"Master Genryūsai doesn't want to accept Aiyan as a disciple, does he?"
"Huh? Why didn't Captain-Commander Yamamoto speak?"
"I see, even old man Yamamoto isn't confident enough to be Aiyan's teacher?"
"Yes, Aizen may still be someone people dare to teach, but Aiyan? Who dares claim to be qualified to be his master!"
Seeing Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni looking at Aiyan, Kyoraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō thought their teacher would come forward to grab both brothers as disciples, but surprisingly, after glancing at Aiyana few more times, he reluctantly pulled his gaze back.
As Yamamoto Genryūsai's students, they quickly understood the reason.
This wasn't about concern.
It was that, after this past month, Aiyanhad displayed such terrifying talent as a Shinigami that even the strongest Shinigami of the past thousand years didn't dare claim to be qualified to teach him.
"Aizen, though this old man placed you under his wing, that does not mean you can act recklessly."
"On the contrary, as the disciple of the Captain-Commander, you are afforded no special privilege. Rather, you must act with even more caution and greater respect for rules and decorum."
"Understood?
After Yamamoto Genryūsai pulled his reluctant gaze back from Aiyan, he immediately warned Aizen, his one and only disciple. But before Aizen could even speak, he changed the subject:
"Now, by the authority of the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, I appoint you as the Lieutenant of Squad 1."
"Additionally..."
"You shall also serve as the Captain of the Special force of the first division."
Having missed the chance to recruit Aiyanforever, he had finally secured Aizen as a disciple.
How could Yamamoto Genryūsai not treat him generously?
See—one second, he was lecturing. The next, he handed out two positions: Lieutenant of Squad 1 and Commander of the Special force.
Yet his decision left many of the captains and lieutenants speechless.
Not because his word wasn't final—he was, after all, the Captain-Commander—but because Aizen's talent and character were without flaw.
Of course.
None of the captains or lieutenants objected. But not everyone present was so accommodating.
For example...
"I'm the Captain of the Special Force!"
Behind Kuchiki Ginrei, a sudden voice rang out in shock and fury.
All Shinigami turned toward the voice, many casting strange glances at Kuchiki Kōga—but he didn't care.
After all...
What had just happened was simply outrageous.
Aizen was appointed as the Lieutenant of Squad 1? He could endure that.
Aizen being recruited as the disciple of Yamamoto Genryūsai? Fine—he endured that too.
But now, Yamamoto Genryūsai was appointing Aizen as the Commander of the Special Force? That was too much.
That had been his position. A role he'd only just assumed—before even warming the seat, it was taken away in front of him and handed to the younger brother of the man he already hated.
Kuchiki Kōga could not accept.
"Kuchiki Kōga, are you questioning my decision?"
Yamamoto Genryūsai's gaze swept the room until it fell on Kōga, who had once again shouted in the meeting hall—and this time had dared to question him directly. How could the soul of Soul Society tolerate that?
"You fool! Shut up this instant!"
"Guards."
"Remove Kuchiki Kōga from the hall."
Kuchiki Ginrei's expression changed drastically. Not giving Kōga a chance to speak further, he immediately signaled to his Lieutenant and the guards to drag the fool out.
"Question? I dare not."
"But Aizen is just a recent graduate of the Shinō Academy. What qualifications does he have to become Lieutenant of Squad 1?"
"Let alone hold two roles at once—leading the Special force too."
Kuchiki Kōga shoved away the approaching Kuchiki Soujun.
"Insolence!"
"And what are you, exactly? Who do you think you are? You're just a regular member of Squad 1. Even allowing you to sit in the chamber to listen is already a rare privilege."
"And now? You've disrupted order again—clearly refusing to repent. And you dare question the decision of this old man?"
Yamamoto Genryūsai's eyes went cold. His staff slammed against the ground.
"Please calm your anger, Captain-Commander."
At this moment, Aizen stepped forward.
Many Shinigami—including Muguruma Kensei, Ōtoribashi Rōjūrō, and others—couldn't help but wonder if Aizen was stepping in to add insult to injury.
After all, this was a perfect opportunity to K.O Kuchiki Kōga—and considering how Kōga had just clashed with Aiyan, it would be normal for a younger brother to take vengeance.
However—
What Aizen said next left even Muguruma Kensei, and those captains who disliked the Aiyanbrothers completely stunned. For a moment, they even began to wonder whether Hirako had misjudged Aizen all along...
But only Aiyanknew—the real play had just begun.
What awaited Kuchiki Kōga was a fate worse than death.
"Captain-Commander, please allow me to speak."
"I believe that although Kuchiki Kōga spoke rashly, some of his concerns do hold merit."
"After all, I'm new to Squad 1. I lack qualifications, experience, and strength. I've never done something like Captain Aiyan—defeating the former captain in a duel. To be appointed Lieutenant is already far more than I deserve. If I also accept command of the Special Force, it may invite resentment and rumors, and that would harm the unity of the Gotei 13."
Seeing that Aizen not only refrained from striking down Kōga, but even seemed to be defending him, Kuchiki Ginrei's eyes flickered with regret.
If he had known earlier...
He would never have been so hasty to marry off his daughter the moment he saw Kōga wielding Muramasa.
He should have waited fifty years.
If he had saved his daughter and married her off to either Aiyanor Aizen, the Kuchiki clan would've secured their place atop Soul Society for the next millennium.
"Aizen, I'm glad you think this way. It shows your eyes are not fixed on power or status, but on unity and rules."
"But in the Gotei 13, rank is earned by strength and character. Your appointment as Squad 1 Lieutenant and Commander of the Stealth Force has nothing to do with your teacher being Captain-Commander, nor with your brother being Captain of Squad 5. It's because you, Aizen Sōsuke, possess both virtue and talent—and have earned this."
"Especially after what you just said, that much is clear."
On one side stood Kuchiki Kōga, who dared question his authority.
On the other stood Aizen Sōsuke, who sought to protect unity in the Gotei 13.
The Captain-Commander's decision was obvious.
"Aizen—you deserve it."
"As for Kuchiki Kōga—"
"First, you disrespected Captain Aiyan, caused a disruption in this chamber, and even released your Zanpakutō in the Squad 1 barracks. And now you openly question my decision, display arrogance, and show clear signs of jealousy toward those more talented than you."
"Effective immediately, you are expelled from Squad 1, stripped of your Gotei membership, and imprisoned in the Maggot's Nest."
Yamamoto Genryūsai first cemented Aizen's positions, then sentenced the married son-in-law of the Kuchiki clan to ruin—displaying the true, overwhelming authority of Soul Society's strongest.
...
Hey guys!
I've just uploaded a brand-new romantic one-shot featuring Aiyan x Yoruichi—go check it out and let me know your thoughts after reading! I really pushed myself writing this one, so your feedback means a lot.
Now for some exciting news—
I'm planning my next one-shot, and this time, one of you will have the chance to appear as a side character in it!
Spoiler: The role will be that of a powerful OC Kidō Corps Commander,
I'll be selecting one reader from the reviews of this book.
So if you haven't left a review yet, now's the perfect time! Drop your thoughts in a review, and who knows—you might become part of the story itself