Chapter 1: Chapter 1 Elite Camp
A composed young man in a pristine white uniform walked steadily toward the heart of Marineford, the imposing Naval Headquarters. His silver hair was neatly styled, and square-framed glasses rested lightly on his nose. His gaze swept over the bustling activity around him, his thoughts calm and calculating.
"Marineford... it truly lives up to its reputation," he thought, his tone inwardly reserved yet confident.
This was **Aizen**, a reincarnated individual armed with an extraordinary gift—a system granting him the ability to inherit the power of legendary figures. His first template? The cunning and formidable villain he once was: **Aizen Sōsuke**.
Despite having unlocked only 1% of his former strength, Aizen navigated the rigorous selection process for the Marine's elite camp with ease. This era, set thirty-two years before Luffy's journey, was a time when legends were still being forged.
Among his peers in the elite camp were two figures destined to become Marine Admirals: **Akainu** (Sakazuki) and **Kizaru** (Borsalino).
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The Gathering
A thunderous command cut through the bustling courtyard.
"Gather!"
The voice carried weight and authority, but it failed to intimidate the hardened candidates. Over half of them remained composed, observing the commotion with a mix of curiosity and indifference.
"Even among elites, there's always a spectrum of potential," Aizen observed, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. Some candidates rushed to comply, while others remained stationary, exuding an air of quiet confidence.
The Marine officers overseeing the group didn't react immediately. Aizen understood their approach—this wasn't just a test of strength, but also of composure and resolve.
The roll call began, cutting through the murmurs.
"Akainu!"
"Present!"
"Kizaru!"
"Present!"
"Aizen!"
"Present," came his calm and measured reply, his gentle tone contrasting sharply with the resolute voices of others.
The Marine officer conducting the roll call paused briefly, glancing at Aizen with curiosity.
"He seems composed," the officer muttered to himself. "But Zephyr Admiral has high expectations. We'll see if he meets them."
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The Training Camp
The group followed the officer, weaving through fortresses and drill grounds until they reached a towering iron gate. The words **Marine Training Camp** loomed above, emanating an air of gravity and purpose.
As the gates creaked open, Aizen's sharp senses caught something—a fleeting shadow passing at an incredible speed. Even with his heightened perception, he only caught the faintest afterimage.
**Boom!**
A student was sent flying, landing in a heap as a massive figure stepped forward.
Aizen's lips curled into a faint smile. "So, the real test begins."
The training camp wasn't a place for the faint-hearted. Entry required more than just passing written exams or basic drills. The actual combat assessment was the true gateway to becoming an elite.
The towering figure before them radiated an oppressive aura as he addressed the candidates.
"Is this all you've got? If so, none of you deserve to be here. I could eliminate all of you right now!"
The sheer pressure caused many candidates to flinch, their faces pale. Some of the weaker ones even began trembling.
---
Aizen's expression remained unchanged, his mind racing through strategies. He knew the importance of standing out here—not only for survival but for gaining access to the Marine's most coveted resources.
His thoughts drifted briefly to the power he had inherited. While he had only unlocked a fragment of his former strength, his experience as Aizen Sōsuke was intact, granting him a profound understanding of combat, strategy, and manipulation.
"The law of the jungle," he thought, a faint glint in his eyes. "It never changes."
With that, Aizen stepped forward, his calm and composed demeanor drawing the attention of both his peers and the instructor. The real test was about to begin.