'To Aizen Sōsuke.'
'It has been a long time, Teacher Aizen. Now that autumn has passed and winter is upon us, please dress warmly and take good care of your health.'
'It has now been more than half a month since I came to the Second Division.'
'Captain Yoruichi Shihouin is, just as you said, a very easygoing person. I have indeed learned many useful things under her...'
'Given time, I believe these things will prove immensely useful.'
'Thank you, Teacher Aizen, for showing me the way.'
'Though saying this may upset Captain Yoruichi, I have basically already mastered everything I can learn.'
'There would be no problem with staying longer, but Captain Yoruichi has been inviting me to join the Second Division quite often lately... If I keep dragging this out, she may resort to some coercive measures.'
'The situation is complicated and difficult to put into words.'
'So, Teacher Aizen.'
'Please tell your student: where is the destination for the next stage?'
'Arima Shizuya. That is all.'
Looking at the letter in his hand, Aizen sat in his office chair with the corners of his lips raised in a rather relaxed expression.
His mood had improved considerably.
His fingers lightly gripped and repeatedly stroked the paper, as though he were pondering something—or perhaps lost in savoring it.
A moment later.
Aizen turned sideways. His gaze remained fixed on the letter, but his right hand reached toward the bookshelf beside him.
For something handwritten, its contents were not extensive. It could be read through in two or three seconds.
Yet to Aizen at this moment, it seemed worth examining several more times.
Aizen looked exceptionally relaxed as he took out prepared writing paper and a brush.
But he had only just arranged his tools and had yet to dip