XX-level Hokage

"Although I didn't see the person I wanted, I did see some interesting things." As she said this, Mashiro raised her right hand, and Hollow Ichigo was pinched by her face, as if all the bones in his body had been removed. He was helplessly hung up like this, completely losing the ability to resist.

clang--

A crisp sound rang out—the sound of Pure White Moon Sogetsu, held in Hollow White Ichigo's hand, falling to the ground, announcing the end of this one-sided suppression battle.

As she spoke, Mashiro, meeting Ichigo's gaze, curled her lips into a smile, a smile that held a hint of amusement and a deeper meaning. She casually gestured towards Hollow Ichigo.

It was thrown towards Ichigo.

Hollow Ichigo's figure remained motionless in front of Ichigo, as if dead, completely unconscious.

"Ichigo-kun, first of all, the first step, let me teach you how to overcome this... false fear." Mashiro's words were clear and direct, hitting Ichigo's sore spot.

Ichigo was speechless; he finally understood the true meaning of fear that Shinji had spoken of.

The moment Mashiro finished speaking, the gust of wind suddenly stopped, and the relentless downpour of phosphorus rain vanished.

The thick rain clouds above their heads disappeared in an instant, while the surroundings remained shrouded in dense dark clouds. Only here, the sun shone brightly, as if the clouds had parted to reveal the sunrise, symbolizing the arrival of hope.

On the other side, in the eternal, colorless desert of Hueco Mundo.

The white sand stretches endlessly, and the moon, rising and falling, seems to have no time to rest, forever hanging in the starless night.

The moon cast a faint, pale light, which shone on the sand, creating a silvery haze that added a touch of strange beauty to this desolate world.

Extending outwards into the darkness, it is a world devoid of anything.

As far as the eye could see, besides the white sand, there was only quartz that looked like withered tree branches. But in reality, even these were the tops of trees that had grown up from the huge quartz forest beneath the sea of ​​white sand.

Even so, this seemingly empty world is not entirely devoid of anything.

Looking ahead along the seemingly endless sea of ​​white sand, one doesn't know how far one has traveled or how much time it will take, but as long as the direction is right, perhaps at some point, like the rising sun, a huge complex of buildings will suddenly appear before one's eyes from behind a sand dune that has been blocking the view.

This is no longer a desolate and bleak landscape, nor the remnant of a civilization that once existed but has now vanished. The overly orderly and complete architectural complex, in contrast to the barren and savage sea of ​​white sand, exudes a strong sense of order and rationality, contrasting sharply with the surrounding desolation.

Cool as frost, desolate as water, boundless white sands, like a world filled with ashes, formed a stark contrast. That place was called Hueco Mundo.

It is a residence only for Hollows who have become Arrancar, and it is also the center of Aizen's power. And now, inside Las Noches.

"Lord Aizen, you're back." A calm voice rang out.

It wasn't a welcoming sound, nor a celebration to welcome the ruler; it was just ordinary, as if the man had simply gone out for a stroll and returned home naturally.

The being described in this way possesses pale skin and short, choppy green hair, and should be classified as male. His name is Ulquiorra Cifer, and as his appearance suggests, he is neither human nor a Shinigami, but rather another being—a Hollow, or more specifically, an Arrancar within the Hollowfication class.

He has short, choppy black hair and a horned helmet-like mask on the left side. He has green eyes and dark green, tear-like markings on his face. He wears a white, black-trimmed, high-necked, long-sleeved jacket and a white kimono-style trousers, cinched at the waist with a wide black obi. His Zanpakuto is mounted on the obi.

Although he is male, his body is more slender and weak than that of a woman, so he does not have any sense of arrogance, but rather exudes a sickly elegance.

"Wow, even though you're greeting me in such a casual tone, isn't everyone here? That's quite a grand affair~" The one who responded to Ulquiorra wasn't Aizen, whom he had called for, but rather Gin Ichimaru, who was following behind Aizen. He had short, light purple hair and was wearing a black robe with a pure white haori over it. He smiled and spoke in a dismissive tone.

Ulquiorra wasn't the only one there. Looking behind him, one could immediately see a large number of men and women dressed similarly to him; they were all Arrancars under Aizen's command.

Among them were men with enormous, frightening figures, and women with delicate, graceful figures, but in any case, there were almost none as slender and frail as Ulquiorra.

"Thank you for your hard work." A smile appeared on Aizen's lips as he walked in front, a smile that carried a profound sense of strategic planning. He seemed to know why these Arrancar had gathered here, and before they could ask, he took the initiative to say, "Although this operation had some setbacks, it ultimately achieved its goal. We can now proceed to the next phase."

As soon as Aizen finished speaking, soft murmurs of discussion arose among the men and women who were looking in their direction, among the group known as Arrancar.

Because it was too faint, and because it was too noisy, it was impossible to hear what they were saying. However, Aizen didn't care what they were discussing, nor did he have any intention of figuring it out.

Because no matter what they are discussing, it will generally not escape his control; everything is under his grasp.

Chapter 167: Arrancar

Arrancar.

This term was not invented by Aizen Sousuke, nor was it a phenomenon he created alone.

Just as Aizen was the only one in the world who awakened to immense free will and self-will, the existence of "Complete Arrancar" is extremely rare, almost non-existent, among the Hollows.

It is precisely for this reason that Aizen appeared here. Aizen gave meaning to these ethereal beings, transforming them into their present form—the Las Noches.

Even though the Hogyoku he possessed before was a failed product, he still made great progress in the Hollowfication of Shinigami and continued to delve deeper step by step. In other words, the fact that the Hogyoku was a failed product does not mean that it could not function, but only that it could not function "perfectly" and could not achieve Aizen's personal self-realization.

Using a failed Hogyoku to turn these Hollows into Arrancars has an extremely high failure rate and a very high barrier to entry, but it is indeed possible to do so, and that is an indisputable fact.

but

"From today onwards, that situation has changed. The moment Aizen uttered his next sentence, no one gave any instructions, not even Aizen himself."

But all the discussions have indeed disappeared.

All the Arrancar remained silent, listening to Aizen's words.

"The complete Hogyoku has been obtained, and we are only one step away from final success. We just need to wait a little while, and then defeat all the invading enemies." Aizen's voice echoed in Las Noches, carrying a convincing calm and majesty.

That's right, Aizen is the ruler of these Arrancars. As a Shinigami, he became the king of the Hollows and the Arrancars. Not through deception, not through empty promises.

He even said this to the group of Arrancar who were just watching him, following his figure and footsteps, and clinging to the meaning he gave them: "But before that, let me emphasize it to you again."

His gaze swept over some of the Arrancar, and the smile on his face deepened slightly, as if he could see into the deepest thoughts of each Arrancar.

"I need your followers because I have things that only you can do, but don't trust anyone, including me. Whatever your purpose in being here, whatever your desires, only you can fulfill them. The enemies that stand in your way can only be swept away by yourselves, even if that enemy is me."

In fact, his words carried a hint of earnestness, as if a mentor were instructing a student.

However, if you want to be my enemy, now is the best opportunity, before I completely subjugate the Hogyoku to me—” Aizen’s voice trailed off, leaving behind a suspenseful and suggestive question.

"I thought it was someone else, but it's you." The initial excitement in his words turned into complete disinterest after he realized who the visitor was, and even his voice became flat.

"Neutra".

As the name was called out, a figure emerged from behind the massive white pillar. It was a man who appeared slender yet was also very tall, giving him an imposing presence. He had long black hair parted in the middle, wore an eye patch covering one eye, and dressed in black clothing with white accents.

Nnoitra Gilga, that's his name. He was the fifth Espada, known for his cruelty and belligerence.

"What do you think of what Aizen said to Suke today?" Nnoitra, whose left eye was covered, showed no embarrassment at being exposed. He slightly lowered his eyes and used his sharp gaze to sweep over the pink-haired man who was pushing up his glasses and looking like he had wasted his time.

He called out his name as well. "Szayelaporro."

Szayelaporro Granz is a completely different being from Nnoitra.

If Nnoitra is like a dangerous thug wandering the streets, giving off a feeling that it's best not to get close, then Szayelaporro might be called a refined scoundrel. Wearing glasses, he gives the impression that he is not a combatant, but a researcher in charge of intelligence and data. He has been the most powerful researcher in Hueco Mundo for a very long time and is also the eighth Espada.

Szayelaporro, questioned by Nnoitra, shrugged slightly and replied in an indifferent tone, "I don't care. As long as I have places to study and things to study, that's enough for me. I don't care about anything else, not even who's talking there."

Szayelaporro did not appear here after the completion of the Hueco Mundo; on the contrary, he was already here before the Hueco Mundo was built.

The reason why is that even the name Hueco Mundo wasn't given by Aizen; he simply continued the name of the place from the past, continuing the name of the "palace" used by Barragan, who once occupied this place and called himself the Lord of Hueco Mundo.

In the past, Szayelaporro was under Barragan's command, using Barragan's influence to conduct his research. Now, however, he is under Aizen's command, continuing his research.

He is the only one who has no problem saying such things, because it is an indisputable fact right before our eyes.

However, such an answer seemed unable to appease Neutra, who made no attempt to hide his displeasure and annoyance, and clicked his tongue in disbelief.

"Stop playing dumb. Those words weren't just for those guys! They were for us too. Don't you feel any resentment at submitting to a Grim Reaper?" Nnoitra's voice was provocative.

Szayelaporro wore a formulaic smile. Although he wouldn't care if such words were exposed, or even said in front of Aizen, because that's the kind of man he was, Szayelaporro had no intention of empathizing with Nnoitra or causing unnecessary trouble.

Szayelaporro's unyielding attitude only fueled Nnoitra's frustration. After another click of his tongue, not to retract his inappropriate remark but rather to further clarify his stance, he continued, "Pfft, I simply can't tolerate this kind of thing. However, even so, I'm still grateful to him. Thanks to Aizen for granting me power, I'm able to enjoy battles at a higher level. If I have any reason to thank him, it's only for this."

His words revealed a contradiction: both disdain for Aizen and a desire for his power.

Outside Hueco Mundo is a vast white desert, while inside Hueco Mundo is another world created by Aizen.

Even though it was just a false sky, he still gave these Arrancar blue skies and white clouds, and gave them daylight and sunlight that Hueco Mundo had never had before. And in the huge Las Noches Palace under that sky, the top ten beings, known as the Espada, each had their own palace.

These palaces can be disposed of according to the individual preferences of the Espada.

Coincidentally, Szayelaporro was one of the Espada, and this was his palace.

The interior of Las Noches is extremely large, so it's very rare for Arrancars who live there regularly to make a mistake.

The idea of ​​accidentally getting lost in the palace of the Espada, especially Szayelaporro's palace, has never happened before! That's why Szayelaporro was able to discover Nnoitra's visit the moment he stepped into his palace.

Therefore, Nnoitra's approach to Szayelaporro must have had its own demands or purposes.

So, what exactly do you want to do? Are you trying to say that you're the one who wants to swing your sword at Lord Aizen? Szayelaporro tucked his pink hair behind his ear, and his voice became dangerous.

It's highly likely that Szayelaporro completely submitted to Aizen and bowed down to him.

However, it is true that Szayelaporro is quite satisfied with his current situation. Aizen has given him the utmost respect and freedom, allowing him to obtain a continuous stream of experimental subjects to carry out his research.

This is the only thing he couldn't get under Barragan's command, which is why he continues to follow Aizen.

Chapter 168: Jealousy

Under Barragán, Szayelaporro enjoyed a degree of freedom, but compared to pure research, he had to devote much more energy to...

He had to constantly monitor Mobil's expression to ensure that Mobil didn't get bored or feel that he had lost his usefulness.

Barragán remained as arrogant as ever, never respecting anyone except himself, and the concept of respect was completely foreign to him.

But Aizen was different. Aizen gave him everything he wanted, including the most important respect. Compared to his so-called "comrades" who never truly understood how important research and invention were, Aizen was like the difference between a barbarian and a civilized person. Their ways of thinking were not even on the same level.

Therefore, at least until Aizen loses his usefulness, Szayelaporro is quite satisfied with his current life.

Although he didn't think that Nnoitra, that reckless fellow, could truly threaten Aizen, if he was full of foolish ideas and thinking about causing trouble—especially now, on the eve of Aizen obtaining the complete Hogyoku and potentially producing new results and research—Szayelaporro wouldn't mind going to a little more trouble to eliminate some unnecessary problems and ensure that his research environment wouldn't be disturbed.

"I will become stronger by any means necessary, fight against stronger people, defeat all stronger people, and finally die on this stage. So I will continue like this, and one day I will also swing my sword at Aizen. I don't deny that." Nnoitra's tone was firm and arrogant, making no attempt to hide his ultimate pursuit of power.

Szayelaporro gently pushed up his glasses, his golden eyes behind them narrowing slightly. He wasn't surprised by Nnoitra's remarks, for he knew the man's true nature very well.

"However, that's a matter for much later. At least for now, I don't have that in mind. Right now, I only have one thought—I, too, must become..."

It has to be one of the Ten Blades. No other than No. 5! "Nnoitra's true self has finally surfaced."

Neutragilga, despite his arrogant personality, is indeed incredibly powerful in combat and is a true battle maniac.

One of its most distinctive features is that its steel armor has the highest strength among all the current broken surfaces. Ordinary opponents cannot even break through its steel armor and breach its defense.

Even so, Nnoitra is not one of the "Espada," who occupy the highest position among all the Arrancar.

Is it because his strength is not strong enough, or because the position he could obtain has already been taken? Or is it simply his personal obsession? In any case, it is a fact that he is not one of the Espada, and it is also a fact that the No.5 position he wanted to replace has already been taken.

“Nelielu du Odshwank, she's your target…” Szayelaporro lowered his hand, letting out a soft sigh, but…

The slight coldness that had been hidden in his words had disappeared, replaced by a hint of amusement.

"Honestly, I thought you had some grand ambitions, but it turns out you're only limited to that level." Szayelaporro's tone was full of disdain; he was clearly disappointed with Neutra's "small goals."

Perhaps sensing that he was being underestimated by Szayelaporro, Nnoitra was the one whose eyes now radiated a clear and intense killing intent. However, he still managed to maintain the rationality that he had come to ask for help, so even though he was being looked down upon by Szayelaporro, he didn't actually do anything. Instead, he retorted with a sarcastic remark, as if defending himself.

“I’ve already told you, that’s just a temporary self-proclaimed ambition. Rather, if you can’t become an Espada, you should at least be in a higher position than me. Otherwise, there’s no point in talking about wielding your sword against a stronger enemy or even Aizen.” Nnoitra was finding an excuse for his ambition.

"So you came to me? Putting aside why I should help you, what's your reason for targeting that Neliel? You two were working together before, weren't you?" Szayelaporro crossed his arms and asked with some curiosity.