"Perhaps it's been a long time since we've seen such outstanding Shinigami brothers," Yamamoto Genryūsai said calmly. "For a moment, I did consider taking them as my disciples."
"But let's not rush. Reiatsu is only one part of what makes a Shinigami."
He rested both hands on his cane-like Zanpakutō.
"I understand, Teacher Yamamoto," Jūshirō Ukitake replied respectfully. "Tomorrow, I'll take them to retrieve their sealed Zanpakutōs."
"After that, I'll begin training them in the basics—Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō."
Ukitake knew exactly what his teacher meant.
Reiatsu is the foundation of a Shinigami, but not the whole picture. Even more important is the Zanpakutō—especially its potential abilities.
In a battle between two Shinigami of similar spiritual power, the one with a stronger Zanpakutō usually holds the advantage. Victory, potential, growth—all of it can hinge on the blade.
Yamamoto's message was clear.
If Aiyan and Aizen showed exceptional potential not just in Reiatsu, but also in their Zanpakutō and combat skills, taking them as disciples would no longer be just an idea—it would become reality.
If not, it would remain just a fleeting thought—like a shooting star crossing the sky.
The next day.
Jūshirō Ukitake arrived early at the Spiritual Arts Academy. Whether it was because of Yamamoto's interest or the emergence of two once-in-a-century geniuses, he took it all seriously.
"As your main instructor, allow me to introduce myself," Ukitake said with a gentle smile. "I'm Jūshirō Ukitake. It's a great honor to be your teacher."
He addressed the first-class classroom with grace, carrying no air of superiority despite being a veteran captain.
Most students here were of noble blood. Only a few—like Tōsen Kaname and Amagai Shusuke were from Rukongai.
After scanning the class, Ukitake's eyes landed on Aiyan, seated quietly in the back row.
"Now, those whose names I call, please follow me."
"We'll be heading to collect your sealed Zanpakutōs."
"These blades are important. Don't underestimate them."
He read aloud from the student list:
"AiyanSōsuke."
"Aizen Sōsuke."
"Tōsen Kaname."
"Komamura Sajin."
...
One by one, the Rukongai students stood and followed.
"As I thought," Aiyan muttered to himself.
"In noble families, sealed Zanpakutōs are provided from childhood."
"A flawed and outdated system."
"If sealed Zanpakutōs were freely given, Seireitei could have several times more Shinigami."
Aizen glanced over and smiled faintly. He knew what his brother was thinking.
Just then, Shihōin Yoruichi stood up, clearly uninterested in staying behind.
"Hey Jūshirō, can we come too?"
Ukitake nodded. "If anyone else is curious, feel free to join."
"And Yoruichi-san, please remember to call me Sensei or Jūshirō-sensei."
"Got it, Jūshirō~" Yoruichi replied playfully.
Ukitake simply shook his head. He didn't mind.
After all, Yoruichi wasn't just a student—she was the heir to one of the Four Great Noble Houses, and already powerful enough to skip the academy entirely. She could join the Second Division as a seated officer and eventually become captain once she mastered Bankai.
In truth, her time at the Academy was more about appearances than learning.
Led by Ukitake, the group arrived at an ancient building protected by a Kidō barrier.
"Open."
Ukitake raised his hand, releasing a powerful burst of Reiatsu to disable the seal. It was quick, like a flash of lightning—but still impressive.
Tōsen, Komamura, and even Kisuke Urahara were visibly impressed.
Only Aiyan and Aizen remained calm, chatting casually. That level of power didn't faze them.
"Captain Jūshirō."
Two guards inside the building stepped forward to salute.
"No need for formality," Ukitake said. "We're here to collect sealed Zanpakutōs."
He handed over the list.
The guards quickly brought out several sealed blades—Zanpakutōs in their unawakened form.
"These are all the same. No difference in quality," Ukitake explained.
"Once you choose one, you must infuse it with your spirit, your beliefs, and a burst of Reiatsu."
"From that point on, it becomes your partner—your Zanpakutō."
"Pick whichever one you feel drawn to."
He didn't assign them; the students were free to choose.
Tōsen, Komamura, and others stepped forward, their eyes full of excitement.
For them, this was a symbol—a sign that they were truly becoming Shinigami.
But Aiyan and Aizen didn't move.
"Brother," Aizen said softly, "I just heard a voice."
"It said… it didn't want me to take one of these blades."
His eyes glinted behind his glasses.
Even from a brief moment of connection, Aizen could glean much.
The sealed Zanpakutōs might be functional, but something felt off. His instinct told him not to accept one.
"You heard a voice?" Aiyan raised an eyebrow.
"You've already connected with your Zanpakutō… without even needing a sealed state?"
"As expected of a king."
He wasn't surprised for long.
After all, Hitsugaya Tōshirō heard Hyōrinmaru's voice before entering the Academy.
If someone like him could do it, how could Aizen not?
In the world of Bleach, those with exceptional potential often connect with their Zanpakutōs directly.
Hitsugaya did.
Aizen did.
Ichigo would, too.
Even before sealed Zanpakutōs were invented by Ōetsu Nimaiya, powerful Shinigami—like those in the Royal Guard or the ancestors of noble clans—formed theirs naturally.
[After learning that Aizen heard his Zanpakutō's voice, your own Zanpakutō declared that no one is better than you, and decided to appear by itself.]
Just as Aiyan admired Aizen's gift, he heard a voice in his mind.
In the next moment…
His Reiatsu surged, flowing to his palm like a mighty river—something deep within his soul was awakening.
Something ancient.
Something alive.