As Aizen's voice fell, Moyu immediately froze, his expression turning thoughtful.
"Captain Aizen... aren't you overestimating me a bit?"
He was genuinely caught off guard by Aizen's sudden invitation.
After all, this was Aizen—the Aizen.
The mastermind who would one day stand against the entire Soul Society.
To associate with someone like that, no matter how polite or refined he seemed on the surface, was to step directly onto a twisted, dangerous path.
Just look at Tousen Kaname.
That man had ideals once—justice, balance—but ended up in Aizen's grasp, following him blindly into darkness.
Even the Ninth Division… a tragic mess.
And then there was Ichimaru Gin, a mystery wrapped in riddles, and in the same graduating class no less.
All dangerous. Best avoided.
If you weren't careful, Aizen wouldn't just use you—he'd sell you, and you'd even help him count the money.
But Aizen, as always, took Moyu's evasive words with his usual calm and smiling demeanor.
"Your phrasing is quite interesting. Has someone already recruited you before me?"
Moyu sighed inwardly and tried to deflect.
"As my calligraphy instructor, Captain Aizen, you're well aware that I'm at the absolute bottom of the class."
"Why would someone of your stature come all this way just to invite me to join the Fifth Division?"
He subtly shifted the focus, carefully avoiding a direct answer.
With people like Aizen, the more you say, the more likely you are to give something away.
But Aizen's serene smile didn't change.
"When I was in the Academy," he said quietly, "my Reiatsu was already comparable to a captain's."
"In the last hundred years, only one other person matched that level—Hitsugaya Tōshirō."
"Unfortunately, he's already been recruited by the Tenth Division…"
Moyu's eyes narrowed slightly.
So even though he'd told the instructors to keep his abilities confidential… Aizen still found out?
Or rather… had Aizen already been watching him from the start?
Aizen adjusted his glasses, the reflection concealing his eyes.
"If I hadn't happened to pass by the kendo classroom that day, you might've hidden it longer."
"But to let someone of your potential slip away…"
"That would be a tragedy."
Cold sweat slid down Moyu's spine.
This man… is dangerous.
What exactly is Aizen plotting?
Despite the panic swirling inside, Moyu forced a smile onto his face.
"Haha… Captain Aizen sure knows how to joke."
"Captain-level Reiatsu? I think you're giving me way too much credit."
He could only dodge and deny.
That was the safest approach—for now.
Until Aizen fully revealed his hand, Moyu was still protected by the walls of the Academy.
There's no way Aizen would jeopardize his long-term plans over a single uncertain piece on the board.
"Hmm... Is Moyu-kun worried about something?"
Each word from Aizen was like a hammer on his chest.
This man was calculating, methodical, overwhelming.
Moyu was painfully aware that in front of such a mastermind, he was still a novice.
Still... he had his own cards.
As their conversation deepened, Moyu began to adapt.
To anyone else, Aizen was the kindest, most elegant captain in the Gotei 13.
Warm. Gentle. Flawless.
The pressure Moyu felt was entirely internal—because he knew the truth.
And that truth was terrifying.
He sighed and took a different route.
"To be honest," he muttered, "I just want to live like a noble layabout."
"Someone who coasts through life comfortably, waiting for time to pass."
"Ambition is exhausting."
He paused and glanced toward the window.
"Just look at my brother Byakuya."
"He's the heir of both the Sixth Division and the Kuchiki clan… but he used to be warm, fun, and alive."
"Now he's stiff, serious, practically emotionless."
"That kind of life… is suffocating."
Aizen didn't respond immediately.
He simply stared, quiet.
As if even he couldn't refute such twisted yet logical reasoning.
After a moment, he exhaled softly, smiling once again.
"That's only your current mindset."
"But people grow… and growth always comes at a price."
"The doors of the Fifth Division will remain open."
"Anytime."
---
Walking out of the office, Moyu finally exhaled the breath he'd been holding.
His expression relaxed.
"Talking to a man like that without being mentally prepared is suicide."
"Can't a man just enjoy his salted-fish life in peace?"
He sighed and returned to the classroom—only to be hit with another surprise.
"Soul burial practice?!"
He stared at Rukia, whose arms were crossed and eyebrows were raised.
"When did that news drop?"
Rukia tilted her head, blinking.
"Hm? Just now."
"A Shinigami came in to make the announcement… looked like he had that weird giant-X disease going on."
"This time it's a joint practice between both special classes."
"And…" she added with a glint in her eyes, "it's supervised by a few seniors from the Sixth Cycle."