As soon as Ichimaru Gin finished speaking, the five Vice Captains present all turned their gazes toward him. Those gazes held confusion, suspicion, and wariness.
Momo Hinamori was naturally staring at Ichimaru Gin as well. Tears slipped from the corners of her eyes as she recalled a few things Toshiro Hitsugaya had said to her.
The relationship between Toshiro Hitsugaya and Momo Hinamori was somewhat special. The two had originally been childhood friends, but after Momo Hinamori joined the Fifth Division, that relationship had grown somewhat distant. There was no doubt, however, that their relationship went beyond friendship.
Judging from Momo Hinamori's expression when Aizen had "died," she clearly held extremely deep feelings of admiration for Aizen—or perhaps dependence. Under Aizen's deliberate guidance, he had become Momo Hinamori's emotional support.
Although Toshiro was extremely displeased by this, he had never pointed it out directly. He knew that if he laid everything bare, he and Momo Hinamori might not even be able to remain friends.
And now, Momo Hinamori suddenly recalled something Toshiro had told her not long ago.
Be careful. Be careful of the Third Division, especially when Aizen goes out alone.
Toshiro had not said those things to Momo Hinamori to sow discord. He had merely discovered the conflict between Ichimaru Gin and Aizen by chance.
It had to be said that Aizen's plan was extremely thorough. He had even accurately anticipated Momo Hinamori's state of mind after his "death."
Momo Hinamori stood there in a daze. Recalling Toshiro's warning and considering Ichimaru Gin's current attitude, she could not help suspecting that Ichimaru Gin was the murderer who had killed Aizen.
"So it was... you!"
Momo Hinamori suddenly shouted. She gripped the hilt at her waist with one hand and charged straight at Ichimaru Gin.
Momo Hinamori's sudden outburst