Seeing the child in front of him open her mouth wide, Arima Shinya couldn't help but hold his breath for a moment.
Are you Tuffy from Tom and Jerry or something…?
Besides, that's not something you can understand just by hearing it!
While Shinya was still struggling with what to think, a voice of peculiar tone — cold, yet with a disturbing touch — came from his side.
— I see. So your favorite insect curry is finished, and that's why you decided to look elsewhere.
That calm voice, with a hint of abnormality… Shinya felt a shiver run through his body and raised his eyes almost instinctively.
A man he didn't know was there, just a few steps away.
He was holding a tray. Wearing a white lab coat.
His skin was an almost impossibly pale tone, and his facial features, combined with that color, gave off an extreme sense of coldness.
His short, gelled blue hair stood straight up, like a perfectly trimmed lawn.
On the sides of his ears were strange conical devices — the function of which he couldn't even imagine.
A black line of makeup crossed his face, from temple to temple, passing over the eyes, making Shinya's scalp tingle uncomfortably.
Kurotsuchi Mayuri.
His gaze never focused on Shinya — it was entirely on the small figure barely able to walk properly.
— Although she hasn't yet fully developed the ability to interact with others, it seems her inner desire prevailed, causing her to act on her own to get what she wants through contact with others.
— Fufu… not bad. Humans have always resorted to any means to survive. Even if this is just a small impulse, it's still a good sign.
— It seems the development plan can progress to the next phase. Excellent.
The smile that appeared on his face was simply disgusting.
Shinya watched him lower his right hand and make a "come here" gesture toward the child beside him.
— Come. As a reward, I'll ask the kitchen to prepare another portion of insect curry.
The little girl's eyes sparkled immediately.
Now, yes, she's looking more and more like Tuffy…
She seemed about to approach, but stopped midway.
The small face looked alternately at Mayuri and then at Shinya, before stepping back two paces and making a gesture with her hand — as if calling him.
…What does that mean?
Is she saying goodbye to me? Since when is she this polite?
— She's telling you to bow your head, you idiot — said a voice beside him.
Huh? That's it?
Shinya obeyed, slightly bowing and lowering his face.
Soon he felt something tug at his scalp.
Ouch…
Massaging the sore spot, he raised his eyes — and saw the little girl holding a strand of his hair between her fingers, examining it with fascination.
The smile on her face was pure joy.
Like a child discovering a dandelion for the first time.
Ah… it's just the hair.
Come to think of it, Shinya really took good care of it — washing it carefully every day and lately eating better.
So it's natural that it shines a little…
Mayuri's expression, which had been somewhat satisfied, completely cooled.
— What…? So it was just this idiot's hair that interested you? Hmph, my evaluation of you just dropped again, brat.
Losing interest, he turned to leave, but Shinya called out hastily.
— Wait a moment…
Mayuri turned halfway, his face showing no emotion.
— What? Interested in my brilliant development plan? If it's something else, don't waste your time — I have no interest in talking, Arima Shinya.
…Straight to the point, as always.
But thinking about it, this guy has always been like that. Nothing unexpected.
The problem, however, was something else.
Shinya raised his right hand and pointed to his own face, curious.
— How do you know my name?
— Many people in the 12th Division talk about you. After all, a student capable of defeating a vice-captain head-on is something that only happens once in a century.
He… just complimented me? Shinya raised an eyebrow — and immediately saw the corner of the man's lips curl into a disdainful smile.
— But anyway.
— I have little interest in types like you. Power-obsessed monkeys, with no aesthetic sense, no love for research. People like that will only understand what is truly fascinating in their next life.
— My name is Kurotsuchi Mayuri. I imagine that, when you officially join the Thirteen Division Protection Squad, you'll hear about me… mortal. Don't pretend you don't know me when that day comes.
Yes, his tongue was as venomous as Shinya remembered.
And his vanity, also considerable.
Even prepared, hearing it personally still left Shinya speechless.
No wonder he had such a bad reputation in the original — compared to Aizen-sensei, the difference was like night and day.
Although Mayuri himself clearly didn't care…
After a quick response, he led Nemu into the kitchen.
He would probably ask the cooks to prepare something extra.
From what Shinya observed, no one seemed to find it strange — it was normal, and Mayuri's eccentric behavior seemed well-known.
Finally, Nemu glanced discreetly at Shinya, who responded with a gentle smile.
Considering the way Nemu Kurotsuchi would be in the future, this little girl was still much easier to handle than her father — it wouldn't hurt to make a good impression.
— I'm sorry, Arima-kun… — said Akon, approaching with an apologetic look. There was a hint of frustration on his face, as if the outcome hadn't been what he expected.
— We barely got a visit, and you had to witness something like this… I apologize.
Shinya waved his hands hastily.
— Ah, no problem, no problem. Go ahead and continue what you were doing.
After all, in a situation like this, those at the center of the problem must be far more troubled than a mere spectator. Besides…
Looking at the chaos from a distance, Shinya let out a slightly embarrassed smile.
Hiyori Sarugaki was even more temperamental than he had imagined.
Dirty-mouthed, hot-headed… when words weren't enough, she'd resort to fighting — and still break things without thinking.
No wonder the researchers panic just seeing her.
"Her style is completely the opposite of the 12th Division. I bet she didn't get along with Urahara at all…"
Shinya thought, somewhat amused.
Every household has its own problems, after all…
After lunch, under Akon's guidance, Shinya participated in some simple experiments — material separation, observing cultures, and other basic tasks.
A curious experience, to say the least.
Around four in the afternoon, Aizen and Urahara finally concluded their private conversation.
Guided by the "prison master" — the supervisor — they both bid farewell to Urahara Kisuke, Akon, and the other researchers of the institute.
Thus ended the day's itinerary.
On the way back, Aizen walked ahead, with Shinya just behind.
After walking for almost an hour, Aizen spoke without turning his face.
— Shinya-kun, what did you think of today's experience?
The young man thought for a moment and scratched the corner of his mouth.
— Honestly, since I have no talent for research, I only managed to grasp the basics of everything I saw…
From a beginner's perspective, it wouldn't be honest to say "I learned a lot."
So he chose another approach.
— But at least, I could feel that everyone there is very welcoming.
Except… some very specific cases. Yes, let's say that.
— I see. That's enough — Aizen replied, slowing his pace to walk beside him.
Shinya could see that same serene smile as always — calm, controlled, as if everything were within his predictions.
— Even though the 13th Protection Division operates in the name of duty, it is still an organization made up of people. Understanding that and knowing these relationships in advance is valuable, Shinya-kun.
Nothing wrong with what he said.
The stricter the system, the more vital human relationships become.
Building connections was, indeed, an investment for the future.
Look at that, sensei really cares about me… thought Shinya, satisfied.
But then, Aizen asked an unexpected question:
— Shinya-kun, what do you think of Captain Urahara?
A somewhat sudden topic.
But considering the purpose of today's visit, perhaps he wanted an outside perspective.
Better think carefully.
— Captain Urahara… seems kind, very skilled at dealing with people. As a captain, I'd say he has the profile of a good guy, maybe even a little "too nice"…
As he spoke, Shinya noticed something strange.
Wait a minute.
Doesn't that sound exactly like Aizen-sensei…?
He lifted his head, and there was Aizen — smiling calmly, looking straight at him.
— Notice? Do you think Captain Urahara and I are alike?
— Hahaha… maybe a little.
— But the world can't accommodate two people with identical personalities. Just like fingerprints, character is unique. So tell me, Shinya-kun… who is the real problem? Me… or Captain Urahara?
— Or perhaps…
Aizen stopped walking.
His smile remained the same — but the atmosphere changed completely.
— …Perhaps both I and Captain Urahara are just disguising who we truly are?
Shinya stared at him, stunned.
Aizen's eyes, hidden behind the lenses, reflected a strange glow — something unknown, almost unsettling.
— Shinya-kun, have you considered that all the kindness, calmness, and willingness to teach that I've shown until now… might just be a convenient façade?
— And if, in reality…
— I'm someone extremely difficult to deal with… with a terribly bad personality?
—————-
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