Seireitei, Fifth Division Barracks.
Before a dim oil lamp, Sosuke Aizen slowly closed the book in his hands and set it on the desk before him. In a gentle tone, he asked, "Gin, what brings you here so late?"
Gin Ichimaru suddenly appeared in front of Sosuke Aizen. His foxlike, narrowed eyes glanced at the book on the desk, and a strange look flickered across his face.
The book's cover bore the words Epic of Gilgamesh.
Gin Ichimaru knew this book.
A day earlier, Gin Ichimaru and Sosuke Aizen had secretly traveled to Naruki City in the Human World to conduct experiments on Soul Reapers' Hollowfication. They had also hoped to find Shinji Hirako and the others, who were hiding in the Human World.
They were Sosuke Aizen's test subjects, and Kisuke Urahara had rescued them afterward.
Sosuke Aizen knew that Kisuke Urahara would be able to resolve the Hollowfication problem affecting them.
That also meant that capturing them could bring a great reward and perhaps take his research on the Hogyoku to a new level.
So Sosuke Aizen had never given up searching for them.
This time, he had chosen Naruki City as the site of the experiment because he had gathered information suggesting they had been active there.
Conducting Hollowfication experiments on Soul Reapers in their territory was undoubtedly a provocation. It reopened their wounds, and if anger drove them to act rashly, they might walk right into a trap.
Gin Ichimaru had assumed Sosuke Aizen would stay behind as usual, manipulating everything from the shadows.
But after they arrived in Naruki City, Sosuke Aizen sent him to capture the Soul Reapers stationed in the Human World, while he went to the largest bookstore in town.
By the time they met again, Sosuke Aizen was already engrossed in Epic of Gilgamesh.
He was so absorbed in it that he barely paid attention to the Soul Reaper Hollowfication experiment, leaving it to Gin Ichimaru instead.
Gin Ichimaru was curious. What kind of book could have such a hold on Sosuke Aizen?
Sosuke Aizen hadn't kept it from him. He had told Gin Ichimaru the title and contents of the book.
When Gin Ichimaru learned it was called Epic of Gilgamesh, he froze. His narrowed eyes widened, and his face filled with disbelief.
Of course Gin Ichimaru knew Gilgamesh. He was the top student of this year's class at Shin'o Academy, and the most talented student in the academy's history.
But what was this Epic of Gilgamesh?
And what was Sosuke Aizen thinking?
Did he really believe that the Gilgamesh currently at Shin'o Academy was the ancient King of Heroes, the oldest human hero from more than six thousand years ago, described in Epic of Gilgamesh?
The many questions that had flashed through Gin Ichimaru's mind that day still hadn't been answered.
He had tried to ask Sosuke Aizen indirectly, but Aizen had only given him an ambiguous response.
After turning it over in his mind, Gin Ichimaru quickly put the matter aside and looked at Sosuke Aizen. "I just saw something interesting."
Sosuke Aizen's gentle expression didn't change. He asked with interest, "Oh? What was it?"
Gin Ichimaru didn't hide anything. "Captain Shiba returned to the barracks a little while ago. Judging by his appearance, he'd just been through a fierce battle with someone."
"Not only that, he's decided to investigate the deaths of the Soul Reapers stationed in the Human World in Naruki City himself."
Sosuke Aizen raised an eyebrow slightly and asked the crucial question. "Will the Captain-Commander let him go?"
Gin Ichimaru's narrowed eyes opened a fraction, a dangerous glint showing within them. With a soft chuckle, he replied, "No. From the looks of it, he intends to sneak off."
"Captain Aizen, don't you think we could make use of this?"
Sosuke Aizen knew Gin Ichimaru didn't mean reporting Captain Shiba.
Although that would get Isshin Shiba punished, the consequences would be minor and ultimately meaningless.
Gin Ichimaru meant making Isshin Shiba a test subject for Hollowfication.
Not long ago, Sosuke Aizen would have agreed with the suggestion.
They still hadn't found Shinji Hirako and the others, so Isshin Shiba could serve as a replacement.
But now Sosuke Aizen had his reservations.
Sosuke Aizen was not only meticulous; his insight was terrifying.
He had noticed that ever since Gilgamesh appeared, more and more things had begun to slip from his control.
It displeased him and made him feel threatened.
He knew he hadn't yet grown strong enough to reveal himself.
At the same time, Sosuke Aizen had grown increasingly curious about Gilgamesh.
He seemed to remember hearing the name Gilgamesh in the Human World, which was why he had gone there to look for books about him.
Now Isshin Shiba was going to sneak into the Human World alone just for the sake of one low-ranking Soul Reaper. That was clearly out of character and unlike the laid-back Isshin Shiba who loved to slack off.
Clearly, Isshin Shiba's unusual behavior had also slipped beyond Sosuke Aizen's control.
And taking action against someone beyond his control without careful thought would only increase the risk of exposure.
Of course, what concerned Sosuke Aizen most was whether Isshin Shiba's unusual behavior was connected to Gilgamesh as well.
As he considered it, Sosuke Aizen fell into thought and didn't answer Gin Ichimaru.
Gin Ichimaru couldn't help looking surprised.
Based on what he knew of Sosuke Aizen, Aizen shouldn't have let such a good opportunity pass him by.
Still, Gin Ichimaru didn't interrupt his thoughts. He waited quietly.
As he waited, Gin Ichimaru couldn't resist picking up Epic of Gilgamesh from the desk and leafing through it.
This was the first time Gin Ichimaru had read the book.
He wanted to see what kind of magic it held to have Sosuke Aizen so enthralled.
As he read, Gin Ichimaru too found himself gradually drawn in, even imagining Gilgamesh as the hero in the story.
At some point, Sosuke Aizen had stopped thinking. Seeing Gin Ichimaru engrossed in the book, he didn't disturb him. He simply smiled faintly, then stood and left.
There were some things he had to verify for himself.
The next day, Sosuke Aizen "coincidentally" ran into Isshin Shiba.
Looking at Isshin Shiba's back, Sosuke Aizen smiled warmly as usual. "Captain Shiba, what a coincidence. I didn't expect to run into you here."
At the sound of Sosuke Aizen's voice, Isshin Shiba's heart tensed.
On the surface, Isshin Shiba remained calm. He turned with a smile and greeted Sosuke Aizen. "Hey, Captain Aizen. Where are you headed?"
Sosuke Aizen replied, "I have some business to take care of in the Twelfth Division."
Isshin Shiba didn't care where Sosuke Aizen was going. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he left.
Once Isshin Shiba was gone, Sosuke Aizen's smile gradually faded, and his brow furrowed slightly.
Isshin Shiba had hidden it well, but Sosuke Aizen's keen perception still let him sense Isshin's wariness toward him.
Now that was interesting.
He had only meant to test whether Isshin Shiba's unusual behavior was connected to Gilgamesh.
But it seemed Isshin Shiba's behavior was actually connected to him.
Then who had caused Isshin Shiba to act so strangely?
As he pondered this, a gentle smile suddenly returned to Sosuke Aizen's face. He thought to himself, Gilgamesh, it looks like I'll have to meet you in person.
And it'll give you a chance to see my Illusion...
Before you continue