The training ground fell into a brief silence. Everyone was captivated by the scene before their eyes.
The Soul Society is the home of the dead. It has no changing seasons. It stays the same all year round.
This pure and beautiful snow scene was very rare. Not even these students or many high-ranking officers had seen it before.
And then there was the elegant young man standing in the middle of the wind and snow.
His black Shinigami outfit contrasted with the white snow. His handsome face glowed under the light of the ice fan.
It looked so beautiful that it seemed as if it could disappear with the wind at any moment.
"Oh my..." Shunsui Kyoraku was the first to snap out of it. He held his straw hat. His voice sounded very impressed.
"In a place like this, having a bottle of warm sake would be so elegant," he said.
He sighed and looked at his future Lieutenant. Lisa Yadomaru stood up straight. She stared at Mirai.
Her mouth was moving very fast as if she was calculating something. Shunsui leaned in closer.
He finally heard her rapid whispering. "I used to think lazy handsome older men were a good choice. They have high value," she muttered.
"But now I see that beautiful boys are the real answer! Older men are already set in their ways. But beautiful boys have endless potential!"
"They can grow into moody older men, kind seniors, or even powerful Captains! No matter how I calculate it, investing in a beautiful boy lasts longer for my happiness! Damn it!"
Shunsui Kyoraku's face fell. He spoke in a hurt tone. "Lisa... what you said makes this old man very sad."
What was wrong with older men? Older men knew how to take care of people!
Young guys like Mirai only cared about looking cool. He didn't even hold back when fighting Hiyori earlier.
He left her covered in dust and didn't show any mercy to a girl at all!
Lisa Yadomaru snapped back to reality. She pushed up her glasses. The lenses reflected a cold light.
She replied rudely, "Shut up, you old geezer."
"What!?" Shunsui was shocked. He held his chest and stepped back. He looked completely shocked.
No way! She wasn't even officially the Lieutenant yet. Her loyalty was already switching to someone else!
Shinji Hirako's mouth twitched. He looked at the beautiful scene.
He tried hard to find something to criticize or mock, but he couldn't find anything.
Even with his picky taste, he had to admit it. Any rude comment would sound weak in front of this view.
Captain Kirio Hikifune put her hands on her hips. She stood tall. Her eyes sparkled like she had found new food.
She praised him warmly. "Oh my! It really is the most beautiful Zanpakuto in the Soul Society! The blade is beautiful, and the person is even better!"
"Seeing this cool and lonely figure makes me want to make some nice snacks and just sit down to watch!"
Hiyori Sarugaki hid behind her. Her mouth was open and her eyes were wide. She felt like she was frozen.
Her mind was blank, filled only with the snow and the person holding the fan.
Sosuke Aizen, who had caused this situation, still had his perfect gentle smile.
But behind his glasses, a very faint light flashed in his eyes.
He praised him with a sincere voice. "It is truly my honor to see such a beautiful sight."
As he spoke, Mirai flicked his wrist. The ice fan turned into glowing particles.
It changed back into a normal Zanpakuto. With a "click," he put it back into its sheath at his waist.
The falling snow and the cold wind vanished instantly. It felt like everything that happened was just a dream they all shared.
"Alright," Mirai's eyes became calm again. He looked at Aizen. "You saw what you wanted to see. Now, let's get back to business."
He had a reason for showing his Shikai in front of everyone.
Every Shinigami believed the Zanpakuto reflected the soul. This "beautiful" blade seemed to lack direct attacking power.
He hoped this would stop Shinji and Shunsui—those two old foxes—from watching him too closely.
Speaking of which, the Captains who came today were suspicious.
Aside from Captain Kirio Hikifune, why were the others here? There was Shunsui Kyoraku, the Captain of the 8th Division in charge of intelligence.
And Shinji Hirako, the Captain of the 5th Division in charge of rescue and flexible operations.
Instead, the 4th Division, which needed people for medical work, and the 11th Division, full of battle lovers, didn't show up.
There was no way someone hadn't planned this!
His eyes sent a clear message to Aizen. "I played along with your act. That's enough."
Aizen followed his lead. He smiled and turned around. He walked to Shinji Hirako and bowed slightly.
"Thank you for your kindness, Captain Shinji. I would like to join the 5th Division."
Shinji Hirako scratched his ear. He looked like he didn't care much. "Oh, then let's go."
"Don't you plan to recruit more graduates, Captain Shinji?" Aizen asked curiously.
Shinji pointed his chin toward the training ground.
"Anyone else who wants to join the 5th Division can just sign up with the principal. I'll take everyone."
After saying that, he put his hands in his pockets and walked away without looking back.
Aizen saw this and gave Mirai a friendly smile.
"5th Seat Mirai, once I'm used to the division work, I will find time to talk with you again."
Mirai nodded without any expression.
Just go already. You two can go play your mind games in the 5th Division.
Just don't come back and bother me. I'm just a normal officer who wants to write books and drink in peace.
He just sighed in relief when he heard the sound of fast footsteps coming toward him.
"5th Seat Mirai! Please, please let me join the 9th Division!"
"Me too! I want to go to the 9th Division as well!"
"Lord Mirai! Do you have time to teach me Shunpo?"
"5th Seat! Are you free to have tea together this weekend?"
In an instant, five female graduates surrounded Mirai.
Their eyes sparkled with admiration. They all talked at once about joining the squad. Some even asked him out on a date.
The male graduates were more practical. They walked to Captain Kirio Hikifune to show their skills.
A few others looked toward Shunsui Kyoraku.
However, these two Captains didn't seem to want more people.
They only suggested other divisions based on the students' skills and goals.
The recruitment meeting finally ended.