fried

The top layer of his uniform slipped down, swiftly. The white under-layer followed in no time. Aizen exposed his back—not fully, but enough to show the wounds and the naked skin.

Shinji froze.

It was not the injury that surprised him—there was something too intimate in the gesture itself. Something that looked almost like trust. As if Aizen were saying: See? I can be hurt too.

A Birthday gift I got from my lovely @kaj-man - it's a cover for my fanfiction Straight for the heart.

In my umpteenth time reading Bleach ch. 315-424 this panel is exactly why I ship Aizen and Shinji. This line is spine chilling. You cannot convince me something was not there between them, something that makes Aizen act so cruel towards his former captain time and time again. Their exchanges always make me do a double take, especially when it comes to Aizen.

This look of pure unbridled rage on Shinji's face, you can see how much delight it brings Aizen after 100 years. "I like that look." to me screams "Look at what I made you do, look at me, Shinji Hirako." and it's just such a vibe, albeit immature.

Then Aizen has the audacity to ask if Shinji hates him, he knows the answer. Aizen just loves to torment with his words. Hell, half of this arc was just him geering at everyone. Which worked on characters like Hitsugaya, Hiyori, Komamura and Ichigo. I believe this battle speaks to Shinji's maturity and character. After 100 years he should absolutely be looking for a fight, he should've jumped Aizen asap. Yet it takes Aizen's actions against his friends to provoke him, just like 100 years ago.

I believe the thought of Shinji really eats at Aizen. Aizen is a man who can weave such a likeable persona, bring himself such reverence. Yet that never phased Shinji. Shinji, whose an extremely authentic person, continously sees right through it and contiously ignores Aizen's words for better or worse.