Bleach: I Have No Talent

After the Hohō class, as Aizen walked alongside Haruto and Shiro, his mind churned with thoughts, dissecting every detail of the peculiar dynamic between Yoruichi Shihōin and Shiro. The way Yoruichi's eyes lingered on Shiro, her teasing smile, and the subtle way Shiro seemed both flustered and determined in her presence—it was all too interesting to ignore.

There's a connection there, something deeper than mere acquaintance, Aizen thought. He analyzed it like a chessboard, each interaction a piece he could maneuver. If I nurture this bond, strengthen it, Yoruichi could become the key to accelerating Shiro's growth. And when the time comes… she could also be the perfect tool to test him.

The idea took root quickly, sprouting branches of calculation and foresight. Yoruichi's expertise, her influence, and the emotional impact she had on Shiro—all of it was exploitable. Aizen's lips curved into a faint smile, a mixture of curiosity and cold ambition.

But how to deepen their connection?

Aizen considered several possibilities as they walked. He would subtly create opportunities for Yoruichi and Shiro to spend more time together. Casual conversations, paired exercises, moments that would force them into closer proximity.

Let them grow attached, Aizen mused. Let her become someone Shiro admires, respects… perhaps even loves.

As the plan began to take shape, another darker thought emerged, one that Aizen didn't shy away from.

And when the bond is strong enough, I'll break it.

His mind crafted the perfect scenario—he would orchestrate an attack, something unexpected and brutal. Aizen would ensure Yoruichi was targeted by an enemy strong enough to overwhelm her. He would send someone skilled and ruthless, someone capable of killing her in front of Shiro's eyes.

The image played vividly in his mind: Shiro, powerless, watching as Yoruichi fell. The emotional devastation, the rage, the pain—it would be the crucible that would forge Shiro into something far greater.

Loss is the ultimate teacher, Aizen thought coldly. Pain is what sharpens resolve, what breaks limitations. When Shiro witnesses Yoruichi's death, he'll be forced to grow beyond himself. And when the time comes, he'll be exactly what I need him to be.

But even as Aizen plotted, a quiet voice in the back of his mind whispered again:

Don't you want Shiro to be happy? He considers us friends. Is this really necessary?

Aizen's expression didn't waver, though the thought lingered for a moment longer than he expected. Shiro's trust and camaraderie were genuine—something Aizen rarely experienced. But in the grand scheme of things, such emotions were trivial.

Happiness is fleeting, he reasoned. Strength is eternal. If I must shatter his peace to make him stronger, then so be it.

As they continued walking, Haruto's chatter filled the air, breaking the silence. Shiro listened quietly, occasionally nodding or replying, his demeanor calm and composed. Aizen observed him, the faintest flicker of doubt crossing his mind.

But it was gone as quickly as it came. Aizen had already decided. He would manipulate their bond, use it to mold Shiro into something far beyond his current potential. And when the time came to break it, he would do so without hesitation.

For his own good, Aizen thought with chilling certainty, his calm smile concealing the storm of plans brewing within.

While Aizen's mind swirled with cold calculations, his focus set on accelerating Shiro's growth and manipulating his connections, Shiro and Haruto were in their own little world, lost in the kind of carefree banter that only close friends could share.

"Haruto, you have got to be the only guy in existence who manages to trip over thin air during Shunpo practice," Shiro said, barely containing his laughter.

Haruto threw up his hands in mock indignation. "Hey! It wasn't thin air. There was clearly... something invisible there. Maybe a ghost? Ever think about that, Mr. Perfect Shunpo?"

Shiro raised an eyebrow. "A ghost, huh? You sure it wasn't just your own two left feet?"

"Oh, come on!" Haruto exclaimed, crossing his arms. "At least I don't snore like a dying boar."

"I do not snore!" Shiro retorted, feigning offense.

Haruto smirked. "Oh, really? Last night, you sounded like a herd of elephants stampeding through the dorm. Aizen probably thought we were under attack."

"Aizen wouldn't even notice," Shiro shot back, rolling his eyes. "He's too busy plotting world domination or whatever it is he does when he stares off into space like that."

Haruto burst out laughing. "True! One day, we'll wake up, and he'll have a throne, a crown, and a ten-step plan to take over the Seireitei. And we'll just be sitting there like, 'Oh, that's why he was so quiet.'"

Shiro joined in the laughter. "Exactly! And you'll be the guy tripping over invisible ghosts while trying to bow to him."

Haruto gasped dramatically. "Excuse you! I'd be the most graceful servant. You, on the other hand, would probably try to challenge him and get flicked into a wall."

Shiro smirked. "At least I'd put up a fight. You'd just surrender and offer to carry his throne."

"That's called strategy, Shiro. Strategy!" Haruto said, pointing a finger at him. "I'm the brains of this operation, obviously."

"Yeah, the brains of tripping over air and blaming ghosts," Shiro quipped, sending them both into another fit of laughter.

By the time they reached the training grounds, their laughter had drawn the attention of a few other students, who couldn't help but smile at the infectious energy between the two.

As they continued their banter, Aizen watched from a distance, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed Shiro's carefree attitude, the natural camaraderie he shared with Haruto. There was a subtle mix of admiration and something else in Aizen's gaze, but he quickly masked it with his usual calm expression.

The plan was still in motion, and Shiro's growth—whether it came through hardship or friendship—was going to happen. But for now, he watched the two of them laugh, each word a reminder of how deep and effortless Shiro's connections could go.

In that moment, as Shiro and Haruto laughed their way through the halls, Aizen knew it would only be a matter of time before he'd have to tear apart those connections to make Shiro stronger.

End Chapter Stats

Progress: 16.31%

Template: Madara Uchiha

[System Status]

Strength: 42

Endurance: 40

Speed: 44

Reiatsu Control: 40

Intelligence: 37

Battle Instinct: 40

[Abilities]

Sharingan (2nd Tomoe):

Enhanced tracking of fast movements, with greater accuracy.

Can cast basic genjutsu, manipulating the opponent's perception.

Can copy techniques such as Zanjutsu, Hakuda, and Kidō with near-perfect accuracy, adapting them for personal use.

Hollow Detection: Sense the presence Hollows.

[Techniques Unlocked]

Water Style: Water Prison Jutsu

Shunpo

Byakurai

Shō

Reiatsu Strengthening

Moeru Danmaku

Water Style: Water Shark Bullet

Kaidō

Shadow Clone Jutsu

[Asauchi Imprinting Progress]

Current Bond Level: 18%

[Ongoing Quests]

Get Madara Uchiha's Template progress to 20% in 2 months. (1 Month Left)

Reward: Unlock all past life memories

Penalty: Never unlock past life memories again