Interesting—so something like this exists in the world.
Aizen flipped through the pages, the excited smile on his face impossible to hide. No wonder the Central 46 stirred up chaos in Rukongai; they were harvesting souls to craft this miraculous object called the Hōgyoku. Pity the book didn't record how to make it—he could have saved himself a lot of effort. Still, if the Chamber was making such a big move, they must have found a lead.
The Hōgyoku that could break the limits of a Shinigami… I wonder if Jie Chengxian would be interested. Aizen immediately dismissed the thought. Chengxian might be eccentric, but unlike me he still has morals.
I'll tell him after I succeed.
He returned the book to its place, checked the time, and left the hidden room.
I have to keep Chengxian from finding out—what a pain.
---
Haha, Sōsuke! Before you stands the Captain Commander's personal disciple, Soul Society's crown prince, the future pillar of Soul Society—Lord Jie Chengxian! Aizen Sōsuke, kneel and call me foster-father now, and when I rise to glory I'll guarantee you a worry-free life.
Chengxian had rushed back to the dorm just to show off, but Aizen gave him no face—only a pat on the shoulder and silence.
At least react! What's that supposed to mean?
Chengxian sat on Aizen's bed, slung an arm around his shoulders, and pulled out the Kido manual Ukitake had given him, waving it smugly.
Captain Ukitake of the Thirteenth Division gave me this. It's packed with Kido he's mastered.
Aizen was tempted. Shinigami battles came down to reiatsu, but among equals you still needed offensive options. His Zanpakuto wasn't combat-oriented; he had to make up for it with Kido.
Name your price.
Aizen knew nothing was free—especially from Chengxian. If he was offering, he already had conditions in mind.
And if your condition is calling you 'Dad,' forget it.
The moment he said it, Chengxian's face fell from excitement to disappointment.
What's that supposed to mean? Am I that kind of guy? That's slander!
Hmph.
Aizen stared at the theatrically clutching Chengxian. He knew exactly what sort of person he was—how dare he claim slander?
I'm working on something new. When I get results, I'll share them with you.
Sure Chengxian couldn't come up with anything serious, Aizen set his own terms—Chengxian wouldn't lose out.
Fine, but wait till I finish studying it.
Chengxian rubbed his chin. Aizen was half a researcher—not on the level of Urahara Kisuke or Mayuri Kurotsuchi, but he had good stuff.
So how did the Old Man suddenly take you as his formal disciple? Spill.
Chengxian recounted every detail of his trip to the First Division. While he rambled on, Aizen analyzed. When Chenxian finally ran out of breath, Aizen shared his thoughts.
Looks like the Captain Commander really intends to invest everything in you. How do you feel about that?
Old Man Yamamoto's been good to me. Backing him beats backing anyone else. And if he ever got serious, who in Soul Society could stop him?
The Kuchiki and Shihōin Clans are fine, but nobles have too many rules. The old man? Look at Kyoraku Shunsui—he just gets a beating.
Yūki, don't you have anything you want for yourself?
Chengxian felt like a rudderless boat—immense talent, no drive. Even gaining Captain Commander Yamamoto's favor left him indifferent.
And Aizen sensed Chengxian knew more than he let on. Normal people would tread carefully in Soul Society's power games, yet Chengxian trusted Yamamoto after two meetings. Plus that first reaction when seeing me…
Well, yeah—handsome guy like me ought to marry three wives, four concubines, and live the high life.
What uncivilized monkey.
Aizen's face darkened. With such gifts and only those thoughts—utter waste. He shoved Chengxian off his bed and lay down, irritated.
Chengxian shrugged, pulled out Ukitake's manual, and started studying. Got to impress the old man. What kind of teacher slams his own disciple?
Most Kido were support—illusions, healing—but better than nothing. Besides, chanting the incantations looked cool; in Bleach the most stylish fighter wins.
I wonder if Sōsuke will still rely on a single Kurohitsugi.
Chengxian glanced sympathetically at Aizen. Right now he's decent—he treats me like a friend.
If I keep this up he won't turn traitor. His warped mindset came from growing too strong too fast, alone, thinking himself a different species. Arrogance—or teenage angst.
I get it. Brat won't grow out of it without a few beatings. That's why I'm befriending him—peaceful life later. No rebellion means only Yhwach to worry about, and if Yamamoto lives I can coast.
He tucked the manual away, planning how Aizen would repay him, and drifted off. Hearing the steady breathing, Aizen rose, looked at the smiling sleeper, shook his head, and left.
Chengxian can't know my plan—it would only bring him trouble. He's destined to be Soul Society's shining star; he can't be dragged down by someone as dark as me.
Heh… I'm alone after all. Under the crescent moon Aizen gave a self-mocking smile.
But before the truth comes out, let me enjoy this game of friendship a little longer.