365. Zetsu, the Originator

Warm sunlight shone down upon the lush trees, bringing with it an infinite sense of vitality.

A gentle, balmy breeze brushed across the treetops, causing the leaves to sway softly; the rustling sound they made seemed to be celebrating this joy.

At this very moment, perched atop a massive tree trunk, a figure resembling a pitcher plant stood quietly.

Wrapped within the vegetation-like pitcher plant was a body entirely white in color, and he was staring silently at the verdant leaves under the sunlight with a pair of reddish-yellow eyes.

There was an indescribable, unfathomable expression in those strange eyes.

Just as he was immersed in his own world of thought, a magnetic voice suddenly resonated through the area.

"Zetsu, I sense your confusion."

Hearing this voice, White Zetsu's body gave a slight jolt. He pulled himself out of that strange mood, turned slowly, and spread his hands. With a slightly awkward smile on his face, he looked at the newcomer and said softly.

"Lord Aizen, you worry too much. What right does a fellow like me have to ponder such things?"

"Whoosh—"

A light breeze swept by. From the shadows on the tree trunk where he stood, a tall figure slowly emerged.

Aizen wore a smile at the corner of his mouth, and a glimmer of something unfathomable flickered in his deep eyes as he chuckled.

"Right?"

"Are you questioning the meaning of your own existence, Zetsu?"

Hearing Aizen's words, White Zetsu fell into a brief silence. He turned his head away, seemingly unwilling to reveal his expression, and looked at the leaves on the branches with a confused gaze.

"Even these trees grow step by step from seeds; they yearn for the sunlight, they yearn to flourish..."

"But as for me... I don't even know what I was