As the veiled clashes in the exchange among several people in the grand hall unfolded, Aizen merely watched with a smile in his eyes, showing no intention of stopping them.
The two following behind Barragan, however, remained very quiet after entering.
They took it upon themselves to stand beside Hyuga Minato, paying no attention to the others. Their eyes watched their noses, their noses watched their mouths; the leader in particular looked as though he had no desire to deal with anyone.
Behind him, a dainty figure gazed happily up at Aizen. Her exquisite little face, untouched by the passage of time, wore an expression of reassurance.
They were Uchiha Tokino and Uchiha Sakuya.
Seemingly noticing that her brother had been sullen ever since entering, Sakuya wore a helpless expression and jabbed him hard from behind.
"Uh..."
Noticing Sakuya's action, Uchiha Tokino looked helpless. He glanced behind him, then reluctantly raised his head to look at Aizen above, saying with an indifferent expression, "Greetings, Lord Aizen!"
Aizen, seated above, had naturally noticed Sakuya's action. A smile appeared in his deep eyes as he returned her glance, then looked toward Tokino. His gaze shifted slightly, as though probing for something, before he finally smiled softly and said, "No need to stand on ceremony... Tokino..."
Hearing this, Tokino nodded and said nothing more.
However, as he stepped back to his place, he glanced at the cold-faced Hyuga Minato beside him. Upon noticing the obvious changes in the other man's Byakugan, he narrowed his eyes slightly and said calmly in a low voice, "I didn't expect you to ultimately do such a thing..."
Hyuga Minato naturally heard him. His expression did not change in the slightest as he replied coldly, "There is nothing wrong with it. I am different from you..."
"Being able