"No, I'm just saying it's a possibility. After all, Hitsugaya Toshiro's strength is not weak. Moreover, regardless of who wins or loses, it's not beneficial for the Gotei 13," Aizen explained.
"Tch! What does that have to do with me? All I want is battle and slaughter. Everything else is irrelevant," Zaraki said indifferently.
"Hey, how about you fight me instead?" Zaraki said, looking at Aizen.
"No, Captain Kenpachi, you jest. You are the Captain of the strongest combat division. How could I be your match?" Aizen declined.
"Hmph, coward!" Zaraki snorted disdainfully, then turned and left.
"Ken-chan, where are we going now?" Yachiru asked.
"I'm in a bad mood. Let's not return to the division just yet. Let's go out for a walk, see if we can run into some Hollows," Zaraki said casually.
Watching Zaraki's departing figure, a subtle smile of success played on Aizen's lips.
During the Captain's Meeting, Aizen had repeatedly praised Toshiro's strength precisely to draw Zaraki's attention.
Even his words just now were a form of reverse psychology.
Someone like Zaraki existed solely for battle and slaughter, reveling in fighting all kinds of strong opponents.
The reason he joined the Gotei 13 in the first place was because most of the Soul Society's strongest were gathered there.
Therefore, upon learning of Toshiro's strength, he would inevitably want to fight him.
And this was exactly Aizen's goal.
After his plan failed last time due to Toshiro's interference, Aizen had been pondering how to deal with Toshiro.
A proud genius like Toshiro could never be subdued and used as a disposable pawn.
But leaving him unchecked, given Toshiro's talent, he would rapidly grow into a powerful opponent.
He would undoubtedly become a significant obstacle to Aizen's plans in the future.
If Aizen were to act personally, any exposure that drew attention would jeopardize his entire scheme.
Thus, Aizen conceived this plan of using a borrowed blade to kill. Whether it succeeded or not, he had nothing to lose.
'Old habits die hard. Even with Captain Commander's warning, if you were to encounter Toshiro Hitsugaya face-to-face, Zaraki Kenpachi, would you still be able to restrain yourself?'
Thinking this, Aizen secretly followed Zaraki.
Then, he activated his Kyoka Suigetsu's ability, subtly influencing Zaraki's and Yachiru's sense of direction, guiding them towards Toshiro's location.
'So then, Hitsugaya Toshiro, can you perform another miracle this time and defeat Zaraki Kenpachi? I'm quite curious.'
Although he said he was curious, Aizen didn't believe for a second that Toshiro could defeat Zaraki.
While Toshiro had defeated a Captain-level Menos Grande, that was only at the early Captain-level, the lowest tier among Captains.
Any Captain in the Gotei 13 could easily defeat such an opponent.
Let alone Zaraki. It must be remembered that throughout the generations, the title of [Kenpachi] represented the strongest Shinigami in the Gotei 13 (excluding the Captain-Commander, of course).
Although due to certain reasons, Zaraki's current strength was far from his peak, and the title of 'strongest Shinigami' might be somewhat inflated, he was still vastly stronger than Toshiro Hitsugaya.
…
"Achoo!"
Just as Toshiro was about to go find Momo, he suddenly sneezed.
"Could Momo be thinking about me too?" Toshiro wondered, completely unaware of the conspiracy Aizen had set in motion.
Shin'o Academy, First Year, Class 1.
Although class was in session, students kept glancing towards the window from time to time.
Hoping to catch a glimpse of the figure they were so grateful to and admired.
Outside the window.
Toshiro was sitting on the corridor outside the classroom, leaning against a pillar, resting.
Although Toshiro had been there for a while, Momo was in class and couldn't come out to join him.
During this time, the homeroom teacher of Class 1, Ounabara Gengoro, had come out to invite him in to sit, since he was once a student of Class 1 as well.
However, Toshiro declined. Ever since he saved the Class 1's students during the Living World training, and after witnessing his strength, these people were filled with gratitude and admiration for him.
Just sitting outside the window, people kept looking at him. Entering the classroom would be worse… probably no one would be able to focus on studying.
After waiting for a while, classes finally ended.
Instantly, all the students surged out, surrounding Toshiro.
The thunderous footsteps nearly shook the floor.
"Hitsugaya-senpai, hello, long time no see," One student said.
'Long time no see? It's been less than two days since the living world training,' Toshiro silently complained.
"Hitsugaya-senpai, did you come specifically to see us?" Another student asked.
'Sorry to disappoint, but I'm here to see my girlfriend,' Toshiro thought sarcastically.
"Hitsugaya-senpai, I want to have your babies!" A girl boldly shouted.
"Uh... let's not. Maybe let Momo handle the baby-having part," Toshiro said, glancing at the girl and refusing with some difficulty.
"Hey! Move aside, everyone, move aside!" Renji forced his way through the crowd, creating a path.
Behind him were Momo and Kira.
"Toshiro, sorry, I was in class just now and couldn't come out to see you," Momo said.
"No, it's my bad timing. Alright, let's go," Toshiro said, standing up.
"Everyone, please make way. We need to leave," Toshiro said to the students surrounding them.
Amidst reluctant gazes, Toshiro, Momo, and the others gradually disappeared.
They first went to Class 2 to find Rukia, then gathered under a large tree to have their packed lunches.
"Nom-"
Toshiro took a bite of the lunch Momo had made.
"Mmm, tastes great, Momo. Your cooking has improved again," Toshiro said, nodding in approval.
"Hey, Renji, you're a real light bulb, you know."
Toshiro frowned, looking at Renji, who was shoveling his lunch into his mouth next to them, making loud chewing sounds.
It was ruining his mood for chatting with Momo.
"Light bulb? What's that?" Renji paused and asked.
"A light bulb... must be that thing we saw during the Living World training, that thing that glows, used for lighting," Kira mused.
"Oh. But, Toshiro, I'm not a light bulb. Why'd you say that?" Renji asked, confused.
"Well, forget it. It's nothing," Toshiro said, feeling mentally exhausted.