Like Scattered Ashes

"Aizen-sama, this is the summary of my recent work."

Kneeling on one knee, Tōsen Kaname lowered his head deeply, his tone devout and reverent.

"Please provide further instructions as you see fit."

The scene was the familiar Fifth Division barracks, though unlike their usual evening meetings, the room was bathed in daylight—evidently, it was still early in the day.

Aizen listened to Tōsen's report with an indifferent expression. After a brief silence, he gave a neutral hum of approval.

"Not bad."

Praise is a form of acknowledgment—a validation of one's efforts.

Clearly, Aizen had no dissatisfaction with Tōsen's work.

So, at most, he could only offer some mild suggestions.

"The Ninth Division is still unstable. Take advantage of this situation—push yourself forward and secure a higher position."

Hearing Aizen's advice, Tōsen lowered his head even further in obedience.

"Understood!"

"Good. That will be all for now."

"Then, if you'll excuse—"

Thud.

Before Tōsen could finish his sentence, the door swung open.

Before the figure even stepped inside, a head of golden hair peeked through the doorway.

"Yo~ Sorry, Aizen, but I need your help again—huh? There's someone here?"

Hirako Shinjirō raised an eyebrow in surprise as he looked at Tōsen.

His gaze lingered for a moment before his expression tightened.

"Have we met somewhere before?"

Tōsen's face remained unchanged as he calmly shook his head.

"I'm merely a new recruit in the Fifth Division, Captain Hirako. It's understandable that you wouldn't recognize me."

"Is that so?"

An odd sense of familiarity gnawed at Hirako's mind, but before he could dwell on it further—

Aizen spoke up at just the right moment.

"Captain, there's no need to make things difficult for the new recruits. Training them is part of my duty. I'd appreciate it if you didn't put too much pressure on them."

Logical. Reasonable. Convincing.

Hirako had no choice but to turn his attention back to Aizen.

Tōsen, sensing the opportunity, took a discreet step back and carefully exited the room.

The moment he was outside, his once-calm expression stiffened into tension.

His pace quickened instinctively, and only after putting a good distance between himself and the room did he allow himself a deep breath.

That had been too close.

After all, he wasn't actually a Fifth Division recruit.

Facing a captain under those circumstances had been suffocating.

But fortunately—

With the power of Kyōka Suigetsu, he had passed unnoticed.

Still…

Why have our meetings shifted to daylight all of a sudden?

Is this another test of our abilities?

Tōsen couldn't think of any other explanation.

If Seiya had been in his place, that fool would have probably handled it effortlessly…

Even the mere thought of comparison made Tōsen feel an overwhelming sense of pressure.

He was still too inexperienced. Not mature enough.

He had to move faster.

While Tōsen was lost in thought, back inside the room—

Hirako was discussing mundane division matters with Aizen.

Their conversation was smooth, both men accustomed to this exchange.

The captain's responsibilities were gradually being shifted onto his lieutenant—

Yet without granting him true authority.

To many, this seemed like an unreasonable burden placed on Aizen.

Yet he handled it all with that same gentle, unwavering smile.

"Understood. I'll take care of it soon."

"Alright, then. I'll leave it to you~"

Normally, their conversation would end here.

But today was slightly different.

Hirako's nose twitched as he caught an unfamiliar scent in the air.

Curious, he looked around the office.

His gaze quickly landed on a small object on Aizen's desk.

It was a wooden item, small enough to fit in the palm of one's hand.

At first glance, it seemed plain—dark and unremarkable.

But on closer inspection, its deep, rich hues hinted at a well-crafted lacquered finish.

"Hey, Aizen, that thing over there…?"

Following Hirako's line of sight, Aizen raised an eyebrow before chuckling.

"Oh, this? Just something to pass the time. Nothing special."

He made no effort to hide it.

Standing up, Aizen picked up the small wooden container, carefully removing the lid.

Inside, burnt yellow incense lay in fine, powdery ashes.

Hirako's eyes widened slightly.

"Ah! I know this—it's one of those room incense burners, right?"

Aizen smiled faintly.

"Indeed. It's nothing worth mentioning."

"Come on, don't be so modest… Can I see it?"

"Of course. But be careful—it's still a little hot."

Hirako took it, bringing it closer to examine.

He was no stranger to incense burners.

In Seireitei, such items were common, often used in temples or for ancestral offerings.

But…

This one was different.

It was far more refined.

Four sturdy legs supported a rounded body, adorned with an intricate carving of a twisting dragon.

Even the decorative edges were lined with fine engravings.

Hirako wasn't exactly an expert, but even he could tell—

This thing was expensive.

Carving such details into such a small object, while ensuring heat resistance…

That's high-level craftsmanship.

His eyes then drifted to the lid in Aizen's hand.

Aizen, understanding his curiosity, handed it over without a word.

"Oh, thanks~"

Taking it, Hirako noted the carefully arranged ventilation holes—

Like the latticework of an ancient temple window, orderly yet not oppressive.

Everything about it was meticulously designed.

Even Hirako had to admit—

"This is some incredible craftsmanship…"

Aizen's smile deepened.

"You're impressed?"

"Of course! Where'd you buy it?"

"Tempted to get one yourself, Captain Hirako?"

"Well, who wouldn't be? It's a nice little piece."

Aizen chuckled.

"Unfortunately, I didn't purchase it myself. It was a gift. So I can't say where it came from."

"A gift, huh? That's too bad."

Hirako placed the lid back on, glancing around Aizen's impeccably organized office.

"Your room is always so neat—no real scent. But if you let incense like this soak in, it'd give the place some character."

"As Fifth Division's lieutenant, you should have a signature presence, don't you think?"

A long-winded remark.

Even Aizen seemed to pause in thought.

After a brief moment, he responded.

"I see. I'll take that into consideration."

"Still so formal, huh…"

Hirako shook his head, returning the burner to the desk.

Then, raising an eyebrow, he smirked.

"Guess you do have a close friend, huh? If someone gave you something this valuable."

A friend?

"…Perhaps."

Aizen's answer was ambiguous.

And with that, the conversation ended.

Hirako stood.

"Alright, I'll leave you to it. If anything comes up, let me know."

"Of course. Take care, Captain Hirako."

They were never truly on the same side.

To outsiders, they seemed like close companions.

But in truth, both knew—

They were merely pretending.

—I'm always watching you.

—I know you're watching me.

A silent game of deception.

Had things been different, they might have been allies.

But now?

There was no room for reconciliation.

Two wielders of illusionary Zanpakutō, each despising the reflection they saw in the other.

As Hirako left, Aizen sat back down.

"…"

Silent contemplation.

Tōsen had nearly lost his composure—because Aizen wanted to test him.

How far can my Kyōka Suigetsu fool even those who should know better?

He found the thought…

Amusing.

Regretful, yet entertaining.

Yes—

He and Hirako were similar.

But at the same time—

They were nothing alike.

"People…"

Aizen mused, fingers brushing over the incense burner.

"People always evolve."

With that, he reached for a sheet of paper.

A letter.

A simple act—

Yet one that signified a decision.

Dipping his brush, he paused briefly before writing.

Outside, gray skies loomed as soft snowflakes began to fall.

Another year had passed.

Time was fleeting.

And so, the first words formed:

"Winter is coming…"

"How have you been, Seiya-kun?"

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Powerstones?

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