Tosen couldn't see things, so his perception of light became particularly acute...
Sunlight was warm, lamplight was sharp.
However, there were no traces of lighting illuminating the room.
The house was soaked in darkness, saturated until it became a kind of reassuring chaotic state.
At the same time, Tosen also clearly sensed the distinct aura coming from nearby.
Over there...
Was an outline as cold and clear as the moon.
Aizen sat on his office chair, his expression calm, his smile gentle.
Behind him was a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking an empty courtyard. The landscape of mountains, water, and stones meant nothing to Tosen.
It was like skin covering a person's body - though vastly different, it still couldn't be distinguished from the most essential skeleton beneath.
Seeing through phenomena to perceive essence - perhaps this behavior itself wasn't as exaggerated as it seemed.
But for Tosen at this moment.
In his 'eyes,' he could only witness that mass of cold and elegant spiritual power, and...
The cold moon hanging high behind it, as if the two were one body.
Without becoming too immersed, Tosen withdrew his perception after a few breaths of pause and slightly lowered his head.
"Lord Aizen, I apologize for keeping you waiting."
The response was still a tone as steady as a deep lake.
"No matter, this was also expected, Kaname."
A rustling sound came.
Aizen stood up, the chair legs dragging against the floor, making a hissing sound.
"Captain Hirako has already become suspicious of me. He's been isolating me for observation lately, even assigning me some quite troublesome tasks."
Simple words, complete logic.
But the conclusion drawn made even Tosen can't help but turn his 'gaze.'
A moment's pause.
After weighing the pros and cons under the guidance of his conclusion, Tosen raised his right hand, gently touching the Zanpakuto hanging at his waist.
"Should this man be eliminated?"
There was no confusion or hesitation whatsoever.
Even though the opponent was a captain-level figure in the Gotei 13, Tosen still showed no trace of fear.
As if the other was merely meat on a chopping board, posing no threat at all.
From a certain perspective, this almost pathological sense of confidence was enough to illustrate this guy's mental state...
In response.
Aizen briefly pondered for a moment.
He didn't directly refuse, which was enough to show that he had similar thoughts.
But this was only a fleeting consideration, because soon he chuckled and shook his head.
"No, things haven't developed to that extent yet."
After all, everything so far had been within expectations.
"Given Captain Hirako's cautious nature, it's quite normal for him to be wary of me."
Correspondingly.
His side had also made appropriate psychological preparations.
"Captain Hirako is currently only maintaining a suspicious attitude. After all, the missing Shinigami still haven't been found, so he can't do anything too excessive."
"My influence within the squad is also considerable. Trying to take me down in one go would cause quite a bit of trouble..."
"So there should still be some buffer time, right? Perfect, that guy Sakuya indeed still needs time to continue growing."
Theoretically, there were no problems.
But out of safety considerations, Tosen still instinctively asked once more.
"The opponent is a captain-level figure. Do you really not need to be more cautious, Lord Aizen?"
Without immediately responding, Aizen showed a thoughtful expression.
As if he was really considering the feasibility of his plan.
However, soon the familiar mocking contour appeared at the corners of his mouth.
"Kaname, have you ever fished?"
"...No."
He couldn't quite keep up with the prison warden's jumping thoughts.
"Fishing is quite an interesting activity."
Returning to his seat, Aizen's body leaned slightly forward. Under the moonlight's influence, he displayed a coldness that ordinary people couldn't reach.
"You need to set appropriate bait - not too big, as it won't interest the fish. Not too small either, because they'll think this little nutrition can't supplement the energy from movement..."
"While maintaining temptation, you also need to properly conceal your intentions."
"Only when the lip is pierced by the curved hook does pain make the fish wake up again."
Aizen's lenses continuously flickered under the moonlight's reflection.
"This kind of effortless teasing is itself one of fishing's pleasures."
"...I understand."
Did he really understand?
Not at all...
But since the boss had this kind of interest, as a subordinate he naturally couldn't sing a different tune.
So he'd just follow Aizen's intentions.
However, at the same time, Tosen also raised other questions due to this change in planning.
"Then what do you plan to arrange for Sakuya?"
Sakuya.
The reason for having a different direction from the original story essentially stemmed from this seemingly unremarkable child.
The other had countless connections with Aizen. Even just considering this 'nominal' relationship, Hirako wouldn't treat him as nothing.
They had to consider the other's fate to some extent.
Perhaps reminded, or maybe simply because he was mentioned...
Aizen turned his gaze toward Tosen.
"Speaking of which, Kaname."
The latter decisively lowered his head slightly, responding with a serious and earnest tone.
"I'm here."
"During this upcoming period, Captain Hirako should try to reduce the contact time between me and Sakuya. So if time becomes insufficient..."
After pausing for a moment, Aizen's voice carried a somewhat teasing implication.
"Then I'll trouble you to properly train that little guy."
If Sakuya were present, he would definitely put on a pained expression instantly.
—No matter what, homework was an inescapable part?
Damn it, you guy...
Tosen himself had no objections to Aizen's arrangements.
Just considering some more simple things, he thoughtfully said at this moment.
"Lord Aizen, regarding Sakuya's training... isn't it somewhat too harsh?"
This was already quite a tactful way of putting it.
After all, if you put it in perspective.
Even formal Gotei squad members didn't receive training of this intensity during normal times.
Working a four-year-old child this hard?
Good heavens, even a blind man would shed tears...
Facing Tosen's inquiry, Aizen only pondered for a moment, then chuckled and said.
"Kaname..."
"I'm here."
"Would you worry about a fish drowning in water?"
"...No."
"What a coincidence, I think the same way."
Aizen half-turned his head, gazing at the bright moon outside the floor-to-ceiling window.
"Sakuya's talent is different from yours, mine, or anyone else's. He's a natural-born strong person... he just doesn't know how to use his power yet."
Discipline wasn't torture.
But another form of guidance.
Perhaps saying it this way was still somewhat hard to accept, so... another way of putting it would work too.
"Considering Sakuya's temperament, if you let him train on his own, do you think this guy would be very motivated?"
Tosen began to sweat.
"Then, as you say..."