"The Captain's exam will begin shortly. Captains, please enter."
Chōjirō Sasakibe, usually a stern Lieutenant, now assumed the role of an equally serious assistant to the examiner. With a firm push, he opened the doors to the 1st Division's outdoor training grounds and stepped inside.
"Since everyone's here, take your seats. The exam is about to begin."
As the group entered, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto followed in from behind, waving a hand toward the standing captains.
One by one, the captains took their seats—except for one, who stepped forward.
Yamamoto nodded at the approaching figure.
"Kensei Muguruma, you will be the examiner for this test."
"Remember, cheating is strictly forbidden."
"Anyone caught violating the rules will be disqualified, and the examiner will face consequences as well. Don't even think about bending the rules."
"With all the captains watching, there's no chance of deception."
"This exam is meant to evaluate the candidate's strength. Unless absolutely necessary, avoid any actions that could result in severe injury or death."
"Yes, Captain-Commander. I understand."
Kensei Muguruma gave a small nod before making his way to the center of the training field.
Yamamoto moved toward his own seat but hesitated before sitting, scanning the area as if scrutinizing whether Kensei would give it his all.
Masatsuki Aozaki, already seated, rolled his eyes.
That was a whole lot of words with no actual meaning.
How would anyone even cheat on a Captain's exam?
Did Yamamoto think the captains sitting here were just decoration? Even if the candidate didn't have Bankai—like himself—it wasn't exactly hard to determine whether someone had Captain-level combat strength.
"Send in the candidate."
Yamamoto's stern gaze shifted toward Chōjirō Sasakibe, who gave a silent nod before leaving his seat.
"Who's taking the exam, anyway? Why all the secrecy?"
Masatsuki Aozaki half-listened to Yamamoto's imposing voice while scanning his surroundings.
The seats beneath them were crafted from fine cypress wood. He had to admit, as the Division that led the Gotei 13, the 1st Division had the best accommodations.
A cool breeze drifted through the open-air training grounds, carrying a crisp chill as winter approached. The air was fresh, but the atmosphere was heavy—filled with an unshakable tension.
It was a beautiful day, yet no one could truly relax.
Masatsuki's gaze drifted toward the other captains. Aside from Ginrei Kuchiki, who was fully focused on the training field, the rest all spared him a glance.
He felt like a celebrity under the spotlight.
Sure, he was already famous throughout Seireitei, but having this many captains watching him alone was… unsettling.
Being handsome really is a curse. Even the guys can't stop staring at me…
Masatsuki sighed to himself, basking in his own narcissism.
"Focus on the exam. Stop looking around."
Kirio Hikifune, seated to his right, must have noticed his wandering gaze. She turned slightly, her bright eyes blinking in silent admonition.
The captains' seating arrangement followed their division numbers, which placed Masatsuki and Kirio together, while Yoruichi Shihōin and Retsu Unohana sat on the other side.
"Relax. We're just here to watch. The outcome doesn't really concern us—what's the harm in looking around?"
Masatsuki smirked, giving Kirio a playful glance.
"Pfft!"
She stifled a laugh at his teasing, her previously composed demeanor softening.
"We can communicate with just a look… Have we reached that level of understanding?"
Feeling more at ease, Kirio looked at Masatsuki with amusement.
"Captains, this is a formal occasion."
Yamamoto's voice remained calm, but the underlying irritation was clear.
"I would appreciate it if certain individuals refrained from setting a bad example for future Captains under my watch."
The two so-called bad influences immediately straightened up, shifting their focus back to the training grounds.
Masatsuki clicked his tongue, annoyed at the lost opportunity to bond with Kirio.
This old man, seriously… Instead of paying attention to the exam, he's got time to police me? What kind of work ethic is that? The Gotei 13 is doomed at this rate.
Yamamoto shot a cold glance at the two mischief-makers before letting out a quiet scoff.
"If everyone is ready, the exam will begin."
As his words fell, Chōjirō Sasakibe positioned himself at the edge of the training field, and a pale blue Reishi barrier materialized in the air.
Meanwhile, Kensei Muguruma, standing beside him, attempted to offer what he thought was a friendly smile to the soon-to-be Captain.
Unfortunately, it looked less like encouragement and more like the sinister grin of a villain about to destroy the world.
Are there any normal people left in the Gotei 13?
Watching Kensei's "evil" expression, Sasakibe twitched slightly, silently questioning the state of the organization in his mind.
He steadied his emotions before announcing loudly,
"Next, the Captain's aptitude test."
"The 5th Division Lieutenant, Sōsuke Aizen, enter the training ground!"
A refined young man stepped out from the shadows, his gentle smile as warm and reassuring as a spring breeze.
Masatsuki Aozaki froze at the sight of the familiar figure.
But the one who reacted even more dramatically was Shinji Hirako—who had been casually sipping tea just moments ago—only to spit it out the moment Aizen's name was called.
Watching this unfold, Masatsuki Aozaki immediately understood what was happening and found himself at a loss for words.
Wait… your own Lieutenant is about to be promoted to Captain, and you, as his Captain, had no idea?
Seated beside him, Retsu Unohana and Ginrei Kuchiki made no effort to hide their disapproval, shifting their seats slightly away from Shinji.
Waving a hand, Shinji hurriedly said, "Sorry, I got a little too excited and couldn't help myself."
"Even Captain Hirako didn't know?" Shunsui Kyōraku teased. "Looks like Lieutenant Aizen wanted to surprise you."
"Heh…" Shinji forced a stiff smile.
Surprise? More like a heart attack!
When the hell did this guy submit his application? I keep an eye on him every single day—how did I not notice?!
Noticing the change in his expression, Unohana tilted her head slightly and asked curiously,
"Lieutenant Aizen has already mastered Bankai? If I recall correctly, he's not even 200 years old yet. Truly a genius. Captain Hirako, aren't you happy for him?"
"Of course I'm happy. Aizen's proving his potential—why wouldn't I be?"
Shinji forced out a smile, gritting his teeth. He felt absolutely miserable.
He desperately wanted to tell everyone here that Aizen was dangerous.
But while he had sensed something off about Aizen for a long time, he had no solid proof. If he spoke out now, no one would believe him.
Worse, it might even make him look petty—like a Captain jealous of his own subordinate.
And knowing how stubborn Captain-Commander Yamamoto was, not only would he dismiss Shinji's concerns, but he'd probably reprimand him for making baseless accusations.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake