Prisoners, huh.
Using that term to refer to the creatures living under the rule of the Spiritual King…
Just from that brief description, Arima Shinya could already grasp a little of Aizen's vision and ideals regarding all of this.
And as he listened to his explanations, he began to fully understand what was going on in the mind of the man in front of him.
Aizen revealed everything he knew about the Spiritual King, as well as his own opinions and interpretations.
Just like that hundred-year-old man in the future, he had always walked the path of seeking freedom.
Unable to tolerate the existence of something that dominated him.
Unable to accept an empty and meaningless life in this world.
He wished to change the environment, to break its chains — perhaps that was what Aizen intended to do now?
The result wasn't exactly surprising. Arima Shinya didn't even show any expression of shock.
After all, the image of Aizen in his mind, shaped by the original story, was already striking enough. All of this was just the overlay of two lines that had inevitably crossed.
"In fact, according to my initial plan, I intended to observe you, Shinya-kun, for a bit longer."
"I understand well the risks of forcing the growth of a seed before its time. Even when maturation has a positive meaning, one should never rush the process."
(Tch… so you know that, professor.)
"But, unfortunately, I no longer have much time."
Aizen adjusted his glasses and smiled lightly.
"Now that I've been promoted to Vice-Captain, the time I'll have to meet with you will be greatly reduced."
"Only through direct contact can people truly understand each other. Distance can create a mysterious beauty… but it will never be something solid."
"Not being able to see your growth personally is something I truly regret. But, at the same time, I realized something that brings me joy."
And what exactly does he mean by that?
Aizen's gaze became deep, almost dreamy, as he said:
"Shinya-kun, for you… what does it mean to learn?"
"...???"
What a strange question.
Even finding it somewhat odd, Arima Shinya still reflected for a moment, respecting the tone of the conversation.
Did it mean… to progress?
But before he could answer, Aizen continued on his own:
"I imagine that, whatever the answer, it will never be learning for the sake of learning. Because that, in itself, is the most meaningless thing in the world."
"Shinya-kun, you and I… are of the same kind. Monsters in human form."
"That which others consider complex, profound, or impossible to comprehend… we assimilate with minimal effort — and master completely."
"People often call us geniuses. But, to be honest… does that title really hold any meaning?"
After all—
"We didn't choose to be this way, did we?"
It was a statement somewhat difficult to digest.
But Arima Shinya quickly understood what Aizen meant.
In just one month, those who were once his equals now treated him with respect — almost reverence.
Even the teachers, who had previously looked down on him, completely changed their attitude after the incident with Ōmaeda.
And if that still wasn't enough proof, the distance and strangeness he had felt today from Ise Nanao fully confirmed Aizen's words.
He had only done what he could, what he should do.
But others began to distance themselves, looking at him with that mixture of respect and discomfort.
That wasn't what he wanted.
There was no need for such caution — it was enough to converse with him as before, naturally…
It caused him a slight sadness, a tinge of loneliness…
But above all, a feeling of confused resignation.
"From the look in your eyes, Shinya-kun, it seems you already understand the meaning of my words."
The genius is destined for solitude.
Because, no matter how much an ant struggles, it will never reach the height of an elephant.
And therefore—
"Making the elephant understand the thoughts of the ant may seem admirable… but, from another perspective, Shinya-kun… is that fair to the elephant?"
The thoughts that had once crossed Arima Shinya's mind returned, bringing a bitter sense of familiarity.
Now, being in the same position, he could understand a bit of what Aizen felt.
And, in a way, he also saw himself reflected in that mirror.
Perhaps noticing this connection, Aizen's tone became visibly lighter.
He glanced at Shinya's face from the side and smiled, satisfied.
"And that's not all, Shinya-kun. You must know that the nobles control the Soul Society, and with that, enjoy absurd privileges."
"I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but this parasitic structure has grown to an unbelievable point. If possible…"
"I would like you, together with me and others of like mind, to help me build a new order."
To speak of rebellion with such elegance… only Aizen.
This man, with his apparent kindness and dark mind, truly knew how to lend a noble air even to the most dangerous acts.
Arima Shinya exhaled slowly.
He didn't want to be carried away simply by the other's words, but he also knew that his own reasoning could sound too naive.
Even so, he tried to argue:
"But… not all nobles are bad, right?"
Aizen let out a calm chuckle.
"It's natural to think that. But see, Shinya-kun, consider this simple example."
"We all eat meat."
"But most people don't participate in the slaughtering process. So, in the eyes of the animals, we seem… kind, don't we?"
The nobles are no different from that.
…
What a devastating answer.
Not only in power, but even in rhetoric, Aizen was untouchable.
"Shinya-kun, as I said before, we are chained prisoners."
"We fight, resist, and seek to conquer our own sky."
"But there are others who don't. They grow anesthetized, believing that those who live without chains are wild animals — and that wearing chains is a source of pride."
"And when they face former companions, they are the first to strike with even more ferocity."
"There are many of them, by the way. They pride themselves on protecting the old order, seeing it as their mission and eternal burden."
"A sad fact, isn't it, Shinya-kun?"
Aizen slowly stood up, circled the space until he stopped in front of Arima Shinya, and smiled lightly.
"That's why we must unite. Only then can we fight against all this injustice. Lend me your power, Shinya-kun."
Saying that, Aizen fell silent, waiting for the boy's response.
And now?
He had no other choice — Aizen had shown the Hōgyoku, opened his heart, displayed sincerity.
But before answering, Arima Shinya scratched the corner of his mouth, with a slight look of discomfort.
"Professor Aizen… you already knew I would accept, didn't you?"
Then why say all of this?
Aizen thought for a moment, then replied with a half-smile.
"Who knows? Maybe I just… wanted to talk a little more with you, Shinya-kun."
…I see. There was nothing left to ask.
Arima Shinya took a deep breath and stood up slowly.
Aizen Corp. — Employee No. 002 — was officially ready to start today.
But how to demonstrate loyalty?
Uh… maybe kneeling was the most appropriate?
While reflecting on this and beginning to bend down, Aizen extended his right hand in front of him.
"Shinya-kun, between us, there's no need for such formality. A handshake is enough."
That simple?
The boy extended his hand and shook Aizen's.
The smile on his face spread like ink dissolving in pure water — revealing genuine satisfaction.
Then—
The transparent lenses shone, and a nameless light rippled behind them, dense and silent, as if alive.
"Welcome to the group, Shinya-kun."
(End of Chapter)
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