"Aizen... Captain?"
Hearing the request, Konan froze, a flicker of genuine apprehension appearing in her eyes. Having pored over the memories of the Soul Society, she understood the heavy significance behind that title all too well.
Aizen had once been the Captain of the Gotei 13's Fifth Division.
In other words, the title "Captain Aizen" was a relic of the Soul Society. Why is he bringing it up now? Has he discovered something?
No, it can't be!
Konan felt a chill run down her spine. She quickly accessed the group chat to communicate with the others.
Book Artist: "This... this is impossible! How could he possibly know that we know the plot of Bleach?"
This is an Actor: "In theory, Aizen couldn't know—unless, of course, he were a member of this group."
Curly-Haired Boy: "Hey, that joke isn't funny."
Book Artist: "Konan-nee-san is in serious trouble! How can An Ran-san still be joking at a time like this?!"
There were only a few people in the group, and all of them had uploaded their memories. Since memories did not lie, no one suspected that Aizen was actually among them. They couldn't have imagined that Aizen was a transmigrator capable of compartmentalizing his mind, aided by a system that allowed him to play a role with absolute perfection.
He wasn't joking.
An Ran felt a twinge of boredom. He had hoped the group members might infer something from his hints, but it seemed he had overestimated them.
This is an Actor: "It's alright. I don't believe Konan-san is in any immediate danger. On the contrary, judging by Aizen's behavior, he is merely curious about her. Everything is proceeding as we expected."
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "What exactly is he curious about?"
This is an Actor: "I can only guess two possibilities for now. Perhaps Aizen suspects Konan knows why he came to this world, or perhaps he thinks she is a fellow traveler from his original world who understands him."
Curly-Haired Boy: "But neither of those is true!"
This is an Actor: "We know that, but Aizen doesn't. Don't forget, he isn't a native of this world. While we are familiar with Konan, Aizen likely knows very little about her history."
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "So, what should I do now?"
This is an Actor: "If I'm not mistaken, he has already deduced something from your reaction. But it's not a major issue; simply try to act naturally. Continue to pretend you don't know him, and act as though the title 'Captain Aizen' carries no special meaning to you."
Book Artist: "But if he's already suspicious, why continue the act?"
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "Won't this create a rift between them?"
This is an Actor: "No. Aizen is a man driven by inquiry. Revealing just a small mystery will only make him more invested in Konan."
Curly-Haired Boy: "I still feel like this is incredibly dangerous."
Book Artist: "It's like dancing on the edge of a blade!"
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "It's okay. I trust An Ran-san."
Konan exhaled slowly, forcing her emotions into a state of forced calm.
"What is the matter?" Aizen asked, his voice silken and gentle. "Is it so difficult for Konan-senpai to say the name?"
"I am merely curious." Konan looked him directly in the eye, her expression cold. "Why do you insist on that title? As a newcomer to the Akatsuki, aren't you being a bit presumptuous?"
Her palms were slick with sweat as she spoke. To maintain the facade of ignorance, she had to adopt the stern tone of a superior admonishing a junior.
Well played, An Ran thought.
Aizen's lips curled into a faint smile. "My apologies, Konan-senpai," he said with a graceful bow. "I simply felt that our current dynamic brought back certain memories of the past."
Memories of the past?
Konan was momentarily stunned, a realization striking her. Could Aizen be mistaking me for Ichimaru Gin? It seemed plausible. She did have hidden motives for staying close to him. However, unlike Gin, she harbored no personal hatred for Aizen—only vigilance and fear.
"Konan-senpai, you seem remarkably wary of me," Aizen remarked as they entered a dense stretch of forest.
Has he noticed already?
Konan wasn't truly surprised; she had been trying to maintain a physical distance between them. In truth, she knew the gesture was futile. If Aizen intended to harm her, the result would be the same regardless of the gap between them.
"I don't know why, but I find you dangerous." Seeing no point in further evasion, Konan simply admitted the truth.
"Oh? An instinctive warning?" Aizen's smile widened slightly. "Konan-senpai is very much like my former superior."
The "superior" he referred to was not Danzo, but Hirako Shinji, the former Captain of the Fifth Division. Shinji had also possessed an unerring intuition regarding Aizen's danger, which led him to keep Aizen in his own division to monitor him personally. In the end, however, Shinji had underestimated Aizen and became a test subject for Hollowification.
"Is that so?" Konan asked calmly, though she felt as if she were on the verge of a breakdown. This man's probes were so interconnected; he was a master at using words to dismantle an opponent's will.
"Yes," Aizen nodded, his smile warm. "But compared to that person, Konan-senpai is significantly more interesting."
What is so 'interesting' about me?
Konan couldn't fathom what could possibly pique the interest of a man like Aizen. She opened her mouth to retort, but ultimately remained silent.
As they reached a small clearing, Aizen suddenly came to a halt.
"Konan-senpai," he said softly, "it appears we have a guest."