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Chapter 11: Don't Fear Your Shadows III
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Either way, there were more pressing matters at hand as he ignored Gin and focused on Aizen, "Captain Aizen, I have some doubts. Can you help me solve them?"
The students... They almost always envy Akashi's bravery and courage to simply do things without hesitation for very few students would dare approach a Captain so casually.
"Walk with me, Akashi," Said Aizen as he turned around and walked toward the garden, Akashi following right after him.
Only Gin stood there for a few more seconds, his expression unreadable. Still, he soon followed after his Captain.
"You don't seem as nervous as you were before," Aizen casually commented.
"Yeah... I thought you approached me maliciously, and I believed I was special. Otherwise, why would a Captain approach me? Now, I don't feel as such," Akashi shrugged.
"Oh? Why?" Aizen asked, his tone casual.
"I'm not very talented. I'm good, but I'm nowhere near the best, even in my class," Said Akashi, his voice calm.
"You're selling yourself short," Aizen gently shook his head as they reached the garden, taking a seat on one of the seats there, "Have a seat."
Aizen didn't yet speak, his sight seemingly drawn to the beauty of the small garden.
There weren't any students nearby. The garden lies on the instructors' side of the academy, quiet and beautiful.
The captain chuckled softly, a warm sound that would put anyone at ease.
"I often find myself drawn to the academy grounds in the evenings. They carry an energy; full of promise, ambition, and the potential for growth. Wouldn't you agree?"
Akashi crossed his legs, reclining on the seat, and nodding. Indeed, there were plenty of potential tools in the academy. That's no doubt how Aizen sees it.
Aizen tilted his head, his smile never wavering, "May I ask, what exactly do you find lacking?"
"Potential. I find that my mind is my sharpest tool, thus when I look back at myself again and again, I realize that the growth of my spiritual power is very slow. My upper limit is likely very limited." Akashi answered.
Akashi was honest because that was the truth, and he simply didn't understand why.
If his estimations are right... Then his limit might just be High Spiritual Power, lieutenant class with the possibility of reaching Captain class given enough time.
However, that's the problem. He doesn't have enough time. Fifty years is long for humans, but to a Shinigami, it's nothing.
Therefore, even if he forces himself to practice day and night, he can never hope to reach captain-class spiritual power by the time things get frenzied.
The existence of Yhwach sets a hard limit that he can only avoid by living in isolation like a nobody, but does Akashi want that? Akashi wants more.
Aizen raised an eyebrow, his expression neither dismissive nor surprised, "That's a rather definitive conclusion to draw at this stage, Akashi. You seem so sure?"
"Indeed, I've compared myself to others, how fast their spiritual power improves. I've asked the instructors, thus the conclusion I drew." Akashi explained, seemingly having come to terms with his talent.
Aizen's expression remained serene, though there was a glimmer of interest in his eyes, "There is no cure to that, unfortunately. But limitations are often self-imposed."
"Soul Society places great emphasis on raw spiritual power, but it is far from the only measure of potential. What do you think makes a lieutenant or a captain?" Aizen asked.
Akashi frowned, stroking his chin as he recalled the Captains, and how different they were, "Power first. Strength second. Leadership, I guess. Wisdom." He said slowly.
"All true," Aizen acknowledged, "but incomplete. A captain must possess more than strength; they must wield it with precision, strategy, and adaptability."
"Likewise, a lieutenant must serve as a bridge between the squad and its leader, understanding their role in the larger framework. Power alone cannot fulfill these duties."
Akashi looked at Aizen intently, "But even then, isn't power the foundation? Without it, no amount of strategy or precision will matter."
"Akashi... Most Shinigami can not even reach lieutenant class in their lifetime. However, you evidently desire more. Thus, Refinement will be your key to surpassing your limitations"
"Expand your focus," Aizen said. "You see yourself in terms of spiritual power, but strength comes in many forms. Mastery over Kido, Zanjutsu, and Hakuda can amplify what you already possess."
There was still a problem. In the future, even captains would be considered fodders in front of the abominations that will appear in the future.
Hell, one of them is sitting beside him, someone so strong that it's honestly ludicrous.
Aizen must've noticed Akashi's letdown in the answer, thus he continued, "If you seek more, then hope your Zanpakuto can solve your troubles. Otherwise, just practice."
Akashi frowned, his expression soon easing up as he heard them, the Voices.
They were always his guardian, always there with him. They must be his Zanpakuto spirit, could they be the solution? He wondered.
"How long did it take you to hear your Zanpakuto's name, Captain?" Akashi curiously asked.
"Not too long. My Zanpakuto is very gentle," Aizen smiled as he answered.
"How did it feel, and how did you master it?" Akashi further asked.
"How did it feel? Hmm, natural, I'd say. And just practice," Aizen patiently responded, although his answers weren't specific, keeping them vague.
The questions began, endless questions that would have gone to the end of time had Akashi had a say.
From Zanjutsu, Kido, Hakuda, to Hoho. Even the simplest aspects of Zanpakuto. Reiryoku, and Reiatsu.
He seemed to have written up numerous questions in his mind, and he sought to ask them all.
Whereas others would've had the decency to not push so much. In fact, most wouldn't even dare to talk to ask a Captain anything.
Akashi just pushed and pushed endlessly to the point that Aizen's mouth couldn't help but twitch at some point.
It's been hours but Akashi simply didn't stop, leaving even someone the likes of Aizen speechless.
Only Gin found himself amused, watching them from the side. He had never seen Aizen put in such a situation.
It's always Aizen who is casual and uncaring, attempting to draw out conversations and make small talk, which often infuriates those he is talking to.
"I apologize, Akashi. But I unfortunately have to end our pleasant talk... I have some responsibilities to attend to," Aizen was as polite as ever, despite the circumstances.
"Oh, I'm sorry for taking much of your time, and thank you, truly," Akashi, however, mustn't have noticed his disturbing behavior.
As Akashi straightened, Aizen gestured toward the garden's path, "The Fifth Division values those who think beyond their perceived limitations."
"And it welcomes you with open arms. Should you need guidance, don't hesitate to seek my Lieutenant. He will solve all of your doubts."
With that, Aizen turned, his haori swaying gently in the night breeze as he began walking away.
From the side, Lieutenant Gin Ichimaru emerged silently, his fox-like grin gone, replaced by an unreadable expression upon hearing Aizen's words.
He fell into step behind Aizen, sparing Akashi only a brief glance before disappearing down the path.
Should you find yourself seeking guidance in the future, don't hesitate to seek me out.
That's usually Aizen's script when tempting those with potential, today, it has changed, and Ichimaru Gin is the change's victim.
"What do you think?" Aizen asked.
"He's special, but I don't think in a way that would interest you, so why give me so much attention?" Gin was truly curious.
Gin, as someone seeking to know and understand everything about Aizen, was thoroughly intrigued about Aizen's current behavior.
"He's special, in more ways than one," Aizen disagreed, "He... He has a complete lack of social awareness when pursuing his goals even though he sometimes shows adequate social skills."
"I determined him to be the kind of person that would stop at nothing to achieve his goals, sacrificing his dignity, pride, anything to get what he wants," Aizen continued.
"Do you want him to join us?" Gin keenly captured Aizen's intentions.
"Depends, will he be good enough? His personality makes me wonder what kind of Zanpakuto he will awaken," Aizen muttered.
'His personality,' Gin was still confused, uncertain about what Aizen saw in him.
Just the determination to do anything shouldn't be it... It must be more. Aizen must've seen something. He must know something. Either way, Akashi entered Gin's radar.
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