010 - Not Going!

The back throw wasn't a complicated move.

It required finding the right leverage and disrupting the opponent's balance before executing a simple toss.

The opponent would be thrown to the ground, left in an embarrassing heap by their own weight.

While this strategy was straightforward—some might even call it overly simplistic—it was the best option Arima Seiya could muster in this situation.

Just throw them already!

The thought had barely surfaced when Seiya realized something was off.

The expected sensation of impact never came.

Instead, he felt a sudden lightness in his grip.

What… happened?

Before he could react, he found himself holding nothing but a thin, lightweight shirt in his hands.

The person was gone.

Only the clothing remained.

"This is Shunpo Technique: Four Maple Steps, Third Form—'Utsusemi.'"

The voice of Shihōin Yoruichi came from behind him, and the hair on Seiya's neck stood on end.

Having someone behind you in close combat was a cardinal sin.

Instinctively, he tried to turn and lash out, but before he could complete the motion, a pair of hands wrapped affectionately around his neck.

He felt his neck constricted tightly, locked firmly in a hold.

"You're… quite different from the others, aren't you?"

The voice was soft and light, like a whisper brushing against his ear—almost like the tender murmur of a lover.

But there was no room to savor the moment.

Like a snake coiling around its prey, the pressure around his neck tightened steadily, cutting off his breathing.

Yoruichi's right arm had locked him into a chokehold, anchoring him firmly in place.

Her left arm came around to reinforce the hold, ensuring there was no escape.

Oh no, this is a rear naked choke!

"Guh…"

He could feel Yoruichi's weight pressing down on him, forcing him lower.

Seiya's vision began to blur, his teeth clenched tightly as his face twisted into a grimace.

He didn't want to lose—especially not in such an utterly humiliating fashion.

Damn it! It's supposed to be a simple sparring match, and you're pulling out secret techniques to deal with me?!

But no matter how much he struggled, there was no escape.

Once a move like this was fully applied, resistance became virtually impossible.

The choke would continue to constrict, cutting off oxygen to his brain until he fell unconscious.

It was only a matter of seconds before he lost all ability to fight back.

Am I really going to lose like this?

No… I refuse!

Desperately flailing his arms, Seiya made one last attempt to resist.

By sheer chance, his hand brushed against something behind him—something warm, soft, and impossibly elastic.

A startled gasp escaped from Yoruichi.

And then everything went dark.

Seiya's consciousness slipped away.

When Seiya awoke, he sucked in a sharp breath.

"Ah!"

Bolting upright, he instinctively scanned his surroundings, but a familiar, slightly teasing voice drew his attention.

"Finally awake, Seiya-kun?"

It was Aizen.

Sitting beside him with a book in hand, Aizen calmly closed it, his gaze shifting toward the newly awakened student.

Rubbing his still-groggy head, Seiya sat up slowly, his voice low as he muttered, "Aizen-sensei, I…"

"It's been approximately twelve minutes since you passed out," Aizen explained gently. "Lady Yoruichi and the senior students have already left."

Hearing this, Seiya finally took stock of his surroundings.

Just as Aizen said, they were still in the training hall, now completely empty save for the two of them.

Aizen tucked the book under his arm and stood up, offering a faint smile.

"So, Seiya-kun, how was it sparring against Lady Yoruichi?"

Seiya pursed his lips tightly before letting his body fall back onto the floor with a loud thud.

"There was no way I could fight back…"

It was exactly as Yoruichi had claimed.

She had been completely confident in her abilities, and rightfully so.

Even if I had somehow performed beyond my limits, she still would have had a way to counter me.

The gap between them was just too vast.

Still, despite his crushing defeat, Seiya didn't feel entirely disheartened.

Because that suffocating "play" had actually yielded tangible benefits.

[You underwent Hakuda training and engaged in close combat with Shihōin Yoruichi. Hakuda +10.]

A full 10-point increase in his attribute score.

Had he been brawling with his fellow first-year students, who knows how long it would have taken to achieve such growth?

Looking at his now 22 points in Hakuda, Seiya couldn't help but marvel.

For comparison, his strongest attribute—Kenjutsu—was sitting at just 31 points.

The beating he'd endured had definitely been worth it.

"Man, what a reward!"

Aizen chuckled softly, observing Seiya's expression.

"Judging by your reaction, Seiya-kun, it seems you've gained quite a lot from the experience. That's excellent… Come now, it's time to head back to class."

Extending his right hand toward the student, Aizen helped Seiya to his feet.

As he steadied himself, a lingering curiosity bubbled up within Seiya.

"Aizen-sensei, when did you…"

"When did I notice your uniqueness?"

Aizen adjusted his glasses, the subtle glint in his eyes carrying a peculiar intensity. His smile deepened.

"From the very beginning, I suppose. I'm not particularly skilled at much, but I do pride myself on my observational abilities. Seiya-kun, you're… quite special. I couldn't help but want to observe you more closely."

Aizen's words were delivered so calmly, yet they carried an almost chilling weight.

Before Seiya could voice any concerns, Aizen continued, his tone now tinged with genuine enthusiasm.

"And as it turns out, I wasn't wrong. Seiya-kun, your potential is extraordinary…"

Pausing briefly, Aizen's eyes narrowed slightly.

"To anticipate Lady Yoruichi's movements, make a split-second decision, and execute a counterattack… That's not something a rookie can typically achieve."

It wasn't just about raw talent; it was clear that Seiya had absorbed and adapted techniques mid-fight.

"You have a remarkable ability, Seiya-kun. You absorb what you observe, process it, and make it your own—all in real time. A truly enviable gift."

"I see…"

"You're a natural-born talent. As your instructor, I couldn't be prouder to witness your growth."

For a brief moment, Aizen's usually composed demeanor seemed to radiate genuine excitement.

"To see a towering tree grow before my eyes… There's no greater joy."

Seiya scratched his cheek, unsure how to respond to such high praise. Finally, he sighed and muttered, "I may be a little special, but I don't think I'm as amazing as you make me out to be, Sensei."

"Even with such ability, to remain humble—it's a rare trait. No wonder I hold you in such high regard, Seiya-kun…"

Aizen's tone grew quieter as he added, "By the way, there's one more thing. Lady Yoruichi left a message for you."

"Huh? That mischievous lady has something to say to me?"

"She said that while your performance didn't fully meet her standards, she was still quite impressed. If you're willing, she'll personally petition the Captain-General to grant you early graduation and recruit you into her division."

"What?!"

Aizen continued, his tone as composed as ever.

"Lady Yoruichi is extending you an invitation to join her ranks—Second Division, the Onmitsukidō, or even the First Division Punishment Force. The choice is yours."

Seiya mulled it over for a moment.

"If I go… what happens to our lessons?"

"Then our connection would naturally end," Aizen replied. "As your academy instructor, my role would conclude. But as a friend, we could still keep in touch."

Seiya didn't even hesitate.

"I'm not going!"

Aizen's gaze lingered on him for a moment before he turned to leave.

"If that's your answer, I'll be sure to relay it to her."

As Aizen stepped toward the exit, he added casually, "This concludes our chat for now. I have some plans for you, but I'll need time to finalize them. For now, return to class and prepare yourself, Seiya-kun."

Seiya blinked, watching Aizen's retreating figure.

"Feeling nervous?" Aizen asked without looking back.

"No… I trust you, Sensei."

Hearing this, Aizen's faint smile returned.

"Good. I'll gladly accept that trust, Seiya-kun."