Chapter 275: Sōsuke Aizen's Gaze

Chapter 275: Sōsuke Aizen's Gaze

As the remaining supporting Shinigami arrived, they began to handle the aftermath in an orderly manner.

The collected body parts, so mangled they were unrecognizable, drove home the brutal reality of being a Shinigami to the surviving first-year students.

The lingering fear of the Menos Grande, the sorrow for their fallen classmates, the uncertainty of their future paths... all contributed to the profound silence among those first-year students who had hidden away.

As the captain of the Fifth Division, the first to arrive on the scene, Sōsuke Aizen directed the Shinigami in handling the situation, while speaking to Senju Makoto, who stood nearby.

"Makoto-kun, aren't you going to say something?"

His words, seemingly a reminder that this was the perfect opportunity to win hearts and gain a reputation, caused Senju Makoto to glance at Aizen before replying.

"Some things can only be achieved through personal struggle and overcoming obstacles."

However, Aizen interpreted these words as Makoto's assessment of the other first-year students.

If Rukia and the others could be considered pawns with some potential, then the rest, cowering and trembling, barely deserved to be called ants.

Such beings were indeed not worth paying much attention to.

Aizen smiled gently and said, "Makoto-kun, you are truly kind, always holding onto the hope of their growth. But unfortunately, sometimes limits are predetermined. Without deliberate change, they may never grow."

"Who knows? There's more than one way to break through limits. Perhaps external force isn't always necessary," Makoto replied.

Aizen spoke as if he were chatting with a friend, his tone less perfectly gentle than usual, and more genuinely cheerful.

"I see. So this is Makoto-kun's philosophy? It seems you've gained something as well."

Makoto narrowed his eyes, sensing that Aizen's words held a deeper meaning, and looked at him with a scrutinizing gaze.

Aizen... has he discovered my research on 'Spiritual Body Superposition'?

Impossible, right? I'm immune to his 'Kyōka Suigetsu,' and all my research is conducted within the Seireitei, with Urozakuro constantly on guard.

Aizen couldn't possibly observe my research without being noticed.

Is it just my oversensitivity? Or does Aizen really know something?

Seeing Makoto's reaction, Aizen smiled and said softly, "Makoto-kun, is there anything surprising about this? Just as you realized something the first time you met me and began monitoring me through various channels?"

"Captain Aizen, I don't quite understand what you mean..." Makoto replied.

"Makoto-kun, there's no need for pretense between us. Just as you know what I'm doing, how could I not be watching you?" Aizen pushed up his glasses and calmly stated a time. "Mid-June, twelve years ago."

Makoto's expression changed slightly, realizing that Aizen wasn't simply bluffing.

That time... was when he had completed his initial research on "Spiritual Body Superposition" and performed spiritual body modification on Hisagi Shūhei.

However, Makoto had been cautious, choosing a time when Aizen was on a mission outside the Seireitei, and had Urozakuro monitor Aizen's return.

Then the only possibility...

Makoto quickly eliminated various possibilities in his mind and asked, "When did Urozakuro fall under Kyōka Suigetsu?"

"When?" Aizen smiled and said, "Wasn't it from the very beginning? But because Urozakuro's ability allows him to constantly perceive Kyōka Suigetsu, he created the illusion that he wasn't under its influence?"

After a pause, Aizen said nonchalantly, "In the past, I simply didn't think it was necessary to act against someone like Chijō Shūya, who was locked away. But breaking that ability isn't difficult..."

At this point, Aizen raised a finger, as if joking with a friend.

"In this regard, Makoto-kun seems to have placed too much trust in Chijō Shūya. The only one in the entire Seireitei who can truly see reality is you, Makoto-kun. And dealing with Chijō Shūya only requires a little trick to temporarily isolate the Seireitei's spiritual particles from Kyōka Suigetsu."

Aizen's tone was unusually light and cheerful, while Makoto's face stiffened...

Indeed, no matter how much I value Aizen, it's never enough.

In the past, Makoto, influenced by his previous life's habits, trusted the information provided by Urozakuro after confirming that he could see Aizen's true self.

How much does Aizen... actually know?

Feeling at a disadvantage once again, almost completely suppressed by Aizen, Makoto asked, "Captain Aizen, you're becoming more and more terrifying. Why are you telling me all this?"

"Hmm..." Aizen fell into thought, causing Makoto to unconsciously twist his fingers hidden in his sleeves, ready to fight Aizen right there.

Logically, when a terrifying being like Aizen is being so candid, it usually means he's fully prepared and confident that the other party will die.

And himself...

Makoto's eyes showed no fear. Although he hadn't mastered Bankai, the completion of his "Ultimate Spiritual Body" was progressing, and his sword skills had reached an unknown height.

Perhaps today is the day to test my sword against Aizen...

Just as Makoto reached this resolve, ready to be surrounded and attacked by Aizen and a large number of modified Menos Grande, Aizen said with a troubled tone, "Makoto-kun, your continued distant address makes it difficult for me to decide whether to conceal your secrets from the Central 46..."

After a pause, Aizen said jokingly, "If the Zero Squad learns about your research, Makoto-kun might be exceptionally summoned to the Zero Squad as a vice-captain, an unprecedented event."

???

Makoto.

For a moment, Makoto almost choked on his own breath, failing to react.