Chapter 44: Kyōka Suigetsu
Seireitei, Fifth Division barracks.
Before a dim oil lamp, Sōusuke Aizen slowly closed the book in his hand and placed it on the desk in front of him, asking in a gentle tone, "Gin, is there something you need to see me about so late?"
Ichimaru Gin suddenly appeared before Sōusuke Aizen. His fox-like narrowed eyes glanced at the book on the desk, a peculiar look flashing across his face.
The book's cover read "the epic of gilgamesh" in large characters.
Ichimaru Gin knew this book.
A day earlier, Ichimaru Gin and Sōusuke Aizen had secretly traveled to Naruki City in the Human World to conduct Hollowfication experiments on Shinigami in secret, and also to see if they could find Hirako Shinji and his group, who were hidden in the Human World.
They were Sōusuke Aizen's experimental subjects, and were later rescued by Kisuke Urahara.
Sōusuke Aizen knew that Kisuke Urahara would definitely be able to solve their Hollowfication problem.
At the same time, this also meant that if they could be captured, there would undoubtedly be great gains, perhaps allowing his research on the Hōgyoku to advance to the next level.
Therefore, Sōusuke Aizen had never given up searching for them.
This time, the reason Sōusuke Aizen chose Naruki City as the experimental site was because he had gathered information indicating that there were traces of their activities there.
Conducting Hollowfication experiments on Shinigami in their territory was undoubtedly a provocation to them, tearing open their wounds. If they became enraged, they might very well walk right into a trap.
Initially, Ichimaru Gin thought Sōusuke Aizen would, as before, remain in the rear, manipulating everything from behind the scenes.
But unexpectedly, after arriving in Naruki City, Sōusuke Aizen sent him to capture the Shinigami stationed in the Human World, while he himself went to the largest bookstore in the area.
When they met again, Sōusuke Aizen was already engrossed in reading "the epic of gilgamesh."
He was even so absorbed that he barely paid attention to the Shinigami Hollowfication experiments, simply leaving them to Ichimaru Gin.
This made Ichimaru Gin very curious, wondering what kind of book could possess such magic to captivate Sōusuke Aizen so deeply.
Sōusuke Aizen did not hide it, directly telling Ichimaru Gin the title and content of the book.
Upon learning the title was "the epic of gilgamesh," Ichimaru Gin froze, his narrowed eyes involuntarily widening, his face filled with an expression of disbelief.
He, of course, knew Gilgamesh; he was the top student of this year's Central Spiritual Arts Academy, and also the most talented student since the Academy's founding.
But what was this "the epic of gilgamesh" all about?
And what was wrong with Sōusuke Aizen?
He couldn't possibly think that Gilgamesh, who was currently at the Central Spiritual Arts Academy, was The Oldest Hero King from over 6000 years ago, as recorded in "the epic of gilgamesh," could he?
The various doubts that flashed through his mind at the time remained unanswered even now.
Ichimaru Gin had also tried to subtly inquire, but Sōusuke Aizen only gave ambiguous replies.
With his mind racing, Ichimaru Gin quickly reined in his thoughts and looked at Sōusuke Aizen, saying, "I just saw something interesting."
Sōusuke Aizen's gentle expression remained unchanged as he asked with interest, "Oh, what is it?"
Ichimaru Gin did not hide it and said, "Captain Shiba returned to the barracks not long ago. From his appearance, it seems he just experienced a major battle with someone."
"Not only that, he also decided to personally go to Naruki City to investigate the deaths of the Shinigami stationed in the Human World."
Sōusuke Aizen's eyebrows twitched slightly upon hearing this, and he immediately asked a crucial question: "Will the Captain Commander agree to him going?"
Ichimaru Gin's narrowed eyes opened slightly, revealing a dangerous glint, and he chuckled softly, "No, it seems he intends to go secretly."
"Captain Aizen, don't you think we could manipulate this situation?"
Sōusuke Aizen knew that what Ichimaru Gin meant by "manipulate" was not to report him.
While reporting would lead to Shiba Isshin being punished, the ultimate result would certainly be harmless and meaningless.
Ichimaru Gin's intention was to make Shiba Isshin an experimental subject for Hollowfication.
If it had been not long ago, Sōusuke Aizen would have agreed with Ichimaru Gin's suggestion.
Since Hirako Shinji and his group could not be found for a long time, Shiba Isshin could be used as a substitute.
But now, Sōusuke Aizen had concerns.
Sōusuke Aizen's mind was not only extremely meticulous, but his insight was also terrifying.
He sensed that ever since Gilgamesh appeared, many things had gradually slipped out of his control.
This greatly displeased Sōusuke Aizen and also caused him to feel a sense of crisis.
He knew that his wings were not yet fully grown, and it was not the time to expose himself.
At the same time, Sōusuke Aizen became increasingly curious about Gilgamesh.
In his memory, he seemed to have heard the name Gilgamesh in the Human World, which was why he specifically went to the Human World to find related books.
Now, Shiba Isshin would actually secretly go to the Human World alone to investigate for the sake of a mere low-ranking Shinigami. This was clearly illogical and did not match Shiba Isshin's lazy personality.
Evidently, Shiba Isshin's anomaly had also slipped from Sōusuke Aizen's control.
And rashly acting against someone who had slipped from control would undoubtedly increase the risk of exposure.
Of course, what concerned Sōusuke Aizen even more was whether Shiba Isshin's anomaly was also related to Gilgamesh?
Thinking this, Sōusuke Aizen couldn't help but fall into contemplation, not answering Ichimaru Gin.
Ichimaru Gin's face showed surprise at this.
Based on his understanding of Sōusuke Aizen, Sōusuke Aizen should not miss such a good opportunity.
However, Ichimaru Gin did not disturb Sōusuke Aizen's contemplation and waited silently.
While waiting, Ichimaru Gin couldn't help but pick up "the epic of gilgamesh" from the desk and began to read it.
This was the first time Ichimaru Gin had read this book.
He wanted to see what kind of magic this book possessed that could make Sōusuke Aizen so fascinated.
Upon reading, Ichimaru Gin also unknowingly became engrossed, even projecting Gilgamesh's image into the story.
Sōusuke Aizen had stopped contemplating at some point. Looking at the engrossed Ichimaru Gin, he did not disturb him but smiled slightly, then got up and left.
There were some things he had to verify himself.
The next day, Sōusuke Aizen 'coincidentally' met Shiba Isshin.
Looking at Shiba Isshin's back, Sōusuke Aizen smiled gently as always and said, "Captain Shiba, I didn't expect such a coincidence, meeting you here."
Upon hearing Sōusuke Aizen's voice, Shiba Isshin's heart involuntarily tensed.
On the surface, Shiba Isshin remained calm, turning his head with a smile to greet Sōusuke Aizen: "Yo, Captain Aizen, where are you off to?"
Sōusuke Aizen replied, "I have some matters to attend to at the Twelfth Division."
Shiba Isshin didn't care where Sōusuke Aizen was going. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he left directly.
And after Shiba Isshin left, Sōusuke Aizen's smile gradually vanished, and his brows furrowed slightly.
Although Shiba Isshin hid it well, Sōusuke Aizen, with his astonishing insight, could still perceive his wariness towards him.
This was interesting.
Originally, he only wanted to probe and see if Shiba Isshin's anomaly was related to Gilgamesh.
But now it seemed that Shiba Isshin's anomaly was actually related to himself.
So, who could be causing Shiba Isshin's anomaly?
Thinking this, Sōusuke Aizen's face suddenly showed another gentle smile, and he thought to himself, 'Gilgamesh, it seems I must meet you.'
'And it's also a good opportunity to show you my Kyōka Suigetsu.'