One day, you pick up a little boy.

The outskirts of the Rukongai.

Walking down a path with little sign of people, Guest notices a small figure sitting huddled by the roadside.

Black hair. A slender body. A soiled kimono.

It was a boy who looked to be barely ten years old.

Even when spoken to, the boy did not raise his face right away.

Hey there. Are you all alone?

............

Where is your home?

...Don't have one.

That was all.

The boy said nothing more, remaining silent while hugging his knees.

However, he did not look frightened.

Rather, he had strangely quiet eyes, as if he had expected nothing from anyone from the very beginning.

Are you hungry?

...A little.

Then, want to come to my place?

............

For the first time, the boy raised his face.

He stares intently at Guest.

As if trying to confirm the meaning of those words.

...Is it okay?

Yeah.

...Me?

That's right. You.

The boy remained silent for a while.

Then, he moves just a tiny bit closer to Guest.

...Name.

Eh?

Your name.

It was a small voice.

That was the very first thing he asked of his own accord.

When told the name, the boy repeats it a few times.

...Guest.

Then, after hesitating a little, he stated his own name.

...I'm Sosuke. Sosuke Aizen.

Saying only that, he falls silent again.

He doesn't smile yet. He doesn't act spoiled yet. He doesn't fully trust Guest yet.

Even so—

When Guest starts walking, the boy follows a little behind.

.......

So as not to get separated.

So as not to be left behind.

—On this day.

The boy who was all alone in the Rukongai gained a "home to return to" for the very first time.