Night settles over Seireitei like ink poured across silk.
Most of the divisions are quiet by now. Patrols thin out, and only the lanterns by the barracks gates stay lit, their pale light swaying with the wind. I've always liked this hour. Feels honest. The masks drop when nobody's lookin'.
Not that Aizen's mask ever slips.
I make my way toward the 5th Division quarters, the path so familiar my feet move on their own. He sent word earlier — a private meeting. No official summons, no paperwork.
He never leaves a trail unless he means to.
I slide open the shoji door without knocking.
Aizen's study is the same as always. Neat. Minimal. A single brazier burns in the corner, and the faint scent of sandalwood hangs in the air. Scrolls line one wall, none of 'em useful, just decoration for appearances.
He's seated at the low table, tea poured, reading something I'd wager ain't half as important as he pretends.
"Evenin', Aizen-taichou," I drawl, slipping in and closing the door behind me.
He looks up, smile soft as silk.
"Gin. Thank you for coming."
I settle across from him, dropping into a lazy sprawl.
"Didn't figure ya'd be lonely, but if ya needed company, ya coulda called sooner."
His smile widens, that calm, unruffled thing he wears like a second skin.
"I thought it appropriate we speak before tomorrow. You'll be standing in a different position soon."
"Aw, ya flatter me," I smirk. "Ain't like I'm gettin' promoted for my charm."
He pours me a cup without asking, setting it in front of me.
"I trust you understand the importance of this move."
There's weight in those words. Not the obvious kind. The kind you only hear if you know what to listen for.
I pick up the cup, letting the warmth bleed into my fingers.
"Ya mean holdin' the 3rd Division. Keepin' the pieces steady."
His eyes meet mine, and for a heartbeat, the air tightens.
"That's part of it."
I grin, teeth showing.
"Well, ya did say Soul Society's like a big ol' game o' shogi. Gotta keep yer hands on the right pieces."
He chuckles, low and pleasant.
"Precisely."
And there it is.
The real reason.
Aizen's consolidating his net. With me in the 3rd, Tousen in the 9th — strings wrapped tight around the Gotei 13's throat. Most folks don't see it yet. Too busy starin' at his glasses, that kind voice.
But I see it.
Hell, I knew it before I even met him.
I sip the tea, masking my thoughts.
"Ain't worried I'll bite, are ya?" I tease. "I got sharp teeth, ya know."
His smile doesn't falter.
"I rely on you, Gin. You've always been loyal."
I laugh.
"Course I have. Wouldn't dream o' crossin' ya."
Truth wrapped in a lie.
He sets down his cup, the firelight catching in his glasses.
"I'm aware of your… unique talents. And your capacity for foresight."
I raise a brow.
"Now, now, flattery'll get ya everywhere."
His gaze sharpens.
"There's a storm coming, Gin. The old ways are crumbling. Some of our comrades are… unfit to stand in what's to come."
I hum.
"Ya don't say."
Aizen leans back, fingers steepled.
"Your role isn't just to control the 3rd Division. It's to ensure certain… variables remain in place. Keep an eye on Captain Ukitake. Kyouraku. And especially the Kuchiki heir. He's untested, but dangerous."
Ah. Byakuya again.
I swirl the tea in my cup.
"Understood. Keep the board steady. Watch the problem pieces."
His smile warms.
"I knew I could count on you."
I grin wide.
"Always, Aizen-taichou."
But in my head, my real thoughts stir.
He thinks he's the only one playin' this game.
Thinks his hands pull all the strings.
But see — the thing about foxes is, they bite when cornered. And they're awful good at pretendin' they're tamed.
One day, I'll put a knife in that heart of yours.
I sip my tea.
For now, though…
I play the good dog.
"Anything else ya need, boss?"
Aizen's smile softens.
"No. Go rest. Big day tomorrow."
I stand, bowing just enough to be polite.
"Night, Aizen-taichou."
I leave without another word.
The night air's cooler now, the wind carrying the scent of cherry blossoms, faint and dying.
Tomorrow, I take my captain's test.
Another mask to wear.
Another piece on the board.
But it won't be Aizen's forever.