XX-level Hokage

This has nothing to do with whether or not one has a gossipy nature. To study this kind of thing, one must understand the ins and outs of things and the whole cause and effect.

Although he didn't know how it was made, it just worked, and that was enough. This programmer-like mindset shouldn't exist in a researcher. Therefore, Szayelaporro instinctively wanted to figure out why Nnoitra had specifically sought him out and wanted to take Nelielu's position.

"Ha, what other reason could there be? I simply can't stand that guy!! That's why I want to trample her underfoot, and then see what her expression is." Neutra's tone was full of contempt and disgust, which seemed to be a genuine expression of his feelings.

Just as Szayelaporro said, in order to ensure the success rate of breaking through the Hollows, it is necessary to find more powerful Hollows or special Hollows.

An incomplete Hogyoku (a powerful magical artifact) cannot yet allow even the weakest Hollow to ascend to Arrancar status. Nnoitra's partner in this process is Nelieel. For greater efficiency, and also due to his own personality, Nnoitra's strategy is to use Cero to instantly kill all the Hollows! How can Hollows that even his Cero cannot handle be considered powerful?

However, his behavior was criticized by Nelielu, which undoubtedly touched Nnoitra's sensitive pride.

"And yes, I don't know what you're thinking, but I don't intend to let a mere female stand on my head and swagger around!" Neutra's words were full of sexism, which exposed his deep-seated prejudice.

"So that's why you want to knock Nelliel off No. 5? But aren't you a complete battle maniac? Then what's your reason for coming to me? Do you want a way to increase your power? Or do you want me to give you a potion to weaken Nelliel's power? Either way, it shows that you're not as strong as Nelliel right now, and you think you have no hope of winning against her, right?" Szayelaporro's words were exceptionally sharp and merciless. He bluntly exposed Nnoitra's weakness, but for an Arrancar who wasn't even an Espada, he didn't need to give him much face.

“What’s the point of winning a battle like this?” Szayelaporro said with a hint of mockery.

“Winning itself is meaningful!” Unlike his earlier display of murderous intent due to mockery, Szayelaporro’s sharper words now brought a genuine smile to Nnoitra’s face, an almost pathological obsession.

"Winning is the greatest achievement. I will use every means to make those stronger than me disappear! Especially that female!"

Szayelaporro raised an eyebrow slightly. If it was simply a matter of gender perception that made him unable to tolerate a female Hollow standing on the same stage or even a higher stage as himself, then Nellyel was not the only target, nor even the best option.

Because No. 3, who is only ranked No. 5 above Nelliel, is also a female Hollow. But Nnoitra didn't mention this at all, which made Szayelaporro sense something unusual.

Was he planning to take things one step at a time, first defeating Nelliel, the No. 5, and then moving towards No. 3? Or did he have other reasons besides the ones he had just mentioned that compelled him to target Nelliel? Szayelaporro judged that the latter was the most likely explanation. However, since Nnoitra had gone to such lengths to come up with so many reasons but was unwilling to reveal his true thoughts, he probably wouldn't say them even if forced to do so here.

Ultimately, although Szayelaporro currently holds the upper hand, it is nothing more than a matter of agreeing to or refusing to cooperate.

Once he shakes his head, Neutra will undoubtedly move on to the next collaborator. At that point, even the fun will be over.

Thinking this through, Szayelaporro, though he had already made his judgment, still deliberately teased Nnoitra, saying, "If that's all there is to it, then even if we do nothing, Neliell and the others, No. 3, No. 1, and so on, will simply disappear naturally. Wouldn't that be much easier?"

His words were loaded with hidden meaning, pointing directly to Aizen's impending "retribution".

If Aizen's words weren't meant for Szayelaporro or Nnoitra, then for whom were they meant?

Hueco Mundo is not a united organization, even though a large number of Hollows are gathered here, wearing the same uniforms and given similar titles.

But each Hollow has its own origin and its own agenda. Among them, the most dangerous are probably the group of Hollows who had already formed a group before Aizen and were actively doing something.

In essence, the reason those guys are still in Hueco Mundo and have been given high rankings is simply because Aizen needs their power and is using them temporarily. Once Aizen can use the complete Hogyoku to create power that is even stronger than theirs at will, then they will be useless.

Aizen's words, when translated, were practically a declaration of war against those potential threats: "Your time of death is set. When I make the Hogyoku submit, now is the time to live or kill me."

Then, just as Szayelaporro had predicted, Neutra's expression instantly darkened upon hearing this. It wasn't out of displeasure with Szayelaporro, but rather as he murmured as if he had thought of something unbearable.

“That’s exactly right…that’s why I have to defeat her before that happens!!” Neutra’s eyes were filled with obsession and urgency.

They couldn't wait to prove their strength and surpass their former rivals.

Chapter 169: Dao Chan

Szayelaporro's spectacles gleamed faintly in the dim palace as he surveyed the frenzied Neutra before him.

In his view, while Nnoitra's arrogance and paranoia were annoying, his strong fighting spirit and extreme pursuit of power also contained great value.

Under Barragán, Szayelaporro had to be extremely careful to ensure his research wasn't seen as a boring pastime, and even more so, to avoid losing his usefulness. That feeling of being bound was something he desperately wanted to escape.

Aizen, however, was different. Aizen not only granted him unprecedented freedom but also provided him with a continuous supply of experimental materials and a vast space for research.

To his fellow sufferers, his research might have seemed like nothing more than a strange gimmick, but Aizen showed him an unprecedented understanding and respect for his differences, making Szayelaporro extremely satisfied with the status quo.

He didn't think Nnoitra could truly threaten Aizen, but an unstable factor, especially at the crucial moment when Aizen was about to complete the Hogyoku, still needed to be dealt with. He didn't want any unexpected events to disrupt his research process.

Nnoitra's eyes were dark, filled with resentment and anger. He could not tolerate Neliel, this "female," riding on his head and showing off. This paranoia stemmed partly from his extreme warlike nature and partly from his past experience of being "corrected" by Neliel.

He craved power and wanted to prove his strength through battle, and Nelieel's existence was undoubtedly a thorn in his side.

"So, you've come seeking my help to gain the upper hand in your battle against Nelliel?" Szayelaporro asked directly, his tone tinged with amusement. He knew Nnoitra's true intentions perfectly well; he simply wanted to achieve victory through unconventional means.

Neutra didn't deny it, but his eyes sharpened even more: "I need to become stronger, strong enough to completely crush her under my feet! I need your research, Szayelaporro." Although his words were full of affirmation of Szayelaporro's abilities, his tone remained arrogant.

Szayelaporro chuckled, a glint of light flashing in his golden pupils behind his glasses: "A method to increase power? A potion to weaken Nellyel? This..."

None of that is difficult. But why don't you just go to Gin Ichimaru or Tosen? They are better at fighting than I am, and more willing to help you. "He was deliberately provoking me, trying to find out more of Nnoitra's trump cards.

"They'll just try to appease me with those hypocritical words." Nnoitra scoffed. "Besides, I have more faith in your research, Szayelaporro. Your power is unique." Though arrogant, he had a clear understanding of Szayelaporro's abilities.

Szayelaporro nodded with satisfaction. He liked the feeling of being recognized. He knew that the reason Nnoitra approached him, besides his research abilities, was more importantly because he could provide an "unconventional" method that could guarantee victory.

This suited Szayelaporro perfectly, as it offered him more possibilities for his research.

“Very well.” Szayelaporro’s smile faded, and he became serious. “I can help you, Nnoitra. But I need you to provide something.”

In return.

Neutra squinted: "What?"

"I need your combat data, but more importantly, I need your hatred and obsession with Neliel. This pure negative emotion is excellent research material." Szayelaporro's tone was filled with morbid excitement. "I can help you create a special prosthetic body capable of defeating Neliel, or a drug that can instantly boost your strength. Of course, you'll have to bear the side effects and risks yourself."

Neutra replied without hesitation, "I'm willing to pay any price as long as we win!" His eyes gleamed with fanaticism.

Szayelaporro smiled with satisfaction. He knew he had found another perfect piece. Nnoitra's arrogance and obsession would become a powerful driving force for his research.

In Ichigo Kurosaki's inner world, the gray rain of pine resin had stopped, the dark clouds had dispersed, and the sun was shining brightly. Mashiro casually tossed the unconscious Hollow Ichigo in front of Ichigo, who remained motionless like a corpse.

"Ichigo-kun, first, the first step, let me teach you how to overcome this... false fear." Mashiro's voice sounded exceptionally clear in the sunlight, yet it also carried an undeniable authority.

Ichigo looked at his own pale self and fell silent. Mashiro's words were like a wake-up call, making him suddenly realize that what he had always feared was not the power of Hollow Ichigo himself, but the worry of losing control of this power and the fear of the unknown existence deep within his heart. He thought he was not strong enough, which was why he was suppressed, but now he understood that it was fear itself that bound him.

"Hollow Ichigo's power originates from your deepest, most primal instincts and desires. It represents your pursuit of power and your thirst for battle. But because of fear, you've been suppressing and rejecting it. You're simultaneously pressing the accelerator and the brake, so naturally you can't unleash your full power." Mashiro walked to Ichigo's side and explained softly.

“But… he wants to devour me.” Ichigo said with difficulty, his voice somewhat hoarse.

Mashiro shook his head: "That wasn't a true absorption, but a fusion. You and he were originally one. He wanted you to accept his power, to merge with him, and to reach a stronger realm. But you kept resisting, so he used that method to remind you."

She crouched down, extended her finger, and gently touched Ichigo's chest: "Your fear prevents you from truly accepting this power. You've always sought to destroy it, but never considered coexisting with it. That's why your power can't be fully unleashed."

Ichigo's heart skipped a beat. He had never imagined that the Hollow White, whom he had always regarded as a threat, was actually a part of him, and even "helping" him in his own way.

He recalled every battle he had fought against Hollow Ichigo in the past. Hollow Ichigo would only appear when his power was pushed to the limit, and each time it would enhance his power.

"What...what should I do?" Ichigo looked up, his eyes filled with confusion.

Mashiro stood up and pointed at Hollow Ichigo: "Defeat him. Not destroy him, but conquer him and make him submit to you. Make him understand who the true master of your inner world is."

"But I..." Ichigo was about to say that he couldn't do it when Mashiro interrupted him.

“You can do it.” Mashiro’s voice was firm and powerful. “The reason you felt fear was because you knew nothing about him. Now, you have seen his power and heard his voice. You have the foundation to defeat him.”

She walked to Hollow Ichigo's side, reached out, and gently touched his forehead. The next moment, Hollow Ichigo's body began to twist and change, eventually transforming into a pure white light that entered Ichigo's body.

Ichigo shuddered suddenly as a strange power surged into his body, but he felt no discomfort. Instead, he felt an unprecedented sense of fullness. He closed his eyes and seemed to see Hollow Ichigo standing quietly deep within his heart, no longer roaring or acting arrogantly, but simply gazing at him silently.

“He has returned to your body, and now you can truly talk to him,” Mashiro said.

Ichigo took a deep breath. He could sense the presence of Hollow White; the power that had once terrified him was now unusually docile, like a sleeping beast. He knew this was only the first step; the real challenge had just begun.

In the Second Division's training grounds, Yoruichi glanced at Ichigo Kurosaki, who was sitting cross-legged, a hint of helplessness on her face. She had assumed that Kisuke Urahara had already taught Ichigo about sword Zen, but she hadn't expected him to know nothing about it.

"So all you could do until now was worry, not even knowing what you could do or whether you could reach your own inner world." Yoruichi's voice carried a hint of disappointment.

Ichigo had no time to respond; he was trying to clear his mind and enter his own inner world. He now understood that the connection between the Shinigami and the Gradual Force was far more complex and profound than he had imagined.

"Sword Zen is the bridge between a Shinigami and their Zanpakuto." Yoruichi's voice echoed in the training ground, her tone becoming serious as she began to formally teach the mysteries of Sword Zen. "Through Sword Zen, you can project your consciousness into your Zanpakuto, enter your inner world, and have a direct dialogue with your Zanpakuto."

She walked over to Ichigo and gently tapped the black energy he had placed on his lap: "Zanpakuto is the manifestation of a Shinigami's soul; it possesses its own will and memories. Through sword Zen, you can understand its true power and how to use it more effectively."

"If you haven't used Sword Zen even once until now, then all the techniques you've used using Zangetsu have been learned through brute force. Learning Sword Zen through this opportunity is a gain in itself." Yoruichi shook her head, somewhat amused by Ichigo's past "unorthodox" methods. Although she wasn't known for her physical prowess, as a Shinigami who had achieved complete release, Power Zen was fundamentally basic to her.

The key to power Zen lies in the state of mind. You need to completely calm your mind and eliminate all distractions. Merge your consciousness with the power of the night, feel its presence, and listen to its voice. "Yoruichi demonstrated by closing her eyes, and the spiritual pressure around her body began to soften and stabilize."

Ichigo tried his best to imitate Yoruichi's movements, closing his eyes and attempting to calm himself down. However, the intense shock that had just occurred in his inner world, as well as the appearance of Mashiro and the mysterious young man in black, made it difficult for him to concentrate. Although Hollow Ichigo had returned to his body, the powerful presence of him still made him feel uneasy.

“Don’t rush, this takes time and practice.” Yoruichi seemed to sense Ichigo’s predicament. “Your inner world has become extremely chaotic because of your constant repression and fear. You need to learn how to control your own mind before you can truly master sword Zen.”

She walked up to Ichigo, reached out, and gently placed her hand on his head: "Relax, imagine your consciousness flowing slowly into your Zanpakuto like water. Feel it, don't resist it."

A warm and gentle spiritual pressure flowed from Yoruichi's palm into Ichigo's body, helping him calm the turmoil within. Gradually, Ichigo felt his thoughts become less chaotic, and he began to feel the Zanpakuto in his hand, as if it had come to life and was engaging in some silent dialogue with him.

flow.

Chapter 107: Shock

On the training ground of the Second Division, Ichigo Kurosaki closed his eyes, trying to sink into the state of power meditation.

Yoruichi's spiritual pressure gently enveloped him, helping to calm the turmoil in his heart caused by the appearance of Ichigo and the mysterious young man. He could feel his consciousness slowly, like a gentle stream, flowing into Zangetsu in his hand.

When he opened his eyes again, he was no longer surrounded by the walls of the martial arts arena, but by the familiar, vast city in his inner world that had once been soaked by a gray downpour.

However, the world is now completely different.

The sky was no longer gloomy; the dark clouds had dispersed, replaced by a clear blue sky. Sunlight pierced through the clouds, casting a golden glow that illuminated the leaning and toppling skyscrapers.

The air was filled with a fresh scent, and the traces of the rain were clearly visible, but the sense of oppression and despair had vanished.

Ichigo felt his body become incredibly light, and an unprecedented power filled every cell. He knew that this was the power of White Ichigo under the guidance of Mashiro. It was no longer a terrifying existence, but had truly merged into the depths of his soul. He tried to mobilize this power, and a pure spiritual pressure surged out from his body. It was no longer violent and out of control, but obediently followed his command.

"You've arrived, Ichigo." A calm and familiar voice sounded behind Ichigo.

Ichigo turned around abruptly and saw the figure he had always relied on—Zangetsu.

He was dressed in his usual black robe and sunglasses, but this time, his expression seemed gentler than ever, and his eyes held a hint of relief.

"Uncle Jianyue!" Ichigo shouted excitedly, finally finding the answers to his long-standing doubts and anxieties.

Uncle Zangetsu walked up to Ichigo, reached out and gently patted his shoulder: "You've finally truly come here. You've learned to accept your power and stop running away."

"Who...who is he? Why is he in my inner world?" Ichigo pointed to the direction where the mysterious youth had disappeared and the scene where Hollow Ichigo's body was absorbed by Mashiro.

Uncle Zangetsu pondered for a moment, his tone becoming somewhat complicated: "He is a part of me, and also the other side of your power. As for that young man in black, he represents your power as a Quincy, and my concerns about your future choices. And that pure white figure is the manifestation of your Hollowfication power. You have always resisted it, which is why it has become so violent."

"Your power is far more complex than you imagine. You are a Shinigami, possessing the power of a Zanpakuto; you are a Hollow, possessing the power of Hollowfication; you are also a Quincy, possessing the power of a Quincy. These three powers coexist within you, influencing each other. Your previous fear prevented you from integrating them, instead causing them to repel each other and creating chaos in your power," Uncle Zangetsu patiently explained.

"Mashiro said that was my false fear," Ichigo muttered to himself.

“That’s right.” Uncle Yue nodded. “You’re not fighting an external enemy, but a part of yourself. She helps you see.”

This allows you to confront and accept them.

"So what should I do now? How should I use this power?" Ichigo asked impatiently.

Uncle Yue took Zangetsu from Ichigo's hands, the blade gleaming with a cold, eerie light. He held Zangetsu horizontally in front of his chest, the tip pointing into the distance: "First, you need to truly understand your Zanpakuto. It's not just a sword, but an extension of your soul. It will guide you and help you master this new power."

He handed the training moon back to Ichigo: "Your power has now been initially integrated, but to truly master it, you need more training."

Practice, learn to communicate with the Moon Goddess, listen to its voice, feel its will; only then can you truly unleash your full potential.