Stepping into the grand hall, my gaze was immediately drawn to Aizen's figure. He stood at the end of the room, looking at me with a calm and collected expression.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of surprise and disbelief at the fact that I was face-to-face with one of the most infamous villains of this world.

The realization sent a shiver down my spine.

Was it out of fear or excitement? It was hard to tell.

"I've been awaiting your arrival." He said, his voice smooth and soothing. "I heard you gave quite a bit of trouble to our dear Gin."

I nodded, trying to appear composed despite the anger that was bubbling inside me.

I chose each word I spoke in an attempt to hide the resentment that almost forced me to swear like a sailor.

"Yes, the silver snake didn't take kindly to my rejection. I just needed more time to complete my evolution, but he didn't give me the time." I breathed slowly, cooling my burning guts at the thought of what happened to my subordinates.

“However, I'm always open to getting more power…” I said, my voice trailing off.

Aizen's brown eyes gleamed with a sharp intensity that made me feel uneasy. “Of course, I can offer the power you desire. But tell me, what can you offer in return for such a generous gift?”

"I possess knowledge of Ichigo Kurosaki's lineage and history, which could prove valuable to your cause."

I gestured with my arms, mimicking the motion of an arrow being shot while speaking. I carefully avoided any explicit mention of the Quincy as I didn't want Yhwach’s cronies to spy on us.

He tilted his head, looking at me with interest. “Impressive indeed.” He mused, his voice tinged with curiosity. “knowledge alone can only take us so far. What else can you offer?”

I felt a hint of frustration creep into my tone. He was certainly interested, but he was also making this difficult for me by asking for more than just knowledge. "I have the ability to evolve faster than any other hollow. I can be a great asset and help you win battles."

Aizen chuckled, and I felt a pang of annoyance. Was he mocking me?

He stood there for a moment, his calculating gaze matching my trembling one, before he made his decision.

“Very well, I will consider your offer. However, to ensure the success of our collaboration, there is a matter that requires your attention.”

With a subtle gesture to the side, Aizen beckoned Harribel and Mila Rose to step forward. They looked at me with amusement, and the chill on my spine returned. What was Aizen planning?

"Aizen-sama has been generous to us," Harribel said, her voice as calm as ever. "He has offered us a chance to serve him and gain power. What makes you think you deserve the same?"

I looked sharply at her, feeling a surge of annoyance at her words. But I knew better than to lash out. "I'm not saying I deserve anything. I'm simply stating that I want to join your army in exchange for power."

Mila Rose snickered, and I felt a flare of annoyance. "And what makes you think we need you? We have plenty of strong warriors in our ranks."

I suppressed my irritation, keeping my tone measured. “I know that you have many powerful warriors among your ranks. However, I believe that you don’t have that many Vasto Lordes. You are obviously lowering my value on purpose."

Aizen seemed to be considering my words as he interjected, “I have also observed your powers, and I believe they can be an asset to our army. However, there is a condition to your joining us. You must swear your loyalty to me and unconditionally obey my commands.”

I hesitated for a moment, knowing that working for Aizen was a risky move, and I could never be sure when he might turn against me. But, the thought of gaining power and getting my revenge against Gin Ichimaru made me agree.

"I swear my loyalty to you, Lord Aizen," I said, my voice steady, but my heart heavy with the weight of my shame.

"But I will wait for the right moment to get my revenge against Gin Ichimaru." I warned him, not expecting him to take me seriously.

There was no way I was giving up my chance to avenge my fallen subordinates.

Aizen's smile widened, sending an unsettling chill down my spine. “Excellent. Welcome to my ranks.” He stated, turning around, as he gestured for me to follow him. “You can try to defeat Gin anytime, but know that Gin is not an easy opponent."

I nodded, acknowledging the silver-haired bastard's cunning nature. In the original timeline, he had waited for centuries, biding his time until Aizen lowered his guard. And although he had succeeded in catching Aizen off guard momentarily, he was ultimately caught off guard by Aizen's sudden evolution.

It was a stark reminder that Gin was a dangerous adversary, and that I would have to be careful if I wanted to take my revenge.

“Now come. You are about to obtain a new level of power that will transcend the limits of your soul.” Said the powerful Shinigami as he walked to a shining crystal box, his enticing voice was hard to ignore.

I stepped forward, a determined look on my face, ready to become something I had always desired. All the pain I had endured in the dry sands of Hueco Mundo until now was for this moment.

It was time for me to reach for power.

Aonte

Sora's hatred for Gin isn't merely caused by his pet's death (which he found upsetting). It's because deep inside himself, he believes they share similar traits and that annoys him.