Outside the Central 46 Chambers, a fine drizzle fell from the sky, lending a touch of coolness to the ground that had been baked dry and cracked by the sun. The vegetation, its tips bearing a few withered yellow leaves, had been washed until it glistened faintly.
Aizen's deeply magnetic, captivating voice rang out, like a breeze stirring spring waters—one could not help but feel warmly toward him upon hearing it:
"Asano Kiyoshi Squad Member, over here."
As that pleasant voice fell silent, a blue-gray umbrella opened above Asano Kiyoshi's head.
Seeing Aizen's gesture, Asano Kiyoshi remained somewhat nervous despite having prepared himself mentally. However, he showed no outward flaw, instead putting on an expression of surprise and unease as he said to Aizen:
"Captain Aizen?! How could I trouble you to hold an umbrella for me? This is far too improper."
As he spoke, Asano Kiyoshi tried to take the umbrella, but Aizen gently stopped him. Smiling at Asano Kiyoshi, he said:
"Asano Kiyoshi Squad Member, please do not disobey a captain's order."
Hearing Aizen's words, Asano Kiyoshi scratched his head somewhat bashfully. His face reddened slightly as he allowed Aizen to hold the umbrella.
Rain struck the umbrella in a rhythmic pitter-patter. Within the Seireitei, painted in cool hues by the rain, it felt especially tranquil.
Feeling the young man's breathing beside him, Aizen looked toward the distant sky, his tone soft:
"Asano Kiyoshi Squad Member, you seem rather nervous. Is it because of me? It's all right. Because of this ruling, the Captain-Commander and Captain Shunsui have quite a lot to handle, while Captain Unohana's Fourth Division is usually busy with its work."
"As for Captain Ukitake, you know his physical condition. If he had come, you would probably have been the one receiving him."
"But I