"What's the point of releasing your Zanpakutō? And it's just some illusion trick—too soft, too flashy. Doesn't feel like a real fight."
Zaraki Kenpachi spoke bluntly, his tone laced with impatience as Aizen Sōsuke stood before the crowd, calm and poised as ever.
The others exchanged helpless looks. But when Kurotsuki Renya heard the Eleventh Division Captain's complaint, a spark of hope flickered in his chest. If only Kenpachi's defiance could interrupt Aizen's release…
"Captain, don't say that."
Madaramé Ikkaku tugged lightly at Kenpachi's sleeve. He respected his captain, but even he felt the comment was too much.
Aizen only smiled, ever unbothered.
"Although it's just an illusion, it can mislead the enemy—buy precious moments in battle. As for direct combat… I'd rather entrust that to Captain Zaraki. A warrior of your caliber is best suited for such things."
Zaraki's scowl faded. Compliments weren't his thing, but he understood them.
"Hmph. Fine, do what you want."
Renya's stomach tightened. He could feel the unease stirring deep in his soul. Standing among the crowd, he fixed his gaze on the man who once nearly destroyed him with his machinations. Why is Aizen showing this ability here… of all places?
"Then, allow me to demonstrate."
Aizen's voice carried effortlessly across the room. His calm words drew attention like a quiet storm. He unsheathed his Zanpakutō with a soft metallic whisper.
"Shatter, Kyōka Suigetsu."
The air shifted.
Renya's pulse spiked. He turned sharply, stepping behind Hinamori Momo's small frame, using her to block his line of sight. Don't look. Don't see the reflection.
To fall under Kyōka Suigetsu's control, one only needed to witness its release—just once—and the complete hypnosis would remain forever. Sight was the trigger. Those blind to the release were safe.
He heard gasps ripple through the room.
"So beautiful… it's like a mirage of mist and moonlight," someone murmured.
"It's mesmerizing…" another whispered.
Renya dared a glance, catching the rippling awe on their faces without meeting the blade's reflection. Aizen's illusion conjured serene imagery—mist curling like liquid silk, droplets glimmering like stars. But beneath that calm beauty hid the perfect prison.
When Renya finally lifted his gaze, Aizen was looking straight at him.
"What do you think, Renya?"
That same pleasant, unreadable smile.
Renya forced his lips into a grin. "A stunning performance, Captain Aizen."
"I'm glad you think so," Aizen replied. "Consider it a small gift—for your birthday."
Renya bowed slightly. "Thank you, Captain."
Aizen's eyes softened, though his smile never changed. "It's getting late. I should take my leave."
When the Fifth Division Captain departed, Renya exhaled slowly, the tension leaving his shoulders like a collapsing wave. That was too close…
By stepping out of sight just before the release, he'd barely escaped the hypnosis. A small, precise moment of delay had saved him from Kyōka Suigetsu's eternal grasp.
And judging by Aizen's demeanor, the man hadn't noticed.
Renya turned to Hinamori, forcing a lighter tone. "Thanks for inviting Captain Aizen. His demonstration was… impressive."
Hinamori smiled brightly. "Honestly, I didn't think he'd actually come."
Renya nodded, then moved through the gathering, exchanging a few words with others. Despite his unease, he couldn't just isolate himself—this was still his own celebration.
"I'm heading out." Zaraki's booming voice cut through the chatter. "These parties bore me. Don't forget to swing by the Eleventh sometime, kid. You owe me a spar."
"Y-Yes, Captain Zaraki."
Yachiru waved, giggling as she followed him out. "Don't let him scare you too much!"
Ikkaku stayed behind, joining Renji, Kira, Kaien, and Omaeda. Together they formed a noisy "men's table" in the corner, trading drinks and jokes. Meanwhile, the women gathered near the other side, chatting about gossip and Seireitei rumors.
Renya and Suì-Fēng drifted between the two groups—hosts and hostess of the evening—acknowledging their guests one by one.
By the time the clock neared eleven, the clerk pushed in a dessert trolley. A towering three-tier cake gleamed beneath the candles, the words Happy Birthday, Renya glowing in soft icing.
"I heard in the World of the Living," Suì-Fēng began, "people celebrate birthdays with cake. They light candles equal to their age and make a wish before blowing them out. I'm not used to these customs… but I wanted to try."
Renya blinked in surprise. She actually asked about human traditions… for me?
Warmth flooded his chest. "Thank you, Captain Suì-Fēng."
She gave a rare smile and nudged his shoulder. "Come on. Blow out the candles."
Renji dimmed the lights. The room darkened, the flickering flames dancing like stars.
Suì-Fēng's soft voice began the song—quiet, almost shy. "Happy birthday to you…"
One by one, the others joined in. By the final line, Renya drew a deep breath and blew, the candles extinguishing with a single exhale. The room plunged into darkness before laughter and applause filled it again.
"Cake! I want the piece with cherries!" Yachiru's voice echoed from the doorway, having somehow returned.
Renya chuckled, slicing the cake carefully. He served Suì-Fēng first, then handed plates to each guest. When he finally took his own piece, he glanced around the room—faces of comrades, mentors, and friends reflecting the soft glow of lantern light.
These people were his world. His family.
I'll protect them, he vowed silently. No matter what comes.
He took a slow bite of the sweet frosting, though the sweetness couldn't quite drown out the quiet dread beneath his calm.
Did I really deceive Aizen?
Or did he simply let me believe I did?
The thought lingered, heavy as the shadow of a moon on still water.
⸻
(Author's Note: A small clarification about Renya's ability—his control over electricity inherently grants him limited influence over electromagnetic force, as it is generated through the motion of electric charge. However, he cannot directly manipulate magnetism or electromagnetic fields without first channeling electric current. In contrast, a user whose ability focuses on magnetism could alter magnetic field lines freely, while Renya's control must flow through his electrical output. Thus, while related, the applications differ—akin to how Marvel's Electro commands current, but Magneto governs magnetism itself.)