Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

After receiving the necessary permission, Seiya used his spiritual pressure to hasten his journey from Shin'ō Academy to the next destination for his internship.

Arriving before sunset, he found himself standing at the base of a towering mountain.

Holding his letter of introduction, Seiya raised his head to take in the view.

"So, the barracks are on a mountaintop…"

A long flight of stone steps wound upward, bordered by Torii gates and finely crafted pillars, all of which exuded elegance and grandeur.

The emblem of the Second Division, a bold "二," was engraved into the stone.

The surrounding forest was lush, the trees and shrubs neatly trimmed, further emphasizing the disciplined nature of the division housed within.

As Seiya took it all in, a familiar voice called out from further up the path.

"Hey! Seiya Arima!"

A towering man with a slicked-back pompadour grinned from ear to ear.

It was Ōmaeda Marechiyo.

Since their duel at the academy, Ōmaeda had maintained a friendly relationship with Seiya. He had even written ahead to let Seiya know he'd personally be there to greet him at the gates.

Wait, you're serious about that? You actually came?

Seiya broke into a light sweat at the realization.

"Vice-Captain Ōmaeda!"

Ōmaeda let out a hearty laugh and slapped Seiya on the shoulder in an overly familiar manner.

"You're looking good! Youth really is something special. Always so full of energy."

Seiya couldn't help but smile awkwardly in response to Ōmaeda's loud, enthusiastic demeanor.

"After our sparring match, I've been looking forward to paying you back for that lesson, Seiya. Now that you're here, let me be your host for the next two weeks!"

"Oh, that's really not necessary…"

But before Seiya could politely decline, Ōmaeda cut him off with a mischievous grin.

"Every meal will be a feast. You'll be staying in top-tier accommodations. All expenses paid by me!"

Seiya blinked.

"…I gratefully accept your generous offer!"

"That's the spirit!"

Yup. Ōmaeda knew how to seal the deal with food and comfort.

Ōmaeda led Seiya up the mountain path, continuing to explain the division's structure as they ascended.

"Because it's the Second Division, people often get the wrong idea about our work. They assume we're always hiding in the shadows, doing clandestine operations. But really, it's all about balance."

Seiya nodded along.

"And the hidden nature of your duties…?"

Ōmaeda chuckled.

"Yeah, well, it's true that most of our members don't enjoy being in the spotlight. But exceptions exist—like me!"

Seiya smirked at the contradiction.

Ōmaeda didn't seem to fit the traditional mold of the stealthy assassin at all.

"Speaking of which, we're almost there."

As they reached the summit, Seiya took in the expansive courtyard at the top. It was more elegant than he'd anticipated.

Large wooden gates, bearing the division's emblem, stood proudly in the center. The overall structure exuded both prestige and tradition.

"Ah, the embellishments? That's Captain Yoruichi's handiwork. She thought the barracks were too gloomy and decided to brighten the place up."

Sounds like something she'd do, Seiya thought.

Before long, Ōmaeda led Seiya into a training courtyard where two figures were sparring.

The rapid movements of their bodies created blurred afterimages, leaving Seiya stunned by their speed.

"Let's pause here," a woman's voice called out.

The taller of the two fighters, a black-haired woman dressed in a short training outfit, turned to face them.

It was Shihōin Yoruichi.

Standing opposite her was a younger man with flowing hair, closely resembling Yoruichi herself.

His delicate features, long lashes, and the way he wiped sweat from his face with the back of his hand all gave off a distinctly feminine vibe.

"Remember, Yūshirō, you've made progress, but there's always room for improvement!" Yoruichi's voice carried a teasing, yet authoritative tone.

The young man bowed respectfully, his voice soft and demure.

"Yes, Sister…"

Seiya's eyes widened.

Is that… Shihōin Yūshirō?

The resemblance to Yoruichi was striking.

This is… a boy? But he…

His thoughts spiraled into chaos.

Yoruichi glanced at Seiya and noticed his confusion.

"Something wrong?"

"N-no… It's nothing."

Yoruichi's golden eyes gleamed with mischief.

"Oh, I see what's going on."

Before Seiya could react, Yoruichi slung her arm around his shoulders and whispered conspiratorially,

"What do you think of Yūshirō's looks?"

"…Huh?!"

Wait, what?

Seiya instinctively recoiled, shaking his head furiously.

"I-I don't— That's not—"

"Oh, relax. I'm not trying to set you two up or anything!" Yoruichi cackled.

Seiya sighed in relief.

"Phew… Thank goodness."

Yoruichi grinned mischievously.

"But if you're interested in joining the Shihōin family, I could arrange a nice marriage for you. You wouldn't be disappointed—just look at us! We're quite the catch, don't you think?"

Seiya's face went blank.

Wait, she's serious?!

"Thank you for the offer, Captain Yoruichi… but I'll have to politely decline."

Yoruichi simply chuckled.

"Oh well. Can't blame a girl for trying."

Yūshirō, still wiping his face, looked over at them, clearly confused by the conversation.

"Please don't say such strange things in front of guests, Sister…"

"Oh, hush. We're just having a little fun."

As the siblings bantered, Yoruichi leaned closer to Seiya once more.

"By the way… I know you've already figured it out."

"…Figured out what?"

"Don't play dumb." Yoruichi's grin widened.

"You've mastered it, haven't you? The Shihōin stealth technique—Utsusemi."

Seiya's eyes widened in shock.

"Utsusemi…?"

Yoruichi's grip tightened slightly, and her voice dropped to a whisper.

"Come on. Don't make me drag it out of you."

Seiya gulped.

How did she know?!