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Aozaki Reiji and Urahara Kisuke both breathed a sigh of relief as they watched Hikifune Kirio's departing back.
In the Gotei 13, Hikifune Kirio was not known for her combat prowess, but she was still a level above ordinary Captains.
Neither of them were Captain-class yet, and even if the opponent wasn't skilled in combat, she definitely had the power to instantly kill them.
Of course, they knew that Hikifune Kirio wouldn't kill them.
They just didn't want to be reprimanded for slacking off.
"That was too close."
Urahara Kisuke wiped away the non-existent cold sweat from his forehead and asked, "Aren't you going back yet? If Yoruichi finds out you snuck out, she definitely won't want to continue working either."
"I thought you were going to say, 'She'll drag me back to work.'"
"She's not that kind of person."
"Indeed." Aozaki Reiji nodded seriously, then chuckled, "Actually, I suddenly remembered something."
"What?" Urahara Kisuke asked.
Aozaki Reiji said, "Can you make a set of protective gear? It should preferably be able to withstand Kido attacks from a Third Seat-class. Price is not an issue."
"What do you need protective gear for?" Urahara Kisuke scratched his head, puzzled. "With your monstrous spiritual power, can Third Seat-class Kido still hurt you?"
"It's for Kukaku." Aozaki Reiji scratched his head, smiling.
"Kukaku?" Urahara Kisuke stroked his chin. "I see. Her hobbies are indeed very dangerous, and without good protective measures, she really does need a set of protective gear!"
"As expected of you, you even know what I'm thinking." Aozaki Reiji praised.
"No need to flatter me." Urahara Kisuke sighed, saying helplessly, "Just leave it to me, after all, Kukaku is my friend too."
"Rather, I should thank you. If it weren't for you, I really wouldn't have thought of such a problem."
"Then I'll leave it to you." Aozaki Reiji waved his hand, smiling, "I'm going to find another place to slack off."
"You should at least have some limits when slacking off, right? Well, never mind… I'm not much better off myself."
Watching the bouncing Aozaki Reiji, Urahara Kisuke let out a long breath and lazily walked towards the Squad Barracks.
Aozaki Reiji carefully climbed onto the roof and flipped over the wall.
"Aozaki, Third Seat, why don't you use the main path instead of climbing over the wall?"
A gentle voice entered his ears, making him feel as if he was bathed in a spring breeze.
"Because it's more interesting this way."
After speaking, Aozaki Reiji paused, then exclaimed in surprise:
"Vice-Captain Aizen, it's you!"
Aizen adjusted his glasses and smiled, "It seems Aozaki, Third Seat, is very happy to see me. It truly honors me that the Captain-Commander's disciple can recognize me."
"It should be me who feels honored." Aozaki Reiji chuckled, "Vice-Captain Aizen's name is known by everyone in the Shin'o Academy."
"Countless teachers and students throughout the school regard you as an idol. Your calligraphy works are still hung in the Shin'o Academy's auditorium, and every time I pass by, I can't help but admire them for a long time."
"Oh~ I didn't expect Aozaki, Third Seat, to also be interested in calligraphy." Aizen Sōsuke said in surprise.
Aozaki Reiji said sincerely:
"Actually, I've admired Vice-Captain Aizen for a long time. When I was at the Shin'o Academy, I wanted to sign up for your calligraphy class."
"However, because I was strictly required to focus on cultivation and had no free time, I could only reluctantly give up."
"It's just a pity I missed the opportunity to learn calligraphy from you."
"Actually, calligraphy can be learned at any time, not necessarily only at the Shin'o Academy."
Aizen Sōsuke said:
"It just so happens that I also enjoy practicing calligraphy in my spare time. If you want to learn, you can come find me anytime!"
"…"
The patrolling Shinigami fell silent as they watched the two men mutually praise each other.
Aozaki Reiji flipped down from the wall and looked around in confusion, strangely realizing that no one had noticed him.
It wasn't narcissism, but to speak without humility.
Even without the identity of the Captain-Commander's disciple, his Return Rate on the street was 100%.
The pedestrians on the road weren't paying attention to him, but were all looking at two strangers who were talking, which was clearly problematic.
"Long time no see, Reiji."
Kyōka Suigetsu… Aozaki Reiji suddenly understood upon hearing the familiar voice, and nodded, "Long time no see, Lord Aizen."
Aizen Sōsuke stepped out of the shadows and stood before Aozaki Reiji: "It seems you're not surprised that I've come to find you."
"Didn't you already give me a hint through Gin when I was at the Shin'o Academy?"
Aozaki Reiji smiled:
"When I was in Rukongai, you said I was very smart. So please trust my abilities."
So confident, truly worthy of being a man who can walk alongside me…
"Come with me."
"Yes."
Whether it was an illusion or not, Aozaki Reiji felt that Aizen's smile had brightened considerably.
The two walked slowly side by side towards the west side of Seireitei, leaving the Twelfth Division Barracks area and entering the residential area for common Shinigami.
The surroundings were still bustling, with the lingering sounds of arguments between shop owners and customers, and not far away, people stood in an alley soliciting clients, with noise and laughter echoing in their ears.
Aizen Sōsuke seemed to speak from the heart: "Reiji, what do you think of this world?"
Aozaki Reiji was slightly surprised, seemingly not expecting Aizen to suddenly discuss such a profound topic.
He fell into thought, searching for a suitable answer in his mind to deepen Aizen's approval of him.
Aizen was not in a hurry, standing by the roadside and quietly watching him.
Recalling Aizen's attitude towards Seireitei, Aozaki Reiji looked at the pedestrians on the road and slowly began:
"If I only look at them, I would think this world is beautiful… But when I think of more people and things, I feel it's not good enough!"
"An interesting answer." Aizen Sōsuke smiled and asked, "I wonder who you're thinking of, and what they've done?"
Aozaki Reiji generously said, "Of course, it's those guys in high positions who only bring trouble to others!"
Aizen Sōsuke chuckled, "It seems Reiji has deep resentment towards the Tsunayashiro Family. Actually, I don't have much fondness for them either."
"Naturally, after all, the troubles around me are all caused by them." Aozaki Reiji shrugged, "But it's not just them, it's Seireitei itself."
"Ultimately, it's Seireitei's corrupt system that has given them too much power, allowing them to act without scruple."
Aizen Sōsuke's eyes lit up, a slight ripple in his heart, but he showed no expression, saying calmly:
"I never expected Reiji to have such unique insights into politics. Truly worthy of being the legendary genius."
"This has nothing to do with whether I'm a genius or not."
Aozaki Reiji waved his hand,
"It's simply because I am not a noble at this moment, and I have learned about more excellent and advanced systems."
"When I then look back at this 'court' that is similar to the Human World, corrupt and backward, I naturally feel annoyance and contempt."
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