The Strongest in...

Cheon Jin observed Aizen with a curious, almost suspicious expression. The brown-haired man exuded confidence, every word carefully placed as if rehearsed to sound natural and convincing. To Jin, it was clear that Aizen was not only a master of power but also the best actor he had ever encountered.

"Being manipulative at such a high level must require this kind of acting skill," Jin thought, scratching the back of his neck to hide the slight discomfort he felt when talking to someone so enigmatic.

Their conversation flowed seemingly casually, but Jin was really testing Aizen, trying to gauge his preferences in techniques. The current topic was about the most efficient Hohō technique. Jin mentioned Senka, while Aizen argued in favor of Utsusemi.

"Senka allows for quick and precise execution," Jin explained, gesturing with his hand as he spoke. "You eliminate your opponent directly by striking spiritual vital points, giving them no time to react. It's the very definition of efficiency."

Aizen smiled gently, adjusting his glasses with a finger. "An interesting point, Jin. However, Utsusemi holds an unparalleled strategic advantage. By creating a residual image, it confuses the opponent, leaving them vulnerable while you reposition for an unexpected strike. Efficiency lies not only in speed but in the ability to control your adversary's perception."

Jin raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he considered Aizen's argument. It was logical, like everything he said, but there was something in his defense of Utsusemi that felt more like a disguised confession.

"What an obsession with deceiving people, huh," Jin thought, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He couldn't help but notice how Aizen's preference for manipulation strategy reflected in every aspect of his personality, even in his choice of combat techniques.

"Makes sense," Jin finally responded, tilting his head slightly. "But personally, I still prefer something straightforward. The less time the enemy has to react, the fewer chances for complications."

"A pragmatic view," Aizen remarked, his smile taking on a hint of approval. "But the true art of combat, Jin, lies in controlling every variable. When the enemy thinks they're in control, you've already won."

Jin let out a brief laugh, shaking his head. "You really are something, Aizen. I'm not sure if I admire that or if I should be worried."

"Why not both?"

Jin opened the door to the Hohō training hall with a confident smile, turning to Aizen as he stepped inside. "Because I'm your friend, I'll admire you, but I'll also worry about your safety."

He paused briefly before completing the thought in his mind. "Even though you probably don't need it."

The sight within the Hohō training room was breathtaking. Unlike the other academy halls, which reflected the architectural style of Japan's feudal period, this room seemed to belong to a distant future. It was immense, almost infinite to the eyes of someone entering for the first time, and completely white, with smooth surfaces that faintly reflected the light.

'It's like training inside a box of light,' Jin thought, marveling at the surroundings. The design was clearly functional, allowing Flash Step users to test the technique in every possible direction. Upwards, downwards, sideways, in diagonal or transverse movements — any imaginable direction was within reach of a Shinigami's swift feet.

He took a few steps forward, feeling the peculiar vibration in the air. It was as if the space itself were alive, tailored to amplify spiritual energy and respond to the slightest movement. Jin noticed faint, almost imperceptible marks on the walls, likely sensors meant to monitor speed and precision.

Aizen entered shortly after, his posture immaculate and his analytical gaze as sharp as ever. "A perfect environment for testing limits," he remarked, adjusting his glasses as he examined the room.

"Or to break them," Jin replied, warming up his wrists and flexing his ankles. He could feel the energy building in his legs, ready to burst forth in the first Flash Step.

"Let's see," Aizen said with a faint, enigmatic smile. "Are you ready to find out which technique is truly superior?"

Jin laughed, positioning himself in the center of the room. "You mean finding out how much you can trick me with your Utsusemi? I'm more than ready."

"Hey, stop right there!"

A firm and commanding voice echoed through the massive training hall, halting the movements of the two young Shinigami. Almost simultaneously, a dark shadow zipped across the space between them at an absurd speed, a figure materializing amidst an explosion of wind that seemed to bend the very light around it.

Flash Step!

Both Jin and Aizen instantly recognized the signature of that movement. It was unmistakable, a level of skill that transcended the ordinary, even among the masters of Hohō.

The shadow revealed itself in less than a microsecond, emerging into view with an impeccable stance. It was a dark-skinned woman, whose presence radiated confidence and power. The shuhakusho she wore was clearly modified, tailored to her agile frame, with details that denoted both practicality and personal style. Over it, an immaculate white haori fluttered lightly, marking her as a captain of the Soul Society.

Her short, vibrant purple hair swayed slightly with her movements, and her golden eyes shone like intense flames, locking onto the two young men with a blend of authority and curiosity.

Jin, upon seeing her, felt a slight chill run down his spine. He knew exactly who was standing before them.

Yoruichi Shihoin!

The name echoed in his mind, filled with respect and a faint sense of intimidation. She wasn't just a captain. She was a living legend, renowned for her absolute mastery of Flash Step and her unparalleled skills in physical combat. Jin quickly realized that her presence there was no coincidence, and the mere fact that Yoruichi had appeared signaled that something significant was about to happen.

Beside him, Aizen also recognized her immediately, though his expression remained unchanged, maintaining his usual calm demeanor. Yet, his eyes analyzed every detail about her with sharp interest, as if processing her presence and contemplating the reason behind her intervention.

"I didn't expect to see the captain of the Second Division here," Jin said, breaking the silence, though there was a trace of nervousness he couldn't completely conceal.

Yoruichi crossed her arms, a confident smile forming on her lips. "And I didn't expect to find the two of you facing off like long-time rivals. I thought this was supposed to be just a training session."

"It's merely a test between friends," Jin replied, his expression softening as a mischievous smile spread across his face. His silver eyes seemed to gleam, and his relaxed posture resembled that of a lazy yet self-assured feline. "Isn't that right, Aizen-san?"

Aizen, as always, maintained his impeccable composure, with a serene and unshakable expression that was almost irritating in its perfection. His brown eyes concealed any trace of humor as he responded calmly, with his usual tone of mild irony.

"Not at all."

Aizen's simple and direct words hit Jin like an unexpected stab. Almost instantly, an imaginary cloud of depression hovered over Jin's head, a visual effect that seemed almost tangible, as he dramatically lowered his head as if he had just taken a fatal blow.

"You're no fun," Jin muttered, his voice laden with a theatrically false sadness that made him seem like a sulking child who hadn't gotten his way.

The scene drew a small laugh from Yoruichi, who watched the two interact with an amused look. "You two are quite funny," she remarked, arms crossed and a slight smile curving her lips.

"What are your names?" Yoruichi asked, her posture relaxed but with a sharp glint in her golden eyes that seemed to examine every detail about them.

"Cheon Jin, from Class 1," Jin replied with a slight nod of his head, his voice carrying a note of casual confidence.

"Sosuke Aizen, also from Class 1," Aizen said in a calm and precise tone, his posture impeccably composed as always.

Yoruichi scratched her chin, her eyes scanning the two of them for a few seconds before speaking in an amused tone. "The accelerated special class, huh? You're quite interesting."

"Yes," Jin began, tilting his head slightly to the side, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Now, why are you at the academy, Captain? I don't think someone from a noble clan would have a reason to watch us."

"I'm the substitute teacher," Yoruichi explained casually, crossing her arms. "Your regular instructor fell ill."

Jin looked thoughtful, running a hand through his dark, silky hair as he pondered. "Sasaki-san? He's never been sick... I guess he let his guard down this time."

Jin's casual comment made Aizen tilt his head slightly, agreeing with him for the first time, though his face betrayed no exaggerated emotion.

"Well, that doesn't matter now," Yoruichi continued, breaking the brief tension. "Take this chance to learn from me while you can. It's not every day a Captain teaches a class, and even rarer for it to be a Captain with my skills."

Jin smiled, a competitive gleam appearing in his eyes. "So, will we get the chance to see Captain Shihoin's famous Flash Step in action?"

"Ah, kid, be careful what you wish for," Yoruichi replied with a short laugh, full of confidence. "You might end up falling behind before you even realize it."

Jin let out a light, carefree laugh, catching Aizen's attention, who watched him with a neutral expression but was inwardly intrigued. Jin's laid-back demeanor was unusual, especially in front of a renowned Captain like Yoruichi. Aizen silently wondered if Jin truly believed he had a chance against her or if he was just fooling himself.

"Do you really think you can surpass a Captain?" Aizen murmured, almost as if speaking more to himself than to Jin, while keeping his eyes half-closed.

Jin simply flashed a smile at him, with that mischievous glint in his eyes that made it clear he wouldn't back down from a challenge, no matter how impossible it seemed.

Soon after, the sound of footsteps began echoing through the vast hall. The other students of Class 1 were arriving, filling the space with excited murmurs and a sense of curiosity. Class 1 had a total of 30 students, and most entered almost at the same time, each holding their materials with expressions ranging from enthusiasm to nervousness.

"Everyone here?" Yoruichi asked, not really expecting an answer as she casually glanced at the students lined up before her. When the group fell silent, she stepped forward, her posture relaxed, yet her presence was undeniably commanding.

"I'm going to start your training. It's actually pretty simple," Yoruichi declared, a slight smile curling her lips. Her golden eyes gleamed with a mixture of excitement and challenge.

The students began whispering among themselves, trying to guess what would be required, but Yoruichi soon raised a hand, silencing them with a gesture.

"You must try to catch me for 5 minutes," she continued, crossing her arms as she observed the surprised faces before her. "If you fail, you've failed my test."

The murmurs grew again, this time with a touch of disbelief. Someone tried to disguise a nervous laugh, while another quietly asked his friend, "Is she serious? How are we supposed to catch a Captain?"

Jin, on the other hand, seemed unshaken. On the contrary, he was excited. A confident smile played on his lips as he looked at Yoruichi, as if already calculating his approach.

"Catch her, huh?" he murmured to himself as he stretched his shoulders. 'Nano, analyze all of Yoruichi's movements, including the number of steps in Flash Step, posture, reaction time, direction, possible changes in direction, speed, and others.'

[Yes, master. Starting analysis.]

Aizen, observing from the side, merely sighed silently, never taking his eyes off Yoruichi. He knew this wouldn't be easy, but at the same time, he was curious to see how Jin and the others would fare.

Yoruichi, in turn, seemed completely at ease, as if she knew exactly the impact her test would have on the young Shinigami.

"I hope you're ready," she said with a mischievous smile.

Jin sighed as he realized the alphabetical order, his silver eyes glinting slightly as he murmured to himself, "Last, huh? This gives me an unexpected advantage..."

Sitting in the corner of the room, he watched attentively as Karasuma Atsumi took the first steps to start the test. Yoruichi, on the other hand, appeared even more relaxed, arms crossed and a mischievous smile on her face.

As soon as Atsumi began to move, Jin's eyes gleamed intensely.

'Nano, begin analyzing the movement pattern now. Record the details with real-time variables. And after all the matches before mine, transfer everything to me.'

[How to order. Starting capture. Analyzing posture, displacement angle, reaction speed, and possible flaws in the target's movement.]

As Atsumi advanced with quick steps, trying to catch up to Yoruichi, Jin remained still, absorbing every detail. His eyes now seemed almost robotic, with digital patterns forming in his irises, indicating that Nano was processing every micro-movement.

"Interesting," Jin thought as he watched Atsumi struggle in vain. Yoruichi barely seemed to use half of her total speed, moving fluidly and unpredictably. She disappeared and reappeared at a long distance, always out of Atsumi's reach, leaving him frustrated and gasping for breath.

"She's toying with him," Jin murmured, more to himself. "Her movements aren't just fast; she's calculating the exact moment they think they can catch her to disappear."

One by one, the students were called. Each attempt reinforced Jin's observations. Some relied on raw speed, others tried to predict Yoruichi's movements, but none came close.

Jin's eyes flickered with soft lights as Nano continued analyzing.

[Complete capture of 6 movements per match. Step pattern identified as long. Evasion pattern identified. Target uses diagonal displacement to force the opponent to adjust their center of gravity. In 30% of cases, the target executes a change of direction in the last millisecond to avoid anticipation.]

Jin smiled, his fingers lightly tapping on his knee. "So that's it. She's using a pattern to deceive... but it's a flexible pattern."

Aizen, sitting nearby, noticed Jin's expression and furrowed his brow. "What are you planning, Jin?" he asked, suspicious.

Jin simply shrugged, a mischievous smile on his face. "Watching, Aizen-san. Just watching."

As the test continued, Jin knew his moment was approaching. He wasn't just the last; he would have the chance to analyze everyone's mistakes before making his own attempt. And with Nano by his side, he didn't plan to waste that advantage.

'When my turn comes, I'll show them something they don't expect,' he thought, his eyes gleaming with a mix of determination and anticipation.