The land once ruled by the great emperor Baraggan Luizenbahn was now being transformed into a massive royal castle by the followers of Aizen Sousuke.
"It's enormous..."
"It must be a castle worthy of Aizen-sama. It has to withstand battles against the Captain-Commanders of the Gotei."
Below us, countless slaves were being whipped and forced into brutal manual labor, a scene straight out of a bygone era. Hina and I stood on a tower balcony overlooking the construction site, conducting our inspection.
It had been a year since I recruited Baraggan as an ally. Having been tasked with gathering intelligence on powerful Hollows, I first ordered his subordinates to scout for strong Hollows.
There were a few minor incidents, dealing with Hollows who showed hostile attitudes, but since they were essentially beasts that obeyed strength, they eventually complied without much resistance. I asked them to report any findings, and soon intelligence started flowing in one after another.
Baraggan's subordinates were numerous, and the expansion and renovation of this Hollow Night Palace, which had been occupied by Aizen-sama as his base, were also carried out by them. They handled all the miscellaneous tasks related to my search for Hollows, and our Aizen-sama faction was satisfied with this numerical advantage.
But if it follows the original story, these Hollows, along with the future evolved Arrancar, are all disposable pawns. The towering Hollow Palace is merely a temporary prison for dangerous captains like Kenpachi and Urahara. Thinking about it that way, it's a rather hollow and melancholy sight. Unlike me, Aizen-sama doesn't seem to have much attachment to the Hollow World, so it's likely that under Tōsen's supervision, the Hollows and Arrancar will continue to organize themselves.
Since extra work could be troublesome, I'll diligently scout for new recruits and demonstrate my enthusiasm for my current mission.
"Do you have any reliable intelligence? I feel like I haven't been doing much work here lately..."
"It came in recently. Follow me."
We descend from the spire using instant movement and return to Tōsen's laboratory, which is as tidy as ever. He activates the massive almond-shaped video screen covering the entire wall and points to a single location.
"We've discovered the subordinates mentioned in Baraggan's report. A group of four female Hollows. Go secure them."
"Female?"
I couldn't help but turn around. The highest-ranking female Hollow in the original story only appears once.
"According to intelligence, they possess water-based abilities. Their personalities are rational. Avoid unnecessary conflict and negotiate their surrender."
"Ah, understood."
Hmm, I thought it might be Yammy or Aaroniero, but Harribel here is a bit unexpected. Well, the important thing is the order in which they became Hollows, so as long as we bring them here, it should be fine.
With only men and male Hollows in our ranks so far, the addition of a new female character is something we must strive for.
Tia Harribel.
She is the only active female officer in Aizen-sama's faction. With her large breasts, blonde hair, tanned skin, and silent warrior appearance, she's a pretty intense character. However, her personality matches Tōsen's description, calm, composed, and one of the few Espada who can adapt to any situation. Plus, she's ranked third, so she's strong!
She should be strong...
That's because, like many of the Espada, despite her high rank, her battle record is a bit disappointing. Among fans of the series, she's jokingly referred to as the "third Espada who almost lost to Shiro-chan" (laughs).
Incidentally, the "Plot-Induced Stupidity (PIS) System" was first proposed around this time. In the setting, the upper-ranking members, who are stronger than the Gotei 13 captains and have become even stronger after being transformed into Arrancar, were forced to logically explain the impossible scenario where they were soundly defeated by the Gotei 13 captains, who should be weaker than their pre-evolved selves. This led to the discovery of the new system.
Despite being a victim of the PIS system, Harribel actually managed to escape unharmed from Hitsugaya's finishing move and, even when outnumbered three to one with reinforcements, didn't sustain any noticeable injuries, proving she's far from weak.
Most importantly, during her execution, she not only withstood Aizen's attack but also countered with a move powerful enough to force him to use Kyoka Suigetsu, which is highly commendable.
Even under the disadvantageous PIS system, she is undoubtedly more powerful than the average Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13.
Harribel is similarly a tragic character who, despite being extremely strong by design, couldn't adapt to the new system and couldn't shine.
However, she is also one of the few lucky characters who got to be cut down by Aizen-sama. She even got two hits, right in front of Shiro-chan! Hey, switch places with her, I'm jealous.
Hm? Wait, but wasn't Harribel's backstory in the anime...
"...Um, Captain Tōsen. Have you heard anything from Captain Aizen about the new Hollows?"
"The recruitment of the main Hollows is entirely your responsibility. Why are you asking me?"
"Oh, no. I was just thinking about what happened with Baraggan."
He tried to cover it up, but this was a bit of a problem.
Harribel's past is detailed in the anime. She was nearly killed by one of Baraggan's subordinates who had picked on her, but she was saved by Aizen-sama and has been serving him ever since.
Of course, this subordinate was actually a Hollow sent by Aizen-sama, so it's the usual double-cross, but the problem is that I can't use that tactic.
And the bigger problem is that Aizen-sama is likely monitoring this mission from somewhere with high probability.
That sadistic glasses-wearing guy would definitely indulge in his twisted hobbies during the free time he gets from his original job of recruiting the Espada. And his current hobby is to tease and play with others. Just look at the Black Coffin joke and the reckless challenge in the Baraggan battle.
So, to avoid giving him any extra ammunition, I want to keep this stylish and cool.
Hmm, repeating the Baraggan battle isn't stylish either. Let's go with negotiation this time.
Harribel is weak and vulnerable right now, so I'll ask her to join my side in exchange for the power to protect her Apache allies. If that doesn't work, I'll intimidate her with spiritual pressure and establish a false hierarchy of beasts. If I mention Baraggan's current situation, she shouldn't refuse.
"I'll be on my way, Captain Tōsen."
"I expect results, Hinamori."
With a clearer vision of the future, I bid farewell to Tōsen and left the Hollow Palace.
Still, Harribel is already such a strong character, and now she's gained a "ryona" trait from the Thousand-Year Blood War arc. There are parts of her that feel a bit like me...
***
"Hello, Great Hollow. I am Hinamori Momo."
In a hilly area of the desert in Hueco Mundo, I was on a mission to recruit the highest-ranking Hollows. Following the information I had received, I arrived at the designated location and immediately came face to face with the future Third Espada.
Her appearance, resembling a diving suit with armor, was incredibly erotic. I wanted to strip her and dive into her breasts.
"...Tia Harribel. What business does a Shinigami have in Hueco Mundo?"
"I'm just a rookie squad member. My superior desires your power. Would you care to talk, Harribel-san?"
"You're a rookie...?"
Harribel tensed her entire body at my unhidden spiritual pressure. Just facing her like this seems to have already worn her out considerably.
...I see. Even an incomplete Hollow like that Aaroniero could hold its own. Even among the highest-ranking Hollows, there's a significant difference between her and Baraggan. It seems like Harribel has been living in a bubble lately...
The three girls behind her, resembling deer, lions, and snakes, are trembling from the spiritual pressure. Oh, oh, you really tormented her in the original story, didn't you? Even if the three of them team up, they can't win, so they should learn from the training videos.
...Now, about that peeping Tom with glasses.
For some reason, Aizen-sama seems to find me very interesting, so I want to change my image to a gap moe character who is just "intuitive" and can be found anywhere. My combat power has already risen to the point where I can match Tōsen Kaname. Now that the danger of being discarded before the Karakura Town showdown has disappeared, I should show a little bit of my silly side before I disappoint him too much.
First up is Powa Powa Momo-chan.
"That's right. Newbies are actually strong! Isn't that cool? A skilled hawk hides its claws."
"...I don't know the organization chart of the Death Gods. But I can tell you're no ordinary person."
"Really? Thank you, Harribel-san. You're truly a great being recognized by that person!"
"...That 'person' seems to desire my power, but—I'm afraid I must refuse."
Well, of course, she'll refuse without hesitation. Aizen-sama will probably lose his temper if this continues, so it's time for the soft-hearted Momo-chan to step in and negotiate. Let's pretend to be ignorant and shake things up a bit.
"But you're in trouble too, aren't you?"
"…What?"
"Because you're strong, yet you seem to be running away from something."
The three girls behind her stiffened. Harribel seemed to have restrained herself and remained calm, but this was as good as admitting it.
"...What are you talking about?"
"I observed you for a while, and you were always keeping an eye on your surroundings. It seemed like you were always aware of being chased rather than chasing."
"──Ahh!? Shut up and listen, you bastard!!"
"Stop it, Apache..."
The bloodthirsty deer, disregarding the spiritual pressure difference between us, lunged forward. I swiftly used Hakuda to strip him of consciousness, just as I had done to Baraggan's followers. Without breaking stride or even glancing at him, I raised one hand and dropped him—a stylish move befitting a true warrior.
"Ha!"
Harribel glanced at her unconscious comrade, who had collapsed at my feet, and asked softly.
"...You're not going to kill him?"
"Bloodshed is the mark of the battlefield. This is a place for negotiation."
Implicitly declaring that his subordinates are not worth his attention, I can't help but feel a slight sense of accomplishment at the current situation, where he can treat the three girls who had a fierce battle with Hitsugaya in the original work like dust. Well, they're just intermediate-level Hollows now, though.
Hmm, maybe it's time to reveal the truth.
"My superior is searching for a powerful Hollow. The enemy pursuing Harribel, Baraggan Luizenbahn, has already been subdued by me through force."
"What…!?"
"Unlike Baraggan, you can communicate with us. We offer you unimaginable power that transcends racial barriers, safety from Baraggan's faction, and a high position within our organization. In exchange, we ask that you provide your combat strength to my boss."
I slightly increase my spiritual pressure to enhance the credibility of my words. Using spiritual power manipulation, I target Harribel alone.
"...I have one question."
"What is it?"
"I'm not doubting you. But I can't imagine any way to overcome that monster's invincible power. How did you defeat that creature?"
Oh, this is a stylish moment. I convey it to Harribel in a voice that sounds as if I don't think much of it.
"Huh? Oh, it's easy."
Without a word, I activate my Bankai, perform a powerful technique, and then, taking advantage of Tobiume's excitement from her first release in a while, I casually flick my wrist to send a massive plum flame behind her, but Tobiume took too much spiritual power!
"──!!?"
Well, that's a year's worth of stress for you. A tremendous explosion erupts behind me, sending Harribel and the other four Hollows flying like spinning grass in a Western movie. I desperately hold on with spiritual energy threads like tree roots. Ugh...!
After the blast wave subsided, I stood before a crimson desert of molten sand, forcing a smile and elegantly approaching them.
Then, I gently answered Harribel's question, whose eyes were wide with shock.
"With brute force that doesn't respond to tricks, right?"
… Hmph, that's settled.
Harribel's wide-open eyelids slowly closed. Fear vanished, replaced by a hollow resignation. And when I saw that other emotion bubbling up from the void, I was certain of victory in this so-called "negotiation", a stylish showdown.
"...Harribel. Don't you want the strength to protect your comrades?"
Harribel stared intently at me as I delivered the final blow with confidence. A long internal struggle. Without growing impatient at the continued silence, I waited for the answer I already knew.
And when the three girls behind me could no longer endure the silence.
"—I understand... Hinamori-sama."
The name of the final emotion that flashed in her eyes was awe.
Thus, the future Tia Harribel was drawn to the overwhelming violence she lacked and surrendered to our ranks.
Aizen-sama! Finally, finally, a new color has come to that dreary, stuffy palace...!
***
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