Chapter 62 Hueco Mundo Prepares For Battle (Part 1)
Within the Night Palace, in the assembly area, the gathering of the Espadas has just concluded.
Aizen instructed Ulquiorra to provide an update regarding the human realm, and after Reinhard replaced Fiander as the newly appointed Arrancar No. 10, he permitted the Espadas to return to their own domains.
The sound of two pairs of footsteps echoed from the corridor. Ichimaru Gin and Tousen Kaname approached the meeting hall together.
"Are you back, Gin? How is Fiander? "
Aizen swiftly inquired about Fiander's condition.
"Not looking good. "
"Similar to the Hollow experiment we conducted with the Shinigami earlier, the body cannot endure the soul's power and begins to break down. "
"Fiander's soul potency is undoubtedly superior to those lesser Shinigami. "
"However, the upper portion of his body can barely maintain its form. "
Tousen Kaname's remarks plunged Aizen into deep contemplation, after which he replied with a smile, "It appears Urahara Kisuke has surprised us greatly. "
"A modified soul infused with the powers of four races, It's deeply concealed,"
Aizen remarked quietly, and the other spoke again.
"Nevertheless, everything is orchestrated, and Urahara Kisuke possesses tactics against us,"
"It remains well within my control, and predictably, this is the approach Urahara Kisuke intends to use against me,"
"However, Fiander's strength has compelled him to expose it prematurely,"
"No, it's better to say that Urahara Kisuke considers Fiander as new experimental material. "
Aizen's comments irked Tousen Kaname at once, and he gestured emphatically as he spoke with conviction.
"Lord Aizen, please instruct me to lead the Espada in an early assault on the human world. For your strategy, we must remove Urahara Kisuke, that elusive foe."
Aizen rose slowly, his coat billowing dramatically in the surge of his spirit.
"No need. Everything is proceeding according to the initial plan; one month is sufficient for Fiander to utilize Hōgyoku for self-repair. "
"Yes, Master Aizen, I will take my leave then."
Given Aizen's reluctance to initiate the attack on the human world, Tousen Kaname had no option but to bow and then gradually withdraw.
Once Tousen Kaname departed, Ichimaru Gin trailed Aizen with a grin, saying,
"What a pity for Fiander."
"Why do you say that, Gin? "
"That Hōgyoku cannot stabilize his soul? Fiander is not an ordinary Shinigami, and his level of soul degradation cannot be remedied by an inexperienced Hōgyoku. "
Ichimaru Gin's words did not elicit any change in Aizen's expression; it had long been understood by him that this perceptive subordinate could see through his thoughts.
"Well, who knows? "
After speaking, Aizen cast a profound glance at Ichimaru Gin before turning and exiting the assembly hall.
In the human world, a motionless Kurosaki Ichigo remains unresponsive within Urahara's shop, and it has been three days since the last Espada attacked.
"Huu---"
Ichigo abruptly awakened, scanning the surroundings with care, realizing he was resting in Urahara Kisuke's establishment.
Noticing that the injuries from his prior confrontation had fully healed, and sensing residual Reiatsu from Inoue, he felt a momentary sense of relief.
He then bowed his head, trying to piece together the events leading to his coma.
Memories of the earlier battle surged back, with the final image before he lost consciousness being Urahara covering his face with his hand.
Why did Urahara choose to do that just before he passed out?
While contemplating this, the sliding door to his recovery room gradually opened.
A small girl dressed in shinigami clothing stepped into Ichigo's view.
"Rukia? "
Ichigo exclaimed in astonishment upon recognizing her.
"Didn't you send Byakuya to Soul Society? Why are . . . "
Boom! !
Before Ichigo could finish, Rukia forcefully stomped her foot on his face, glaring down at him with an undeniable expression.
"Why? Look in the mirror, what were you thinking? You clearly lack the strength; why provoke the Espada? Wouldn't it be better to stay out of it? Did you even consider that those Espadas might have killed you if no one else was around? "
". . . "
Ichigo, who wanted to justify himself, was swiftly cut off by Rukia.
"Are you claiming you've mastered your Hollow? "
Rukia's words shocked Kurosaki Ichigo.
"How... you know about that too? "
"Urahara reported the battle details to Soul Society.
"And also. . . "
"There are some matters the captain wishes to discuss with you in detail. "
As she spoke, Rukia's demeanor shifted to one of sadness. She exited the room, resting her right hand against the door frame, she softly remarked,
"I'll head out first, come find me once you've changed. "
Rukia's expression left Ichigo with a sense of dread, prompting him to rush into his shinigami uniform, strap on his Zanpakutō, and make his way toward the underground area of the shop.
Upon arriving, Kurosaki Ichigo encountered someone who was not expected to be present.
It was Captain Kurosuchi Mayuri of the 12th division from Gotei 13.
"Hmph, you're so slow, substitute Shinigami. "
"Captain Mayuri ? What brings you here? "
"Why? If it weren't for your incompetence that posed significant risks to Karakura Town, I wouldn't be here cleaning up your mess."
At that moment, all members of Tōshirō's advance team had gathered, with Abarai, who had been severely injured earlier, also making an appearance.
"Hey, Ichigo, are you feeling better yet? "
"Renji, what are you doing here? "
Gazing at those assembled, Kurosaki Ichigo felt an unsettling premonition in his chest.
At this moment, Urahara Kisuke arrived late, successfully establishing a connection to a large display screen.
"Ah—"
"You're finally conscious, Kurosaki. Have your wounds healed yet? "
Once Urahara Kisuke finished talking, he activated the display screen and addressed Kurosaki Ichigo: "This situation shouldn't have involved you."
"However, there is something important we need to discuss. Mayuri, how has the obstacle been removed? "
"Enough with the chatter, Urahara Kisuke. You lack the authority to command me; I am the captain now! "
Kurotsuchi Mayuri declared with pride.
"Yes, yes, it's quite the achievement for you, Captain Mayuri! "
After Urahara Kisuke spoke, the screen flickered momentarily.
Yet, the figure that appeared wasn't Head Captain Yamamoto, but rather Jūshirō Ukitake, the captain of the 13th Division.
"Captain Jushiro? Where's the Head Captain?"
Tōshirō inquired with suspicion.
"This is something I need to address first." Jushiro replied.
"Inoue Orihime has already exited the Soul Society via the portal three days ago."
"What? ! ? "
Jushiro's statement left Kurosaki Ichigo in shock.
***
25+ advance chapters at patreon.com/Eatinpieces