It was evening at the 5th Division's barracks.
After completing all the formalities for joining the division, Segawa Shigure finally set off for Aizen's captain's office.
Earlier in the afternoon, he had used the excuse of seeking guidance in calligraphy, which Aizen had graciously agreed to.
Walking along the corridor of the barracks, Shigure's mind was a whirlwind of emotions.
There was anticipation for the sign-in reward, but also a heightened vigilance as he prepared to face Aizen.
"System, display the task."
"Ding, current task: No time limit. The host is to become the Vice-Captain of the 5th Division and proceed to the Captain's office to sign in. Upon completion, system rewards will be granted!"
"Ding! Host has successfully become the Vice-Captain of the 5th Division. Additional task completed!"
"Please proceed to the Captain's office to sign in as soon as possible to receive the system reward!"
Shigure felt a sense of relief; the additional task was now resolved.
From here on, all he had to do was pretend to discuss calligraphy with Aizen while completing the sign-in.
The Segawa family, while not known for academic pursuits, was still a noble house.
As the eldest son of the family, Shigure had been forced to study calligraphy extensively since childhood. Even after transmigrating here, he had spent three years immersed in the family's traditions.
This gave him the confidence to fabricate this excuse.
For a noble scion to delve into calligraphy was a common occurrence in Seireitei, hardly raising any suspicion.
Besides, Aizen's expertise in calligraphy was well-known; even the elders of the Shinō Academy had specifically invited him to lecture there.
As Shigure reached the door of the Captain's office, two division members happened to pass by and had to bow in respect. "Vice-Captain Segawa!"
Although most of his duties were still handled by Momo Hinamori, his position as Vice-Captain was undeniable.
Shigure smiled and nodded before raising his hand to knock lightly on the door.
Aizen's voice came from within immediately.
"Is that you, Segawa? Come in."
"Yes, sir."
Shigure responded and then pushed the door open.
Inside the room, Aizen was seated on a beige tatami mat, with paper and brushes laid out before him. Beside him was another gray tatami mat, clearly prepared for Shigure.
As Shigure stepped in, the system notification echoed in his mind.
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for reaching the sign-in location. Signing in now!"
"Sign-in duration: 10 seconds. Leaving midway will result in a failed sign-in!"
"Ten seconds."
Hearing this, Shigure's expression remained unflinching as he walked steadily forward.
He knew that in front of Aizen, he had to remain calm; any flaw could arouse suspicion.
"Please, have a seat," Aizen said with a gentle smile.
"Thank you, sir."
Shigure walked over and sat down on the tatami mat beside Aizen.
"So, Segawa, you mentioned that you've always been passionate about calligraphy. Which school of thought have you studied?" Aizen asked.
Shigure's heart skipped a beat. He understood that Aizen's first test had begun.
Without haste, he replied, "I follow my family's tradition and have studied the 'Post-Kyogoku Style' of Master Kyogoku Ryokei."
"Oh? Is that so?"
Aizen's expression remained unchanged, his smile as warm as ever. "It seems we have something in common. When I first started learning calligraphy, I began with the 'Post-Kyogoku Style' as well. However, I have since returned to the 'Three Brushes.'"
"By the way, Segawa, are you familiar with the 'Three Brushes'?"
The light reflecting off his glasses obscured his eyes, but his smile remained as gentle as ever, like a teacher instructing a student.
Hearing this, Shigure's gaze sharpened.
The term "Three Brushes" was rarely mentioned in Seireitei. Without a deep passion for and study of calligraphy, one might not even know of it.
However, what Aizen could never have anticipated was that... upon learning of the sign-in task yesterday, Shigure had already visited the archives of the Shinō Academy to memorize all the obscure knowledge he might be questioned on.
For someone who had never formally studied calligraphy, this would have been a daunting task. But thanks to three years of immersion in the Segawa family's traditions, Shigure had accomplished it with ease.
"The 'Three Brushes' refer to Ono no Michikaze, Fujiwara no Sari, and Fujiwara no Yukinari, three masters of calligraphy. They are also the origin of Seireitei's calligraphic traditions, from which many subsequent schools evolved. I must say, Captain Aizen, your mastery of calligraphy is truly remarkable!"
Shigure smiled, his eyes gleaming with admiration and respect for Aizen.
Aizen's gaze shifted slightly at this, before he chuckled softly. "I must admit, Segawa, your dedication to the art is truly impressive... You've surprised me."
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