Bleach: Me and Aizen

Aizen moved swiftly and soon arrived at West Rukongai District 1.

Compared to the previously lower-ranked districts, this place was like paradise.

Being the area closest to Seireitei, the souls here lived abundantly, with ample food and resources.

If Seireitei is the gathering place for Soul Reapers, then this area is the "Seireitei" for ordinary souls.

The souls in this district formed a unique Rukongai ecosystem.

Many noble businesses chose to open their shops here.

Even the security was managed by Soul Reapers from Seireitei.

"Take a look! Big, round winter melons, a specialty of District 32, praised by the Soul Reapers of Seireitei."

"Frozen pears, frozen pears! The first batch of pears frozen with the first snow of the year, come early before they're gone."

The shouts of vendors lined the bustling streets, and Aizen walked among them, taking in the lively and bustling atmosphere.

This is a commercial street, featuring not only various fruit vendors but also shops selling grains and numerous daily necessities.

Aizen slowed his pace; perhaps after being sealed in Muken Hell for some time, he found himself enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Come to think of it, in the other world, he hadn't strolled through a marketplace for more than a hundred years.

As he walked, he glanced at the surrounding stalls and discovered many intriguing items.

"Come, check out the newly launched LSP2, personally developed by Lord Yu Mikami, head of the Mikami family, protector of Seireitei, 11th Division Captain, and disciple of Captain-Commander Yamamoto!"

"Special Winter Solstice offer: Buy the latest gaming console and get the new cartridge as a bonus. Don't miss out!"

Aizen paused in front of a shop, listening to the enthusiastic shopkeeper, lost in thought.

Beside the shop, a large poster featured a young man in an 11th Division Haori, striking an exaggerated smile while holding an LSP2 and giving a thumbs-up, with text beside him.

"[LSP2, Highly Recommended by Captain Yu Mikami, Everyone Who Plays Loves It.]"

"Developed by Yu Mikami? Should I buy one to see?" Aizen pondered at the storefront, not truly knowing what the LSP2 was, but intrigued enough to consider purchasing one for research.

Then, an awkward thought struck him.

He didn't seem to have any money.

Just as he was considering this, the shop employee who had been calling out noticed him and quickly approached with a friendly smile.

"Would you like the latest LSP2, Lord Shinigami? It's the newest model, very entertaining. Even Lord Yu Mikami can't put it down."

The employee eagerly pitched the product, and just as Aizen was about to reply, a commotion erupted farther down the street.

Vendors there quickly packed up their stalls, shouting, "Pack up your things, the Kusajishi Family is coming."

Aizen turned to see a rotund man leading two servants in Shihakushō swaggering onto the street.

"Nobles?" Aizen thought to himself.

The rotund man swaggered down the street, his demeanor arrogant, casting only sidelong glances at the vendors with his eyes held high.

Stopping by a watermelon stall, he haughtily inquired, "Watermelons from District 32?"

Forcing a smile, the stall owner replied, "You have a keen eye, sir. They just arrived from District 32."

The rotund man lifted his chin, prompting a nearby Shinigami to step forward and, without hesitation, pick up a watermelon and smash it with a punch, splitting it into several pieces.

Picking up a piece, the Shinigami took a large bite and praised, "Sir, it's fresh and delicious. A fine melon."

The rotund man nodded, his chins jiggling with the motion. "Good, pack them all up."

Another Shinigami stepped forward upon receiving the order, quickly pulling out a burlap sack and began packing the watermelons.

The vendor was frantic, like an ant on a hot pan, wanting to intervene but too fearful.

It wasn't until his melons were all packed up that he bit the bullet and stepped forward, daring not to confront the noble with the rotund face, and only reaching out to stop the Shinigami.

"Sir, I invested my whole livelihood to bring these watermelons from District 32. My entire family is depending on them. Please, have mercy, have mercy…"

He clutched the sack, pleading, having already dropped to his knees.

The Shinigami frowned and kicked the vendor in the chest, impatiently saying, "So much chatter, and you dare to haggle with us? In Seireitei we don't even pay when we dine out. Taking a few of your worthless melons is doing you a favor."

With that kick, the vendor collapsed on the ground, unable to get up, his chest bones shattered, coughing up blood incessantly.

The other vendors around watched from a distance, their gazes evasive, too afraid to intervene.

The rotund man paid no attention, not even glancing at the fallen vendor. He turned and said, "Such a nuisance, let's move to another stall."

From afar, Aizen watched the scene unfold, a glint of coldness flashing in his eyes.

Indeed, regardless of the world, nobles were always so repulsive.

Suddenly, in the distance, a squad of Shinigami rapidly approached.

They shouted as they came, "What's going on here? Who dares cause trouble on our 11th Division's turf?"

With their loud clamor, a fierce-looking man led a group of muscular men storming in.

Moments later, they had the noble and the two Shinigami surrounded.

Seeing this, Aizen quietly halted his steps.

Zaraki Kenpachi?

With a quick glance around, Zaraki assessed the situation and grinned, asking, "Did you hit him?"

The portly noble, Fong Baigon, frowned but wasn't intimidated, maintaining his haughty demeanor. "That's right. I am Fong Baigon, a lower noble of Seireitei under the Kuchiki Family. This street belongs to the Kuchiki Family, and they've entrusted its management to us. Is there a problem?"

Just as he finished speaking, a muscle-bound man behind Zaraki whispered, "Lieutenant, they're affiliated with the Kuchiki Family, and the Kuchiki Family seems to have a good relationship with the boss. What should we do?"

Zaraki showed no expression, appearing to be in conflict.

Fong Baigon grew more smug, just starting to speak again when Zaraki suddenly slapped him across the face.

Smack!

The sound was deafening, and Fong Baigon's rotund body fell to the ground, spitting out three teeth along with blood, half of his face swelling up rapidly.

"Hmph, a noble? What nonsense. Save your words for the 11th Division's jail!"

"You fool, the boss wouldn't care about you."

"Hey, you lot, tie this guy up and take those two Shinigami along too!"

With Zaraki's bellowed order, the rest of the 11th Division sprang into action, enthusiastically charging forward to bind them. The two Shinigami didn't dare resist.

After binding them, Zaraki Kenpachi looked at the vendor still on the ground, hefting the bag of watermelons onto his table.

"Hey, here's your stuff!"

He also turned back to order, "Hey, you, take him to a medical clinic and get his injuries treated."

After that, the 11th Division swiftly retreated as quickly as they had arrived, leaving the commercial street to resume its previous state.

Aizen had witnessed everything from the sidelines, glanced at the poster of Yu Mikami wearing the 11th Division Captain's Haori, and smiled.

"Interesting."

He set off again, heading straight for Seireitei.