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Chapter 22: Snake. Darkness. False God I
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Thus, the questions gnawed at Akashi like a persistent itch, why had they targeted him specifically?
Several days passed before Akashi deemed himself strong enough to travel.
He moved cautiously through the forest, avoiding main roads and known patrol routes.
The memory of the Shinigami who had ambushed him lingered, a stark reminder of his vulnerability.
His wounds were not fully healed, but he masked his discomfort with practiced ease. Pain, he had learned, was an inconvenience, not an excuse.
Reaching the outskirts of the Seireitei was a moment of quiet reassurance.
The towering white walls loomed ahead, a familiar sight that brought both comfort and trepidation.
Akashi's steps quickened as he approached one of the less-frequented gates.
Once inside, he allowed himself a rare sigh of relief. The streets were bustling, as usual, Shinigami going about their duties with purpose.
That night, Akashi rested for the first time in days, collapsing onto a futon in his academy quarters.
The next morning, he knew, would mark a significant turning point in his life.
For now, rest it is. Reaching Seireitei from the outstriks of Rukongai had been a chore.
Even with Flash Step, it had still taken him more than a day to reach Seireitei, and some time to reach his living quarters in the academy.
Seireitei is a circular Shiro with four main entrances, and it's said that they're ten whole days walk apart.
Thus one can only imagine how large Soul Society as a whole is. That's the reason why if you are born in the farthest districts, you die in the farthest districts.
That was the reality for most souls in Rukongai. But for Akashi, his path was different.
When he woke the next morning, the aches in his body were a reminder of the trials he'd endured.
Yet, the brief respite had been enough to bring him some peace. With his uniform freshly donned and his Zanpakutō secured at his side, he made his way toward the heart of the Seireitei; the Fifth Division barracks.
The streets of Seireitei bustled with activity, a stark contrast to the quiet forests he had traversed.
Shinigami of varying ranks moved with purpose, their uniforms crisp and their swords gleaming.
The white walls of the barracks stood tall and imposing, a testament to the order and discipline that defined the Gotei 13.
As Akashi approached the Fifth Division's gate, he was greeted by a pair of unseated Shinigami standing guard.
"I'm here to see Captain Aizen," Akashi stated calmly.
One of the guards nodded and gestured for him to enter, "Follow the path straight ahead. Captain Aizen is expecting you."
Akashi raised his brow as he stepped through the gate. He didn't have to say much nor even speak his name... Aizen knew he was coming.
The building exuded an air of quiet elegance, its structure meticulously maintained.
It was a reflection of its captain, Sōsuke Aizen; a man of poise and precision.
They were meticulously maintained, their simplicity exuding a quiet elegance.
Rows of neatly aligned training dummies stood in one corner, while Shinigami sparred under the watchful eye of their superiors in another.
At the heart of the compound stood the captain's quarters, a structure more ornate than the others but still modest by comparison to the grandeur of the Seireitei itself.
Akashi approached the entrance, his footsteps echoing softly against the stone pathway.
The events of the ambush replayed in Akashi's mind. He was too weak. Someone had targeted him, and he lacked the strength to defend himself adequately.
Aizen's previous offer to join the Fifth Division now seemed like the logical choice.
Inside, Captain Aizen awaited him. The man's presence was as commanding as ever, his calm demeanor radiating an aura of quiet confidence.
His lieutenant, Gin Ichimaru, stood nearby, his perpetual smile adding an enigmatic layer to the room's atmosphere.
"Akashi," Aizen greeted, his tone warm yet measured. "You've made your decision, then?"
Akashi nodded, his gaze steady. "Yes, Captain. I wish to join the Fifth Division."
Aizen's smile deepened, his eyes glinting with something unreadable. "Very well. Your talents are exceptional, and I believe you'll find your place here. You will assume the position of Tenth Seat effective immediately."
The words carried weight, and Akashi felt the shift in the air. The news was surprising even to him.
Seated officers are the officers in the Gotei 13 which hold ranks at or below 3rd Seat.
Captains and lieutenants have the ranks of 1st and 2nd Seats, respectively.
Next to that, there are 18 more seats; from 3rd to 20th. In the Gotei 13, only one person can hold a senior officer rank; 3rd-10th seats, but there are several holders of junior officer ranks; such as the 20th seat.
To be granted a seated position was no small matter, especially for someone who had yet to complete the academy's curriculum.
"I'll do my best to meet your expectations," Akashi replied, bowing respectfully.
"I have no doubt you will," Aizen said, his tone laced with a subtle kindness. "Gin will ensure you're introduced to the division and acquainted with your responsibilities."
Gin's grin widened as he stepped forward. "Welcome aboard, Akashi-kun. Let's get you settled in."
The ceremony was a formality, conducted with little fanfare. Aizen himself oversaw the proceedings, his presence lending gravitas to the occasion.
Akashi's name was added to the roster of the Fifth Division, and his academy training officially deemed complete.
Akashi's silent graduation was marked only by the retrieval of his belongings and a brief farewell to his classmates.
The Fifth Division barracks were a world apart from the academy. The air was charged with discipline and purpose, every member exuding quiet confidence.
His new quarters within the Fifth Division barracks were modest but adequate, a small room with a tatami mat floor and a low wooden table.
He spent the first day familiarizing himself with the layout of the barracks, guided by Gin himself, his foxlike grin accompanying him as usual.
Gin Ichimaru was not what one would call a typical lieutenant.
His perpetual grin, half-lidded eyes, and slithering voice gave the impression of a snake lying in wait; a predator who delighted in observing its prey squirm.
He was both disarmingly polite and undeniably sinister, his every word tinged with a quiet malice that put most people on edge.
Unfortunately for Gin, Akashi was not most people. He learned that after seeing Akashi ask Aizen so many questions that he drove the latter speechless.
Still, Gin seemingly wanted to try and spark some negative emotions in Akashi.
"You know," Gin began, his tone light as he led Akashi through the barracks.
"People around here don't take too kindly to new blood skipping the ranks. Especially not when that blood comes in sitting pretty at the Tenth Seat. Might make them feel like all their hard work isn't worth much."
Akashi walked beside him, his expression unreadable. Gin's words hung in the air, clearly baiting a reaction, "Oh? I don't know how I would classify as well. I'm sure that Captain Aizen knows better though."
"Appeal to authority, good old tricks," Gin's grin widened as he remarked, pushing further.
"Hm?" Akashi seemed surprised to hear such words, "Do you happen to disagree with Captain Aizen?"
"Have I said that?" Gin raised a brow, still smiling.
"Hm, maybe I've imagined it. I've been hearing a lot of voices recently, must've hallucinated," Akashi shrugged.
Gin tilted his head slightly, his grin receding, "You're no fun."
"I think I am a lot of fun. It's just that I've been under a lot of stress recently, so excuse my lack of joy," Akashi calmly explained.
It honestly felt like useless chatter. It somewhat reminded him of Aizen, but took out the social awareness.
Gin let out a soft chuckle, the sound more unsettling than amused. "Oh well. But just so you know, I'm going to keep talking. Whether you like it or not."
It seems that Gin has yet to give up on annoying Akashi.
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