The only player in the world of Bleach.

"Where is Aizen-sensei?"

"I don't know... Doesn't he always arrive early? What's up today?"

"They should have given advance notice, just like when they had someone else substitute for the class before."

As the end of the semester approaches, very few people continue to attend calligraphy classes like Aizen Sousuke's.

Because it's a credit-based system, there are quite a few students who start slacking off once they've achieved a certain attendance rate... Compared to the beginning of the semester, there are only about one-third of the students left now.

When class started, however, there was no sign of the blue figure.

So where did they go?

Yusuke Matsushita stood up thoughtfully and turned to walk towards the teachers' office.

He remembered that when he last talked to Aizen, the other seemed to have heard something... He'd find out if he went to check!

This time, before he even reached the office, he saw a figure in the distance, carrying a stack of documents that was more than half his height, and walking unsteadily down the road.

The pile of documents obscured the view, forcing the other party to stop and observe the situation from time to time... which made their steps quite unsteady.

"..."

They just kept moving around little by little.

Naturally, the efficiency of action would not be very high either.

This is Aizen Sousuke.

What's happening now is exactly what Matsushita Yusuke had predicted—Aizen mentioned last week that this week is the final exam.

So this must mean the exam papers were prepared in advance... I thought there was a problem with the printing process or something.

It turns out it was just a simple shortage of manpower!

After seeing it, Matsushita Yusuke immediately stepped forward, took half a stack of the stack, and held it in his arms.

"Aizen-sensei, why don't you go into the classroom and find someone to help?"

The other person awkwardly adjusted their glasses, their expression showing considerable surprise.

"Matsushita-kun? Ah... thank you. I just didn't expect there to be so much information. I miscalculated a bit."

Aizen's expression was unusually disheveled, as if this was not a perfunctory response, but rather a fact in another sense.

"After all, no exams were assigned at the end of the previous courses, so I had no idea how much material there was... Hehe, it really is true that you have to learn until you die."

"Why do you make it sound like Aizen-sensei is already quite old?"

"After all, he's several hundred years old. Compared to someone like Matsushita-kun, he should be considered one of the older ones, right?"

"Comparing yourself to me is pointless..."

After casually making a couple of comments, Matsushita Yusuke sighed softly and glanced to his side.

How so?

When I saw Aizen looking so embarrassed, I had the illusion that I was seeing a 'lonely old man'.

No, wait...

It shouldn't be considered a misperception, right?

Compared to Kisuke Urahara's successful career and fulfilling emotional life,

Aizen's life here is excessively simple, almost like that of a widower who lost his wife early in life...

Loneliness has always been the dominant theme of this man's life.

Perhaps this is why the relationship between Kisuke Urahara and Sosuke Aizen is so "irreconcilable".

Life there...

That's perfect.

Compared to Aizen Sousuke's aloofness, Urahara Kisuke lacked nothing.

So which side should we choose?

He's practically a widower now; I can't let him remain a widower. (Something seems off here?)

Of course, this is a rather emotional perspective. In contrast... Yusuke Matsushita's judgment also involved a more rational consideration.

That is the power of the Hogyoku.

This thing is great! It's like a Doraemon; if you have a wish, just pray to it, and maybe it will grant it...

Compared to the substantial rewards from Kisuke Urahara's faction, the rewards for breaking through the Hogyoku's limits are clearly of a higher potential.

Of course, considering that it was only a "fragment", Yusuke Matsushita was already mentally prepared to receive a censored version.

But it's similar in nature to the latest iPhone...

128GB is a bit small, but it's still an Apple product!

With this in mind, the person involved probably already had some answer in their heart.

"Aizen-sensei, how about buying me a drink sometime?"

"...Why?"

"I just feel like you owe me something, Aizen-sensei... and you're unwilling?"

Even though we have an answer, some emotions are still inevitable.

A Zanpakuto with 50 points of rule-based power!

Damn it... Fine, if I can't get it, at least let me collect one of Aizen's drunken CGs!

"That's possible, but I need to schedule a time with Tosen first. We'll go after we've made arrangements."

"Okay, then that's settled."

The atmosphere between the two was quite relaxed, and even Aizen Sousuke couldn't help but smile slightly...

The person involved may have noticed it themselves, as their emotions were easily stirred up and they became somewhat happy during their conversations with Yusuke Matsushita.

Communicating with others.

It was indeed a pleasant thing.

The two moved into the classroom, where Yusuke Matsushita helped distribute the exam papers.

"I apologize to everyone... I was delayed on the way and wasted a little time."

Although an apology was issued, it's inevitable that some people will still be upset.

With this in mind, Aizen Sousuke pondered for a moment before deciding to give out some perks.

"To everyone here today, as long as you write your name on the exam paper, I will automatically give you a grade of B... Of course, if you can answer the questions completely, an A is not a problem either."

"Hooray! Long live Aizen Sousuke! Long live Aizen!"

—This person shouting slogans is too ahead of his time. Is he a demon?

With a mix of emotions, Matsushita Yusuke gave a brief reply, and the class time quickly passed.

Collect the papers.

"The end of the year is fast approaching... You all have almost a month and a half of rest time. I hope that everyone can make progress next year and move to their ideal positions."

So...

See you next year, everyone.

As soon as he finished speaking...

Familiar images flashed before Yusuke Matsushita's eyes.

[Task completion in progress... Claim your reward]

"...???"

What task did I get?

Because it was exam day, Matsushita Yusuke had observed beforehand and found that he hadn't received any assignments.

The parties involved were already mentally prepared.

But I never expected that one would suddenly appear out of nowhere?

So what exactly is going on right now...?

Taking a moment to reflect, Matsushita Yusuke quickly examined the contents and discovered that they were somewhat unusual.

You have completed Aizen Sousuke's calligraphy course and maintained a perfect attendance record throughout the year.

You have earned the achievement reward: Skill (Perseverance)

【Skills (Persistence)】

You possess extraordinary patience and perseverance. Through learning and exposure, you can complete more challenging academic tasks or spiritual practices in a shorter amount of time.

Wow, there are achievement rewards too? That's great!