I don't believe in fate.
Not in the way these Shinigami do. All that talk about duty, honor, the will of the Soul King. Pfft. It's just a pretty curtain to hide the bloodstains underneath.
I've seen too much to buy into it.
Still, even I gotta admit — timing's a funny thing.
Here I am, about to leave the 5th Division, stepping into a captain's haori for the 3rd. And the seat I'm filling? Vacated by a corpse Aizen made.
Oh, they never proved it.
Never even suspected it.
The official story's some nonsense about a hollow ambush out in the Rukongai. But I know better.
I remember the look in Aizen's eyes when he came back from that 'investigation.' Calm. Warm. Empty.
He's good at that.
And now he wants me in that spot — one more pawn on his shogi board.
Fine by me.
More pieces I can steal when the game turns.
It's afternoon, and the sunlight spills across the Seireitei like melted gold, catching on the edges of white walls and hanging banners. The cherry trees are still holding onto the last of their petals, stubborn little things. I walk slow, letting the breeze catch my sleeves.
Last patrol as Vice-Captain Ichimaru Gin.
Ain't like I'll miss it.
I round a corner near the main promenade and spot a familiar figure ahead. White scarf, black hair, back straight as a blade.
Byakuya Kuchiki.
Captain now. Official and everything. Took over the 6th Division not long after his old man retired. The other captains keep a wary distance. Nobody likes the Kuchiki clan much — too stiff, too proud. And Byakuya? He's like a statue they taught to breathe.
Cold, perfect, untouchable.
I grin to myself.
Be a shame not to say hello.
I stroll up, hands in my sleeves.
"Well, well~. If it ain't young Lord Kuchiki. Fancy meetin' ya out here. Yer not lost, are ya, taichou?"
Byakuya stops, turns his head just slightly. Those gray eyes land on me like icicles.
"Vice-Captain Ichimaru," he says, voice flat and precise. "Your patrol route does not cover this sector."
I give him my best lazy smile.
"Aw, ya caught me. Guess I'm jus' enjoyin' the view on my last round. Figure I oughta soak it in, ya know? Before I gotta put on a fancier coat."
He doesn't blink.
"I am aware of your pending appointment. Congratulations."
"Why, thank ya kindly," I drawl, tilting my head. "Means a lot, comin' from a fine upstandin' noble like yerself."
A faint frown twitches at the corner of his mouth. Kuchiki pride don't take kindly to bein' teased.
I love it.
"Do not mistake my courtesy for sentiment," he says coolly. "We serve the Gotei 13, not ourselves."
I chuckle.
"Course we do. Every breath for the good o' Soul Society, right?"
He says nothing, but the air sharpens between us like a drawn blade.
I ain't foolish enough to poke too hard. Not now.
Byakuya Kuchiki's a cold one, sure. But underneath all that marble is a man who'll cut you in half if you step wrong.
And as much as I'd love to test that steel someday… today ain't the day.
I give him a casual wave.
"Well, guess I better get back to bein' a model subordinate while I still can. Wouldn't wanna give Aizen-taichou any headaches on my way out."
Byakuya inclines his head a fraction.
"I expect your conduct as a captain to reflect proper discipline, Ichimaru."
"Oh, I'll be on my best behavior," I flash a fox's grin. "Scout's honor."
He steps aside, and I stroll past, feeling his gaze linger a moment before it turns away.
Behind the grin, my thoughts churn.
Byakuya's gonna be a problem. He's sharp. Not enough to see Aizen's shadow yet — but one day, maybe.
I'll have to keep a careful eye on him.
But that's a game for another day.
For now, I've got a captain's haori to win, a division to inherit, and a thousand lies to tell before I sleep.
And when the time comes…