Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Daydreams Come True ❯ Sosuke Aizen ( Chapter 12 )

Tite Kubo owns Bleach. I just borrowed the characters.

 

This chapter is dedicated to yuwa who has provided consistent support and reviews! Thank you yuwa and I'm not trying to imply that you're anything like Aizen, unless you want to be. XD

 

The featured character is:

Sosuke Aizen

 

To anyone looking into his office, it would appear that Captain Aizen was methodically doing his paperwork. His office was quiet as he bent his head over the paper on which he was writing. A breeze wafted through the window and gently ruffled Aizen's hair.

 

The office was rather austere. There was the desk and two chairs. A vase of wisteria was at one end of the desk, placed there by his doting Assistant-Captain. Paperwork was neatly arranged and the surface of the desk showed no sign of dust. The bookshelf contained neatly regimented books and folders. A bowl of ripe plums was on the windowsill. Everything in the office was representative of the way a Captain of the Gotei 13 should appear, except for the mind of the man who sat behind the desk.

 

“A better result than I had hoped,” he mused as he wrote another lie. “Zaraki is angry with Byakuya Kuchiki. That is a bonus. It was clever of Gin to manipulate that situation. It would be good if I could improve on that particular dispute. It also put Kuchiki off balance which is precisely what is needed. I can rely on his sense of honour to take care of some of the other problems. I like having Zaraki angry. It amuses me to watch him trying to fight everyone. If they fought, I wonder who would win. Zaraki? Kuchiki? Later, I might “persuade” Gin to stimulate that dispute a little and actually get those two fighting. A little word there; a sly rumour here. Gin is so good at starting rumours. It's even more fun when I turn the rumours against him.”

 

Aizen stopped writing and looked out the window. The day was warm and a few clouds marred the otherwise perfect blue of the sky. He did not see the sky or the clouds. His thoughts were centred on the next move in his campaign.

 

“I wonder when the ryoka will arrive. Urahara will certainly make all efforts to retrieve the Hyogyoku. I don't think he'll attend to this himself. He swore never to return to the Seireitei. So, who will he send? There's not much choice. Probably the child Rukia gave her powers to, no, wait, he should be dead. Knowing Urahara, maybe the child isn't dead. I'm interested to see what will happen.”

 

Tired of sitting idle and bored with the lies he was writing, Aizen decided to go for a walk. Walking often gave him new insights. He might also hear the gossip about how the news of the execution was being received.

 

He left the office, carefully shutting the door. Then he hesitated, undecided which direction he should walk. It was not his style to be seen wandering aimlessly. Who could he visit to sow those few poisonous words that would bear the fruit to support his plans?

 

While he stood there considering the matter, Hinamori came running up to him. He pretended he had just been opening the door. It would not be prudent to allow her to guess he had been unsure of his next action. The man he portrayed might be a gentle, caring person, but he did not hesitate.

 

“What can I do for you, Assistant-Captain Hinamori?” he asked politely. “Would you like to come into the office and talk? I think I have some fruit you might enjoy.”

 

"Thank you Captain. I would like to talk. I'm worried,” she replied shyly.

 

Aizen opened the door fully and ushered his Assistant-Captain inside. “Please take a seat. Here are some fresh plums,” he said. As he watched her take one and bite into it with sharp white teeth he remembered Gin's comments.

 

“I don't think she's an underdeveloped little plum. I think she is ripe for the plucking.” He observed her covertly, allowing his eyes to stray to her face, her breasts and lower as she talked about her concerns in relation to the sentence of execution. She was small, but well formed. Aizen was sure she was untouched. Her naivety was palpable. The only other candidate for her virginity was Toshiro, but he was too impressed by his own rank and too careful of honour to consider forming a liaison, yet. The boy was a major prig. Always insisting on being given his correct title. He was still too new to the authority to allow any deviation from the correct forms. He would learn; if he lived long enough. It was obvious to Aizen that the boy held some romantic notions about Hinamori but was too proud to do anything.

 

As Hinamori spoke, he listened with half an ear and returned to his thoughts. “Hinamori might provide a few hours distraction, but is it worth it? I could take my pleasure as I wish with her. I'm sure she would deny me nothing. It could be fun, breaking her in. As Gin said, she does display a doglike devotion. Maybe she would welcome the attention. I like unspoilt virgins and it would upset Toshiro. That makes the impulse to act even more alluring. Not yet, though. There is time yet to enjoy her while the puppets are put into place. Or maybe I will just flirt with her enough to ensure her continuing devotion. Or both.”

 

“I understand your concern,” he said aloud as Hinamori paused to draw breath. “It is very upsetting and it has been a long time since we last had an execution in the Seireitei. I'm sure that Captain Ukitake and Captain Kuchiki are appealing against the decision. The request of the head of a noble house and her Captain will carry a great amount of weight with Centre 46. However, to please you, I will also appeal against the decision. I'm not sure I will be successful. I didn't know you were so close to Miss Kuchiki.”

 

“I'm not that close to her. We were in the same year at the Academy, but I am friends with Renji and Renji was friends with her,” Hinamori explained. “I don't think she did anything that warrants death. Thank you Captain. I know you will do your best for her. You are a good and kind man.”

 

The fervour in her words was not displeasing to Aizen, even though he knew the true lie behind his façade.

 

“You are too kind, Assistant-Captain. Now, is there anything else? As you are in earnest, I will break with tradition and appeal the decision on your behalf, immediately.”

 

Hinamori's face lit up. “You will? So soon? Captain, you are so benevolent. I am lucky to be your Assistant-Captain. I'm sure all the other Assistant-Captains are envious of my position.”

 

Aizen chuckled gently. Inside he was laughing at her compliments. She was so gullible. “If only she knew. If all follows my plan she will never know. I didn't realise how enjoyable it would be to experience such adoration for an action I will not take. She never questions my actions like Gin would. Pretty little fool. Maybe I will indulge myself with her later,” Aizen thought.

 

He rose to his feet and ushered Hinamori out of his office. He paused again, to make certain that his office was secured.

 

"May I escort you, Captain?” Hinamori asked eagerly.

 

"There's no need Assistant-Captain. I'm sure there are other matters which require your attention. I'll send for you on my return,” Aizen replied smiling at her and patting her gently on the shoulder.

 

The touch made her blush prettily as she turned and left. He allowed his gaze to follow her. She turned and waved at him happily and then continued walking. Aizen cleared his throat and walked in the opposite direction. He may as well check how things were progressing in Centre 46. Tosen should be there monitoring events. While he was there, Aizen decided to test the replica body further. It had to be able to fool Retsu and that would not be easy. She was very astute and would see any flaws quickly, even under hypnosis.

 

Aizen reflected on his plans as he walked, smiling politely at anyone he passed and replying to greetings. Everyone seemed to have a kind word or a smile for him today. A few members of his division spoke to him briefly about their reactions to the news of the execution. He replied with a few meaningless, comfort words that seemed to satisfy their shallow needs.

 

Aizen revelled in power. The power of providing comfort and guidance, while subtly planting the thorny seeds of doubt. The power over his doting Assistant-Captain. The power of sex he particularly savoured. He enjoyed sex, but never allowed any one else to take the initiative. Sex was about domination and lust and taking satisfaction. The other person was just the receptacle, nothing more. If they weren't satisfied that was not his concern.

 

Originally, when Aizen became a Shinigami, he'd planned to kill Yamamoto and become Captain-General of the Gotei 13. Power was all. Reading through the libraries, he's uncovered secret knowledge which changed his mind. Why aim at something as lowly as a Captain-General? He could be so much more. Power was all he wanted and there were so many ways he could exert power. As Captain he possessed the insignificant power over the people in his division. Not enough power and the power could be challenged at any time by the Captain-General. That was not power. It was vassal status.

 

Working through the information he'd realised he would need allies among the elite. He would at least call them allies, but he would be the master and they would be his vassals. In his mind he saw them only as puppets that he could manipulate at will.

 

Aizen smiled to himself as he recalled how much Gin resented the serf status. It pleased Aizen to control Gin by limiting his power, his knowledge and his passion. No matter how much Gin protested that he did not care about Matsumoto, he could not mislead Aizen.

 

Tosen had suggested placing the idea in Toshiro's mind that Gin wanted to swap Assistant-Captain's. Gin had been trying to assert his independence too much, recently and this would serve to bring him back into line for a little time. It was a gentle reminder of his place. Aizen was aware how much Gin resented Aizen's firm statement that he still considered Gin as his Assistant-Captain. He mentioned this to Gin on a few occasions, knowing the reaction it would arouse. Each time, while Gin maintained his grin, Aizen would notice it falter for a moment. It pleased Aizen how, with a few words he could strip Gin of his rank and remind him of his subordinate status.

 

Briefly Aizen toyed with the idea of fulfilling one of his threats against Gin. Matsumoto might be fun, but to use a threat was to lose that threat. It would be foolish to lose any of the power he had now. Maybe later, he would fulfil one or more of the threats. It could wait until he had consolidated his power. Aizen again blessed the luck that gave him a zanpaku-to with his particular gift. Blackmail was an art form which Aizen had perfected. Gin was never sure which particular lever Aizen would use against him, but ultimately it was the promise of power as much as the blackmail that kept him in line. Just a few hints here and there about the plan and Gin fell into line. Maybe Gin would try to supplant him once he had achieved power, but Aizen would make certain that the blackmail held. No point in giving away any power he could keep.

 

Tosen was less complicated. Aizen only had to mention the justice that would be delivered under his regime. Tosen was obsessed by his version of justice which had changed considerably under Aizen's “gentle” tutelage.

 

Aizen had glibly agreed to the execution of Zaraki as soon as was practicable to confirm Tosen's loyalty. Why the man had the fixation on Zaraki, Aizen believed he could understand. Tosen did not feel secure in his position and was fearful that a powerful Shinigami might attempt to gain his Captaincy by killing him in a fight. Zaraki was the proof that it could happen. To live with that fear was making Tosen unbalanced, not that he was particularly rational to begin with.

 

The man was a mesh of walking obsessions. He was obsessed that people thought he was weak because he had been born blind. He was weak because his best friend had been killed by a Shinigami. He was weak because he wasn't as strong as Zaraki (who was?); as young and intelligent as Toshiro, as kind as Unohana or as beloved as Ukitake. The list went on. Aizen sometimes amused himself by adding yet another perceived weakness to Tosen's list. Aizen pulled the puppets' strings and the puppet responded as expected. It amused him almost as much as teasing people amused Gin.

 

He finally arrived at Centre 46 and checked. The area was deserted. He pushed open the door and entered.

 

The reek of blood and slight stench of decay assaulted his nostrils. He inhaled deeply. The scent of victory. The first major operation in his plan and he had succeeded. At first he had been concerned that Gin and Tosen might baulk at killing people who were perceived as their masters. A few tugs on their strings and it didn't take much to persuade them of the justice or expediency of the executions. Aizen did not see the wholesale slaughter as murder; it was execution of the old guard to make way for the new order. It was a purification ritual to cleanse the path on which his feet were set. What were a few paltry sacrifices when you considered the whole scheme? They were less than nothing. He removed his glasses and put them in a pocket. It was a relief to be able to shed one of the trappings of his false self.

 

Tosen appeared, having heard Aizen's entrance.

 

“Can't we clear away the bodies?” he asked urgently.

 

“No. I like it like this. It is a reminder of the commitment we have made. If we clear away the bodies, it is as if we are apologising for the justice we have correctly meted out. They are a reminder, that all who are judged guilty will be executed,” Aizen reminded Tosen.

 

“Like that scoundrel, Zaraki?” Tosen spat out the name, hatred evident in his tone.

 

“Yes, like Zaraki,” Aizen assured Tosen. “He too will be judged, found guilty and executed.”

 

There was a pause as Aizen waited for Tosen to recover from his anger.

 

`Did anything happen, while you were here?” he asked Tosen.

 

“We received a few Hell butterflies asking that Rukia's sentence be repealed. One from her Captain and one from Unohana. None from her brother, of course,” Tosen replied.

 

“We won't receive one from him, of that I am certain,” Aizen said smiling. “Not that it matters. We both know the sentence must and will be carried out. I have decided this is the will of Centre 46, and so it will be.”

 

Tosen's face wore a strange expression at the last assertion. Aizen ignored the look. Tosen was under his control. It wouldn't take much to distract him. “It was good work Gin did, stirring up the animosity between Kuchiki and Zaraki,” Aizen said pointedly, anticipating the reaction he would elicit from the comment.

 

“I don't want the girl's brother to kill that monster,” Tosen raged. “I want him to know it is by my will that judgement has been passed and execution enacted. He should know that his guilt will not be absolved by his death.” His composure cracked.

 

“Your will?” Aizen prodded gently.

 

“I mean our will,” Tosen scowled.

 

Aizen smiled complacently. “I think I can take care of things here, Tosen. Remind Gin to relieve me in a few hours. I still need to set a few more things in motion, but for now I need quiet. I want to plan things out.”

 

Tosen nodded and left.

 

Aizen wandered through the blood drenched rooms, thoughts competing for his attention. He came to the room where his replica lay. It still retained his form. He had compared them in a mirror, noting that there were no flaws. He'd tricked Gin with it once and noted the fixed smile waver. Aizen was unsure if he was relieved or concerned that the promise of power might be taken from him with the death of Aizen. If the replica could fool Gin, he was quite sure it would fool others.

 

Again Aizen wondered how long it would be before the invasion of Soul Society took place. He hoped it would be soon, preferably within the next day. He chafed at the delay. Every day of waiting meant another day wasted; a further impediment in his pursuit of power. Once the ryoka came he could put the rest of the plan into motion. A few more elements of discord were needed so he could move freely when the time came. It would be entertaining to set all the Captains and Assistant-Captains against each other and watch the Seireitei break under the rivalries.

 

Aizen believed in destiny. His destiny was manifest by how easily his plans had been devised. These events were meant to happen. It had been hard to be patient at times, anticipating the future he would create. Some days it had been difficult to maintain the careful mask of the kind and patient Captain. He'd watched others play their little power games, whilst he was in the midst of planning the biggest play for power. Sometimes he wanted to laugh as he heard the other Captains vying for power and prestige. They had such little hopes, such tiny ambitions. It was all meaningless. If only they knew that they were waiting for him to supply the meaning.

 

Even when he began his campaign, his stratagems had been successful beyond his plans. No one had guessed how the Hollow had managed to enter the Seireitei all those years ago, when his plans were still in the initial stages. The execution of Kaien and his wife by the Hollow had stripped Ukitake of his trusted subordinates and also unbalanced the power within his division. Aizen smiled at the memory of the grief displayed by Division 13 at the news of the deaths. The demise of Kaien separated Rukia from the other members of her division. None of them would admit consciously that they blamed her for his death, but their interaction with her showed the distance, the lack of trust. Though he didn't know it at the time, Aizen was now pleased that these events had distanced Rukia from the other members of the 13th Division. Maybe they wouldn't interfere with his plans.

 

Caught up with his thoughts, Aizen slowly became aware of something he'd been expecting. A distortion coming from the west. The ryoka were arriving. A smile spread across his features. Locating a Hell butterfly, he sent it as a summons to Gin. Gin might ignore or delay a summons from another Captain, but he still understood the significance of the butterfly.

 

While waiting for Gin to arrive, Aizen again wandered through the chambers of Centre 46. He controlled all of Soul Society and the Seireitei. Any order he issued would be followed. Briefly he toyed with the idea of retaining this control, but dismissed it quickly. This was only a tiny portion of the power that awaited him.

 

Aizen waited in the entryway for Gin who arrived, smile fixed in place. “I have a little errand for you to run,” Aizen informed him.

 

“Another one? I'm not your errand boy.”

 

Aizen looked at Gin, astonished at his reply. “I don't think you heard me correctly, Assistant-Captain.” Aizen watched Gin react to the title. “Remember what's at stake. The ryoka have arrived and I wish for you to go and welcome them, in your particular way. Don't kill any of them, yet. I especially want you to keep an eye out for the one called Ichigo Kurosaki. You remember the description I'm sure.”

 

“Yeah, the kid Captain Six killed in the human world,” Gin replied.

 

“I don't think he's dead. Check out his abilities quickly and give me a full report,” Aizen commanded. “The ryoka are instrumental to the success of my plan. I need them as a diversion.”

 

“Yeah, yeah. I understand. Can I have some fun while there, Captain?” Gin emphasised the title with heavy irony.

 

“Some fun, yes. Don't play with them for too long and make certain they don't enter the Seireitei this time,” Aizen commanded.

 

“Gee, thanks for the permission, Captain. Any other errands while I'm out? Do you want some more fruit, or some buns?”

 

“I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation, Assistant-Captain Ichimaru. This is the real beginning. I thought the little reminder of your position from Captain Toshiro would ensure your support,” Aizen replied.

 

“That little reminder put me in an uncomfortable position, Aizen. I'm doing this because I want a share in the power. The little side games you play have no interest for me. If you treated me with respect, instead of as a subordinate…”

 

In his mind Aizen felt his anger grow at the puppet trying to manipulate his own strings. He raised his hand. “You forget to whom you are speaking. It won't take much for me to fulfil one of those outstanding suggestions I have made to you in the past.”

 

Gin's smile faded. “You mean your threats. Matsumoto means nothing to me. I've told you before. Do what you like with her. Do what you like with anyone, I don't care.”

 

Aizen was taken aback at the effrontery of the puppet. Didn't he understand? Why was he fighting back now, when his cooperation was essential? Was he lying about the woman? He needed that lever. Maybe he'd used it once too often, recently. He thought quickly. Damn it, he needed Gin!

 

Aizen decided to try another tack. “Gin, I'm asking you to do this as a friend, a colleague. I need you to help me. I can't entrust this to Tosen. He'd kill the ryoka. I need them for my, for our, plan. I can't do it myself. It would be too out of character. I can trust you to do this. I trust you, Gin,” he watched Gin closely as he spoke.

 

Gin's smile was back in place. “That's all you needed to say, Captain. Treat me with some respect, as your equal. I'll find the ryoka and play with them. I'll let you know how they shape up. Might even give me a little exercise. West, you say? Jidanbo's gate? No one had beaten him for a long time. Do you want me to protect the ryoka if Jidanbo appears to be wining?”

 

“That won't be necessary. Thank you for doing this Gin,” Aizen smiled. Inside he was seething with anger. A vassal, a puppet should know his place. Once he had the power, he would discard Gin, once he ceased to be of use.

 

“Bye, Captain. I'll bring some buns,” Gin waved and left.

 

Aizen pushed aside his anger. He needed a clear head to concentrate on his plan.

 

Author's Note:

 

This was written from my interpretation of Aizen's point of view. I could be totally incorrect. It is pretty clear Aizen wants power, but for what ends? It is highly unlikely that it is for benevolent reasons.

 

The Tosen in this chapter is Aizen's view of him. I don't think he is as simple to understand as Aizen believes. Tosen may feature later.

 

Thank you to Bastian the first person to review this story and who also reviewed chapter 11. It's appreciated.

 

But who will be the next featured character??? A Captain? Assistant-Captain? Or a third or fifth seat? Or even a resident of Soul Society? Someone else? Choices, choices. I can promise you, it will not be Renji.