Bleach: Reborn as Hinamori

Silence reigns within the room.

Some wear sorrowful expressions, others are pale-faced, some tremble with humiliation, while others remain expressionless as masks. All eyes are fixed on a female spirit magic student lying upon a bed. The men and women of all ages surrounding her, who had been lost in contemplation, snap back to reality at the sound of three sets of footsteps approaching.

"—Deputy Captain Yamada, what is the condition of first-year student Hinamori?"

"Thanks to Captain Aizen's excellent spiritual energy manipulation, there are still some fluctuations in her spiritual pressure, but we of the 4th Squad judge that she has passed the critical stage."

"...!"

At the words of the young man bearing the deputy's badge upon his arm, everyone released sighs of relief.

Last night, an incident occurred during a practical training session in the real world, where twenty-two first-year students from the first class of the Central Academy of Spiritual Arts and three sixth-year students accompanying them were attacked by a massive group of Hollows. In a situation where everyone had resigned themselves to certain death, the miracle of everyone's survival was achieved thanks to the extraordinary efforts of this sleeping girl.

However, the young hero had sacrificed herself to protect her comrades and was taken away by the Hollows to the world of evil spirits, the Hollow Realm. Survival seemed impossible.

"Thank you, Captain Aizen. Without your quick thinking, first-year student Hinamori would probably be..."

"No, it was thanks to her desperate efforts. Besides, sending her to the Void Realm with a research-use Hollow was Gin's idea. The fact that first-year student Hinamori is safe is a stroke of luck brought about by the wisdom and courage of both of you."

"I see. As expected of Vice-Captain Ichimaru."

"It's nothing, sir. No need to be so formal."

Everyone bowed in gratitude to the two captains who had saved Hinamori Momo. The swift response of Captain Aizen Sōsuke of the Fifth Division, widely known for his integrity, left no one unmoved by admiration.

Especially the five sixth-year students who had accompanied her, who cursed their own helplessness for being unable to move even a step to save her despite being saved themselves.

"But a first-year student taking on a group of giant Hollows? Is that what they call a genius, Vice-Captain Ichimaru?"

"No way, I won't let my record be broken that easily, Vice-Captain Yamada."

"Hmm, but analysis shows that her Kidō is already at squad member level. Her Zanpakutō techniques aren't outstanding, but she could immediately excel as a Kidō specialist."

"If she's allowed to participate in upperclassmen's practical training for a few years as an exception, she'd be welcomed as an immediate asset to the Gotei 13."

"Indeed..."

The tense atmosphere lightened with this cheerful topic. Hinamori's dedicated actions as a first-year student were an excellent example for all Shinigami, and despite her rough edges, her achievements warranted consideration for promotion to Squad Member.

"Hmm, as someone entrusted with the lives of Squad Members, perhaps it's for the best."

"What's wrong?"

As voices of agreement echoed, Aizen, who had safeguarded her bright future, suddenly raised an objection.

"She's still young, and experiencing such a traumatic event could leave deep emotional scars. While it's exciting to see an outstanding Shinigami apprentice graduate early, perhaps we should respect her wishes and the judgment of the Fourth Division's psychiatric department."

"...I see. You're right."

"She's been through a dangerous ordeal, so we should teach her well about the importance of protecting her daily life. Hinamori, as a first-year student, tends to rush into things and sacrifice herself. I want you to nurture her carefully."

The elderly teacher at the Spirit Academy bowed deeply with a moved expression to the captain of the Gotei 13, who was sincerely thinking about the young Shinigami. As the homeroom teacher of Class 1-1, he had taken particular interest in the bright, polite, and talented Hinamori, while also worrying about the feelings of her classmates, Asanai and Kira. As an educator, he wondered if it was right to tear apart their good friendship, which helped them grow together.

"Why?"

"...Huh?"

At that moment, a small whisper melted into the hospital room. It came from one of the grim reaper apprentices still looking gloomy beside the group of adults, a young man who was a friend of the sleeping girl.

"Why... were you able to save her?"

"Kira, first-year..."

"How can I save Hinamori-kun like you did back then... How can I fight without hesitation...?"

Overcome by emotion, the young man's voice broke as he spoke.

At that moment, he had indeed gripped his sword, determined to save her as she fought alone. But his body had frozen, and he couldn't move. He had brought about the crisis of his fellow student, or perhaps the girl he cared for more than a classmate, and could only watch in horror as she was taken away.

"I'm... a coward, a powerless human being..."

And though to varying degrees, that was the thought of all five Spirit Arts Academy students bowing their heads in this place.

"Don't misunderstand, first-year Kira. I've never said that avoiding fear of the void is the right thing to do."

"Eh..."

An adult spoke gently to the children. It was Aizen Sōsuke, the highest-ranking person present.

"Fear may be a shackle. But it is also nourishment."

"Nourishment..."

"Those who have experienced failure and defeat require more courage than others when they try to move forward. But those who can move forward despite being tormented by that shackle gain strength that is unshakable."

"..."

The words were gentle yet powerful, seeping into the hearts of the five.

"I hear that first-year student Hinamori tried desperately to protect you all. She was probably so desperate that she had no room to feel fear. The only ones who can support her, who moved forward without knowing fear, are you—those who experienced fear in her place."

"...!"

At Aizen's warm words, everyone lifted their faces as if they had been released from a spell.

To become the ones who support first-year student Hinamori. To become the ones who guide her, who knows nothing of fear, by sharing their own knowledge of it. It was a radical shift in perspective, a realization that their own weakness and envy toward her, who had moved forward despite her fear, were things they must change. Aizen's confident smile and demeanor gave them strength, and the blood returned to the faces of the young men who had been lost.

"Thank you, Captain Aizen!"

The only words they could offer to the person who had given them the courage to walk their own path were words of gratitude. The young men, filled with emotion, bowed deeply, cherishing the aspiration of that day in their hearts as they took their first steps forward.

"Well then..."

"—Wake up, Momo."

The room fell silent after everyone had left.

In the now empty hospital room, a deep, resonant voice echoed. The name of the man who spoke those words, which sounded like they came from an entirely different person, was Aizen Sōsuke. The three people in the room flinched at the natural sense of intimidation in his voice, which could make anyone kneel. The owner of the room was Momo Hinamori, a first-year student at the Spirit Arts Academy.

"...Yes."

The unharmed girl slowly pushed aside the futon and got out of bed. Was it a reaction to the man's earlier performance? She cast a disdainful glance at him and muttered, "Ugh..." But at the same time, her face seemed somehow amused.

"That's how it's going to be. I want you to use the five years until graduation to accomplish two things."

"...As a student, you mean something like recruiting followers within the Spirit Academy?"

"You get right to the point, which is helpful."

Hinamori responds with a wry smile to Aizen's instructions. Given her beauty and character, which are well-known throughout the Spirit Academy, it would be no trouble for her. Or perhaps she has already done something similar, and she might have candidates in mind from the five students earlier.

"...What is the other thing?"

"Bankai."

Hinamori's adorable eyes widened at the instruction.

"Your spiritual pressure is already on par with the captains of the Gotei 13. However, that also means it is still only at that level."

"...So Bankai, is that it?"

"Exactly. Your Tobiume is a Kidō-type attack-specialized Zanpakutō that boasts some of the highest firepower in the history of the Soul Society. Your Bankai, which promises a pure increase in destructive power, will be a major force on our front lines. You are a very important person."

"...Is that so?"

Hinamori returns the unreserved praise with a suspicious look. Seeing her honest expression, her second-in-command, Ichimaru, shakes his shoulders to suppress his laughter.

The only person who could treat Aizen with such disrespect was her.

"...I'll do my best."

"Hmph, I'm counting on you."

After a brief exchange of glances, Aizen smiled deeply at the girl who had reluctantly agreed, then left the ward with his subordinates.

"Shall we go, Gin?"

"Alright, bye-bye, Momo-chan."

"...B-bye-bye... Captain Aizen, Vice-Captain Ichimaru..."

The girl waved her hand weakly at the two as they turned away. But before she could exhale and crawl back under the blankets, another voice called out to her.

"—Ah, right."

"...What now?"

"As a reward for your work, after graduation, I'll add you to the Fifth Squad and secure a seat for you in the Onmitsukidō, First Group."

—Get yourself well-trained.

Ignoring the girl, whose face was as red as an apple and trembling, the master and servant of great evil laughed as they left the Fourth Squad barracks.

***

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