Completed Vizard, Seeking Shunsui for a Drink

"Lord Aizen!"

Just as Gaoyu was speaking with Aizen, Kaname Tōsen suddenly said, "Look, White seems to have changed."

Both Gaoyu and Aizen looked over, only to see the formerly pale White suddenly spasming.

Immediately, a pitch-black substance flowed out from the Hollow hole in its chest, dyeing its body black at an extremely rapid speed. A dense white substance also grew on its face, eventually covering its entire visage.

Aizen immediately walked over, a hint of shock in his eyes, but more so, a deep interest in how things would develop in the future.

Gaoyu watched the Shinigami-Hollow and realized it was developing into the White he was familiar with.

Aizen said softly, "Interesting, truly interesting."

"Despite being named 'White,' it's now completely black. A Hollow created from a Shinigami's soul... it truly hasn't disappointed me."

Gaoyu was stunned at this moment because he noticed that White's favorability towards him had increased again, reaching sixty-one.

Damn, I just easily obtained the Soul Ability of Hollowfication?

This is awesome!

Gaoyu couldn't help but laugh, "It seems White and I are fated. I arrived just in time to witness such a good show."

"Indeed." Aizen didn't hide the fact that it was Gaoyu's contribution. He carefully observed White's changes, then quickly walked to the instrument to examine its soul data.

Finally, White had completely evolved. It grew horns on its head, and visually, it was identical to the White from the manga.

Gaoyu also walked over and took a closer look.

This White seemed to have gained a surge of powerful strength from its recent evolution, making its consciousness clear enough. As Gaoyu approached, it immediately opened its eyes.

"Yo, this guy seems to be awake."

Gaoyu said to Aizen, "Captain Aizen, what are your plans for it now?"

"Testing."

Aizen's eyes still held surprise at White's birth, even a hint of excitement.

After all, for someone like Aizen, it was rare for anything to cause significant ripples in his calm heart.

His current expression reminded Gaoyu of Aizen's expression in the manga when he saw White actively choose Masaki Kurosaki for parasitic infestation – that 'unexpectedly somewhat excited look.'

In reality, Gaoyu was also a little excited. After all, obtaining a Soul Ability like this felt like picking it up for free. Who wouldn't be excited?

Of course, saying it was picked up for free wasn't entirely accurate; he had paid with his soul fragment.

However, Aizen had decided to have White start killing to test its effectiveness.

Naturally, not in Seireitei.

"Kaname."

Aizen said to Tōsen, "Send White to the Human World. Let it practice on those Shinigami in the Human World first."

"...Yes." Kaname Tōsen nodded and went to make arrangements.

"...I have no interest in this kind of scene," Gaoyu said at this moment.

He wasn't interested in how Aizen would trick and harm Shinigami.

"Go keep Captain Kyoraku company first."

Aizen said indifferently.

His focus had already shifted to White, so Gaoyu's presence or absence didn't matter anymore.

Gaoyu nodded and walked out.

Having spent so long in Aizen's laboratory, the outside world had gradually darkened.

The sun was setting, and a dilapidated aura lingered on the streets.

The laboratory behind him seemed to be the source of this decay, twisting like a demon or monster in the fading sunlight.

Gaoyu walked away from the laboratory, moving further and further from that monstrous den.

He had a rare appointment to drink with Shunsui Kyoraku today and couldn't break his promise.

Shunsui Kyoraku was a busy man, though perhaps not "busy" was the right word?

He was more like a distinguished figure, an elite.

He was a Captain and a high-ranking noble. While he himself didn't care much about his status, others wouldn't actively seek him out for drinks.

Normally, they would drink with a few Vice-Captains or Third and Fourth Seats. Who would invite a Captain for drinks?

With a Captain at the table, their drinking wouldn't be as enjoyable.

People don't usually associate with those of vastly different social classes.

Even though a Vice-Captain and a Captain were only one rank apart, that single rank was something many people couldn't overcome in years.

Once one comprehended Bankai and became a Captain, they would be remembered in the million-year history of the Soul Society!

That's why, even now, Gaoyu hadn't managed to obtain Shunsui Kyoraku's Soul Ability. His favorability was still stuck at fifty.

This was why they said captains who had been around for a century had dark hearts. You want to build a relationship with them? Who do you think you are?

Do you really think eating and drinking with someone makes you friends? If that were true, then everyone who's ever eaten with someone would have friends all over the world.

A noble who's lived for hundreds of years has emotional walls thicker than castle ramparts.

Especially someone like Shunsui Kyoraku, who's a master of manipulation himself. He not only lives long but is also a cunning old fox. People like him aren't easy to befriend.

If it were Jūshirō Ukitake, it might have been a bit simpler.

It's just a shame Jūshirō Ukitake is sickly. Gaoyu hasn't even met him once yet.

What a pity.

Today, only Gaoyu, Rangiku, and Kyoraku were drinking; the other drinking buddies didn't come.

Shūhei and Shiba were recently promoted to Vice-Captain and have a lot of matters to handle, so they haven't been out drinking much lately.

It's just the two of us, Rangiku and I, who are carefree and always have time.

The place they chose to drink today was still in the Sixth District, commonly known as Noble Street. The restaurants here are naturally high-class, luxurious, and sophisticated.

Of course, every place has its own tiers.

Even in a place like the Sixth District, there are high-end and ordinary restaurants.

The place they chose this time was a relatively ordinary izakaya in the Sixth District, named 'Daruma House'.

Being ordinary in the Sixth District doesn't mean it's truly ordinary.

"Gaoyu! What took you so long!"

As Gaoyu walked into Daruma House, he heard Rangiku's voice.

Gaoyu walked into the private room and saw Rangiku and Shunsui Kyoraku already drinking.

Gaoyu couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth and said, somewhat speechless, "Seriously, you two?"

"I'm the one treating you to this meal, and yet I, the host, haven't arrived, and you two are already eating and drinking. Is this really okay?!"

"Well, don't worry so much about it!" Rangiku said with an unashamed smile. "Besides, you're the one who's late, so you can't blame us."