"Nichika, did you know? This world has been wrong from the very beginning."
"The truth is held in the hands of a few... some of whom cannot even be considered human."
"The strong weave lies to enslave the weak. The three realms, which could have been so much better, are constantly being driven toward their end..."
Aizen walked up to Nichika and leaned down, bringing his gaze level with hers.
Those brown eyes contained a black hole that sought to devour everything, yet they exuded a fatal attraction.
"Nichika, you and Hinaki, as well as your parents... you are all special."
"You come from another world. The brand of servitude belonging to this world is not carved into your souls."
"That is exactly why I admire you so much."
His voice was full of bewitching charm. "You possess eyes capable of seeing through falsehoods, and you harbor a power capable of changing fate—one that even you have yet to discover."
"If you continue to stay here, confined to that cramped room in the Fourth Division that reeks of disinfectant..."
"Your talent and brilliance will ultimately wither in the dirt, just like this clipped plum branch."
Nichika's heart began to pound violently.
Aizen's words resonated intensely deep within her soul.
It was the ambition she had always suppressed, the desire bound by Shinobu Kocho's overprotective love.
She was a genius who had completed the Shin'o Academy curriculum in just two years! How could she be content burying her head in paperwork?
Nichika had interned in many divisions and believed she was no worse than those seated officers.
If she went to a combat division, she was confident she could become an Adjutant, or even a Vice Captain.
"Then what should I do?" Nichika's eyes sparkled with hope. "Mr. Aizen, you must have a way, right?"
Aizen smiled faintly.
He did not answer directly. Instead, he took out a small, faintly glowing crystal from his robe.
It was a device emitting a unique Reishi glow, though Nichika could not understand its purpose.
"Nichika, I am preparing to go on a long journey."
"A long journey?" Nichika paused. "Are you going to the World of the Living for a mission? Or..."
"Somewhere much farther than that."
Aizen looked directly into her eyes, his tone becoming solemn and mysterious. "I am going to a place... where there is no hypocrisy, no oppression, and where only the truly strong can stand."
"From there, I will shatter this false canopy covering the Soul Society and build an entirely new world."
"This journey is destined to be fraught with thorns. We may even be viewed as enemies and traitors by the entire Soul Society."
"But... the final scenery will absolutely be ten thousand times more magnificent than anything you could ever see here."
Aizen gently placed the crystal into Nichika's palm, feeling the slight tremble of the young girl's hand caused by her nervousness.
"Nichika, are you willing to come with me?"
"I want you to be among the first witnesses of this new world."
Boom!
Nichika's mind went blank, as if a clap of thunder had exploded within it.
Leave the Soul Society... with Mr. Aizen? To build a new world?
What a crazy, yet thrilling invitation!
Her breathing quickened, and her fingers tightened around the crystal.
Of course she wanted to go!
She dreamed of leaving this dull, oppressive place to follow this powerful, wise, and seemingly omnipotent man standing before her!
But...
A gentle figure surfaced in her mind.
It was Shinobu Kocho, who always wore a smile yet constantly worried about her.
Although she wasn't very happy about such restrictions... she also knew that Lady Shinobu meant no harm and only wanted to protect her.
There was also her father, who always watched her with a gentle gaze; her mother, who was strict yet loving; and Brother Gyomei, who was as reliable as a great mountain.
And her older sister, Hinaki...
"But..." Nichika's voice wavered, her eyes filled with struggle. "If that's the case... what will everyone think of me?"
"Lady Shinobu... and my family..."
She looked up at Aizen somewhat helplessly. "If I leave with you, does that mean... I'll become enemies with Lady Shinobu and the others?"
"Mr. Aizen, will you hurt them?"
This was her absolute bottom line.
No matter how much she yearned for the outside world, no matter how much she idolized Aizen, she could never allow herself to hurt the family that loved her so deeply.
Aizen looked into the young girl's clear, conflicted eyes. A cold glint flashed deep within his gaze, but it vanished in an instant.
He had anticipated this question long ago.
Although this little girl, Nichika, was extremely special, the chains known as bonds were her greatest weakness.
However, that was exactly what could be exploited.
Aizen did not answer immediately. Instead, he put on a look of serious contemplation.
He remained silent for a moment, as if weighing some monumental decision, which caused Nichika's heart to hang in suspense.
After a long while, Aizen finally spoke slowly.
"Nichika, in this world, the word 'enemy' is often defined by one's stance."
"The path I pursue does indeed run contrary to the ideals of the Gotei 13... In the eyes of those conservatives, I may be the greatest of sinners."
"However, that does not mean I must make an enemy of everyone."
He reached out and gently lifted Nichika's chin, making it impossible for her to avoid his gaze.
"I have always held respect for Miss Kocho and the Ubuyashiki family."
"They are your family, and they are beings with noble souls whom I acknowledge."
"In my view, given their stance, they will not stand in the way of my path. After all, just like you, they are outsiders who have nothing to do with this old world."
"What reason would I have to hurt them?"
Aizen's voice was brimming with persuasion. "On the contrary, Nichika."
"If you come with me, become stronger, and grasp true power instead of wasting your time on paperwork..."
"Only then will you possess the true ability to protect them."
"Think about it. If the Seireitei continues to rot away... can Miss Kocho truly protect all of you with her strength alone?"
Nichika's pupils shrank slightly.
He was right...
Although Lady Shinobu was formidable, in this world full of rules, she was only a Fourth Seat.
And their family... they were not people of this world. Mr. Aizen had reminded her countless times to carefully conceal this fact...
If something terrible really happened...
"I understand."
Nichika took a deep breath, the confusion in her eyes gradually dissipating.
She tightly gripped the crystal in her hand, as if grasping her own destiny.
"As long as you don't treat Lady Shinobu and everyone else as enemies... as long as I can also become strong enough to protect them..."
"Then I am willing to go with you!"
The young girl's voice was crisp and resolute, echoing through the quiet courtyard.
"Excellent."
Aizen revealed a satisfied smile.
It was the joyful, contented smile of a hunter watching his prey finally step into the trap.
"You have made the right choice, Nichika."
"Now, I need you to do something for me."
Aizen leaned close to Nichika's ear and whispered softly.
As Nichika listened, her eyes widened slightly, seemingly surprised.
But in the end, she nodded.