Kouya-kun, You Know Too Much

People are not plants or trees; who can be without feelings?

Although Gaoyu was actively trying to gain favor from others, some feelings would always accumulate during their time together.

Gaoyu certainly had a certain level of good feelings towards Tetsu Gotou, though it was impossible for it to reach the eighty he had for him. However, according to his system's evaluation, it should be around sixty.

Yet, he had to adopt such an attitude when facing Aizen!

This was his understanding of Aizen, and the instinct of a seasoned gamer led Gaoyu to choose this path.

He had to remain indifferent to others if he wanted them to survive.

If he pleaded with Aizen not to kill anyone, it might actually cause Aizen to kill everyone instead!

So, he had to maintain this nonchalant attitude, perhaps even making Aizen feel a sliver of boredom.

Especially when dealing with Tetsu Gotou, if Gaoyu showed a strong reaction towards him, Aizen would deem Gaoyu "nothing special" and lose interest in him, and Tetsu Gotou's life would also be forfeit.

It was better, then, to be completely indifferent to Tetsu Gotou's life and death, using this indifference to preserve the lives of the other two, merely for the reasons of "my amusement" and "lack of interest."

Such an answer was incredibly provoking, but Aizen would likely enjoy this kind of response.

As expected, after hearing Gaoyu's answer, Aizen said nothing further.

He led Gaoyu on a stroll through Hueco Mundo, a world where even the sense of time passing was absent.

The scenery was monotonous, and after walking for a long time, it felt as if they were still treading water.

As they walked, Gaoyu knew he couldn't continue aimlessly like this. This was a test from Aizen, and if he failed, his fate might not be pleasant.

Even if he survived, Aizen might shift all the blame for this incident onto him.

If he passed, he could successfully join Aizen's inner circle!

He had already noticed a change in Aizen's favorability towards him.

Before, it was zero, like a god's indifference to mortals. Now, it had begun to rise from zero, and the increase was significant, going from zero to ten!

While still low, it was a considerable breakthrough compared to zero.

Therefore, he needed to strike while the iron was hot.

"Captain Aizen, while it may not be appropriate to say this, I personally believe that you alone are sufficient to subjugate the King of Hueco Mundo."

Gaoyu mimicked Gin Ichimaru's narrowed eyes and smiled, "If possible, I would prefer to return to Seireitei. I won't say anything."

Aizen didn't stop, continuing to walk ahead of Gaoyu as he said, "What else do you know?"

"Quite a lot..."

Gaoyu replied nonchalantly, "For instance, your desire to obtain the 'Hogyoku'."

"Or perhaps, your dissatisfaction with the Soul King's rule?"

Aizen slowed his steps at this point and let out a light chuckle.

"Gaoyu-kun."

Aizen said calmly, "You know too much."

"Whether I know or not... it doesn't matter," Gaoyu turned his head, not looking at Aizen, but at the endless sea of spiritual particles before them.

He even bent down, scooping up a handful of white sand with his palm.

The white sand quickly slipped through his fingers, and soon, only a single grain remained in his hand.

"Just like this spiritual sand, I only care about things that interest me. Even if other things look no different, they are entirely distinct to me."

"Although my words may not be pleasant, your plan, Captain Aizen, is truly 'uninteresting' to me, just like 'guarding Seireitei' or 'loyalty to the Soul King'... they are all the same."

"Therefore, I won't interfere with your plan. What difference does it make whether I know or not?"

Gaoyu carefully pocketed the single grain of sand, then looked ahead with a somewhat vacant gaze.

"You intend to use this great purge to create an opening for Vice-Captain Ichimaru's promotion, don't you?"

"And also for the students about to graduate from the Shino Academy. Without such a purge, it would be difficult for them to grow rapidly within the Gotei 13, where change is slow."

"Let me guess, the Captain you intend to lure out is the Captain of the Third Division, right?"

Aizen turned to face Gaoyu once more. This time, the look of amusement was gone from his face, replaced by a blank expression.

Gaoyu's guess was precisely in line with his plan.

He was indeed very interested in Gaoyu.

From the moment Gaoyu began teaching Renji in the evenings, he had taken notice of this minor Shinigami in his squad.

Despite being just a regular squad member, he was remarkably skilled in teaching Renji, Kira, and Hinamori. Aizen himself would likely have achieved similar progress if he were to teach them.

Thus, Aizen had sent Metastacia to test Gaoyu, and this test confirmed the abnormality of Gaoyu Kouun.

Although Metastacia was merely a failed experiment, it still possessed formidable abilities, making it difficult for even Vice-Captain level Shinigami to handle.

This was because its ability was specifically designed to counter Shinigami!

However, facing Metastacia's attack, Gaoyu merely unleashed an attack resembling a Hadō and killed it!

This composure and effortless execution completely captured Aizen's attention, prompting him to observe Gaoyu.

Therefore, he promoted Gaoyu to Lieutenant, which led to his current appearance.

Of course, even without Gaoyu, Aizen would have orchestrated an incident to cripple the Gotei 13.

Because if he didn't, the people he valued wouldn't be able to attain higher positions.

For instance, Gin Ichimaru had been under him for too long; it was time for him to transfer to another division and become a Captain.

And then there were Hinamori and the others. After graduation, they were to join his Fifth Division, so naturally, there needed to be room for their promotion within his division.

It was simply because of Gaoyu's existence that Aizen slightly modified the plan he had already set in motion.

Just as Gaoyu had thought, in Aizen's plan, if Gaoyu couldn't discover Metastacia, then he wouldn't be worthy of Aizen's continued attention. He would simply die.

However, if he could discover Metastacia's parasitic infestation, then there were two paths.

One path was to expose Metastacia's identity due to 'concern for a comrade,' then be framed by him, and ultimately fall step by step into a situation of isolation and helplessness where everyone questioned him.

The other path was 'indifference.' In that case...

Aizen would appear!