Just as Kyōraku Shunsui had said — that kind of private room was definitely not the best place for a serious conversation.
Since it wasn't the first time someone had questioned him about it, Arima Shinya managed to stay relatively calm.
"Captain Kyōraku, you…"
"You've mastered it, haven't you?"
Before, it sounded like a question.
Now, it was a statement.
Arima Shinya watched as the man slowly turned to face him, his gaze filled with quiet meaning.
"In truth, I've been watching you for quite some time — ever since that match against Vice-Captain Ōmaeda Nizujin."
"Even though it was just a limited hand-to-hand spar, without any intent to kill, being able to reach that level already shows that your strength is far from ordinary."
"After that, I did a little digging into your background… and found nothing remarkable. A simple past — even during your time living in the Kusajishi District, you were completely unknown."
"Let's see… ah, yes."
"An utterly ordinary commoner."
Arima Shinya stayed silent.
By that point, he could already sense something different about this conversation.
The captain was prepared.
Unlike Yoruichi Shihōin's tone of curiosity, Kyōraku Shunsui spoke with absolute certainty.
More than a discussion, it sounded like a declaration.
"But everything changed after you entered the Academy, didn't it?"
"And the turning point… must've been when you got close to Aizen."
"Speaking of which, Aizen — now vice-captain — has always been a reserved man. Naturally, fate would draw the two of you together. I imagine the reason behind your rapid growth has a lot to do with him, doesn't it?"
There was no denying it: Kyōraku Shunsui, Captain of the 8th Division, truly lived up to his reputation.
The information he had uncovered was exactly what Arima Shinya and Aizen had been trying to conceal — yet the captain's keen eyes had pieced it all together effortlessly.
"Moreover, you've already received a Zanpakutō. Considering when you applied for it, you've been at the Academy for, what, a month at most?"
"With that level of potential, you could've easily been transferred to the advanced classes and gained access to elite resources."
"But you didn't. Young man… you're hiding something important, aren't you?"
Denying it would be pointless.
Even so, Arima Shinya found no chance to interrupt — Kyōraku wasn't finished yet.
"After Aizen was reassigned due to his position, I imagine you two continued to stay in touch, didn't you?"
Though his tone was casual, there was conviction behind his words.
And then, Shunsui went on:
"Actually, I don't really mind that. Relationships between teacher and student are natural. I was a student myself once, so I understand that kind of bond."
As he said that, he poured himself another cup of warm sake and downed it in a single gulp.
"But the real turning point was something else…"
The captain paused for a moment, thinking, before smiling lightly.
"Ah, yes. Now I remember — the incident where Kiganjo was injured."
"A student — not even a member of any division — injuring a captain. Saying it sounded like a joke wouldn't be an exaggeration."
"Many thought it was just gossip — after all, plenty of people can't stand Kiganjo and would love to see him humiliated."
"But there are always those who like to confirm things for themselves… and I was one of them."
Kyōraku's gaze sharpened.
"Combat between shinigami is a clash of spiritual pressures."
"When there's a massive gap, the weaker one can't even scratch the stronger."
"But you managed to injure him. And that can only mean one thing."
Kyōraku adjusted his posture, and with his sake-scented index finger raised, he pointed straight at Arima Shinya.
"Your total spiritual power has already reached a level capable of threatening a captain, hasn't it?"
Silence filled the room.
Arima Shinya hesitated for a moment, about to answer — but the other man raised his hand, stopping him with a lazy smile.
"Ah, no need to get all tense. No explanations required."
"To be honest, I'm not really interested in that kind of thing. It's not part of my job, after all."
"I only looked into it out of personal curiosity."
"As I said before, because of my position, I tend to stay curious about the unknown. But that's all there is to it — nothing more."
Yes — nothing more than that.
Kyōraku picked up the straw hat resting on the table and set it atop his head.
"I'm the captain of the 8th Division of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. I only do what's within my reach and protect the Seireitei with all my strength."
"Whatever the reason you have for hiding your power, it doesn't conflict with my duties."
"In fact, cautious people like you… I actually like them better."
After all—
"Dealing with someone prudent feels light, like a spring breeze."
"Meanwhile, types like Kiganjo, who wear their emotions on their sleeves, are much more of a headache."
"So, if circumstances allow, I don't mind if someone wants to keep secrets around me."
Kyōraku stood, gazing toward the stage ahead.
"Even if it's just an act, even if everyone knows the truth…"
"Falsehood still has its own value. As long as peace is maintained…"
"…that's already the best possible outcome. Don't you think so, Arima-kun?"
It didn't matter who his peers were.
It didn't matter what they were hiding.
In the end, for Kyōraku Shunsui and the other captains, only one thing mattered:
maintaining the safety of the Seireitei.
Taking a deep breath, Arima Shinya rose slowly to his feet.
"…Understood. I appreciate your guidance, Captain Kyōraku."
Some things, indeed, could not remain hidden forever.
Just as Yoruichi Shihōin had sensed it by instinct, Kyōraku had confirmed it through observation.
After all, the Seireitei was an institution built over centuries — and its connections ran unimaginably deep.
At that moment, Arima Shinya understood that the true reason Aizen had encouraged him to approach the captains wasn't merely to gather information.
It was for him to learn.
To grow.
To observe the strengths of others — and turn them into his own.
Upon hearing Arima Shinya's words, Kyōraku simply smiled in his usual carefree manner.
"I'm glad you understand, kid."
Then, standing up, he concluded:
"That's enough for today."
(End of Chapter)
Come check out my Patreon!
Chapters are already available up to 100, and you'll also get access to other stories.
👉 patreon.com/Vellgrace