"Ah? So Professor Aizen has already been transferred back to the Fifth Division?"
"Yes, but I heard there's a mandatory monthly calligraphy class, so he should still come to the academy from time to time."
Even if it was said like that…
"Still, it feels a bit lonely, don't you think?"
Kotetsu Isane bit her spoon, showing a slightly melancholic expression.
"Hm? What are you talking about?"
Sitting across from her, Arima Shinya asked as he shoveled another piece of steak into his mouth.
"It's just that, Arima-kun, you and Professor Aizen had a relatively close relationship, right?"
"I heard he helped you a lot during this time. Now that your mentor-teacher has left…"
"Don't you feel a little nostalgic?"
Ah… so that's what you mean…
If it had been before, perhaps as a student he would have felt sad about that. After all, they had spent just over a month together.
There were still so many things he wanted to learn, but Aizen Sōsuke had simply left without hesitation… Argh! Just thinking about it brought a strong sense of anguish!
But Arima himself thought differently.
Swallowing the piece of meat, he opened a big smile and replied:
"Not even a little!"
Kotetsu Isane narrowed her eyes.
"…You know, your smile is kind of disgusting."
"It's a symbol of health! Of vitality!"
"Well, if you still have that spirit, I guess that's good…"
"Anyway, people need to look forward. Being stuck in the past is never good."
After a brief moment of reflection, Arima Shinya took the opportunity to change the topic, smiling lightly.
"By the way, Kotetsu-senpai, you've been interning in the Fourth Division, right? Have you decided what you'll do after graduation?"
Kotetsu Isane set down her bowl of porridge and nodded with a smile.
"Yes… Since my other abilities are quite ordinary, there aren't many opportunities for me in the more popular divisions — the First, Sixth, and Eighth."
Arima Shinya nodded thoughtfully.
The Thirteen Protective Divisions had different responsibilities and internal structures, each with its own particularities.
The First Division, as the central command, was responsible for issuing orders and supervising the others — which made it the most coveted.
The Sixth Division was led by the nobility, acting mainly to preserve the interests of the aristocratic clans.
The Eighth Division mainly handled information and bureaucracy, being one of the lighter roles — and therefore popular.
In short, everyone knew well which divisions were more arduous and which were more "relaxed."
"At first, I was a little nervous," Kotetsu Isane continued, "but after meeting Captain Unohana Retsu, I felt much more at ease."
She ran her fingers along the empty rim of the bowl, a shy smile appearing on her face.
"She's truly a very kind and attentive person. If I can learn under her guidance, I won't have anything to complain about."
Was this a matter of inevitable fate… or just a good affinity between the two? Hard to say.
"Anyway," Isane said, "my goal is to join the Fourth Division. So, in the coming days, I need to study diligently and refine my healing techniques!"
Having such determination, of course, wasn't a bad thing.
But…
"In the requirements to enter the Fourth Division," Arima commented, "there's no rule forcing students to specialize in healing techniques, right?"
Kotetsu Isane responded with a serious expression:
"It's a matter of attitude! Attitude! Unlike you, who always treats everything as a joke!"
Being suddenly scolded… was almost nostalgic.
So her affection for Captain Unohana has already surpassed what she feels for me?
Argh, damn charismatic onee-san!
Arima sighed lightly, then, returning to reality, smiled and said in an encouraging tone:
"I'm sure you'll make it, Kotetsu-senpai."
Surprisingly, without any irony.
Kotetsu Isane nodded vigorously, showing all her determination.
"I'll remember your words, Arima-kun!"
"Haha, no need to thank me…"
He even thought about inviting her out sometime, to strengthen the bond between them…
But remembering that he might be under Ginjō's surveillance somewhere, he gave up.
Bringing danger to those around him — that would be pure immaturity.
So it was best to resolve that threat first.
After saying goodbye to Kotetsu Isane at the cafeteria door, Arima Shinya returned to the classroom, a thoughtful expression on his face.
Since Aizen had returned to the Fifth Division, three days had already passed. — He had thought the "prison teacher" would take him along to the Spiritual Arts Academy…
But, to his surprise, Aizen's order was: "Remain on standby."
"There are still some matters to resolve. Until then, Arima-kun, continue living as you always have."
What kind of move is this…?
He won't make me wait three years now and another three years later, will he?
"Good evening, Arima-kun."
Familiar — and even unfamiliar — classmates greeted him along the way.
As always, he responded with a slight nod. But seeing all those faces, a thought crossed him like a cold whisper.
We're no longer walking the same path, are we…
Being at a different point of view really changes how one sees the world.
If before he had arrived at the Academy full of enthusiasm and desire to learn, now all he felt was an inexplicable discomfort.
The classes were too shallow — he could no longer extract anything useful from them.
If he wanted to continue growing, he would have to seek contact with true warriors… which brought another problem:
How could he achieve that in an Academy where even "Professor Aizen" was no longer present?
Tsc, just thinking about it gave him a headache…
Everything he had gained that month — his improvements, growth, and resources — were direct results of Aizen's "secret teachings."
Now, without him, it seemed even breathing was more difficult.
Compared to the boring daytime classes, only the night training sessions with Tōsen Kaname still held some expectation.
With the advancement of his kenjutsu skills and his growing friendship with Tōsen, their fights had ceased to be simple formal duels.
As long as they didn't end up dead, anything went — it was a true daily test.
The intensity wasn't extreme, but the learning was enjoyable, sometimes even earning one or two points in attributes.
As usual, Arima Shinya went to the dojo to wait for Tōsen.
But as soon as they met, the young man said something that made him stop for a moment.
"Come with me, Arima."
"Lord Aizen is already waiting for you."
Arima Shinya reacted quickly.
The full moon hung in the silent night sky.
Far from light and warmth, only the cold and silence of the void reigned.
Aizen would act only under a scenario like this…
When the moon was high —
it was time to act.
(End of Chapter)
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