As Fiander made his way back to the palace, he couldn't help but grumble inwardly, "What scheme? It's merely a boy extinguishing flames. "
"I believed that an Arrancar's powers stemmed from Aizen's reliance on the Hōgyoku. Yet now, it appears that's not the situation at all."
"Each Gillian's transformation into Adjuchas comes with a chance to gain a unique ability, so Aizen and his followers are currently seeking Arrancars with exceptional fire resistance for their studies. "
"Additionally, they should have captured a similar Menos Grande for the purpose of Arrancarization. Clearly, it's possible to achieve this by allowing other Arrancars to act, but why must it fall to me? "
With lingering doubts and contemplations, Fiander arrived at his residence.
"Foolish Pesche, foolish Dondochakka, come and find me quickly! "
Upon entering the palace gates, Fiander encountered Nelliel, who was expected to remain in her own domain.
"Master Nelliel, we have encircled you. . . "
Pesche, engaged in a game of peek-a-boo with Nelliel, spotted Fiander at the entrance and immediately became startled, standing at attention to greet him, "Master Fiander, you're finally back. "
"Because Lady Nelliel kept expressing her desire to see you no matter what, we requested Lord Reinhard to grant us access. "
Arrancars that have been defeated in battle or dismissed from Espada cannot reside in the Palace, so Fiander took Nelliel and relocated them to the cave he and Reinhard once inhabited, which is part of his territory and close to the Night Palace.
"It's all right, Pesche. . . you…"
Just as Fiander was beginning to speak, Nelliel dashed to his side, embraced his leg, and cried out, "Wuu~ Fiander! It's been so long. I've missed you! "
"You're merely bored and wanted to sneak out for some fun; you've used that excuse far too often, Nel-chan. "
Fiander indulged the loli-like girl, embracing her while inquiring, "What brings you to me? "
"It's because a few days ago, Lilinette showed off the toys and snacks you gave her, and Nel wants them too! "
Feeling fondly toward the endearing Nelliel, Fiander smiled helplessly, "I apologize; there have been so many happenings in the Night Palace lately that I haven't had much opportunity to bring you items from the human world. "
"I'll make sure to bring back tasty treats for Nel the next time I visit the human realm. "
After years of companionship, even someone as solitary as Fiander cherished this innocent girl. Nel, despite being the third Espada, despised conflict, cultivating ideals to suppress her hollow instincts.
Fiander had been in the human world honing his shinigami essence during the time Nelliel faced an attack from Nnoitra, leading to her memory and powers being lost.
"Woo~"
Nelliel gazed at Fiander with discontent in her large golden-green eyes, turning her face away with a sulk.
"Oh, I have an idea! How about we have some fun with Lilinette? Oh, wait, I remember you're still mad at her for showing off."
"What if I head out for a mission? Does Nel want to join me? "
Fiander couldn't stand the fierce glare from Nelliel, so he helplessly covered his face and proposed a middle ground.
"Going out? Together? Awesome! "
"Hey! This isn't just for fun; it's a mission! "
Nelliel wriggled free from Fiander's hold, leaping down and darting about joyfully, focusing solely on the prospect of going out, completely overlooking the mission component.
"Really! "
He helplessly shook his head and turned to Pesche and Dondochakka, saying, "What are your plans? "
"Even if you stick by Nel's side, with your current abilities, you won't be able to protect her in the dangers of Hueco Mundo. You should acknowledge this. "
Seeing Pesche and Dondochakka's downcast expressions, Fiander sighed and continued, "I comprehend your determination to shield Nel, but Hueco Mundo is a realm where the strong consume the weak. "
"Once I complete this mission, I will request Lord Aizen to utilize the Hōgyoku on you. After all, I'm uncertain whether an Arrancar whose mask has been shattered can be restored. "
"Thank you so much! ! Lord Fiander! ! "
Upon hearing Fiander's remarks, Pesche and Dondochakka excitedly knelt, expressing their gratitude. They were fully aware of what his words meant; after Lord Nel lost her powers, they were cast out from the Night Palace and faced numerous hardships.
Had Fiander not returned to Hueco Mundo and accepted them, they would have been at a loss about how to defend themselves.
Thus, they genuinely appreciated the most significant figure in the Espada.
"Reinhard, take Pesche and Dondochakka to stay in the Night Palace with you. I have matters to attend to; I'll be taking Nel along with me."
"I will obey your command, Master Fiander. "
After finishing his statement, Fiander called out to Nelliel, who was still darting about, "Nel, let's go! "
"Okay! "
Nelliel ran over, grabbing the hem of his clothing, bubbling with excitement since this was her first outing with Fiander since they had met.
As they exited the gate, Fiander instinctively asked, "Do you want to invite Lilinette to join us? "
"No, I don't want to! "
"Why not? "
"Right now, Nel doesn't want to play with Lilinette; I'll look for her next time Fiander takes me somewhere exciting. "
It appears that Starrk misled Lilinette, who has been flaunting to Nel. Nevertheless, Nel and Lilinette frequently spend time together. Both are Arrancars with childlike attitudes and subtly influence one another during their play.
So, Starrk must bear the responsibility for being my "best friend. "
"Ah Choo—"
Starrk in the Night Palace unexpectedly sneezed without any apparent cause, rubbed his nose awkwardly, and remarked, "Odd, is someone mentioning me? "
Lilinette, who was engrossed in a PS5 game nearby, glanced at Starrk with suspicion before returning to her game.