Bleach: I Love Making Friends

In East District 62, where souls had begun to vanish, the only way forward was through the eastern gate—Seiryu Gate.

The gatekeeper, Kaiwan, caught Haruki's attention. His soul ability, "Entranced by Illusions", allowed him to hypnotize himself into a trance-like state. Although peculiar, Haruki could see potential uses for such a skill in specific situations.

Another potential ally, he mused.

However, there was no time to forge friendships now. Once the Squad passed through Seiryu Gate, they marched swiftly eastward.

...

Traveling from Squad Five's barracks to District 62 was a long trek, one that couldn't be completed in a single day. Given the possibility of combat upon arrival, the squad planned to camp midway.

As twilight fell, the team set up tents in the wilderness. Haruki grew increasingly cautious, recalling how Love Aikawa and his team had once been ambushed under similar circumstances. Could Aizen really orchestrate such an elaborate plot just to target him?

Surely not? Haruki shook his head at the thought. Even for Aizen, that seemed excessive.

When it was confirmed that Haruki was paired with Tani Motooru for the night watch, he sighed inwardly. Despite Motooru's high affection for him, the man's soul ability—"Fall Asleep Instantly"—was utterly useless in a crisis. Who needs help falling asleep?

That night, Haruki's priority wasn't improving relationships. It was survival.

...

Sitting by the roaring campfire, Haruki kept a close eye on his surroundings. His Black Sun had been charging for months, receiving half his spiritual power daily. By now, it had reached significant destructive potential—though it remained a one-shot ability.

He glanced at the tent where Motooru slept. His affection rating was high, but still shy of the crucial threshold for permanent skill acquisition. Without "Destructive Death Beam" as a fallback, Haruki had to rely on Fireball as a backup offensive ability.

As he considered his options, something unusual caught his attention. Among his soul abilities, "Gaming Prodigy" began to glow faintly. It was active.

Gaming? Haruki frowned. He wasn't playing any games. Why was the ability activating now?

Then it struck him.

This entire situation—this "mission"—wasn't just a mission. It was a game, orchestrated by Aizen himself.

The rules were clear: as long as the game master (Aizen) and the players (the squad) both treated the scenario as a game, it became one.

A grin spread across Haruki's face. Perfect.

He activated Gaming Prodigy, and instantly, his perception shifted. Everything around him seemed sharper, more vivid. Haruki scanned the camp, his senses heightened. The glow of the fire, the rustle of leaves, the faint snoring from the tents—it all painted a clearer picture of his surroundings.

His gaze landed on Motooru's tent. Inside, a faint red figure flickered ominously.

...

Haruki stood abruptly.

"Where are you going?" asked Motooru, who was still half-awake.

"Just checking something," Haruki replied nonchalantly, making his way toward the tent.

Pulling back the flap, Haruki peered inside. Seven or eight Shinigami were seated, including Motooru, who looked up in surprise.

Among them was a red-glowing figure—a fellow Shinigami named Kawai, who had joined Squad Five three years earlier. Haruki recognized him immediately.

"Kawai…" Haruki began, his tone measured. "Or should I call you something else?"

Motooru frowned. "What are you talking about, Haruki? Kawai's been with us for years—"

Before he could finish, Kawai lunged, drawing his blade in one swift motion.

The strike was aimed directly at Motooru's spiritual chain, a critical weak point. The speed of the attack left Motooru frozen in shock—but Haruki was faster.

In an instant, Haruki appeared between them, his blade already swinging. With a single decisive slash, he struck Kawai across the throat.

Blood sprayed violently, painting the inside of the tent crimson.

...

Motooru gasped, his chest heaving as he stared at Kawai's lifeless body.

"What… what just happened?!"

Ignoring him, Haruki kept his eyes fixed on Kawai. Something was off.

And then it happened.

Kawai's "corpse" twitched, and a chilling, unnatural smile spread across his face.