This man had scripted the entire meeting

"Aizen, there's no need to be so formal, and certainly no need to panic."

"Considering your excellent character and remarkable strength, this old man has decided to make an exception and grant you a choice."

"In other words, this is an honor you've earned."

For the first time in a long while, Yamamoto Genryūsai spoke in a warm tone.

This made several Lieutenants quietly raise their eyebrows in surprise. After all, it wasn't every day that the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13—known for his strict and solemn demeanor—spoke so kindly.

"I would like to request placement in the First Division."

Under the curious gaze of every seated Shinigami, Aizen lowered his head slightly, paused in thought, then looked at Aiyan briefly before speaking.

"Not the Fifth Division?"

"You would've had your elder brother's guidance and protection. Isn't that better?"

"Aizen, you should know—there are many Shinigami in the Seireitei who envy you. Many wish they had an older brother like Aiyan."

Yamamoto raised an eyebrow and asked with sincere curiosity. It was obvious he had been expecting Aizen to join the Fifth Division under Aiyan's leadership.

"To be honest, Captain-Commander, I do admire and deeply respect my brother. He's always been my goal, someone I strive to reach. But perhaps that's exactly the problem..."

Aizen's tone was humble yet honest, his gaze distant.

"All my life, anything I couldn't do—he could. Anything I could do—he always did better. No matter what path I took, I was always one step behind."

"If I stayed by his side forever, I'd either become lazy under his protection, or lose myself trying to mimic him."

"Either way, I'd never be able to catch up… I wouldn't even be able to see his back anymore."

"But by choosing a different path—by following you, Captain-Commander—I can see a different world, and become a better version of myself."

Aizen's words, though seemingly simple, carried layers of meaning. They perfectly played the role of a younger brother respectfully breaking free of his elder's shadow. More importantly, they greatly pleased Yamamoto.

That last line hit him deeply.

'Following Aiyan, I wouldn't even see his back. But following you, I can grow stronger.'

Especially now, in his twilight years, Yamamoto appreciated earnest, humble Shinigami who followed rules, sought justice, and strove to improve. Aizen was everything he could want in a junior officer.

"Very well. The doors of the First Division are always open to Shinigami like you."

"Aizen Sōsuke—step forward."

Yamamoto's face broke into a rare smile as he lifted his crutch from the floor and waved Aizen over.

"Captain-Commander..."

Aizen quickly walked forward, bowing respectfully.

"Would you like to formally become my disciple?"

Yamamoto looked closely at the young Shinigami before him. The more he observed Aizen, the more satisfied he became. It was rare for him to act on emotion, but this time, he couldn't hold back.

Aizen blinked.

He was genuinely surprised—not faking it. He had come today expecting to be named Lieutenant, perhaps to impress Yamamoto a little, but to be offered apprenticeship directly under the Captain-Commander?

That wasn't in his script.

"What?!"

"Didn't the Captain-Commander say he would never take on another disciple?"

"If someone like Aizen came to you, could you say no?"

"Right? He's polite, just, humble, and eager to grow."

"He's the perfect student!"

Outside of Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake, who seemed to have already guessed this outcome, most of the captains and lieutenants looked visibly shaken. Whispers filled the chamber.

"This is my honor, sir."

Behind his brown-framed glasses, Aizen's face showed surprise, happiness, and a bit of nervousness. Ten facial microexpressions in under a second—his acting was flawless.

Even Aiyan found himself slightly impressed.

'A king indeed. With skills like this, it's no wonder Hinamori Momo got played like a fiddle.'

He couldn't help but shake his head. Aizen's deception ran so deep, even someone like Yamamoto—seasoned, cautious, powerful—was dancing to his tune.

Every word Aizen had spoken since stepping into the room was calculated. Every look, every pause, every drop of emotion had been staged. The man had scripted the entire meeting.

And now, he was reaping the rewards.

"You're still calling him 'Captain-Commander'? Shouldn't you be calling him 'Teacher' now?"

Jūshirō Ukitake smiled from the side, clearly pleased.

He knew Yamamoto had been disappointed ever since Aiyan refused to become his disciple. This moment—accepting Aizen—might not erase that regret, but it helped heal the wound.

"Teacher… Genryūsai."

Aizen finally spoke the word.

"Good."

Yamamoto's usually stern expression broke into a truly content smile, almost fatherly. The kind of smile that said, 'I made the right choice.'

He didn't notice the faint trace of pity in Aiyan's eyes.

'You dared to take in the King, principal. That's brave.'

Aiyan sighed softly.

He knew better than anyone. Anyone who got close to Aizen never had a happy ending.

Aizen's former captain, Hirako Shinji, became a Hollow experiment, was nearly killed in Karakura Town, and had his mind toyed with by Kyōka Suigetsu.

The entire Visored group—his comrades—were turned into outcasts, stripped of rank, and exiled.

Aizen's lieutenant, Hinamori Momo, would have died multiple times if not for sheer luck.

His allies—Ichimaru Gin, Tōsen Kaname, the entire Espada—every one of them died miserable deaths, betrayed or abandoned.

And now Yamamoto, the man who had been a symbol of order in Soul Society for a thousand years, had willingly stepped into the lion's den.

The relationship between teacher and student is closer than that of captain and subordinate.

Aiyan could already imagine the future.

"The atmosphere here is quite warm."

"Why don't I invite Aiyan too?"

Yamamoto suddenly had a bold idea.

'What if I can mentor both brothers?'

But the moment he turned to look at Aiyan—seeing the long-sleeved haori draped over his strong frame—he hesitated and dropped the thought entirely.

Not because he didn't want to.

But because he knew he couldn't.

Aiyan had taken only a few lessons at the Shin'ō Academy, yet achieved Bankai by himself.

He defeated Captain Hirako with just his Shikai, before Hirako could even activate his own Bankai.

Earlier today, he effortlessly suppressed Kuchiki Kōga and neutralized Muramasa's ability with a single blow.

In terms of Zanpakutō, Reiatsu, Kidō, Zanjutsu, Hakuda, and Shunpo—Aiyan was perfect. A flawless, hexagon-shaped Shinigami.

Even Yamamoto, often called the strongest Shinigami in the last thousand years, knew he had nothing left to teach someone like Aiyan.