Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

Seiya wandered around the Technology Development Bureau with Nemuri Nanagō perched on his shoulders.

As a "well-known little figure" here, Nanagō received a warm reception from the researchers, who treated her with notable leniency.

As for Seiya?

He was just an intern. No one expected him to contribute significantly, so as long as he didn't cause trouble, his presence was easily tolerated.

Perhaps because her perspective was elevated today, Nanagō was in particularly high spirits. The duo strolled through nearly the entire bureau, delighting in the sights.

Remembering his appointment with Kisuke Urahara, Seiya made his way to the captain's office, bringing Nanagō along.

When they arrived, the difference in treatment between captains was starkly apparent. Compared to Mayuri's chaotic, "workshop-style" lab, Kisuke's experimental zone was expansive, organized, and impressive.

Standing at the reception room's entrance, both Seiya and Nanagō peered inside, their four combined eyes curiously scanning the area.

"Excuse me…" Seiya called out.

No response.

He hesitated, unsure whether to wait quietly or knock again. Just then, a familiar voice sounded from behind.

"Captain Urahara has stepped out temporarily. He should be back shortly."

Both Seiya and Nanagō turned their heads in unison to find a familiar figure standing there: "Sakaki Kafu," the janitor.

Pushing a cleaning cart and dressed in a maintenance uniform, Aizen Sousuke offered a warm smile.

"You're a bit early, aren't you, Arima-kun?"

Seiya set Nanagō down from his shoulders and, suppressing the awkwardness rising in his chest, replied politely, "I thought it best to avoid being late. I had nothing else to do, so I came ahead of schedule."

"I see," Aizen said, adjusting his glasses with a gloved hand. His voice carried a teasing lilt.

"While it's commendable to honor commitments so diligently, I must warn you—Captain Urahara isn't one to care much about punctuality. In this case, your effort might have been wasted."

Wait, Kisuke doesn't care about time?

Before Seiya could respond, Aizen's gaze shifted to Nanagō.

"This must be the artificial life form developed by Mayuri Kurotsuchi?"

Setting down the cleaning cart, Aizen took a step closer, crouching slightly. He smiled at Nanagō in a manner that seemed kind but carried an inscrutable undertone.

"Though I've heard of her before, this is my first time observing her up close. Fascinating… She possesses a normal soul and body despite being artificially created. Truly a display of Mayuri's ingenuity."

"Such an act of creation—something from nothing—borders on the divine," Aizen murmured. "Astounding."

His soft voice was calm, and his movements were unassuming.

But to Nanagō, there was something unsettling about him. Her smile faltered, and she took a cautious step back, hiding behind Seiya.

It was an unmistakable gesture of seeking protection.

Aizen tilted his head slightly, a faint chuckle escaping his lips.

"Oh? I haven't done anything, yet she instinctively fears me… Is it mere intuition, or something more? A special sensory capability, perhaps?"

Though intrigued, Aizen didn't press the matter. He stood back up, retreating to his cart with a faintly amused smile.

"Still, it's regrettable that Nanagō seems to dislike me. Arima-kun, please look after her carefully."

He paused meaningfully before adding, "After all, the first person she turned to for safety was you. That says a lot about the trust she places in you."

Seiya felt a small, unexpected warmth rise in his chest.

Though his feelings toward Nanagō were complex, the notion that she trusted him brought a faint smile to his face.

Before either could speak further, the sound of hurried footsteps approached.

The disheveled figure of Kisuke Urahara appeared, his hair tousled and his expression bright with apology.

"Ahaha, sorry about that! Something urgent came up. I hope you weren't waiting long?"

Seiya shook his head, answering honestly.

"Not at all. I just got here."

"Good, good!" Kisuke sighed in relief, his grin broadening.

However, his gaze soon landed on Nanagō, and his curiosity was instantly piqued.

"Oh, oh, oh! Is this… Mayuri's creation?"

Crouching down, Kisuke began inspecting her from head to toe, his excitement evident.

"This is incredible! Seeing it up close is completely different from hearing about it. Mayuri's creativity truly knows no bounds. What remarkable talent! Fascinating, absolutely fascinating!"

Seiya's brow furrowed slightly.

Aren't you two colleagues? Why are you acting like this is the first time you've seen her work?

Kisuke, as if reading his thoughts, glanced up and explained with a wry smile.

"Well, truth be told, Mayuri doesn't like me very much. He doesn't let me wander into his lab whenever I want. I've never had the chance to study the details of his 'Nemuri' project."

With a thoughtful look, Kisuke added, "Actually, now that I think about it, didn't Mayuri give you specific instructions when he handed Nanagō over?"

"Instructions?" Seiya echoed, slightly confused.

"Did he say something like, 'Don't bring her to Urahara's office'?"

"…"

Seiya froze, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead.

Nanagō, hiding behind Seiya, peeked out and answered in her small, deliberate voice.

"Mayuri… said… so."

Oh no.

Seiya's heart sank.

This is bad.

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