The So-Called Truth

Aizen... Sōsuke!

Holding Chiba Makoto's hand, Aizen Sōsuke wore a faint smile as he spoke.

"No, I have spent a long time fighting in Hueco Mundo and am not very familiar with the Fifth Division's affairs. So, if Makoto has the time, please visit the Fifth Division often and offer your guidance."

Makoto could not help but laugh soundlessly at that.

With Aizen Sōsuke's abilities, he probably knew exactly how many blades of grass grew in the Fifth Division. No one was more suited than him to be its captain, so why would he need Makoto's guidance?

The whole sentence probably meant only a few words—"Come visit often"!

"Certainly, certainly."

Makoto replied with a smile.

Once the series of ceremonies arranged to welcome back the Expeditionary Force had concluded, Makoto, who had originally come specifically to welcome "Amagai Shūsuke" and incidentally probe into his background, naturally had no intention of specially probing Aizen Sōsuke.

Thus, just as Makoto was preparing to leave HinaMori Momo and the Fifth Division for Aizen Sōsuke to train as he saw fit, then return to the First Division—

Aizen Sōsuke blocked Makoto's path and asked,

"Makoto, won't you show me around the Fifth Division Barracks? If I can gain your support, my duties as the Fifth Division's captain will be much easier going forward."

Makoto felt somewhat helpless upon hearing that, but he had no choice but to agree.

The tour and support were naturally just excuses from Aizen Sōsuke.

If Makoto chose to leave now, however, it would likely send word to the outside world that he was at odds with the new Fifth Division captain.

Yet what the other Fifth Division members, as well as the Expeditionary Force members who had returned alongside "Amagai Shūsuke," saw was "Amagai Shūsuke" and Makoto chatting happily