The following day.
Outside Kirigakure, shrouded in thick fog, in a forest filled with towering trees.
Green grass covered the ground, with a few drops of water clinging to its blades, leaving it damp.
"Rustle!" "Rustle!"...
A series of soft rustling sounds came from beyond the bushes. A tall figure slowly made his way through the dense forest and appeared.
The newcomer had long black hair and a cold, pale face.
Beneath the bangs falling over his forehead, a pair of crimson eyes surveyed his surroundings, his lips pressed into a thin line.
Just then.
A rich, magnetic chuckle came from the shadows nearby.
"Tokino, long time no see."
At the sound of that voice from the shadows, Tokino's body gave an almost imperceptible shiver. His crimson eyes turned solemn as he slowly looked toward the patch of darkness.
"Tap!" "Tap!" "Tap!"...
Measured footsteps gradually rang out.
From among the shadows cast by the trees, a tall figure slowly emerged.
His hair was brushed slightly back, and he exuded an air of rebelliousness and unparalleled confidence.
A smile played on the lips of his sharply defined face. His deep-set eyes gleamed as he looked at Tokino, as if gazing upon a treasured work of art he had meticulously crafted.
Seeing him emerge from the shadows, Tokino lowered his crimson gaze, restraining the chill in his eyes, and said respectfully, "Aizen... sir..."
At his words, Aizen's lips curved into a smile. He sized Tokino up and chuckled. "You've changed, Tokino. I like this side of you."
It was impossible to tell what he meant. Did he like Tokino's respectful demeanor, or did he admire the way Tokino kept everything buried deep inside as he lay low?
Tokino wasn't sure, either. He could only pretend not to understand and reply softly, "You've