In Bleach as Gilgamesh

Chapter 44 - Kyōka Suigetsu

Seireitei, Fifth Division Barracks.

In the dim light of an oil lamp, Aizen Sōsuke gently closed the book in his hands and placed it on the desk before him. His voice was calm and soothing as he spoke, "Gin, what brings you here so late?"

Gin Ichimaru suddenly appeared before Aizen Sōsuke, his fox-like eyes narrowing as he glanced at the book on the desk. A strange look flickered across his face.

The cover of the book bore the title "The Epic of Gilgamesh" in large characters.

Gin knew this book.

A day earlier, Gin Ichimaru and Aizen Sōsuke had secretly traveled to the living world's Naruki City to conduct Hollowfication experiments on Shinigami and to see if they could find Hirako Shinji and his group, who were hiding in the living world.

They were Aizen's experimental subjects and were later rescued by Kisuke Urahara.

Aizen knew that Kisuke Urahara could likely solve their Hollowfication problem.

This meant that capturing them would yield significant rewards and possibly advance Aizen's research on the Hōgyoku.

So, Aizen had never given up searching for them.

This time, Aizen chose Naruki City for the experiments because he had gathered information indicating that they had been active there.

Conducting Hollowfication experiments on Shinigami in their territory was a provocation, reopening their wounds. If they reacted in anger, they might fall into Aizen's trap.

Gin had thought Aizen would oversee everything from the shadows as usual.

But upon arriving in Naruki City, Aizen had sent him to capture the stationed Shinigami while he went to the largest bookstore in the area.

When they met again, Aizen was already engrossed in "The Epic of Gilgamesh."

Aizen was so absorbed in the book that he barely paid attention to the Hollowfication experiments, leaving them entirely to Gin.

This piqued Gin's curiosity about what kind of book could captivate Aizen so much.

Aizen did not keep it a secret and told Gin the book's title and content.

When Gin heard the title "The Epic of Gilgamesh," he was stunned, his usually narrow eyes widening in disbelief.

Of course, he knew who Gilgamesh was—the top student of this year's Shin'ō Academy, hailed as the most talented student in the academy's history.

But what was this book about Gilgamesh?

What was Aizen's interest in it?

Did Aizen really think that the Gilgamesh currently at Shin'ō Academy was the same as the ancient hero king from 6000 years ago recorded in "The Epic of Gilgamesh"?

The questions that had flashed through his mind then still remained unanswered now.

Gin had tried to probe subtly, but Aizen had given vague responses.

After pondering for a moment, Gin refocused his thoughts and looked at Aizen, "I just saw something interesting."

Aizen's gentle demeanor remained unchanged as he asked with interest, "Oh, what is it?"

Gin did not hide anything and said, "Captain Shiba returned to the barracks not long ago, looking like he had just been in a fierce battle."

"Not only that, but he also decided to personally investigate the death of the stationed Shinigami in Naruki City."

Aizen raised an eyebrow slightly and asked a critical question, "Will the Head Captain allow him to go?"

Gin's narrow eyes opened a crack, revealing a dangerous gleam, and he chuckled, "No, from the look of it, he plans to go secretly."

"Aizen-taichō, don't you think we can take advantage of this situation?"

Aizen knew Gin was not suggesting reporting Isshin.

While reporting him might get Isshin punished, the result would be inconsequential.

Gin's intention was to use Isshin as a subject for Hollowfication experiments.

Not long ago, Aizen would have agreed with Gin's proposal.

Having been unable to find Hirako Shinji and his group, using Isshin as a replacement would be ideal.

But now, Aizen had reservations.

Aizen's mind was not only meticulous but also alarmingly perceptive.

He noticed that many things had started to slip out of his control since Gilgamesh's appearance.

This displeased Aizen and gave him a sense of unease.

He knew he was not yet ready to be exposed.

Moreover, Aizen had grown increasingly curious about Gilgamesh.

He recalled hearing the name Gilgamesh in the living world, which was why he had sought related books there.

Now, Isshin planning to secretly go to the living world over a low-ranking Shinigami's death seemed out of character and illogical for someone as lazy as him.

Clearly, Isshin's behavior was also beyond Aizen's control.

Taking action against someone who was out of his control would increase the risk of exposure.

More importantly, Aizen wondered if Isshin's behavior was connected to Gilgamesh.

Deep in thought, Aizen did not respond to Gin.

Gin was surprised by Aizen's silence.

From what he knew of Aizen, he would not pass up such a good opportunity.

But Gin did not interrupt Aizen's contemplation and waited quietly.

In the meantime, Gin picked up "The Epic of Gilgamesh" from the desk and started reading.

This was Gin's first time reading the book.

He wanted to see what magic it held to captivate Aizen so much.

As he read, Gin found himself becoming engrossed, even subconsciously associating the current Gilgamesh with the ancient hero.

Aizen, who had finished his contemplation, looked at the engrossed Gin without disturbing him, smiled slightly, and quietly left.

There were some things he had to verify for himself.

The next day, Aizen "coincidentally" encountered Isshin.

Watching Isshin's back, Aizen smiled as usual and said warmly, "Captain Shiba, what a coincidence to meet you here."

Isshin's heart tightened upon hearing Aizen's voice.

Outwardly, he remained calm, smiling as he turned to Aizen and greeted, "Oh, Captain Aizen, where are you headed?"

Aizen responded, "I have some matters to handle at the 12th Division."

Isshin didn't care where Aizen was going. After a few polite exchanges, he quickly left.

After Isshin left, Aizen's smile faded, and his brow furrowed slightly.

Although Isshin had hidden it well, Aizen's keen perception still noticed his wariness.

Interesting.

Initially, he only wanted to test if Isshin's behavior was related to Gilgamesh.

But now, it seemed Isshin's behavior was linked to him.

Who could have caused this change in Isshin?

Thinking this, Aizen's face softened into a gentle smile as he mused, "Gilgamesh, it looks like I need to meet you."

"And show you my Kyōka Suigetsu."

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