To be honest, Aizen preferred to end things in one decisive stroke—unlike the original Aizen Sōsuke, who always toyed with Kurosaki Ichigo, letting him live time and again just to see him grow before cutting him down.
While he didn't dislike crossing blades with strong opponents, Aizen saw no point in letting an enemy live when they were already within his grasp. Why give them a chance to develop further?
As expected, Obito did not appear in this timeline.
With his strength, Obito could have easily ambushed Terumi Mei earlier while she was alone, using Kamui—his nearly broken ability—to eliminate her. Yet he hadn't taken that risk, showing just how cautious he truly was.
After entering Kirigakure, Aizen, with Terumi Mei's assistance, ordered Pakura and the others to escort the wounded from the earlier battle to the Mist Hospital.
During their conversations, Aizen learned something surprising: Ghost Lantern Full Moon, once Yagura's top commander, was still alive.
Judging from how events had unfolded, he should have died to Three Tails' Tailed Beast Bomb in the original timeline. But because of Aizen's intervention—stopping the beast's rampage far quicker than it had originally been contained—Full Moon had survived.
"What will you do about him, Lady Mizukage?" Aizen asked.
"Ah, Aizen-kun, really… Have you forgotten our agreement?" Terumi Mei gave him a teasing look.
"When we're in front of others, you should maintain proper respect for the Mizukage."
Aizen smiled faintly.
"Then it's settled. When it's just the two of us, you may call me by name."
Terumi Mei's charm was effortless.
Aizen gave a small laugh and nodded.
But then she sobered, her playful expression fading into seriousness.
"He's a rare genius. I hope he'll stand once more for Kirigakure as a true Mist shinobi. Though we've reclaimed the village, there's still much to rebuild."
"You've carried a heavy burden all these years. Don't overwork yourself. Whatever difficulties arise, remember—you're not alone. We are allies."
Aizen's voice shifted to a formal, encouraging tone.
"Oh? So you'll only help me because of an alliance, Aizen-kun?"
Her eyes softened, a faint sparkle dancing within them. Seeing no one else nearby, Terumi Mei boldly stepped closer, her heart quickening. The space between them shrank until they were nearly touching.
She had always been decisive. After all, as a young woman, she had rallied scattered Mist shinobi to overthrow Yagura's (Obito's) oppressive reign, becoming the Fifth Mizukage before the age of twenty-five.
But Terumi Mei was also a proud woman. In the original tale, she had grown so sensitive about the word "marriage" it bordered on delusion. That stemmed from her youth—years consumed by the struggle to restore Kirigakure—leaving her no time for romance.
Now, however, she was certain of her feelings. She wouldn't voice them outright, but she let her intentions show clearly enough.
If it had been "Kenya," he would have grinned foolishly, teased her, and flirted without hesitation.
But Aizen couldn't. His true identity demanded distance. He carried too many secrets.
Even with Kyōka Suigetsu's power, he could not allow anyone to get too close.
So when faced with Terumi Mei's bold hint, he could not give her the answer she wanted—not yet.
"Of course not…"
His reply made her heart leap, her lovely face lighting up with sudden joy.
"But… as the Fifth Mizukage, aren't there countless responsibilities awaiting you?"
Those words froze her smile instantly.
What did that mean?
Was it a rejection… or not?
The ambiguity left her frustrated, torn between hope and doubt.
"Lady Mizukage, about—"
Before the moment could deepen, Ao approached, interrupting them.
But before he could speak, Terumi Mei shot him such a sharp glare that he stopped in his tracks, chilled to the bone.
W-what did I do?
"I'll deal with you later. For now… leave."
Her voice was tight, her jaw clenched, her expression nearly trembling with suppressed anger. If Aizen hadn't been standing beside her, she likely would have snarled, "Get out."
Cold sweat broke across Ao's brow as he beat a hasty retreat.
"That… um…"
After he left, Terumi Mei suddenly found herself at a loss for words. Her lips parted, but nothing came out.
Finally, after an awkward silence, she managed two words:
"…Thank you."
The moment they slipped out, she wanted to slap herself.
What was that supposed to mean? That was the best she could come up with?
But such was the nature of matters of the heart. Without the right atmosphere, courage faltered.
Aizen didn't speak further. Instead, he raised his hand and gently brushed his fingers against her flawless cheek—smooth as polished jade.
Terumi Mei flushed, her face as red as her auburn hair.
Her instincts urged her to throw herself into his arms, but her courage failed her. Somehow, this felt harder than facing down a Kage-level opponent.
Aizen remained composed, unlike when he had teased Kurenai before.
For him, this restraint was the correct choice.
When the mask finally came off, there would still be time to embrace the beautiful woman before him.