Over these years, Kazuma had not been idle either.
Thanks to Aizen suddenly paying more attention to him, Kazuma gained opportunities to exchange intelligence with Gin Ichimaru.
Sometimes, it was Aizen pretending to be Gin Ichimaru who came to the Seventh Division.
Other times, it was the real Gin Ichimaru.
But no matter who came, Kazuma would treat the other party as Gin Ichimaru.
Once, Aizen disguised himself as Gin Ichimaru and came to the Seventh Division.
Kazuma welcomed him warmly and drank with him while chatting.
Kazuma deliberately showed concern and curiosity toward Gin Ichimaru, asking about his recent situation and some private matters.
Although Aizen felt somewhat suspicious, he still cooperated and answered Kazuma's questions.
However, when Kazuma began talking about his ideals in life, Aizen finally could not hold back anymore.
"Captain Ichimaru, I've always felt that we are very similar. We are both people willing to use any means necessary in pursuit of higher goals," Kazuma said, a strange light flashing in his eyes.
Aizen frowned slightly and thought to himself, 'What exactly is this guy trying to say? Has he discovered my identity?'
Then Kazuma continued, "But our goals are different. What you seek is probably power and status, while what I seek is justice and order in Soul Society."
Kazuma's words about pursuing justice and order in Soul Society were actually truly heartfelt.
Hearing this, Aizen's expression darkened.
He realized that Kazuma might have already sensed his true intentions.
However, he did not immediately reveal anything and instead continued listening to Kazuma speak.
"Captain Ichimaru, I know you are an intelligent person. You will definitely be able to understand my ideas. We can become friends, help each other, and achieve our goals together," Kazuma said sincerely.
Hearing this, Aizen felt somewhat surprised, but the smile remained on his face, as if he were thinking about something.
After a while, he finally asked, "Then, how does Captain Kazuma intend to do that?"
Kazuma burped from the alcohol and said with a slightly drunken tone, "Of course, by becoming the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13! That way, I can carry out the justice and order in my heart. How about it? Pretty impressive, right?"
Aizen froze for a moment.
He had originally thought Kazuma had discovered something.
Now it seemed he had simply been too cautious.
He could not help smiling as he said, "That is your ideal?"
Kazuma answered as if it were only natural, "What else would it be? Becoming Captain-Commander is already an incredible goal, all right? Does Captain Ichimaru have a better way for me to carry out justice and order in Soul Society?"
Aizen was speechless and helplessly shook his head.
"No, not really."
As the drunkenness grew stronger, Kazuma became like a chatterbox and dragged Aizen into a discussion about life.
His voice became somewhat slurred, but his eyes were unusually bright.
"What exactly is the meaning of being alive? Why do we come into this world and experience pain and hardship? And after we die and come to Soul Society, if we die again, what do we become? Is falling into Hell the only path left? Or is there some other destination?"
Aizen listened quietly, a helpless smile appearing on his face.
He knew Kazuma was already quite drunk, but he also had to admit that the questions Kazuma raised were indeed profound.
They made one unable to help falling into deep thought.
Then Kazuma began speaking nonsense again.
"If Soul Society launched a full-scale attack on Hueco Mundo, could it wipe out Hueco Mundo in one move? Now that is a question worth thinking about…"
Aizen really could not stand Kazuma's rambling anymore.
He stood up and said apologetically, "My apologies, Captain Kazuma. I still have division affairs to handle, so I must return first."
After saying that, he hurriedly left.
After confirming that Aizen had left, Kazuma, who had been lying on the table, slowly opened his eyes.
A sly smile appeared in his gaze.
"Life is like a play. Everything depends on acting skill."
It turned out that he had been pretending to be drunk the entire time, just to make Aizen leave quickly.
...
After this meeting between Kazuma and Aizen, Aizen decided never to meet him again.
From then on, every time someone came to drink with Kazuma, it was the genuine Gin Ichimaru.
On this day, Gin Ichimaru came to the Seventh Division on time as usual and enjoyed drinking with Kazuma.
The two drank fine alcohol while chatting.
Suddenly, Gin thought of a question he had always wanted to ask.
"Captain Kazuma, how do you tell which visit is the real me?"
Kazuma smiled faintly and answered, "It's actually very simple. Kyōka Suigetsu basically has no effect on me."
Gin frowned slightly and asked in confusion, "What do you mean by that? Are you saying you are unaffected by Kyōka Suigetsu?"
Kazuma nodded and answered seriously, "Yes. That's the truth."
Gin shook his head and gave a bitter smile.
"Captain Kazuma, that really sounds like a joke. If you truly were unaffected by Kyōka Suigetsu, wouldn't that mean you could easily unravel Captain Aizen's plan?"
Kazuma smiled helplessly and said, "I'm only telling the truth. Why does Captain Ichimaru did not believe me?"
Gin sighed.
"All right. Let's talk about something serious instead."
And so, the two began discussing other topics.
Kazuma raised his cup, took a light sip, and then continued, "However, although I'm unaffected by Kyōka Suigetsu, I also do not intend to ruin Aizen's plan."
Gin asked curiously, "Why do you say that?"
Kazuma explained, "Aizen's plan is beneficial to Soul Society's development. Besides, I don't want to make a move. So even if I know the truth, I will not act."
Gin seemed to understand something and nodded slightly.
At that moment, Kazuma suddenly changed the topic and said with a smile, "But I can guarantee that all of you will fail in the end."
Gin's expression changed slightly, but he quickly returned to calm.
He smiled and said, "Is that so? Then we shall wait and see."
Kazuma looked at Gin calmly and said, "Ichimaru, whether one is a human or a Shinigami, one must know one's own limits. In terms of strategy, I really am inferior to Aizen. But in terms of strength, the current Aizen is truly weak compare to me."
His tone was calm and confident, as if he had absolute certainty in his own strength.
Gin frowned slightly, feeling somewhat worried.
Although he knew Captain Kazuma was powerful, when facing a formidable enemy like Aizen, he still felt uneasy.
However, he also understood that there was no meaning in arguing about this right now, so he decided not to dwell on it.
"Captain Kazuma, you said before that you could help me save Rangiku. Was that true or not?"
Gin suddenly changed the subject.
His gaze locked tightly onto Kazuma, his eyes revealing urgency and expectation.
Kazuma smiled and patted Gin Ichimaru on the shoulder.
"If I say I can save her, then I can save her. What benefit would I get from lying to you? Just put your mind completely at ease."
His smile was filled with confidence, allowing Gin Ichimaru to set aside some of his doubts.
Gin nodded.
Although there was still a trace of uncertainty in his heart, he believed Kazuma would not casually make a promise he could not fulfill.
He decided to temporarily put aside the worries in his heart and wholeheartedly trust Captain Kazuma.
After all, if he wanted to save Rangiku, his strength alone was truly not enough.
Right now, they needed to unite and oppose Aizen together.
That was also his only choice.
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