Aizen Sōsuke. Why is he here?
The moment Kurotsuki Renya saw Aizen, his body froze. The man who once nearly killed him through one of his hollow experiments was now calmly standing before him, wearing that same gentle, unreadable smile. Rage flickered in Renya's chest—but he forced it down.
Aizen's polite voice broke the silence.
"Why that look, Renya? Aren't you going to welcome me?"
Renya quickly masked his emotions, forcing a faint smile.
"Not at all, Captain Aizen. I just didn't expect you to attend personally. It's… an honor."
Aizen's expression remained as placid as ever.
"Hinamori invited me. She said she hoped I'd come celebrate with everyone. If my presence is intrusive, I can leave."
Renya shook his head immediately. "No, Captain Aizen. Please, come in."
He knew better than to let the man leave suspiciously. With a calm bow, he gestured him inside.
As Aizen stepped in, Hinamori Momo hurried over, her face bright with joy.
"Captain Aizen! You really came!"
Aizen smiled kindly. "I had nothing pressing to attend to, so I thought I'd come and see how Renya was doing."
Nothing pressing, huh? Renya cursed silently. What kind of captain just drops by for a birthday celebration out of boredom? Still, he kept his smile steady. "It's an honor to have you here, Captain."
Around them, the other captains and lieutenants greeted Aizen warmly. His calm demeanor and soft-spoken charm always concealed the truth of his nature—so much so that even on the eve of his betrayal, few had suspected anything. Only Captain Unohana had noticed something off when she saw through the illusion of his "corpse."
But right now, what unsettled Renya was why Aizen would bother coming here at all. He could claim he was idle, but Aizen Sōsuke never does anything without purpose.
Renya's thoughts raced. What is he planning this time?
Beside him, Captain Soi Fon noticed his unease.
"What's wrong?" she asked quietly.
Renya glanced at Aizen—who happened to be looking his way. Their eyes met briefly, and Aizen gave him a small nod before turning to greet another group. Renya forced a calm smile.
"It's nothing, Captain Soi Fon. Let's get you something to eat."
He led her toward the dessert table, collecting a few cakes and rice crackers. They moved out to the balcony, where the noise was distant, and leaned casually against the railing.
Renya broke the silence with a curious smile.
"So, was this birthday party your idea, Captain Soi Fon?"
Soi Fon smiled faintly. "Didn't Yachiru say it was her idea?"
Renya shook his head. "That sounds like something Yachiru would say, but she couldn't have arranged all this. The guest list, the invitations—only you would have that kind of influence."
Soi Fon gave a soft sigh. "You're still my subordinate, Renya. It's normal to celebrate your milestone."
Renya gently took her hand. "Captain Soi Fon, is that really all it is?"
Her cheeks colored slightly as she pulled back halfheartedly. "Of course. What else would it be?"
Renya smirked. "Maybe a sign you're secretly my girlfriend?"
She gave him a glare. "You're still a brat. How could I possibly be your girlfriend?"
Renya chuckled. "So… you're saying when I'm older, taller, and a full-grown man, you'll consider it?"
Soi Fon arched an eyebrow. "When you've grown taller than me and matured enough, maybe then I'll think about it. Until then, don't push your luck."
Renya grinned. "That's a promise then."
He was about 1.43 meters tall—seven centimeters shorter than her. In the Soul Society, that kind of growth could take decades, even a century, depending on spiritual density. But Renya wasn't worried. His life as a Shinigami was long, and he had all the time he needed. Still, Aizen's sudden appearance reminded him that romance could wait—there were greater threats lurking.
He smiled softly. "Then I'll work hard."
Soi Fon's tone softened. "One more thing, Renya. Don't ever neglect your training because of me. Your goal should be to master your Bankai."
Renya blinked, then smiled in understanding. "I see… you just don't want me to lose focus. Alright. I'll master it."
Soi Fon nodded, a small, rare smile touching her lips. "If you manage to achieve it… I'll marry you."
Renya froze. "Wait—you mean marry you?"
She frowned. "What? You don't want to?"
"N-No! I do! I just thought you were joking."
"Is there a difference between a girlfriend and a wife?" she said firmly. "Or were you not serious about pursuing me?"
Renya shook his head quickly. "Of course I am. I've always meant it seriously."
To Soi Fon, love was a sacred commitment—one heart, one bond. Yoruichi's departure had left her wounded, but Renya had slowly filled that void. For her, accepting him meant trusting again.
Renya's chest tightened with emotion. "Then I'll definitely make you proud, Captain Soi Fon. I'll become strong enough to stand beside you."
She gave a quiet smile. "Then you'd better not slack off."
Renya nodded, determination in his eyes. "I won't."
Just then, Hinamori's voice echoed from inside.
"Renya! Captain Aizen's about to demonstrate his Shikai! Come quick!"
Renya froze. "What did you just say?"
"His Zanpakutō's release," Hinamori said cheerfully. "Kyōka Suigetsu—it's said to use mist and reflection to create illusions. It's really beautiful!"
Renya's eyes went wide. Kyōka Suigetsu…?
He knew better. Its ability wasn't mere illusion—it was complete hypnosis, controlling all five senses of anyone who witnessed its release. Once you fell under it, there was no escaping Aizen's manipulation.
He clenched his fists. So that's why he's here. Not for my birthday—but to expand his control.
Those not yet under Kyōka Suigetsu's influence—Renji, Kira, Hinamori, perhaps even others—were all gathered in one place. A perfect opportunity.
I can't let myself be hypnotized.
Once under Aizen's sway, he'd lose all awareness of illusion versus reality. And he couldn't afford that—not now, not ever.
Never look at his blade.