"Very well. Once the Aiyan brothers graduate from the Academy, if they haven't already committed to a division, go and personally invite them into the First Division. They can replace Kuchiki Koga, who will soon transfer to the Sixth Division."
"I will train them myself. Swordsmanship, Hakuda, Hohō, Kidō—everything. I will guide them directly. If they are under my supervision, then should they ever begin to stray, I will be there to stop it before it goes too far."
Sasakibe bowed his head respectfully.
"I think this is the best possible arrangement."
At that very moment...
In the Fifth Division Captain's Office, another pair of sharp eyes had been observing the same individuals.
"Hmph… Aiyan, that kid's fine."
"But that Aizen… something's off. Very off."
Hirako Shinji, Captain of the Fifth Division, sat at his desk, staring at two student reports in his hand. His usual easygoing expression had faded, replaced with furrowed brows and concern.
"Something's wrong with that one…"
He didn't have evidence yet, but his instincts—sharpened by years of battle and politics—were screaming at him.
Aizen Sōsuke was hiding something.