If the position of a Gotei 13 captain strictly demands power and capability, then the captain's haori—whether long-sleeved or short-sleeved—is an even harsher test of a Shinigami's appearance and figure.
Fortunately, Aiyan didn't just have a Zanpakutō, Reiatsu, and mastery of Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō that surpassed most captains—he also had a presence that surpassed even the so-called "King of Kings."
Short, slightly curly black hair, sword-like eyebrows, and sharp starry eyes gave off a mix of heroic spirit and casual laziness. The black-framed glasses perched on his nose softened his gaze just enough to not feel too piercing. Combined with a tall, commanding build, he gave off a majestic yet effortless charm.
After putting on the flowing Shihakushō and long-sleeved captain's haori, he didn't look the least bit bloated—instead, it only enhanced his regal aura.
"Should we ask Mr. Shiba to design the haori again to make it a bit uglier?"
"Yeah, or get Captain Shutara to tweak the pattern."
"There has to be some way to tone it down."
Noticing how frequently Yadōmaru Lisa's gaze drifted toward Aiyan, Kyōraku Shunsui couldn't help but feel slightly bitter. He sighed internally. In his opinion, if the haori designs were ugly enough, everyone's looks would be balanced out. That way, even a captain with average appearance wouldn't be overshadowed.
And Kyōraku wasn't alone.
Muguruma Kensei.
Aikawa Love.
They were all thinking the same.
Of course, not every male captain felt "threatened" by Aiyan's looks.
"Good."
"This is the kind of presence a captain of the Gotei 13 should have."
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, seated at the center of it all, nodded in quiet approval. Aiyan had chosen the formal long-sleeved haori instead of a short one, and looked nothing short of magnificent. His presence radiated strength and dignity—just what Yamamoto expected from a captain.
After all, Yamamoto didn't care about appearance. What he valued was authority.
And Aiyan embodied the essence of a true captain.
"Captain Aiyan, please take your seat."
The moment Yamamoto spoke, the two captains seated to his immediate left—Unohana Retsu and Kuchiki Ginrei—both stood up and stepped aside without hesitation.
Aiyan gave a polite nod to both of them before calmly walking to the vacant seat. He completely ignored Kuchiki Kōga, who was still standing off to the side, watching everything unfold with a clenched jaw.
This silent snub caused Kuchiki Kōga to tense. His fists balled tightly in frustration.
"In addition to Captain Aiyan's inauguration," Yamamoto continued, "there is one more important matter."
"It also concerns him."
"Come in."
As Yamamoto's deep voice echoed through the hall, all the captains and Lieutenants turned toward the grand doors of the meeting chamber.
Footsteps sounded.
A young man with short brown hair and glasses stepped in. His calm demeanor and scholarly appearance made him look somewhat similar to Aiyan.
Aizen Sōsuke.
As soon as he walked in, several captains instinctively looked back and forth between Aiyan and Aizen.
"The next topic is the selection of Captain Aiyan's Lieutenant," Yamamoto declared. "As well as the official assignment of Aizen, and the hosting of a Lieutenant inauguration ceremony."
The room fell into stunned silence.
This was the Central Assembly Hall, where only events that affected the entire Soul Society were discussed—such as captain appointments, or judgments passed down by the Central 46.
But now? They were discussing a newly graduated student from Shin'ō Academy… someone who hadn't even joined a squad yet?
The captains and Lieutenants present couldn't hide their surprise.
"Lieutenant inauguration ceremony? Isn't that only for captains?"
"And why gather all captains and Lieutenants just for that?"
"Captain Yamamoto must really favor Aiyan and Aizen. Even Captain Ukitake and Kyōraku didn't receive this much attention!"
Whispers echoed around the room. Disbelief, envy, and speculation filled the air.
Kuchiki Kōga, standing silently, clenched his fists tighter.
He had been the son-in-law of the Kuchiki clan, a seated officer of the Sixth Division for fifty years. It was only today that he set foot in this sacred chamber for the first time—and it had ended in humiliation.
Yet Aiyan?
Graduated a few weeks ago.
Instantly made a captain.
Held a grand ceremony witnessed by all.
And now his younger brother was about to be made a Lieutenant—on the spot—with a full inauguration.
He was filled with a boiling mix of jealousy, resentment, and shame.
Bang!
The tip of Yamamoto's staff struck the floor.
"Silence."
Immediately, the entire room fell quiet.
"Aizen," he said, turning his eyes toward the newcomer. "You may choose between the First Division and the Fifth Division."
"If you go to the Fifth Division, you will serve as Lieutenant under Aiyan."
"If you choose the First Division, I will appoint you as my own Lieutenant."
"Decide for yourself."
Another shock rippled through the chamber.
"Brother Aiyan is the captain, and now Brother Aizen is the Lieutenant? Double captain-tier talent in one generation?"
"Even if Aizen is only a Lieutenant now, with his genius and the backing of both Captain Yamamoto and Aiyan, it's just a matter of time before he becomes a captain himself."
"If they had been born into noble families, even a low-ranking clan could've skyrocketed into the top tier!"
"If they have children one day, wouldn't their descendants become nobles by default?"
The captains exchanged stunned looks, while the Lieutenants in the back rows were speechless. It was unprecedented for two captains to offer the same person a Lieutenant position—and even more shocking that one of them was Yamamoto Genryūsai himself.
It was as if the head captain himself had lowered his pride to compete for Aizen.
Unthinkable.
"Thank you for the honor, Captain Yamamoto," Aizen finally said, bowing respectfully. "Your trust humbles me."
He didn't rush his decision. Instead, his bow and words were measured and elegant, showing deep respect.
This only made Yamamoto appreciate him even more.
With his old age and rigid mindset, Yamamoto especially admired young Shinigami who were not just talented but also respectful of order and tradition.
He had tolerated Aiyan breaking the rules because Aiyan was powerful enough to deserve it.
But with Aizen, he was simply… perfect in both ability and conduct.