Drinking Together

That night.

As darkness fell, the newly renovated captain's courtyard of the Fifth Division gradually grew lively.

Through Aizen Sōsuke's deliberate yet seemingly casual hints, Hinamori Momo unconsciously focused her invitations on female Vice-Captains and captains from the other divisions.

And since Hinamori Momo herself was a member of the Shinigami Women's Association, the invitations did not seem abrupt in the slightest.

Thus, one graceful figure after another arrived at the Fifth Division captain's courtyard.

Soi Fon, Kotetsu Isane, Aoki Risa, Kusajishi Yachiru, Ise Nanao, Matsumoto Rangiku, Kuchiki Rukia, as well as the newly joined members of the Shinigami Women's Association, Kuna Mashiro and Yadomaru Lisa.

After Chiba Makoto arranged a suitable identity for Nemu Kurotsuchi within the First Division and handed over a great deal of official work to her, he leisurely strolled to the Fifth Division Barracks.

Makoto's steps... involuntarily froze as he stared blankly at the... beautiful sight within the courtyard.

Yes!

It was absolutely a scene worthy of being called beautiful.

Beneath the moonlight, numerous female Soul Reapers, each lovely in her own way, were soaking in the hot spring within the courtyard, splashing about and playing.

For a moment, Makoto could not tell whether the moonlight was simply too dazzling, or whether that expanse of smooth, pale skin was too blinding, causing his eyes to narrow slightly on instinct.

Just then, Aizen Sōsuke emerged from the shadows by the courtyard entrance, smiling brightly as he spoke.

"Welcome, Makoto."

Yet from Aizen Sōsuke's seemingly gentle and warm smile, Makoto sensed a faintly different meaning and asked, "Aizen, what are you up to?"

"Nothing. I merely wanted Vice-Captain Hinamori to improve our relationship with the other divisions," Aizen Sōsuke answered with a smile.

Naturally, Makoto did not believe a word of Aizen Sōsuke's nonsense. Moreover, no matter