BOOM!
A massive, blinding bolt of lightning split the entire sky in an instant.
Beneath the gloomy heavens, a fine drizzle, dense as cowhair, slowly began to fall.
Several figures walked slowly beneath the shade of the trees in a forest made especially lush by the rain.
"What dreadful weather. Compared to the Land of Rain, the weather in the Land of Rivers isn't much better."
At that moment, among the group of three, silver-haired Gin raised an arm to shield his forehead and complained in a flippant tone.
Hearing him, Ulquiorra merely glanced at him lightly without saying anything.
Then he looked toward Aizen, who walked at the very front with an incomparably upright posture, and asked respectfully.
"Lord Aizen, is it truly all right to give those reagents to that child?"
Hearing Ulquiorra's words from behind him, Aizen continued walking steadily. He merely turned his head slightly to glance at him with a smile, his voice gentle and kind.
"What are you worried about, Ulquiorra?"
Ulquiorra's expression froze slightly at Aizen's words, while Aizen continued with a smile.
"Are you worried that child will rebel against me?"
Ulquiorra hurriedly lowered his head and said respectfully.
"Your subordinate would not dare!"
Aizen waved a hand and chuckled softly.
"There is no need to be so restrained, Ulquiorra."
"Rest assured, that child is very interesting. He is different from all of you. I could see it in his eyes—a look that would spare nothing, even if it meant sacrificing everything he had, for the sake of something he desired."
At this point, the corners of Aizen's lips rose slightly, a sharp gleam flashing through his profound eyes as he smiled softly.
"That look was very resolute. So... all I need to do is show that child what he desires in