Warm sunlight bathed the lush trees, filling them with boundless vitality.
A gentle, warm breeze drifted across the treetops. The leaves swayed softly, their rustling as if celebrating the joyful moment.
At that very moment, a figure resembling a pitcher plant stood quietly atop a massive tree trunk.
Wrapped in what looked like vegetation was a wholly white body. He gazed silently at the emerald leaves beneath the sunlight, his reddish-yellow eyes open.
An indescribable expression flickered in those strange eyes.
Just as he was lost in his thoughts, a magnetic voice suddenly rang out.
"Zetsu, I sense your confusion."
At the sound of the voice, White Zetsu's body trembled slightly, and he came out of his strange reverie. He slowly turned around and spread his arms, an awkward smile appearing on his face as he looked at the newcomer.
"Lord Aizen, you're overthinking it. What right does someone like me have to worry about such things?"
"Whoosh..."
A breeze drifted past. From the shadows on the tree trunk where he stood, a tall figure slowly emerged.
A hint of a smile played at Aizen's lips, and an inscrutable glint shone in his deep-set eyes. He chuckled softly.
"Right?"
"Are you questioning the meaning of your own existence, Zetsu?"
At Aizen's words, White Zetsu fell silent. He turned his head to the side, seemingly unwilling to show his expression just then, and gazed at the leaves on the branches with a troubled look.
"Even trees grow from seeds, step by step. They yearn for sunlight, they yearn to flourish..."
"But what about me...? I don't even know what I was born from... Why am I alive, existing in this form? Is there any meaning to my continued existence?"
His gaze lowered slightly, and an indescribable pain filled his reddish-yellow pupils.