"Now, I'd like to ask, what are your stances regarding the upcoming battle between Aizen and the Gotei 13?"
"What's there to discuss?" Hiyori Sarugaki retorted, jumping to her feet. "We wouldn't be in this predicament if not for that bastard Aizen! Of course we'll fight him!"
"Indeed, Captain Ailin. While we have no intention of aiding the Soul Society, we will participate in this battle against Aizen." Kensei Muguruma added. his fists collided with a resounding crack. The force of the impact created a small shockwave, which demonstrated his increased strength over the past century.
"Kensei and Hiyori speak for all of us," Shinji Hirako confirmed.
"And you, Captain Shiba?" Ailin turned his attention to Isshin.
Isshin explained, "I heard from Urahara that the Hollow that attacked me was Aizen's creation. Furthermore, during that battle, I was stabbed from behind. It must have been one of those three captains. I intend to settle that score."
"And you, Ryūken?" Ailin finally addressed the Quincy.
Before Ryūken could answer, Ailin continued, as if speaking to himself, "Oh, by the way, Ryūken, I'm not sure if you've heard this historical anecdote. There were once two powerful nations preparing for a decisive battle. However, they both feared that a protracted conflict would weaken them, leaving them vulnerable to attacks from smaller nations. So, before their battle, they… eliminated all the surrounding smaller nations. This way, regardless of the outcome of their conflict, no one could seize the spoils of their victory."
Ailin's words weren't subtle. Everyone present understood his meaning. That's why he had gathered them. Anyone who expressed a desire to avoid the conflict, or to remain neutral, would be eliminated.
"So, young Ishida, what is your choice?"
Ryūken adjusted his spectacles, studying Ailin intently for a moment, before returning to Urahara's side. His silence spoke volumes.
"Excellent." Seeing that everyone, as anticipated, had chosen to fight against Aizen, Ailin was satisfied.
"Remember your choices. When Aizen and his forces arrive in the World of the Living, I expect you to confront them immediately. If the Gotei 13 suffers heavy losses due to your… hesitation, we will have a… discussion after the battle. This includes you, Captain Urahara, Lady Yoruichi, and Grand Kidō Chief Tessai."
Ailin turned and walked towards the exit. "After all, the Soul Society has allowed you to live freely in the World of the Living for quite some time. If you don't contribute significantly to this battle, I might have to reconsider your… freedom."
"Heh. Ailin's getting bolder," Yoruichi commented, arms crossed, unfazed by his thinly veiled threat. They had intended to participate in the battle against Aizen, but their plan had been to intervene later, as a surprise force, when the Gotei 13 was struggling. Ailin's actions had forced their hand, requiring them to confront Aizen from the start. It was… unsettling.
Ailin understood their reservations. If they could contribute meaningfully to the battle, he would have allowed them to remain hidden. However, based on his knowledge, they hadn't achieved any significant victories against Aizen in the original timeline. They had only increased the Arrancar's kill count. It was better for them to fight alongside the Gotei 13 from the beginning, minimizing Shinigami casualties.
As for Kisuke Urahara, while he had ultimately sealed Aizen by activating the Kidō seals within the Hōgyoku during a moment of Aizen's doubt, for Ailin, the outcome of the battle wouldn't have changed.
…
Within Hueco Mundo, Las Noches.
Orihime sighed and lowered her hands.
After three days of continuous effort, the two Hōgyoku had finally merged.
There had been moments when she had thought she wouldn't be able to maintain her focus, but each time she faltered, a surge of reiatsu from the Hōgyoku had revitalized her. She could feel her power growing, her spiritual pressure and reiryoku reserves multiplying several times over.
"Captain Ailin was right. Coming to Hueco Mundo has made me stronger. Am I finally strong enough to keep up with Ichigo?"
Despite the Hōgyoku's boost, she felt exhausted. Three days without sleep would leave anyone weary, let alone maintaining Santen Kesshun continuously.
Boom!
As she crouched on the floor, closing her eyes for a moment's rest, the doors of Las Noches burst open. Two young Arrancar, a boy and a girl, entered the hall. The boy, with spiky yellow hair, seemed hesitant, while the girl, with twin ponytails, strutted confidently.
"Loly, if the others find out, we'll be punished."
After entering the hall, the young man gently closed the door, looked around, and when he didn't see anyone else, he whispered to the girl.
"Shut up, Menoly!" Loly Aivirrne snapped. "Aren't you jealous? A mere human, praised by Lord Aizen… I want to see what kind of power she has, to bewitch him so."
When they had heard the doors open, Orihime had assumed it was Aizen, coming to retrieve the merged Hōgyoku. Hearing their conversation, however, she realized they weren't here for the Hōgyoku, but for her.
She tried to hide in the shadows, but perhaps because her legs had fallen asleep, she stumbled, a small gasp escaping her lips. Instantly, Loly and Menoly turned towards her.
"Found you, human!" Loly grinned evilly and pulled out her Zanpakutō. "While I can't kill you, because of Lord Aizen, I don't think he'd mind if I… removed a few limbs." She lunged towards Orihime and slashed at her with the short blade.
"Ah!" Orihime stumbled back, finally remembering to activate Santen Kesshun. But just then, a green light erupted from her right wrist.
"Such insignificant creatures, daring to harm someone under Ailin-sama's protection?" A cold, feminine voice sounded through the hall.
A woman with long green hair, dressed in a white robe, materialized beside Orihime. It was Enkidu, the spirit of Ailin's Zanpakutō, the Chains of Heaven.
Enkidu smiled at Orihime. "Don't worry, Orihime-san. Ailin-sama instructed me to protect you." After reassuring Orihime, Enkidu turned towards Loly, who continued her attack, undeterred.
"Chains of Heaven!"
Golden chains erupted from the floor of Las Noches, binding Loly's limbs, immobilizing her instantly.
"Loly!" Menoly Mallia cried out, rushing towards her friend.
"Idiot! Don't come here!" Loly shouted. "Attack the human! She's protecting her! If you attack her, I can break free!"
"Oh! Okay!" Menoly, heeding Loly's instructions, turned and charged towards Enkidu and Orihime.
"Why do you seek death so readily?" Enkidu sighed, shaking her head. As a Zanpakutō spirit whose primary ability was binding, she didn't enjoy killing. If Menoly had attacked her directly, she wouldn't have hesitated. After all, as Ailin's Zanpakutō, she had clashed with other powerful spirits. But involving someone under Ailin's protection… that was unforgivable.
"Repent in hell!"
"Chains of Heaven!" Golden light flared, and dozens of chains shot towards Menoly. Unlike the rounded links binding Loly, these chains ended in sharp, triangular points.
The chains pierced through Menoly's body.
"S-Sorry, Loly…" Menoly's last words were an apology to her friend.
"Menoly!" Loly's eyes widened in horror as she watched her friend's lifeless body collapse to the floor. A wave of guilt washed over her. A mere act of jealousy had cost her friend's life.
"You… you will die!" she screamed.
"Poison her! Escolopendra!" She called out her Zanpakutō's name, attempting to release her Resurrección, to gain the power to avenge Menoly.
But she had underestimated the Chains of Heaven. Her spiritual pressure increased and she started transforming. Segmented armor appeared on her torso, and her arms morphed into massive, centipede-like limbs, dozens of meters long, lashing out at Enkidu and Orihime.
Boom!
As Enkidu prepared to strike the killing blow, the doors of Las Noches exploded inwards. Sunlight entered into the hall, momentarily halting Loly's attack.
"You… you're… Grimmjow-sama, the Sexta Espada." Loly stared at the newcomer. Did Lord Aizen value this human so much, to send an Espada to protect her? The battle had only just begun. It was too coincidental.
But glancing at Menoly's lifeless body, she gritted her teeth.
"Die, human!" She swung her centipede arms at Enkidu and Orihime.
"Foolish." Enkidu scoffed. Among Ailin's Zanpakutō spirits, she was one of the strongest. A mere Gillian, not even an Espada, dared to challenge her?
"Chains of Heaven!" Golden light flared as Enkidu spread her arms. The floor and walls of Las Noches transformed into countless golden chains. Rounded links bound Loly's centipede arms, while pointed chains pierced through her body.
"Aagh!" Loly's scream was cut short as her reiatsu faded.
With a thought, the chains dissolved into golden dust. Enkidu turned her gaze towards Grimmjow, who stood at the entrance.
Grimmjow spat on the floor, hands in his pockets. Thanks to Orihime's healing, he had retained his position as the Sexta Espada. Despite his arrogance, he hadn't forgotten her kindness. He had sensed the two Arrancar sneaking into Las Noches and had come immediately. He hadn't expected, however, that Orihime would have dealt with them herself.