A Century's Scheme

Arima Shizuya followed behind Tōsen Kaname.

Together, they slipped out of the True Spiritual Arts Academy.

So where were they headed? "A place both you and I know well... the Slum Street."

Ah, that certainly was true.

It was like going back home.

But then again, leaving the Seireitei was no easy matter.

After all, there were Squad Members patrolling at night, while the gates themselves had their own guards...

Without general authorization, even registered Squad Members could not enter or leave as they pleased.

Surely Tōsen Kaname knew that much, right?

"Do not worry. Lord Aizen has already arranged a route specifically for us to leave the city."

"Following the designated route will allow us to avoid the Patrol Teams. There will also be someone waiting for us at the gate, and we will soon reach the outside safely."

I see.

As expected of the Prison Master, he had thought of everything.

About an hour later, Arima Shizuya saw the long-unseen Aizen near the outskirts by the East Gate.

There was no obvious difference from three days ago, except that he now wore an insignia symbolizing a Vice-Captain around his upper left arm.

Oh, now this look was exactly right—it was identical to the version from a hundred years ago in the original story! History's inertia really was powerful.

Arima Shizuya had thought he might have arrived a little early, but in reality, it made no difference.

Compared to a scheme spanning a century, his one-month discrepancy was truly insignificant.

"Shizuya-kun, you finally came."

Aizen's smile had not changed in the slightest. Seeing him again now only stirred a sense of reflection in Shizuya's heart.

"Yeah, Aizen-sensei... no, Lord Aizen. Long time no see."

He could not shake off the habit of addressing him from school.

That made things a little awkward.

Fortunately, Aizen seemed completely unconcerned. He merely smiled with pursed lips, then reached out with his right hand and patted Arima Shizuya on the shoulder.

"A form of address is merely a difference in wording. There is no need to dwell on such things."

Turning his head, his gaze passed over Tōsen before he continued.

"Then let us waste no time and prepare to depart."

Arima Shizuya had still been wondering how they were supposed to get out.

The moment he saw Aizen, he understood... given this man's methods, there was probably nowhere in the world he could not infiltrate.

The three of them passed through the small gate directly after being waved through by guards drunk enough to be tipsy.

Kyōka Suigetsu's convenience truly showed itself at times like this.

There was no need for any preparation at all. As long as they followed behind Aizen, they could enter and leave the Seireitei at will.

Nor did they need to worry about their tracks being exposed.

How convenient.

After leaving the city, Aizen also took the opportunity to explain their future plans to Arima Shizuya.

"We must increase our strength and secure a place within the Gotei 13."

"Only then can we obtain firsthand information and, when necessary, use our methods to twist the will of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads."

"And to achieve that goal, I need you two, Shizuya-kun and Tōsen, to become figures at the captain level."

And in order to achieve that goal—

Improving their strength was an indispensable step.

"From this stage onward, I will give the two of you more meticulous guidance."

"The methods may be somewhat rough, since this will no longer be Academy material... so prepare yourselves mentally in advance."

Aizen calmly adjusted the glasses on the bridge of his nose, as though he were merely stating indisputable facts.

"After all, this is the first step toward becoming strong. Gentlemen, please make yourselves thoroughly prepared."

Here it came.

Though he had been somewhat mentally prepared before, hearing those words now still made his blood surge.

Before, it could only be called a company internship.

Now that he had officially been "hired on," Aizen finally seemed willing to teach them without holding back.

This was what it truly meant to receive special tutoring!...

Two hours of high-intensity training left them wishing they were dead.

Just as Aizen had said.

His training standards for Arima Shizuya and Tōsen Kaname completely surpassed the Academy's level.

"The true essence of Kendo lies in orderly offense and defense. A Zanpakuto's abilities are certainly important, but in many situations, these basic skills can also play a vital role."

"The key to Hakuda lies in control over one's body. You must be keenly aware of your breathing and footwork. Naturally, this is also what is called the foundation."

"Shunpo is, in essence, also a use of spiritual pressure. In that regard, the Shihōin clan's inherited teachings encompass its entire history."

"Kido follows much the same principle. Its spells possess relatively complete structures, while incantations serve to shape and assist them, allowing their full power to be unleashed in the end."

The Four Great Basic Skills were all Aizen's main areas of focus.

That also perfectly matched every impression Arima Shizuya had of him.

After all, only after standing at the summit himself would one have the leisure to observe scenery farther away—surpassing Shinigami and attaining power on a higher level.

Back to the point.

Tōsen Kaname only lasted until the Hakuda segment before Aizen beat him to his knees, forcing him to retreat to the side and rest.

Only Arima Shizuya persisted until the end.

After all, these subjects perfectly aligned with his own specialties. It was practically like setting questions while looking at the answers.

But that did not mean Arima Shizuya could get everything right.

As he faced the final test of the day, he gritted his teeth and squeezed the little spiritual pressure he had left from within his body.

"O ruler! Mask of flesh, ten thousand..."

Before he could finish speaking—

Aizen's figure appeared beside Arima Shizuya and, from an exceptionally tricky angle, drove a kick straight into his waist.

Pff...

There was no mercy in that blow, only enough force to make someone vomit up their stomach acid.

Arima Shizuya was sent flying more than ten meters away, and it took him quite a while to struggle back to his feet.

"Your use of Kido has indeed become much more proficient, but never forget that all things exist to facilitate combat."

"In many situations, incantations can instead become a restraint. Therefore, weighing the pros and cons, shortening them as appropriate—or omitting the process altogether—"

"Is also something a Shinigami must consider."

Arima Shizuya wiped the sour fluid from the corner of his mouth and revealed a thoroughly helpless expression.

Are you kidding me? High-intensity training like this on the first day... if I didn't have a decent foundation, you'd really end up killing me.

"But even so, Shizuya-kun has already done very well. Being able to persist to this point is itself proof of strength."

"All I can say is... excellent."

"As expected of my student. If you could not manage even this much, I would find it strange instead."

Was this the classic stick-and-carrot routine? There was plenty to complain about, but it was still better than being lectured with a stern face.

"Heh... thank you for the praise."

Aizen sheathed his Zanpakuto. His gaze settled upon the staggering Arima Shizuya and Tōsen Kaname, who lay sprawled on his back on the ground.

Then he showed a very familiar smile.

"Very good. We shall stop here for today. Please be sure to remember what you have learned today and strive to put it to practical use."

Arima Shizuya helped Tōsen Kaname up from the ground and replied between breaths.

"Understood!"

Aizen nodded with a smile.

"Very good. Then, for the remaining time, let us clean up the chaotic Slum Street. And while we are at it... make some necessary preparations for the future."