Chapter 31: The Untouched Dimension

Beneath the sunlight, standing behind Hirako, Aizen slightly lowered his head, his glasses reflecting the light.

"Ah, Captain Unohana, farewell," Hirako called out to Unohana from the Fourth Division, giving a nod before he and Aizen began to walk toward the Fifth Division quarters.

However, as they approached a quieter path, Hirako suddenly halted, turned around, and glanced at Aizen, a look of playful curiosity in his expression.

"Aizen, where did you go last night?" he asked.

Aizen Sosuke calmly replied, "I went to the Fourth Division to visit my comrades, Takamori Natsuki and Mikami Yuki."

"Oh, I see?" Hirako Shinji responded noncommittally, cocking his head to the side. He stared intently at Aizen Sosuke without saying another word.

Under the pressure of a Captain-class Shinigami's gaze, Aizen Sosuke maintained his calm posture, his expression unchanged as he silently met Hirako's stare, as if there was no trace of guilt in his response.

After a moment, Hirako smirked, exposing his sharp white teeth. "Aizen, don't try anything unnecessary. My eyes will be on you, always."

"How could I, Captain Hirako? I am merely fulfilling my duty as Vice-Captain," Aizen answered calmly.

"Hmph, spare me that act," Hirako sneered. "I can see through your danger. As long as I am here, I won't allow you to do as you please."

Hirako's mocking laughter echoed as he didn't hide his vigilance and disdain for Aizen in his gaze. He then resumed his seemingly casual pace toward the Fifth Division barracks.

Aizen smiled serenely, continuing to follow Hirako, though for a brief moment, his eyes betrayed a flicker of contempt and arrogance.

'Captain Hirako, you're still so arrogant. Can your eyes truly see everything? This is the common flaw of those who consider themselves intelligent—they think they've seen everything.'

'The difference in dimensions... how could what you see be the truth? Captain Hirako, and even Senju Makoto, both of you think you've found a flaw and been guided to see something. You believe your conclusions come from your own judgment, but in reality, you've unwittingly exposed your innermost thoughts and feelings—so utterly transparent... it's laughable.'

'Senju Makoto, such a pity. I had planned to keep you as a pawn beside Captain Unohara, to take advantage of your talents...'

'This world... it's truly vexing. Everywhere I look, is there no one who can touch my dimension?'

Aizen's gaze flickered slightly, his face still wearing a calm and composed smile. He followed Hirako dutifully, like the impeccable Vice-Captain he was, though internally, his mind was lost in darker reflections.

---

On the other side, after Unohara and Hirako departed, the Captain of the Second Division and Commander of the Omnitsukido, Yoruichi Shihoin, did not leave immediately. Instead, she lingered in place, seemingly lost in thought.

"Does the old man truly care that much about his disciple? Quite intriguing..." she mused, her tone thoughtful yet subtly amused.

Yoruichi felt a sudden and intense curiosity, almost as if she had been scratched by a cat. Gracefully tossing her short purple hair, she repeatedly tapped her slender fingers on her brown face, barely able to contain the impulse to immediately investigate this curiosity.

"Should I sneak over... The Captain probably won't notice, right?"

"No, if the Captain finds out, it would be a huge problem..."

Suddenly, Yoruichi seemed to recall something unpleasant, and her expression cleared instantly.

"However, sending someone to investigate briefly is part of the duties of a covert operations commander. It's for the safety of the Seireitei..."

With this thought, a smile bloomed on Yoruichi's face. She turned her head and glanced behind her, where a severely overweight figure was gazing at her with a flirty expression.

As the vice captain of the 2nd Division, Marenoshin Omaeda lacked the pride and dignity typical of other vice captains. He was almost blatantly trying to please Yoruichi, his bulky form a stark contrast to the sweet tone he used.

"Lady Yoruichi, please give your orders."

Facing Marenoshin Omaeda, who was easily five times her size, Yoruichi couldn't help but twitch her lips, commenting, "How disgusting. Marenoshin Omaeda, your physique severely limits your Shunpo speed."

"I'm sorry! This is a family inheritance, and only with this physique can I more comfortably absorb attacks for Lady Yoruichi. It is the natural duty and mission of the Omaeda family!"

Marenoshin said with fervor, his expression seeming to radiate a certain pride, as if he were glowing with something called "honor."

"Hmph..."

Yoruichi snorted coldly, turned her head away, and placed her hands in the wide sleeves of her captain's haori as she walked forward, saying, "How's your son, Omaeda Marechiyo? It's about time you sent him to the Gotei 13's military training camp. At the very least, you should start correcting his physique from a young age."

Although there was clear disdain in Yoruichi's tone, Marenoshin's face showed a gleam of excitement. Without hesitation, he knelt before her, his voice booming in gratitude.

"Thank you so much, Lady Yoruichi."

Shihoin continued walking without breaking her stride, her head not turning as she spoke.

"Don't embarrass me here. Get out of my sight. Just don't forget to continue serving the Shihoin family for generations to come."

"Yes, Lady Yoruichi."

Immediately, Marenoshin's rotund form rolled across the ground, swiftly and smoothly disappearing from Yoruichi's view. She was momentarily stunned, unable to hold back a quiet murmur.

"Rolling... and still using Shunpo? Tch, are these Omaeda idiots training some unique escape technique? So they can quickly dodge when they get knocked down?"

As Yoruichi walked toward a quieter spot, she gave a slight nod.

In the next instant, nine black shadows appeared around her. They wore black robes with only their eyes visible, their zanpakuto slightly unsheathed and ready for battle.

Shihoin's gaze swept over them, landing on one petite figure kneeling on her right. She spoke.

"Soi Fon, stay behind."

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