Two Old Schemers Having Fun

Yan Si scanned the chaotic battlefield ruins before him with a blank expression.

Scorched earth, lingering spirit particle dust, busy medical teams, and the portal stabilizing in the distance.

But inside, his mind was a frantic scroll:

What the hell is Aizen up to? Suddenly spouting philosophical metaphors?

And Hirako Shinji is right there, eavesdropping, you think he's dead?!

Wait.

Yan Si's thoughts screeched to a halt.

Even he noticed Hirako eavesdropping. With Aizen's observational skills, there was no way he wouldn't.

Which meant... he did it on purpose?

He deliberately said those things about "the King observing from safety" within Hirako's hearing range?

But why? At this point, Aizen shouldn't have revealed his ambitions yet.

According to "normal" development, Hirako Shinji never managed to find concrete evidence against Aizen until the very end.

So why is Aizen now proactively giving Hirako a vague direction for "overthrowing the established order"?

This doesn't make sense.

And if you're going to do it, why keep glancing at me while you talk, as if we're coordinating some secret plan!

I'm just a regular Fifth Seat who wants to quietly write novels, save up spirit particles, and drink a little wine!

Don't drag me into this!

Yan Si's peripheral vision discreetly swept towards Aizen beside him.

The man had his hands casually tucked into the sleeves of his Shinigami uniform, standing tall. His profile, illuminated by the light from the portal, appeared gentle and harmless, even possessing a scholarly, serene aura.

In that fleeting glance, Yan Si's heart jolted.

No.

Aizen's true objective was never something superficial like "overthrowing the nobles."

His ambition and gaze were far deeper, far more terrifying.

So he did it on purpose.

He deliberately threw out keywords like "nobles," "King," and "observing."

He deliberately provided an investigation direction that seemed radical but actually deviated from the core issue.

He was using a new "mask of suspicion" to cover his deeper, true intentions.

If he hadn't had the information gap from "another memory," he would probably have been misled, just like Hirako Shinji eavesdropping now, into pondering whether "Aizen was dissatisfied with the current noble system."

Truly worthy of you, he thought. How long has it been since joining the Fifth Division, and you're already engaging in such an indistinguishable psychological battle with your own Captain.

Fine, you guys play.

One hides vigilance beneath a lazy mask, the other conceals ambition beneath a gentle one. You can probe each other, engage in witty battles however you please.

Just don't involve me!

Yan Si snorted heavily in his mind, decisively choosing to distance himself from the center of this vortex of trouble.

He saw the portal had completely stabilized, and the first batch of wounded and some Division Members were beginning to enter in an orderly fashion.

Good opportunity.

His face maintained its usual indifferent expression, but his feet moved without hesitation towards the portal, his steps steady and pace moderate, fully embodying the composure of "mission complete, routine withdrawal."

However, just as he passed the small mound where Hirako Shinji was lying...

"Yo, Fifth Seat Yan Si."

Hirako Shinji shot up and was beside Yan Si in two steps, his arm slung casually over Yan Si's shoulder, a half-smile playing on his lips beneath his blond hair.

"The mission's over. After we get back to Seireitei, want to grab a drink together? My treat."

Yan Si's body stiffened for a fraction of a second before returning to natural.

He turned his head, looking at Hirako Shinji with his calm, unperturbed eyes, his tone businesslike and steady:

"Thank you for the kind offer, Captain Hirako. I've expended a lot of energy this time and need to return to rest as soon as possible."

"Is that so?" Hirako's hand on his shoulder didn't move; instead, he leaned closer, lowering his voice.

"That's right. You did 'save' quite a few people today, didn't you? Those Division Members you replaced on the battlefield will probably become your most loyal readers back there, fiercely supporting your new book sales, huh?"

Yan Si's eyebrow twitched almost imperceptibly.

As expected. His little plan to "prioritize rescuing the exhausted" couldn't be hidden from these perceptive, experienced old foxes.

He maintained his composure, his voice clear:

"The Hollows had already been suppressed and their numbers significantly reduced. Prioritizing the safety of exhausted comrades and preventing unnecessary casualties was a reasonable judgment based on the battlefield situation. Nothing more."

"Hmm, a reasonable judgment, a correct choice."

Hirako Shinji nodded in agreement, but then his tone shifted, and he asked a seemingly unrelated question.

"Speaking of which, Fifth Seat Yan Si, do you have a nickname like 'Noble Young Master' in Soul Society? Tell me, have you ever thought about becoming a noble yourself someday?"

The question was rather abrupt.

Even Aizen, who had been standing quietly a short distance away, as if admiring the halo of the Senkaimon, seemed drawn to the topic. He slightly turned his head, directing his gaze towards Yan Si, his eyes behind his glasses holding a gentle inquiry.

Yan Si's face remained impassive.

He looked directly at Hirako Shinji and replied as if stating a fact:

"Captain Hirako is joking. I come from Runlin An, just an ordinary soul. I have no connection to nobles, nor do I harbor such ambitions."

"Oh? You don't know