The tea room served as a sanctuary, isolating them from the light snow and the bustling noise beyond the window.
"I'm finished. Let's head out."
Suō Tsukasa put away his papers and looked up at the other three around the table.
Having cross-referenced his list with the popular seasonal goods found on the streets, he had formed a solid plan in his mind.
Common year-end gifts could mostly be handled at the front of the commercial street. However, for "Seibo" gifts and presents for family, they would need to visit the more prestigious shops in the bustling mid-section.
"I noticed quite a few women on your list. I'm quite familiar with the clothing, jewelry, and cosmetic shops around here."
"If you find yourself unsure about anything later, just ask me. I can give you some suggestions."
Matsumoto Rangiku sat with one hand propping up her chin, watching the snow accumulate outside. She turned back and added nonchalantly.
The warm yellow light of the tea room fell softly across her profile.
It happened to highlight the exquisite details of her eye makeup. Her lashes were long and curled, her eyeliner swept upward in a smooth, elegant flick at the corners, and her eyes were shaded with delicate gradients, complemented by vibrant lips.
It was the kind of look one only saw in the fashion magazines of the Living World.
"With you here, choosing those kinds of gifts will certainly save a lot of trouble."
Suō Tsukasa picked up his teacup and took a sip of the warm tea.
He knew most things about the Soul Society and the Living World like the back of his hand. However, there were still certain areas that remained a blank space on his map of knowledge.
"Leave it to me."
Matsumoto Rangiku smiled at his words, more than happy to act as his consultant.
The group of four left the tea room.
A short while later, they moved in and out of one shop after another. By the time they reached the middle of the commercial street, everyone was carrying several wrapped gifts. Since the others didn't have many people to buy for, they had all offered to help lighten the load for Suō Tsukasa.
The lights in the middle section of the commercial street were even brighter and more magnificent than those at the front.
Led by Matsumoto Rangiku, the group turned down a side path and arrived in front of a garment shop. The shop's curtain was a soft pale green, with the name "Kitsuru-an" written upon it.
As they pushed the door open and entered, a refined and elegant fragrance lingered in the air. The interior was brightly lit and warm, with various fabrics, ready-made clothes, and accessories displayed in an orderly and tasteful manner.
"This is one of the best value-for-money clothing shops in Seireitei," Matsumoto Rangiku introduced in a low, familiar tone.
"The proprietress is a retired member of the Fourth Division. Her items are excellent, and the prices are fair."
As she spoke, a gentle woman in her forties saw Matsumoto Rangiku and approached with a smile.
"Welcome."
"Miss Rangiku, I hope the end of the year finds you well. Have you brought friends today? Please, feel free to look around for whatever you need."
"Sister Tsuru, I brought some friends to pick out some gifts. I know you're busy this time of year, so don't worry about attending to us. We'll look around on our own first."
Matsumoto Rangiku smiled and stepped aside to reveal Suō Tsukasa and the others behind her.
The proprietress's gaze lingered on Suō Tsukasa for a moment, and her smile deepened.
"This young man looks somewhat familiar, and he has a fine air about him."
"Then please, make yourselves at home. If you need anything, just call for me."
She gave a calm, elegant nod and turned to attend to other customers in the shop.
It was at that moment that a gentle, low voice and a sweet female voice could be heard in conversation ahead.
"Hinamori, what do you think of this color? I think it suits you."
"Ah, you think so too, Captain Aizen? I like it very much. Let's go with this one!"
Suō Tsukasa's pace faltered for a fraction of a second.
Hitsugaya Toshiro had heard them too and looked up.
Near a wooden rack displaying various exquisite square scarves stood two figures. One was a tall man wearing black-rimmed glasses with a refined and scholarly face, draped in the white haori of a Captain. It was the Captain of the Fifth Division, Aizen Sosuke.
Standing beside him was a petite, delicate girl with a fresh face—Hinamori Momo, who had just graduated and joined the division this year.
Both were wearing similar shawls and scarves, chatting and laughing happily. Aizen held a pale blue scarf in his hand, smiling as he naturally handed it to the girl beside her. The girl's bright, radiant smile shone even without makeup, lighting up the shop.
An invisible exclamation mark appeared over Suō Tsukasa's head.
This big shot was truly relaxed. To think they would run into him in a place like this.
Suō Tsukasa's mind raced through several thoughts, yet his face showed not a hint of abnormality. Beside him, Toshiro's expression changed slightly, though it wasn't particularly obvious.
As if sensing the gaze from the side, Aizen seemed to notice them. He turned around, his eyes sweeping over the four of them.
Seeing the quartet, he straightened up and approached with a warm smile. The smile was flawless and as refreshing as a spring breeze. Behind his lenses, his eyes were calm and deep, the very picture of a refined gentleman.
"Lieutenant Matsumoto, it has been a long time. What a coincidence."
"And who are these people with you?"
"Good evening, Captain Aizen."
Matsumoto Rangiku greeted him politely and then introduced Suō Tsukasa and the others.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Aizen's gaze landed on Suō Tsukasa, who was surrounded by the group, and he spoke as if realizing something.
"So you are Suō Tsukasa. I have long heard your name, but this is the first time we've met."
For a moment, the shop contained a Captain, a Lieutenant, and three high-seated officers. In this corner of Seireitei on a snowy year-end night, they formed quite a formidable assembly.
"It is my honor that my meager reputation has reached the Captain's ears."
"Captain Aizen, it is a pleasure to meet you. Please look after me."
The expression on Suō Tsukasa's face didn't change at all. Meeting Aizen's gaze, he responded with a standardized, impeccable, and gentle smile.
Just then, several other Shinigami wearing similar shawls and scarves gathered around, clutching their chosen garments with relaxed and excited smiles. They naturally flocked to the sides of Aizen and Hinamori Momo, chiming in at once.
"Captain, we've finished choosing!"
"Thank you, Captain!"
"Captain Aizen, we've really troubled you today!"
Aizen nodded in response with a genial smile.
"Very well. Everyone, take them to the shopkeeper to settle the bill together."
He then turned to Suō Tsukasa and the others, his tone gentle and slightly apologetic.
"It was a pleasure to meet you all tonight, but we must be going."
"The end of the year is a busy time, and there are still some small matters I need to attend to. Please excuse us."
"Goodbye."
With that, he walked toward the counter, naturally surrounded by the members of the Fifth Division.
"Toshiro, goodbye!"
As the two groups crossed paths, Hinamori Momo waved farewell to Toshiro.
The scene seemed ordinary enough. A kind and thoughtful Captain was looking after his new recruits, who had meager salaries, by accompanying them on a shopping trip and gifting them warm clothing. Anyone seeing this would think Aizen was an irreproachable and excellent Captain. This kind of meticulous care was something one wouldn't even see in a squad like the Third Division, which had an exceptionally harmonious atmosphere.
Suō Tsukasa watched the group depart in silence.
It was no wonder that even after Aizen's betrayal and the subsequent investigation of the Fifth Division members, they still held an indelible emotional dependence and longing for him.
Who could resist such treatment?
This was no different from a fresh graduate entering the workforce and immediately receiving personal care and substantial help from the top official of their district.
The terrifying part was that Aizen didn't seem to be merely performing; it appeared entirely natural. It is very difficult for a person to perfectly portray an emotion they have never experienced or cannot resonate with at all. At the very least, Suō Tsukasa could see no flaws.
Whether he had maintained this perfect persona before others for a century out of genuine feeling was something a bystander like him could never know. But every bit of encouragement, every act of care, and every gift he gave was, at the moment it happened, a genuine and warm experience for the recipient.