Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

After yesterday's conversation, Seiya returned to the 5th Division's barracks.

Since he had previously interned here, nothing about the place felt unfamiliar.

—Even the room he was assigned was the same as before.

Looking at the old tatami mats and the familiar layout, Seiya couldn't help but sigh.

So, after everything, he had ended up right back where he started.

Thinking back on his recent experiences, he realized he had visited more than half of the Gotei 13 divisions.

The luxury of the 6th Division, the grandeur of the 2nd Division—he had seen it all. In comparison, the 5th Division's quarters could only be described as… modest.

But as the saying goes, a dog never resents its home for being poor.

Seiya, who had struggled to survive in the Rukongai, certainly didn't mind.

This was nothing compared to what he had been through.

As he explored the small, traditional-style room, he slid open the closet doors.

Inside, he found neatly folded bedding and a set of toiletries.

Though he could have brought his own, the division-provided items were of decent quality.

Might as well save the trouble.

After all, he still hadn't finished paying off the debt he had racked up buying gifts for Aizen.

So, this was what they meant by the 'trap of consumerism,' huh? (tactical lean-back)

Just as Seiya was about to start organizing, he heard a short knock at the door.

His first day on the job—who would be looking for him already?

Curious, he opened the door.

Outside stood a respectful-looking squad member who greeted him with a polite smile.

"Mr. Arima, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Ryōda Shinnojin."

"Nice to meet you as well…"

"I just received permission from Captain Hirako—there's been a slight change to your assigned quarters. If it's not too much trouble, may I show you to your new room?"

…Huh? A room reassignment?

It seemed a bit sudden, but it wasn't a big deal.

He was officially part of the 5th Division now. Following orders was just part of the job.

"Please, lead the way."

Ryōda stepped aside with a polite gesture.

"Right this way."

Seiya slung his bag over one shoulder, grabbed the rest of his belongings, and followed.

The barracks were a rather old complex with rooms scattered around the courtyard rather than connected in a single building.

As they walked, Seiya noticed the area becoming less crowded.

The architecture also seemed more refined.

Wait—this place looked way too nice.

Before he could fully process it, a familiar figure appeared.

"Yo, what took you so long?"

Shinji Hirako stood on the veranda, dressed in his sleepwear, his posture radiating laziness.

Ryōda stepped back respectfully, lowering his head slightly.

"I apologize, Captain. I wasn't sure which room Mr. Arima was in, so it took some time…"

"It's fine~ I wasn't blaming you. Go get some rest. You've done enough for today."

After sending Ryōda away, Shinji stepped forward and clapped Seiya on the shoulder with a grin.

"I told you, didn't I? I'm gonna train you into a vice-captain level officer. So—"

Since he was that capable…

It only made sense to give him the proper treatment.

"You'll be staying right next to me from now on. It'll be easier to call you over when I need you."

…Huh?

His room was right next to the captain's?

That felt way too close for comfort.

Couldn't they have eased into this arrangement a little more?

"Also, there are a few things you'll need to get familiar with. Here, catch."

Shinji casually tossed him a bag.

Seiya opened it and found a collection of booklets inside.

"5th Division Operations Guide"

"Understanding Others Starts with Reading the Room!"

"How to Navigate Social Situations Smoothly"

"100 Ways to Care for Your Hair"

…

Something about these seemed off.

"Uh, Captain Hirako?"

"Don't ask. Just read them when you have free time. Trust my instincts—these are all things you really need to know."

As if to emphasize the point, Shinji added with a smirk:

"And just so you don't slack off, I'll be quizzing you on your reading progress. Don't fall behind~"

…Huh?

He had just graduated, and now he had to study again?

What was this 'lifelong learning' nonsense…

Before Seiya could complain, Shinji snatched the "Hair Care Guide" out of the pile.

"Ahaha, looks like I slipped something weird in there—just ignore it!"

What was Seiya even supposed to say at this point?

He let out an awkward chuckle and simply nodded.

"Understood."

—

His new room was definitely an upgrade.

It even had a separate guest area and a small private garden.

The bathroom was designed with wet and dry sections separated—a modern luxury, considering the feudal setting.

Now that he thought about it—

'In the original timeline, Aizen's quarters had a small courtyard too, didn't they?'

While this style of room wasn't uncommon in Seireitei, Aizen had never been one to pursue material wealth.

Chances were, even after becoming captain, he had never bothered moving to a different residence.

'So this might actually be the room Aizen used in the original story…?'

The thought made him pause.

Glancing at the moonlit courtyard, Seiya let out a quiet sigh.

His academy days had lasted only a few short years.

Now that he had graduated, looking back, there was a strange sense of nostalgia.

But even with all these thoughts stirring inside him, there was no regret.

The past was set in stone.

Only the future was worth anticipating.

And this—

This was just the beginning.

—

"Morning, Captain Hirako."

Shinji groggily responded, his entire body slouched like a lifeless worm.

…He looked completely out of it.

Was he always like this at the barracks?

"Ugh… morning…"

Despite being the captain, his entire presence radiated laziness.

Judging by his demeanor, he was probably always a bit of a slob.

"I'm gonna wash up first. You should get ready too. Oh—head to the office and wait for me. We've got some people to meet later."

Before Seiya could respond, Shinji had already planned out his entire schedule for the morning.

It felt a bit sudden—

But at least it was better than wandering around aimlessly.

After an hour—

—

"Question one."

"As a proper member of the 5th Division, what should be your first reaction upon receiving a distress signal?"

Standing in Shinji's office, Seiya hesitated for a moment before cautiously answering:

"Immediately rush in to assist?"

Shinji, without looking up, lifted his pointer stick and smacked him on the arm.

Smack!

"Wrong!"

"Ow—"

"Then remember it!"

With a deeply unimpressed expression, Shinji sighed.

His entire face seemed to say, Are you serious?

"The 5th Division operates independently of other squads."

"That means we do not act rashly or rush into fights without proper assessment."

"We can't rule out the possibility of misinformation, and our own safety has to come first."

Tapping the pointer against his desk, Shinji's tone grew serious.

"Understand? Our job is to provide support, but before anything else, we ensure our own survival."

Which meant—

"There are two rules we must always follow."

"First: We are not the 3rd Division. Since combat isn't our strong suit, we don't provide direct battle support. That means waiting and assessing the situation."

"And second…"

Shinji paused, then pointed at Seiya.

"You tell me. What's the second rule?"

…Hah?

Seiya's gaze drifted toward the ceiling.

—Didn't he just get the 5th Division Guidebook yesterday?

And now he was already being quizzed on it?!

He had assumed "later" meant at least a few months down the line…

Come on, give a guy some time to prepare!

He wanted to complain, but seeing Shinji's pointer stick, he figured he might as well try.

"Uh… the second rule is…"

"To base our actions on the combat style of the requesting party…"

"And then provide assistance accordingly?"

A moment of silence.

Shinji simply stared at him.

After a couple of breaths, he smirked.

"Not bad. You actually did read it."

…Whew.

Though, something felt off.

"Wait. Actually read it?"

"Yeah. I figured you wouldn't remember a damn thing."

Shinji twirled the pointer between his fingers with an amused grin.

"I was all set to whack you ten times for failing."

…What kind of sick hobby was that?

Seiya sighed.

This was going to be a long six months.

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Powerstones?

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