The main building of Squad Five stood nearly empty in that midday, except for one lone figure walking back and forth, moving a few items to a single spot on a table. The tall figure folded a black robe over his arm and placed it neatly on top of a pile, then picked up another black kimono and folded that as well. The figure paused as he heard the front door creaked open and another person stepped into the room. Though he knew who it was, he didn't greet him, but waited for the other to speak first.

"Congratulations," said a man with wavy auburn hair and black square glasses.

"Thanks," Gin replied happily, turning to face his now former Captain. The conversation may have looked awkward to an outsider, but the two of them were anything but. "It's gonna take some time ter get used to."

Aizen nodded with a small smile. "Do you know any of the names of Shinigami in Squad Three?" he asked shrewdly.

"I'll learn," Gin shrugged. He was only half paying attention, almost anxious to finish his packing and move on.

"So. . . ." Aizen tried to find something else to say, so he looked around the room for ideas. His eyes fell upon the pile of things on a table behind Gin, including clothing, books, and a set of calligraphy pens. "Bringing everything with you?"

"Not everythin'," he said, pointing at a small armband with the symbol of the Fifth Squad. He grinned.

Aizen nodded to show he wasn't offended. "Taking anyone with you?" he asked carefully.

"Oh, yes," Gin answered without a second thought.

At that, Aizen couldn't help but smile. "Who?"

"You know who."

Aizen forced a small laugh and shook his head. "Ah. How do you think he's going to take the news?"

"I don really care," Gin said emotionlessly, "but I 'spect he'll be happy. I promised him sumthin', see, and I can't carry it out if we ain't in the same Squad."

"Promise?" Aizen was intrigued and folded his arms. "What did you promise?"

"That's 'tween me and him," Gin said playfully.

"If you insist."

Gin went back to packing while the conversation was temporarily over, stacking the books obsessively in alphabetical order. Aizen spoke up again, giving the same kind of smile as the other man. "Let me just ask you one more thing, then."

"What's that, Aizen-sama?"

"Be gentle with the boy, won't you?"

Gin turned his head. "No promises," he replied and smiled so that all his teeth were showing.