Aizen The Good Guy

In the Aisle of the Fifth Division.

"Hey, have you heard? There's some breaking news from Shino Academy of Spiritual Arts," Hirako Shinji said as he lazily stretched.

There wasn't even a hint of the authority one would expect from a captain of the Gotei 13. In fact, he seemed more like a punk than a dignified officer.

"Captain, are you talking about the enrollment assessment?" an officer asked, picking up the conversation.

"Exactly. Apparently, there's this kid named 'Saikyō' who supposedly has Tenth-Class Spiritual Power and is Captain Yoruichi's younger brother," Hirako Shinji replied, recounting Saikyō's deeds like a piece of juicy gossip.

It would have been quite a sight for an outsider—seeing the proud Captain of the Fifth Division being so intrigued, almost gossipy. The casual, unserious demeanor wasn't what one would expect from a captain, making it seem as though he was simply part of the crew due to a connection.

"Tenth-Class Spiritual Power?!"

Those words seemed to carry an almost magical weight.

Everyone who heard them stopped what they were doing, their faces filled with disbelief.

"Doesn't that sound incredible?" Hirako Shinji said, reading the expressions of his squad members. A sly grin appeared at the corner of his mouth. "I mean, I've never even heard of this kid before. Makes me question if it's really true."

"Captain Hirako, this story has spread so far and wide—it can't be fake, right?" one officer suggested, feeling conflicted.

"Who knows... But come to think of it…" Hirako Shinji paused, as if something suddenly came to mind. He perked up with interest, "I remember Hiyori mentioning she had some business at Shino Academy.

"Now that I think about it… could it have been related to that special training class?"

The possibility dawned on Hirako Shinji, and he couldn't help but feel a bit more interested.

"Captain Hirako, if you're that curious, why not look into it yourself?" the officer suggested again.

"Oh, let's not. I only just healed from the last time she knocked me around. I'd rather avoid getting smacked and ending up broken again." The thought of Hiyori popped into his head—a familiar pockmarked face—and Hirako Shinji shuddered a little at the memory.

Even though he held a high position as captain of the Fifth Division, a role that commanded significant respect in all of Soul Society, Hirako Shinji had a lifelong nemesis—the irascible vice-captain of the Twelfth Division, Hiyori Sarugaki, often dubbed "the pockmarked face."

Every time they met, their usual greeting was a swift attack—usually Hiyori's flip-flop aimed right at him!

Of course, Hirako Shinji was the one who ended up on the losing side of these exchanges.

After every captain's meeting, the members of the Fifth Division would see their captain returning to the barracks with bruises. Over time, they had grown used to it.

"By the way, where's Aizen? I haven't seen him around," Hirako Shinji asked, suddenly changing the subject, his expression now more serious.

The lightness in his demeanor disappeared, replaced by a focused intensity.

"Vice-Captain Aizen went to the team office earlier. He's been waiting there since morning."

"Really? He's always so punctual. Shows up bright and early every day to take care of team business." Though Hirako's words sounded like praise, there was something off in the way he said it. A strange glint passed through his eyes.

"Yeah, Vice-Captain Aizen always takes care of everything. He's such a reliable guy!" The surrounding officers all nodded in agreement.

Aizen's dedication to his duties had earned him admiration from many members of the Fifth Division.

"A reliable guy, huh?"

"Hahahaha…"

Hirako Shinji chuckled softly, almost to himself.

Waving dismissively at the officers, he turned and made his way towards the team office.

---

A Short Time Later.

Fifth Division Office.

"Captain Hirako, you're finally here."

No sooner had Hirako Shinji stepped out of the hallway than Aizen's voice greeted him.

Dressed in the standard black Shihakushō, over which hung the white haori of a lieutenant, Aizen stood there. His thick bangs hung down over his forehead, and his black-rimmed glasses added a scholarly aura to his otherwise unassuming demeanor.

Throughout the Gotei 13, Aizen Sōsuke was known for being approachable and was regarded as the very definition of a "good guy."

He was the current vice-captain of the Fifth Division.

"Aizen, have you been waiting long?" Hirako asked casually, as if there was no urgency at all.

"Captain Hirako, it hasn't been long. This is where I usually start my day," Aizen replied, with the same composed smile that never seemed to leave his face, even though he could sense Hirako's impatience.

Whether during unexpected situations or even mundane days, Aizen's temper never changed. He was always gentle, always humble, always helpful.

Over time, people had attached labels like "kind" and "full of positive energy" to Aizen.

But…

Only Hirako Shinji knew the truth.

The so-called "good guy" standing before him was actually an extremely dangerous individual.

When Hirako Shinji was first promoted to captain of the Fifth Division, the very first decision he made was to keep Aizen in his post and promote him to vice-captain. There was only one reason for this—to keep an eye on Aizen.

Hirako always maintained a deliberate distance from Aizen, while keeping a close watch on him at all times, never letting his guard down. He never allowed Aizen a chance to get too close.

Thus, despite their titles—captain and vice-captain—they were strangers, with Hirako being suspicious and guarded.

"Aizen, have you heard? About the big news everyone's talking about from yesterday," Hirako Shinji asked, breaking the silence, a look of annoyance on his face. He casually pushed open the door and stepped inside the team office, taking a seat in front of a wooden desk.

"Are you referring to Shihōin Saikyō? The young genius who achieved Tenth-Class Spiritual Power in the assessment?" Aizen answered accurately, knowing the story about Saikyō.

"Ha, so you've heard? Well-informed, aren't you?" Hirako poured himself a cup of tea, not bothering with any formality, and leaned back comfortably, stretching his legs in front of him.

"Tenth-Class Spiritual Power is a rare achievement, something worth paying attention to," Aizen said, standing beside the desk, his posture perfectly rigid.

Anyone observing would have to note how respectful and humble Aizen appeared before his captain. He played the part of the "good guy" to perfection.

"Really? I thought all you cared about were team affairs," Hirako sneered at Aizen.

"Captain Hirako, you're overpraising me. It's my duty to share in the burden of team responsibilities," Aizen replied, smiling.

No matter how much Hirako acted dismissive or indifferent, Aizen kept his polite smile.

He always spoke about the Fifth Division or team duties, avoiding giving Hirako any reason to question him further.

"Alright, enough chit-chat. You can handle yesterday's paperwork. I'm going to have some tea and relax for a bit." Hirako waved his hand dismissively, ending the conversation.

"Of course, Captain Hirako. Leave it to me."

Aizen nodded, turned, and walked towards the door of the team office.

And the moment he walked out the door, with his back to Hirako Shinji—

The smile on his face vanished instantly!