Icy.
Suffocating.
The falling sensation clung to Ichimaru Gin's chest like a maggot to bone.
The whistling wind screamed in his ears like ten thousand ghosts.
Pain and blood—sharp, metallic, real—filled his senses.
Is it over?
The thought coiled in his consciousness like a cold viper.
He had lost.
Lost to Uchiha Senya's schemes. Lost to the one emotion he had never shown anyone: his obsession with protecting Rangiku.
He saw Senya standing on the cliff's edge, the victor's sinister smile on his face. He saw his cherished orange-red hair tie casually discarded, floating away like trash.
No!
Unwillingness and despair surged from the depths of his heart, consuming his mind.
"Ergh ah—!"
Gin's eyes snapped open. Silvery-white to crimson in an instant, pupils contracting violently with the intensity of his emotions.
But—
No abyss. No shattered body.
He was still on the mountaintop. Rocks underfoot. Cold moonlight spilling across jagged stones.
Senya stood opposite him, unchanged. Hands tucked casually into his sleeves. Calm. Observant. Watching a trapped beast.
Gin's body stiffened. His breath slowed. Cold more biting than the mountain wind shot through him.
"Oh? You woke up faster than I expected, Captain Ichimaru."
Senya's voice carried the gentleness of old acquaintances—but the words cut colder than any blade.
"The fear of losing Rangiku-chan wasn't enough to make you completely succumb to the illusion. Your will… is surprisingly firm."
Gin's Adam's apple bobbed as he lowered his head. Shinsō remained in his grip. No pain, no blood. Nothing beyond the other's control.
"A Kido-type Zanpakuto?…" Gin's words dripped icy horror. "Was it… from the moment I ascended the mountain—"
"Bingo." Senya snapped his fingers. His Sharingan glowed under the moon, crimson and eerie.
"From the moment you sensed my Spiritual Pressure and came, my 'Heart Bind' entwined your consciousness. My provocation, your anger, the battle, your shoulder strike, my interference device… and the illusion striking your weakness—it was all a puppet show in the script I meticulously crafted."
Senya strolled forward, as if through a quiet garden.
"Angry? Unwilling?" His voice teased, curious. "For Rangiku-chan, you, this poisonous snake, finally bared your fangs and exposed your softest spot. Truly… touching devotion."
Gin's knuckles cracked around Shinsō. Never had he felt so passive. His cunning, his insight—child's play in the face of Senya's illusion.
"Why?" Gin's voice was cold, biting. "Just to toy with me? To prove you're stronger?"
"Toying?" Senya shook his finger, expression serious. "No. What truly interests me is the plan you and Aizen are hiding in darkness."
The words hit Gin like thunder. Crimson pupils contracted. Shock eclipsed anger and killing intent. How could the other know? Impossible!
"What are you talking about?" Gin's composure returned, mask of calm.
"Surprised? Deny it if you wish." Senya's tone carried the certainty of one who knows.
"You wanted a flawless captain's rebellion. Let Aizen feign death and escape unnoticed. Perfect in every way."
He paused, Sharingan locking on Gin's every micro-expression.
"I may not know Aizen's ultimate goal, but I can guess—it's far from small."
Each word struck Gin like a hammer.
No surface emotion betrayed him, but inside, turbulence roared.
"Not speaking? Fine. You think Aizen alone can see the chessboard? You underestimate Seireitei's darkness… and the patience of certain observers."
Senya tilted his head, eyes reflecting the moon, tomoe rotating slowly.
"Unfortunately, you won't witness Captain Aizen's 'death' tonight. Because… you will do something for me."
"How do you know I'll help you?" Gin's voice was ice.
"Won't you?" Senya's tone carried mock surprise. "I've always considered you… smart."
Gin understood instantly. Refusal was impossible.
"What is it?"
"Minor trouble," Senya said lightly. "Go to the Great Spirit Library Corridor tonight. Keep an eye on things. I don't want my actions known to anyone—not even our meeting."
Clear enough: Gin was insurance for Senya's secret operation.
Without hesitation, Gin turned and walked away.
"Gin-san… for Rangiku-chan, tonight will be tough."
Senya's voice lingered behind him. Gin said nothing, footsteps steady, figure vanishing into the night.