Chapter 76

As the first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the window, Aizen Sōsuke opened his eyes.

Today was the day of the graduation exam for him, Kaelith, and Seinosuke.

For him, such a trivial test was no different from child's play. However, since it was an official matter, he resolved to approach it with seriousness.

Unlike Kaelith, who was carefree and easygoing, Aizen was a person who valued ritual. Waking up early, tidying himself, and starting the day in his best state of mind was, to him, a delightful experience.

Thinking this, Aizen sat up and glanced at Kaelith's bed.

His brow furrowed.

The bedding hadn't been touched. 

Kaelith hadn't returned all night?

Aizen fell into thought, quickly recalling their last conversation.

The night before, he had been sitting on his bed, mentally organizing the next steps for his experiments. Much of it revolved around the newly acquired test subject, Gozu Kenpachi.

His focus had been so absorbed by mentally simulating procedures and dissecting models that most of his attention had been directed inward.

At that moment, Kaelith had casually greeted him: 

"Sōsuke, I'm heading to the Shihōin estate. If Sensei comes by for a room check, cover for me, okay?"

Distracted by his thoughts, Aizen had barely processed the words. He had nodded absentmindedly as Kaelith's voice passed in one ear and out the other.

Now, as he thought back on it, his blood pressure began to rise.

Kaelith had gone out to play the night before their graduation exam? 

Although Aizen was no stranger to Kaelith's carefree attitude, this still managed to surprise him.

Moreover, the mention of the Shihōin estate...

After the prison incident, the Shihōin family had a major falling-out with the rebels. 

If Kaelith had spent the night at the Shihōin main house, that would be one thing. But if he and that reckless family head had snuck out in the middle of the night for some escapade, the risks were immeasurable.

The waters in the Seireitei were deep and murky.

No one could confidently say how many forces the rebels still had hidden within its confines.

At the very least, Aizen didn't believe that the visible rebel forces were all there was.

Surely, those two wouldn't be so thoughtless… right?

With a mix of helplessness and mild irritation, Aizen cleaned himself up, donned a fresh set of clothes, and headed out of the Shin'ō Academy gates toward the Seireitei.

Their graduation exam was scheduled to take place in a training ground within the Seireitei itself.

This arrangement puzzled Aizen.

He had reviewed past records of students who graduated early, and all their exams had been held on campus.

This was the first time the exam location had been moved to the Seireitei.

Something about this reeked of a hidden agenda…

Arriving at the designated location, Aizen stepped into the training grounds.

He had come early, and the area was empty.

Planning to find a quiet spot to meditate, Aizen froze mid-step.

Wait… had he missed something just now?

Quickly turning around, he looked toward the center of the training ground.

At some point, a figure had appeared there, standing silently.

A white haori, a polished bald head, eyebrows, and beard radiating a sage-like aura, and a large, iconic staff...

Recognizing the figure, Aizen's heart sank.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni!

What was he doing here?

Could he possibly be here for him?

Countless thoughts raced through Aizen's mind as he quickly calculated escape routes in case a fight broke out.

Then, as if cutting through his rapid thoughts, a voice rang clearly in his ears.

"You are Kaelith Yurei's classmate, the one applying for graduation alongside him?"

Despite the hundreds of meters between them, Yamamoto's voice was as crisp and undistorted as if he stood right beside Aizen.

Startled, Aizen immediately bent forward, offering a respectful bow.

Then, with a single flash step, he appeared before Yamamoto, adopting a slightly anxious and deferential demeanor.

"C-Captain-Commander Yamamoto, sir! I didn't expect you to come here personally. I apologize for any offense or lack of proper manners!"

Yamamoto shook his head lightly, signaling that he didn't mind.

He looked at Aizen and said, "You're Aizen Sōsuke, applying for graduation through the standard program."

Aizen was slightly surprised. 

He bowed and said, "Yes, Captain-Commander. It is my honor to have my name known by you!"

Yamamoto raised an eyebrow as he studied Aizen standing before him. 

Kaelith Yurei often mentioned Aizen Sōsuke in their conversations. 

According to Kaelith, this classmate was exceptionally talented, intelligent, and far-sighted—a future pillar of the Soul Society.

Yamamoto had always taken these comments as exaggerated jokes. 

But meeting Aizen in person today, he was surprised to find that while Kaelith may have been embellishing, his overall assessment wasn't far from the truth.

First, there was Aizen's spiritual pressure. 

Though he wasn't actively releasing it, making it difficult to gauge his true strength, Yamamoto was confident that the young man's level was at least equivalent to a high-ranking seated officer. 

Secondly, his demeanor during their brief exchange revealed a mature mindset and a deep understanding of social dynamics.

Such talent, as Kaelith had said, would undoubtedly become a cornerstone of the Soul Society in time.

The thought brought Yamamoto some joy. 

The more outstanding the younger generation, the sooner this old man could consider retiring.

In good spirits, Yamamoto casually asked, "Kaelith Yurei isn't with you?"

After a brief pause, Aizen answered truthfully:

"Reporting to the Captain-Commander: Kaelith went to the Shihōin estate last night as a guest. When I left the academy this morning, he had not yet returned."

Kaelith Yurei was Yamamoto's student, and judging from Kaelith's usual comments about him, their relationship seemed quite good. 

By reporting this, Aizen was confident Kaelith wouldn't face any serious consequences. 

If something had indeed happened to Kaelith, Yamamoto would have been able to react promptly.

Upon hearing Aizen's words, Yamamoto's heart sank.

Kaelith Yurei went to visit Shihōin Yoruichi and didn't return all night?

His expression darkened, and he tapped his staff firmly on the ground.

Moments later, a figure appeared by his side, kneeling on one knee.

Yamamoto asked, "From last night until now, has there been any unusual activity at the Shihōin estate or the Second Division barracks?"

The inner court officer placed a hand to his ear, speaking softly into a communication device. 

A moment later, he shook his head.

"Report: No unusual activity!"

"Hmm…"

Yamamoto nodded, relaxing slightly.

However, another unpleasant thought emerged in his mind.

Though unlikely, could Kaelith Yurei and Shihōin Yoruichi have done something improper during the night?

If Kaelith acted towards the head of the Shihōin family without a formal marriage or even an engagement, and word of it got out, the consequences would be catastrophic. 

Nobles across the Soul Society would be furious, accusing Kaelith of undermining their traditions and disrupting order.

After pondering for a moment, Yamamoto glanced at Aizen. 

Based on Kaelith's usual comments, the two seemed to share a close and trusting relationship. 

Aizen's calm and respectful demeanor also gave Yamamoto a sense of reliability.

Clearing his throat lightly, Yamamoto gave an order: 

"Aizen Sōsuke, take my command and go to the Shihōin estate. Bring Kaelith Yurei here." 

"Remember, if anything happens that is beyond your control, do nothing else—just bring that boy back immediately."

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T/N xd They must be up to something when it comes to does 2. 

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Still in top 5! Man you all are crushing it ;)