Within the Land of Rivers.
Dark clouds blanketed the sky, as though a torrential downpour would come pouring down at any moment.
At that moment, three figures suddenly appeared atop a towering building within the Land of Rivers.
Rumble!
A dazzling bolt of lightning suddenly tore through the sky, its blazing blue radiance revealing the newcomers.
"Captain Aizen, did we come here to see those children?"
At that moment, a frivolous laugh rang out from atop the towering building.
Under the gloomy weather, a tall figure stood there in a carefree manner, a lazy smile on his pale face.
Hearing him, Aizen, who stood before him, slightly turned his head.
A smile lingered in his deep eyes as he glanced at him and said softly.
"They are no longer the children you speak of. Over these years, you should have received more information than I have, Gin."
Hearing Aizen's words, Gin's lips curved slightly upward. Brilliant blue light flickered within his narrowed eyes as he said softly.
"You're right. Over these years, the reputation Akatsuki has made for itself in the Ninja World truly does not pale in comparison to Las Noches."
At this point, he paused before continuing softly.
"Still, it surprises me greatly. I mean humanity's potential."
"In merely ten years, those children's strength should have increased by an unknown number of times compared to before."
Hearing him, Aizen smiled, his voice magnetic as he said.
"You're right. Humans truly are remarkably fascinating creatures. Perhaps you will understand once you meet them."
With that, he slowly walked toward the interior of the pitch-black building.
Behind him, Ulquiorra, who had also followed Aizen here, cast a brief glance at Gin with his emerald eyes. He remained silent and closely followed Aizen's footsteps.
Seeing this, Gin's lips curled up slightly.