Early morning, before sunrise, in my private quarters at the Fifth Division barracks.
"Mmph..."
The pale sky creeps into the corner of my vision as I wake from shallow sleep.
Three days have passed since I recreated that canonical event—the Tentaclus incident. I've been running around with Tosen, handling the cleanup: collecting Tentacle-kun's remains, fabricating alibis, destroying evidence. Only last night was I finally able to collapse into my futon at the barracks.
I pushed myself pretty hard both mentally and physically, so I thought I'd fall asleep instantly. But the worries I'd been too busy to think about started gnawing at me, and I barely got any rest. Even now, that hazy unease hasn't lifted—this gloomy mood just won't go away. What am I supposed to do...?
"Achoo!"
Cold. Did I catch a chill while sleeping? Still half-asleep, I glance around the room, and my gaze stops at one particular spot on the wall.
"Oh..."
I freeze up involuntarily. What terrible sleeping posture, just how much did I toss and turn in my restless state?
Reflected in the mirror was a delicate, beautiful girl with her shoulders and legs completely exposed, her undergarments disheveled. More indecent than being completely naked, an incredibly perverted sight that seemed impossible for the pure and innocent Hinamori. I stare in shock for a moment before snapping fully awake and frantically adjusting my clothes. Right, I saw nothing.
I fan my flushed chest and wash my face with water from the well. I slip into the Soul Reaper uniform I've grown accustomed to, apply the light makeup Crab-san taught me, and arrange my hair into its usual bun. There—the usual me is complete.
Since I finished with time to spare before the wake-up call, I sit absent-mindedly on my futon. When I try calling out to my zanpakuto, Tobiume seems to still be fast asleep. Has she been so cold lately because we're going through some kind of marital rut?
Honestly, when I have nothing to do like this, all sorts of unpleasant thoughts start floating around in my head. What a terrible way to wake up.
Lately, I've been thinking about something. It's a pressing issue.
"Can I actually get Captain Aizen to cut me down?"
I mutter the question absently into the air above my futon.
Yes, the time has come to face the reality I've been avoiding.
Let me organize my thoughts. My goal is to bask in the ecstasy of hearing Shiro-chan scream "Hinamoriiiii!"
Currently, I'm working hard to improve my spiritual pressure, demon arts, zanpakuto skills, and other stylish combat abilities. I'm doing my best with Hinamori-style moves and enthusiastically advancing down the path of evil. Sure, it's all fun, but everything is merely a means to achieve my ultimate goal.
And among all the possible despair-inducing roleplay scenarios, the one I chose was: joining the ranks of my nemesis Aizen Sosuke and being disposed of as "useless" right in front of Shiro-chan. This promises high despair value, and more importantly, it's a move that somewhat respects the thoughts, wishes, and narrative roles of the original characters Hinamori Momo and Hitsugaya Toshiro. It's barely more than the self-indulgent rationalization of an obsessed fan, but I don't want to completely forget my respect for the source material.
Now, this seemingly perfect plan (I didn't say it actually looked perfect) has one major flaw: "I don't know if Captain Aizen will actually cut me down in front of Shiro-chan."
The most crucial scene being the biggest plot hole is ridiculously sloppy, but right now I'm painfully aware of this reality.
Because Captain Aizen doesn't really have any reason to cut me down...
When I think about it, it's been this way from the start. I panicked after failing to cast Kurohitsugi and tried to earn OSR points using my knowledge of the original series, but I underestimated Captain Aizen's intuition and intellect. With just one conversation, he saw through my supernatural nature in this world. The fact that he's been amusing himself by observing Hinamori Momo and enjoying my reactions is proof enough.
His real purpose is probably to investigate how much information my knowledge of the original series reflects, and how seriously I'm trying to hide it.
In other words, he's measuring just how much of an extra-dimensional being I am, how far removed from this world.
When that final boss Aizen Sosuke realizes the existence of the stylish author-sensei and us readers who exist even above the Soul King, would he really carelessly eliminate the person closest to that realm? I highly doubt it.
This is definitely a complete restart situation. Where's life's reset button?
No wait, there's still a way...!
My eyes widen with hope.
When I pulled that ecstasy move on Captain Aizen, the ultimate suicidal act, something suddenly occurred to me. It was when I remembered our master-servant relationship.
It was revealed in the novels that Tosen Kaname was disposed of in the original series because he had asked Captain Aizen to do so beforehand. Tosen, who saw the Soul Society as evil due to its sinful origins and how it led to his friend's death, couldn't forgive himself for being bound by emotion and growing to like his homeland despite everything.
So when he was about to reconcile with Komamura and the others, he asked Captain Aizen to judge him. Seriously, everyone in Captain Aizen's faction has motivations that are way too heavy!
But with all due disrespect to Tosen, his method is quite useful as a reference.
That's right.
If I just want to get cut down, I could just ask directly, couldn't I?
What a Copernican revolution! All my desperate scheming about how to lower my favorability rating and get myself on the disposal list now seems ridiculous. Since he's already seen through my reader's perspective and values, rather than trying to disappoint him, it would obviously be better to work hard at showing my competence and get him to listen to my request.
Now it's just a matter of how to ask.
What if I went completely defenseless and spilled my true nature? Just let it all out and get some relief?
My real motivation is "I want to see Shiro-chan's face contort with even more despair than in the original." I'm fully aware of how horrifically twisted this is, but this is my character-love for Hitsugaya Toshiro. I was most drawn to his expression of anguish, so I want to see more of it, cause more of it. I'd sacrifice this body for that. No—I want to sacrifice this body to draw out every last bit of his despairing face! heavy breathing
Getting intoxicated by such twisted self-sacrifice is also one form of free ecstasy, isn't it?
Though Captain Aizen's preferences tend toward "strong actors" like Ichigo and Yhwach, "those with potential" like Shiro-chan, or "weak but courageous ones" like Don Kanonji...
He's even more twisted than I am, with an equally bad personality, a bundle of contradictions embracing multiple conflicting aesthetics at once. He wants to nurture promising individuals while simultaneously wanting to torment and crush them. There was also the case with original Hinamori, where he deliberately raised a courageous person to become dependent, then felt disappointed when she couldn't become independent.
Conversely, he absolutely despises "competent fence-sitters who accept the status quo" like Urahara and the Head Captain.
And regarding the strong, while he shows respect, he can't stand having them above him.
Aizen Sosuke is such a troublesome, human character.
Back to the main issue: how to ask him to "cut me down."
I don't know if Captain Aizen would like someone like me, a self-sacrificing ecstasy club type—since there's no equivalent character in the original series.
But in my case, I'm treated as something separate anyway, like a "god" or whatever... yeah, that makes it even more unclear.
This is troublesome. It makes adjusting Captain Aizen's favorability toward me difficult.
What if I ask him to "cut me down" for strategic reasons...?
Let me change my perspective a bit.
When I think about it, as long as I get dramatically cut down in front of Shiro-chan as the ultimate victim and get to hear "Hinamoriiiii!" I don't necessarily need to force myself to die. There's also the option of deliberately sustaining flashy injuries as part of some operation, then temporarily withdrawing.
For example, what if I proposed a strategy where Captain Aizen cuts me down during the Karakura Town battle, I fake my death, then secretly work behind the scenes to contribute to victory?
If I keep the details of my behind-the-scenes work secret by saying "it's necessary," Captain Aizen, who's been fascinated by how I use my knowledge of the original series, might find it interesting enough to give me free rein. It shares similarities with Captain Aizen's own moves when he defected from the Soul Society, and ideologically it should be well within his tolerance. I'd also get to observe Shiro-chan's despairing face for a long time, so I'd be completely satisfied.
"Yeah, this might work."
A smile naturally appears, but I don't want to get careless or make mistakes again, so I steel myself.
Right. Considering Captain Aizen's favorability, I should probably hide my twisted ecstasy toward Shiro-chan—especially the "getting intoxicated by self-sacrifice" part. Overly intense personality traits tend to create discomfort.
Of course, trying to hide it would just get me seen through anyway, so I should tone it down to something like "occasionally wanting to get intoxicated by self-sacrifice." I could camouflage myself by acting like a normal ecstasy club member like Captain Aizen, and maybe even consult with him about our respective views on ecstasy to make my ecstatic healthiness more impressive.
If I were going to kill myself on my own that would be one thing, but since I'm asking him to cut me down, his mood is extremely important. If he just brushes me off with the flat of his blade or something, my 150-year plan would be ruined.
Captain Aizen probably still can't grasp my true nature. Though I say this myself, a woman who wants to betray the Soul Society and die by being cut down by her superior as an enemy, all just to revel in seeing her childhood friend's face contort with despair, is so mentally unhinged that she's beyond the realm of imagination. Even that super-genius shouldn't be able to easily reach such psychology. Actually, if he did figure it out, I'd be embarrassed.
Well, if Captain Aizen absolutely refuses to cut me down from his aesthetic or rational perspective, it can't be helped. I'll give up on my role as a victim character and ask him to use Kyoka Suigetsu to create an illusion of me being cut down when Ichigo isn't around.
Having that kind of backup plan gives me a nice sense of security.
Clang clang clang!
Oh, the wake-up call.
I check my appearance in the mirror one more time and head toward the training grounds with a bright, cheerful smile.
"Yaaawn... It's been a while, Hinamori. You seem awfully cheerful. Did something good happen at the Demon Arts Corps?"
"Oh, it's been a while, Abarai! Ehehe, do I look like it?"
On the way, I exchange good mornings with my classmate Renji and the others for the first time in three days, and we arrive together.
Alright, now that I can see the path forward, I'll keep working hard!
At the Fifth Division, the captain personally leads the morning roll call. This is said to be a unique tradition reflecting the character of Aizen Sosuke, who puts his squad members first. Heh. deadpan
"Good morning, everyone. Did you all sleep well last night?"
"Yes sir!"
The melting voices of the female squad members completely drown out the men's spirited "Sir!" I also shout with nearly maximum sweetness to finally blend in with the women. Though my real purpose isn't greeting Captain Aizen, but waking up the sleepy-looking Renji and Wabisuke next to me.
While I'm engaged in my usual original-Hinamori moves, Captain Aizen in captain mode unusually turns his attention to me. What is it?
"Now then, today is an auspicious day—Hinamori, I'd like you to come forward."
"Huh?! Y-yes sir!"
I create a mask of nervousness and march forward like a stiff tin soldier from the ranks. When I want a blushing face, thinking about the dark history of my Kurohitsugi failure works best. Even failed techniques prove useful.
With everyone watching suspiciously behind me, I face Captain Aizen and straighten my back. Captain and vice-captain candidate—our acting is flawless.
"As you know, Hinamori serves dual roles with the Demon Arts Corps, and she recently accomplished a major mission there magnificently."
"Ohhh..."
Captain Aizen's oratory skills and charisma—or whatever it is—that naturally draws the desired reactions from those around him is something I genuinely respect. By the way, that "major mission" refers to the alibi for my absence from the Fifth Division while I was handling the aftermath of the Metastasia experiment. I'm sure Mirror Flower Water Moon Momo worked hard at the Demon Arts Corps. Thanks!
"She brought honor to our Fifth Division's name, and as the one who recommended her, I'm quite proud. I'd like everyone to praise Hinamori's achievements."
"Th-thank you very much!"
Surrounded by applause, Hinamori turns apple-red with embarrassment. Meanwhile, I can somewhat predict where this conversation is heading.
"Therefore, considering her track record and abilities, Squad Member Hinamori Momo."
"Yes sir!"
"Effective today, I hereby appoint you, Hinamori Momo, to the Twentieth Seat of the Fifth Division. Continue to work with pride as a member of the Gotei, and support me."
"Yes sir! I h-humbly accept this appointment!"
Even louder applause and cheers arise, and I think even more about Kurohitsugi to make my face flush with my nervousness act. I turn to the other squad members and bow, saying "Please treat me well." Renji and the others also showed skillfully complex expressions—proud smiles mixing both frustration and happiness. Don't worry, you guys will get promoted soon too.
Well then, though it's the lowest seat, I'm finally a seated officer. At last, Hinamori's path to success in this world has been paved. Things are going to get much busier from now on.
Forty years until the original story begins. The next major event is the most important case twenty years from now.
Even though I can see the path to "Hinamoriiiii!" I can't let my guard down—busy days are sure to continue.
***
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