Chapter 254: Enthusiasm

Chapter 254: Enthusiasm

Kazuya wasn’t the least bit surprised to learn that Gin Ichimaru had been seeking him out. Leveraging every possible advantage was very much Gin’s method of handling important business. And through his battle against Sōsuke Aizen, Kazuya had more than proven his immense potential usefulness to the sly snake.

Kazuya wasn’t surprised about Gin seeking him out. Using every card at hand was very much Gin’s way of handling business. Through his battle with Aizen, Kazuya had shown the potential to be of use to Gin.

“Why would Gin betray Aizen now? Is it because Aizen without Shikai isn’t a worthy leader in Gin’s eyes, and he wants to get rid of Aizen?”

While Kazuya found Gin’s proposal to be sensible given the situation, Unohana seemed utterly baffled by this abrupt shift in Gin’s apparent loyalties. But her confusion was understandable — after all, she had always viewed Gin as being Aizen’s closest accomplice and confidant, even more so than the blindly devoted Kaname Tōsen.

For a brief moment, Kazuya considered sharing what he knew of Gin’s rather tragic origin story, to help Unohana grasp his true motivations... but he quickly dismissed the notion. There was simply nothing to gain by making her sympathetic towards Gin Ichimaru.

“Gin probably wasn’t on Aizen’s side from the beginning,” Kazuya said. “Or it could be the other way around. Their relationship is irrelevant for us. What we should focus on is Gin’s promise of isolating Aizen in Hueco Mundo.”

Although he trusted Unohana’s skills, she was from the most optimal choice for the task she volunteered for. Gin, on the other hand, would have a much easier time convincing Aizen to leave the Soul Society.

“One moment, Kazuya,” Unohana said, holding up a hand. To his surprise, she pivoted on the couch to sit in the traditional seiza position, as if preparing for a formal tea ceremony. Clearly, she wasn’t comfortable sitting on the couch in her uniform. “We don’t need Ichimaru’s help. The plan I had is full-proof.”

The confidence in her voice piqued his interest.

“Well, care to share your game plan?”

Unohana put a finger on her lips. “The threat of Arrancars is still fresh on everyone’s minds. Captain Commander will initiate an assignment to assess the Arrancars forces in Hueco Mundo, as it’ll prevent invasions in the future.”

Kazuya leaned forward, listening intently. “And...?”

“Let me finish,” Unohana chided with a solemn expression. “At the discussion for the mission, I’ll pitch Captain Kyōraku and Aizen as the main leaders for the assignment, with Isane and you providing support. If I were in Aizen’s shoes, I’d jump at the opportunity to get rid of a Captain as well as the most unpredictable variable in the Soul Society — you.”

{For a battle-maniac, she sure has good intellect. The saying about wisdom coming with age wasn’t wrong after all.}

Kazuya shook his head. “We can’t rely on your plan.”

He could see a flaw in her plan — a hole greater than the biggest Hollow hole in any Hollow.

Unohana frowned skeptically, looking mildly discontent about his quick dismissal. “Why?”

“Aizen’s ego won’t be satisfied without everyone acknowledging his superiority, that he was right in his pursuit to overthrow the Soul King. He won’t get that if the captains aren’t around. Only their submission and recognition will satisfy him. After all, he doesn’t just want to rule... he wants to be worshiped as a God.”

He leaned closer to her ears. “Is that worry I sense in your voice?”

“The future of the Soul Society rests on your shoulders... which includes the safety of Isane. I will not let you fail.”

She prioritized Isane’s safety above everyone — above her own.

Kazuya looked at Harribel. “Did Gin give any way to contact him?”

“There is no need. Gin will come to the same spot as yesterday,” Harribel paused and glanced at the ticking clock on the wall. “In two hours.”

“Where is that?”

“The bridge.”

“Oh, our favorite spot.”

A tiny smile graced Harribel's lips, which went away in a blink. “It’ll be better for you to change into your other form before meeting him. I’ll accompany you.”

“Dammit.”

{Sheesh, Partner. Keep your charm in check, or Gin might end up falling for you like Aizen...} Nami hummed. {Beating two of the most powerful Shinigami by genderbending.... that's one heck of a twist.}

‘Yeah, no. I’d rather not.’

As if sensing his inner turmoil, Harribel shifted beside him and clasped his hand in both of her own. Her skin was warm and pleasant against his. “If it’s any consolation, Kazuya... once Aizen is defeated, you’ll never have to assume that form again.”

In any other case, she’d be the first to protest against killing someone, but she had judged Aizen as beyond redemption. Someone who deserved no mercy or compassion from anyone.

Kazuya sighed and nodded, raising her hands to his lips to plant a kiss across her knuckles. “I know, Tier. I know.”

Harribel’s eyes softened. “You have two hours. Can you spend it with everyone?”

“Hmmm. Retsu, I’ll be back in two minutes.”

Taking Harribel’s hand, he left the room, leaving Unohana alone with his family, who were all a bunch of strangers to Unohana.