After studying Kidō with Ailin for some time, Momo Hinamori discovered that it could amplify her Zanpakutō's abilities.
For instance, Bakudō #12, Fushibi, allowed her to ensnare the reiatsu of over thirty Hollows within a web-like network. By channeling her own reiatsu through the network and into Tobiume, she could transform the web into a conduit for her flames.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
A series of explosions rocked Karakura Town as the Hollows, trapped within the fiery web, were incinerated. Hinamori had effectively created a delivery system for Tobiume's fireballs, detonating them directly in front of her targets.
"Impressive."
Ailin, watching from his hotel window, nodded approvingly. Despite his encouragement to focus on Kidō, she had integrated it with her Zanpakutō, making it the core of her combat style.
He stroked his chin. Perhaps it was time to introduce her to the concept of Shunko. If she could develop a Zanpakutō-based version, she might be able to reach captain-level.
…
"Orihime, stay safe."
Rangiku Matsumoto, sensing the arrival of Hollows, shed her Gigai and rushed out, leaving Orihime Inoue alone in her apartment. She had to act quickly. Every moment she wasted meant potential casualties. While death in the World of the Living simply meant a transition to the Soul Society, she, like Hinamori, didn't want to see families torn apart by grief.
Upon leaving Orihime's apartment, she released her Zanpakutō.
"Whisper, Haineko!"
Her blade dissolved into a swirling gray mist that enveloped the incoming Hollows. With a swift swing of the hilt, she unleashed its power.
Shink! Shink! Shink!
Countless wounds appeared on the Hollows caught within the mist, some dissolving into spiritual particles.
Haineko, in its Shikai state, transformed into ash that Rangiku could control. With a flick of her wrist, the ash became blades, attacking everything within its range. While similar to Byakuya Kuchiki's Senbonzakura, there were significant differences.
Firstly, the ash's speed was far slower than Senbonzakura's petals. This was likely due to Rangiku's soul not being fully compatible with Haineko.
Gin Ichimaru had been able to extend his blade's reach to thirteen kilometers. But Rangiku couldn't replicate this feat.
Secondly, the volume of ash was much less than the sheer number of Senbonzakura's petals. This was likely due to the difference in their reiatsu. If Rangiku possessed Byakuya's level of spiritual pressure, she might be able to create a similar, overwhelming storm of blades.
Finally, there was the difference in destructive power. Senbonzakura's petals were small, individually weak, but their sheer number, amplified by Byakuya's reiatsu, made them deadly. Haineko's ash, however, lacked both volume and individual power. Only when Rangiku actively controlled it did it become a threat.
"Rangiku…"
Orihime felt worried. She rushed downstairs, intending to join the fight.
But…
She froze, seeing a figure standing at her door. She recognized him. He was the one who had accompanied the Hollow that had defeated Ichigo.
"Woman, Lord Aizen requires your presence. Will you come quietly, or do I have to… persuade you?"
"Let me be clear. If I have to resort to force, I can't guarantee the safety of those around you."
"What?"
Orihime took a step back, horrified. She didn't doubt his words. Even the Hollow that had defeated Ichigo had deferred to him. If he attacked, few in the surrounding area would survive.
"Have you made your decision? My patience is… limited."
"I… I understand," she said, her arms falling limply to her sides. "I'll go with you. But… could I say goodbye to Ichigo first?"
"Ichigo? The weakling Yammy defeated? He's nothing…"
"He's not a weakling! He was just… he wasn't feeling well that day!" Orihime's voice rose, surprising even herself. Where had that courage come from?
Ulquiorra was intrigued by her sudden defiance and wondered about this "heart" humans possessed. Why would this woman, so clearly terrified, become so brave when speaking of the boy Lord Aizen had taken an interest in?
"Request denied. Lord Aizen's orders were to bring you to Hueco Mundo. Don't test my patience. Or perhaps… you'd prefer I bring you his head instead?"
The image of Ichigo's lifeless body flashed through Orihime's mind, silencing her.
"I understand. I'll go with you."
…
"Oh?"
In the hotel, Ailin suddenly sensed a powerful spiritual pressure.
He looked towards Toshiro Hitsugaya and Rangiku Matsumoto's sector. Glancing at Grimmjow and the other Arrancar still hovering in the sky, he stepped through a golden ripple.
"Well, well. If it isn't little birdie." He materialized before Ulquiorra Cifer and a tearful Orihime Inoue.
"You're… the captain of the Eleventh Division?"
Ulquiorra's heart pounded. Aizen had warned them about three specific captains, ordering them to retreat immediately if they encountered any of them. Even abandoning a mission was preferable to facing them. Survival itself was a victory against these opponents.
The first was, of course, Head-Captain Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. The second was Retsu Unohana, the captain of the Fourth Division. And the third was Ailin, the captain of the Eleventh Division.
"You're mistaken, little birdie. I'm the captain of the Fifth Division now."
"Captain Ailin?"
Orihime remembered Rangiku mentioning two captains being stationed in Karakura Town. Ailin was clearly one of them. Was she saved?
Ulquiorra, without hesitation, tore open a Garganta.
Aizen had given him permission to retreat. If it had been any other Espada, they might have fought, despite knowing the risks. But Ulquiorra was different. He embodied "Nihilism." He lacked emotions, following Aizen's orders without question. If Aizen said retreat, he would retreat.
"Eh?" Orihime was stunned by his sudden departure. She had been preparing herself for a painful farewell to Ichigo. Had this Shinigami captain's mere presence scared him away?
"Wait."
Ailin wouldn't allow him to leave. If Ulquiorra had taken Orihime, he wouldn't have intervened. But without her, how would Aizen's Hōgyoku fusion progress? He was here to… ensure Orihime's safety in Hueco Mundo.
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
Four golden ripples shimmered around Ulquiorra, and chains shot out, binding him and pulling him from the Garganta.
"Don't be in such a hurry, little birdie. I need to talk to Aizen. Do you have any way to contact him?"
"I apologize, Captain Ailin. I have no means of contacting Lord Aizen from the World of the Living." Despite being captured, Ulquiorra's expression remained unchanged.
"Really?"
Ailin stroked his chin. He didn't like this. Without Aizen's direct intervention, Orihime might face… unpleasantness from the other Hollows. She wouldn't be able to defend herself in Hueco Mundo.
"Little birdie, I'll let you take Orihime."
"What?" Orihime, having just relaxed, was confused. Ulquiorra's surprised expression confirmed that she hadn't misheard. Why would Ailin, after saving her, allow her to be taken to Hueco Mundo?
"C-Captain Ailin, did I do something wrong?" she started crying.
"No, Orihime. You didn't do anything wrong. Don't worry. You won't be in any danger in Hueco Mundo. In fact, this is an opportunity for you to become stronger." He decided to… motivate her.
"Orihime, Ichigo's enemies will only become stronger. Their attacks will become more devastating. If you don't improve, one day, his injuries will be beyond your ability to heal. And then… your regrets will be meaningless. Going to Hueco Mundo is the fastest way for you to become stronger. Will you refuse? If you don't want to go, I can protect you. But this is your only chance. If you miss it, you might not be able to keep up with Ichigo."
"I'll go! Captain Ailin, I'll go!" Before he could finish, Orihime had made her decision. While she was still afraid, she was more afraid of being unable to heal Ichigo.
Before Ailin's arrival, she had even imagined Ichigo being killed by Ulquiorra. She knew Ichigo would continue to fight for what he believed in. And that meant facing dangerous enemies. She wanted to be strong, strong enough to heal him, even if he died.
"Good. I knew I could count on you, Orihime." Ailin smiled, pleased by her resolve.
"Don't worry, Orihime. I wouldn't send you to Hueco Mundo without some… assurances. If anyone bullies you there, I won't be able to face Ichigo."