Upon transforming into an Arrancar, the Menos Grande will discard their masks and unveil human-like faces. Concurrently, they will wield Zanpakutōs, which serve to contain their inner power.
Each Zanpakutō shares a common designation prior to being bestowed upon a Shinigami—referred to as the "sealed state. " Understanding the name of the Zanpakutō is essential for its release.
The Zanpakutō of a Shinigami is intricately linked to their spirit, with strength being derived through a spiritual conversation with the weapon by recognizing its name.
The Shinigami uniform, which envelops their body, is also composed of spiritual energy. If the outfit sustains damage in battle, it can be mended using their own spiritual power post-fight.
However, Fiander is currently experiencing the sealed state for the first time. The Zanpakutō he possesses has also been infused by Aizen's Hōgyoku, forming naturally. While holding it, Fiander perceives the name of his Zanpakutō—Frosty Heaven.
This Zanpakutō symbolizes the elements of ice and snow, capable of altering the weather, manipulating wind and rain, and commanding the cold.
He believes he doesn't need to interact with his sealed state in the same manner as typical Shinigami, gradually honing himself to establish a connection with his Zanpakutō and obtain strength.
Arrancar differ from Shinigami, as the liberation of their Zanpakutō is not aimed at boosting their power but rather at unleashing the strength that the Zanpakutō confines.
For Shinigami, a Zanpakutō transcends being merely a weapon; it embodies a significant aspect of their soul. For the majority of Shinigami, the Zanpakutō is their sole dependable ally.
In contrast, an Arrancar's approach to the same weapon, even if it shares a name, is merely as an instrument for murder or as a form of restraint.
As a result, the majority of the Espada refrain from using their swords when fighting after releasing their Zanpakutō and rely instead on their innate abilities and instincts, prompting Fiander to contemplate his future path from the outset.
Regardless of the strength of an Arrancar, even one as powerful as Ulquiorra, their combat techniques remain fundamental and crude. The impressive Reiatsu grants the Espada formidable physical capabilities and fighting prowess, yet they possess no other methods of combat beyond those.
Even Cero is solely destructive.
Reflecting back, if the Espada had survived until the Thousand Year Blood War to confront the Knights of the Star Cross, what chances would they possess?
The conclusion is zero. Engaging the Star Cross Knights, with their extraordinary abilities that disregard established norms, would be beyond the simplistic strategies of the Espada.
Sitting cross-legged, Fiander attempted numerous times to grasp the sword Zen he had seen depicted in the anime.
As another day and night elapsed outside the Night Palace, Fiander closed his eyes, reopened them, and murmured, "Indeed… I still can't do it."
Can two different species truly remain isolated from one another? If so, how was Ichigo capable of blending them, particularly in his Bankai form utilizing hollow abilities? Is the Hōgyoku the sole solution available?
Fiander experienced the same turmoil that Aizen felt two centuries prior. It was a mix of helplessness and despair.
"This is really frustrating! "
While Fiander exhaled in annoyance, Reinhard, stationed at the entrance, noted his awakening and promptly announced, "Master Fiander, Master Aizen has instructed you to meet with him upon your awakening. "
"Understood, I'm heading there now."
Adjusting his attire, Fiander proceeded toward the rear of the Night Palace's main hall, heading to Aizen's quarters.
"Master Aizen, I have arrived. "
In the lab beneath the bedroom, Tousen Kaname, Ichimaru Gin, and Aizen were all focused on the display before them, which showcased data regarding the strongest Shinigami of the Soul Society, Captain Yamamoto.
"Oh? It's the old man."
Fiander examined the extensive data concerning Yamamoto that had been revealed, with abilities from Shikai to Bankai appearing on the screen. The information indicated that Yamamoto stood as the primary obstacle in Aizen's strategy, his strength rivaling the combined war potential of all Gotei 13 captains.
This is why Mr. Yamamoto is labeled the strongest Shinigami; his power can quell any arising issues.
"You have arrived, Fiander. "
Noticing Fiander's entrance, Aizen gestured for him to step closer and remarked, "Fiander, based on the information displayed, if you exert all your strength, could you hold your own against Captain Yamamoto? "
"With him? The old man? Me? "
Fiander, having just emerged from meditation, found Aizen's weighty inquiry unsettling about his own capabilities.
"This is not an amusing remark, Aizen-sama. Even at my peak, I could only last ten minutes against him, assuming he doesn't utilize Bankai. "
"Ten minutes? Even against the Head Captain, you are impressive, Fiander. "
Ichimaru Gin expressed surprise at Fiander's declaration.
"Stop ridiculing me, Gin."
"If the old man opts not to use Bankai, then you could likely manage it too."
Fiander fixed his gaze on Ichimaru Gin and responded with composure.
"Hahaha, that's unlikely; I don't possess your or Captain Aizen's strength. "
"Moreover, we have critical strategizing to undertake, Fiander. "
Gin shifted the topic with a grin.
"Exactly, as Aizen-sama indicated, our goal is simply to limit Captain Yamamoto's Zanpakutō. "
Tousen activated a button, changing the display. An unusual Menos Grande emerged on the screen. Tousen explained, "This Adjuchas was identified within Ulquiorra's domain. "
"According to updates from his subordinate, this Adjuchas newly evolved from a Gillian a few days ago."
"They also dispatched an Arrancar to recruit him, but he declined, which prompted the decision to capture him."
"But he managed to evade capture, as the Arrancar sent against him possessed fire attributes, rendering their attack ineffective against the Adjuchas. Ulquiorra recognized that the Adjuchas might possess unforeseen abilities, prompting him to inform the Palace about the situation. "
"Master Aizen believes we can devise a viable strategy concerning this Adjuchas; we intend to send someone appropriate to assess whether his fire resistance aligns with our standards, which will help determine if we can proceed with our plan. "
"Otherwise, we will just eliminate him. After all, that Adjuchas has already taken down two Arrancars who attempted to hunt him."
Fiander tilted his head, grinning, and then asked, "Tousen, do you want me to apprehend him? "
"Exactly, doesn't your Kidō ability require an appropriate subject for training? "
"If you investigate on our behalf, we will be at ease. "
Tousen continued searching through additional materials and turned his back to Fiander, stating, "We have two months until the Hōgyoku reaches maturity, and we must ensure absolute precision for our next attack on the real world. "
"Understood. "
"Then I will take my leave, Aizen-sama. "
As Fiander's silhouette faded from the laboratory, Gin, standing nearby, remarked, "Is this guy dependable, Captain Aizen? "
"During his last appearance in the human world, he was more than capable of eliminating those Shinigami. "
"I place my trust in Fiander's loyalty to me, Gin."
Aizen's gaze remained fixed on the top of the screen, concealing his true thoughts from everyone present.