Chapter 44: A Conversation with Aizen
How could something like this happen on a simple patrol…
Ichimaru Gin fell into thought.
Come to think of it, Aizen doesn't seem to be anywhere nearby.
Then, is there a chance—just a chance, mind you—
That I could slip away first, slash myself a little, and then show up before Aizen pretending I was injured? Play it off as a noble sacrifice?
That woman's too tough to cut, this lump of iron can't be scratched—why am I staying here getting beaten to death for nothing?
Wouldn't it be smarter to call Aizen to deal with this?
I'm an undercover agent, aren't I?!
Isn't the duty of an undercover agent to cause as much chaos as possible within the enemy's camp?!
After that rather questionable train of thought, the road ahead suddenly looked much brighter to him.
But perhaps it was fate—or maybe Aizen actually did care a bit about this particular subordinate—because right as Gin dodged another assault from the towering Gundam No.1, a familiar voice came from behind.
"Gin, stand down."
Then came a series of flickering shunpo movements.
In that same instant, the rampaging Hollows nearby were all struck down by the flat of a Zanpakutō, collapsing stiffly to the ground, unconscious.
A man wearing a vice-captain's badge and exuding an elegant air stepped out from behind Gin. With a calm motion, he raised his blade and intercepted the next attack from Gundam No.1, before politely greeting the woman floating midair.
"It seems my subordinate has offended you. If you don't mind, allow me to apologize on his behalf."
"Oh? I know you."
Mizuma tilted his head slightly and waved his hand. Gundam No.1 immediately withdrew from the clash, returning to his hand as a smooth metal sphere.
"You're the vice-captain of the 5th Division, aren't you? Aizen… something?"
"Aizen Sōsuke. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Aizen bowed lightly. "I don't recall seeing someone like you in the Soul Society before. May I ask your name, miss?"
"Heh, I like polite men like you," Mizuma said with a satisfied clap. "You can call me the Messenger."
Aizen's pupils narrowed ever so slightly, though his face betrayed no reaction.
"So you're this young man's superior—interesting. Is this all part of some experiment?" Mizuma said, eyes glinting mischievously. "Let me guess… you're trying to break the boundary between Shinigami and Hollow?"
"..."
No shocked expression. No dramatic gasp. Aizen merely adjusted his glasses, expression perfectly controlled—though his tone carried the faintest ripple.
"As expected of someone from the Urahara lineage," he said, sounding almost wistful. "You must be the Messenger who took the 'Divine Sword' not long ago."
"Oh?" Mizuma replied with mild curiosity. "The power to restrain Gundam No.1 with ease, the courage to study the limits of transcendence, the perceptiveness to uncover the truth… Are vice-captains of the Gotei 13 always this capable?"
"You flatter me." Aizen calmly sheathed his sword. "Not as precise as your single strike when you retrieved the Divine Blade."
"Just a task from the clan head." Mizuma waved a hand casually. "If I remember correctly, such experiments are forbidden within Seireitei. For someone caught red-handed, you seem awfully calm… I suppose you've got some kind of ace up your sleeve, hm? Strength, perhaps? Planning how to kill me?"
"I won't deny it."
Aizen admitted it without hesitation—then immediately shifted tone. "But I'm more curious why you, Miss Messenger, would appear before me so openly. Using your own words… perhaps you also have some mysterious reliance? Something that gives you confidence to stand before my blade?"
"Oooh, scary."
Mizuma fanned her face lightly with one hand. "The killing intent's practically spilling out."
"I have a proposal," Aizen said, spreading his hand and smiling faintly. "Since we both seem confident in our positions… why not sit down and talk?"
Now that's what you call emotional intelligence.
"That's fine by me."
Since Aizen had offered the step down, Mizuma gladly took it. "Talking's a good thing, after all. It's thanks to conversation that us humanoid races have built civilization as it is today. Aizen Sōsuke—you really are an interesting man."
"You're too kind."
Aizen nodded humbly. "Given the current situation, it's fair to say I'm at a disadvantage. I must admit, if you were to expose me to the Seireitei right now, my plans would suffer greatly."
Mizuma rolled her eyes.
Please. The entire Seireitei is under your Kyōka Suigetsu's illusion. Even if I screamed my lungs out, not a word would reach anyone. This man's just fishing for information under the guise of humility.
Sure enough, his next words were another feigned concession.
"In that case, allow me to show one of my cards first."
"Oh? This sounds fun. Let's hear it."
"I've delved into the history of the Urahara family."
Aizen's gaze shifted toward Seireitei. "The Four Great Noble Houses once betrayed the Soul King out of greed for power. Since then, the Tsunayashiro, Shihōin, and Kuchiki families all got what they wanted. Only the Urahara family remained the same—no ambition, no expansion, even shrinking further with time. Today, only Urahara Kisuke still acts within Seireitei. So what was the point of that betrayal?"
"…Hmph. Continue."
"It's hardly a theory, really—the answer is obvious." Aizen's smile widened. "The Urahara family joined the rebellion because they accepted the Soul King's command. That's why they didn't seize the vacuum of power, instead choosing to fade from history."
"Smart man." Mizuma shrugged noncommittally, careful not to give anything away. "So? What's your conclusion?"
"'The Messenger'—that's a unique title. Its full name is The Soul King's Messenger. It's the only position across all realms that carries the Soul King's name. In the era before the King fell silent, the Messenger's words were considered his will itself. So when the Soul King became the Key, that position vanished forever.
And now, Miss Messenger—you've appeared."
For the first time, emotion stirred in Aizen's perpetually calm eyes.
"This means many things. Perhaps the Urahara family has changed their ways, or perhaps this is an act of rebellion… but I'm inclined toward another answer."
"..."
"The Soul King's will… has returned, hasn't it?"
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〔TL〕
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