After Sasuke left, within the deep, gloomy palace where Kyoka Suigetsu resided.
"Though they can hardly be called companions, those Uchiha Clan people are still among Lord Aizen's subordinates. If we can return to the Seireitei someday, those guys would make for quite decent fighting force."
A slender figure slowly emerged from the darkness.
Wrapped in a white haori, he wore a frivolous smile and spoke with a soft chuckle, his eyes narrowed.
"So... is it really appropriate to promise away such a fighting force, Lady Suigetsu?"
The one standing before Kyoka Suigetsu was naturally Gin Ichimaru, now an imperial inspector. He appeared completely unguarded, yet his body was ready to tense at any moment.
Seated upon a stone throne, Kyoka Suigetsu, clad in a red-and-black kimono, cast him an indifferent glance. Her crimson lips parted, and her clear voice slowly rang through the hall.
"Then what do you intend to do? Arrest me and hand me over to Lord Aizen, Gin Ichimaru?"
Upon hearing that, Gin Ichimaru hurriedly waved his hands, smiling with narrowed eyes.
"Oh my, how could that be!"
"Do you truly think I'm such a tactless person, Lady Suigetsu?"
As he spoke, a hint of blue pupil showed through his narrowed eyes, glinting as he chuckled.
"Besides... even if I wanted to do that, against Lady Suigetsu as you are now, I'm afraid I wouldn't stand the slightest chance."
"I'm not like Barragan, one of those fellows who enjoys making trouble for himself!"
Kyoka Suigetsu lightly covered her mouth and gave a languid yawn. Looking utterly listless, she waved a hand and said impatiently.
"Enough. It matters little what a fellow like you does. Speak—what did you come here for? Don't tell me you came all this way merely because of that child."
"If your answer