Chapter 53 Kyōka Suigetsu

In the conference hall, Aizen sat calmly at the head of the table, his posture relaxed yet exuding an air of quiet authority. His piercing gaze swept across the gathered officers—three Rear Admirals and nine Commodores—all waiting for him to speak. The tension in the room was palpable, as each officer was acutely aware of the meteoric rise of the young Vice Admiral who now stood at the helm of the G3 branch.

"Greetings," Aizen began with a calm and steady voice. "Many of you already know me, and those who don't, I trust you'll learn soon enough. As the newly appointed Chief of Staff, I intend to ensure this branch remains a cornerstone of the New World's stability. This meeting is an opportunity to align our vision moving forward."

The gathered officers nodded respectfully. While Aizen's reputation preceded him, the calm confidence in his tone commanded their attention. One of the Rear Admirals, an older man named Thoris, spoke up with a smile. "Vice Admiral Aizen, there's no need for introductions. Your actions over the past six months have already proven your capability. It's rare to see someone rise through the ranks as you have—no one here doubts your leadership."

The room murmured in agreement. Another officer, a Commodore seated further down the table, chimed in. "We've also heard the stories. It's true, isn't it? That you bested Zephyr-sensei during the graduation test?"

The question drew the attention of everyone in the room. It was clear that even among seasoned Marines, Aizen's feats seemed almost mythical—defeating the legendary instructor Zephyr, surviving the chaos of the New World, and gaining the trust of the higher-ups in Marineford. All eyes were now on him.

Aizen's lips curved into a faint smile, though his expression remained composed. "Zephyr-sensei is an unparalleled teacher," he replied. "Our duel was nothing more than a test. He allowed me to push my limits, and for that, I am grateful. I wouldn't put too much stock in the outcome—it was merely an exercise in potential."

The humility in his tone was carefully calculated, but beneath it lay the undeniable confidence of a man who knew his strength. Before anyone could press further, Aizen shifted the focus. "That aside, I believe it's time to address something important. The inspection of the prison is critical, but first, I have something I wish to demonstrate."

Without further explanation, Aizen rose from his seat, and in one fluid motion, unsheathed **Kyōka Suigetsu**. The weapon glinted faintly in the low light, its elegance matched only by the aura of power it exuded. The officers immediately stiffened, their unease palpable as they exchanged uncertain glances.

"Vice Admiral Aizen..." Thoris began, his tone cautious, "what do you intend to show us?"

Aizen's gaze swept across the room, his eyes calm yet unreadable. "Trust is the foundation of any operation," he began, his voice steady and resonant. "As Chief of Staff, I need each of you to understand one thing: clarity of purpose. Without it, even the strongest among us will falter. Allow me to illustrate."

Before anyone could react, Aizen lifted **Kyōka Suigetsu** slightly, its blade reflecting the dim light. His eyes seemed to gleam with a mysterious intensity as he uttered, "Look closely. This is the true power of perception."

The room seemed to shift subtly, though no one could quite pinpoint how. The officers glanced around uneasily, their expressions growing more uncertain by the second. A sudden, inexplicable haze seemed to fill the air, as if the very fabric of reality had become malleable under Aizen's will.

"Vice Admiral Aizen… what is this?" one of the Commodores asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Aizen smiled faintly, lowering the blade. "This is **Kyōka Suigetsu**, my Devil Fruit ability manifested through my weapon. It grants me the power of perfect hypnosis—control over your senses, making illusions indistinguishable from reality."

The officers were visibly shaken. The idea of such an ability was both awe-inspiring and deeply unsettling. Aizen continued, his tone calm and measured. "Understand that this power is not a threat but a tool to ensure our success. In the New World, where chaos reigns and deception is often a pirate's greatest weapon, clarity and control are paramount."

He sheathed **Kyōka Suigetsu** with a practiced motion, the faint tension in the air dissipating as quickly as it had appeared. The officers exchanged uncertain glances, but none dared to question Aizen further.

"Now," Aizen said, his tone returning to its usual calm. "Let us proceed with the inspection of the prison. I expect all departments to cooperate fully and ensure that our operations remain exemplary."

The meeting concluded, and the officers departed, their respect for Aizen mingled with a hint of unease. As Aizen walked toward the prison, a faint smile played on his lips. Everything was proceeding exactly as he had envisioned, and the New World was slowly but surely falling under his control.