Ulquiorra's current form made Aizen feel strangely familiar.
His entire body was now purely black and white in coloration. Although the protrusions on his head weren't exactly horns, they were remarkably elongated and prominent.
Could this be divine providence?
Not only was Ulquiorra's power becoming increasingly similar to that of a Hollow, but his appearance was also bearing striking resemblance to White...
This next battle will prove most fascinating indeed.
As for Ulquiorra's Segunda Etapa revelation, it had completely exceeded even Aizen's expectations. For a moment, he couldn't help but fall into contemplative thought.
Meanwhile, Ichimaru Gin displayed genuine surprise, his perpetually squinting eyes quietly opening without anyone's notice.
Ulquiorra's power is already transcending normal boundaries. His strength is becoming more and more Hollow-like, and now he can even challenge the top three Espada. More intriguingly, he managed to hide this from the supposedly omniscient Aizen.
How fascinating. Are there others among Aizen's followers who conceal their true strength, just as I do?
If it weren't for Ulquiorra's unwavering loyalty to Aizen, I might suspect he's playing a deeper game...
Gin addressed Aizen with obvious interest. "Captain Aizen, have you truly never witnessed this Segunda Etapa that Ulquiorra speaks of?"
The other Espada turned their heads in unison, casting dubious glances toward Aizen.
Facing Gin's pointed question, Aizen maintained his characteristic calm demeanor.
The Arrancars couldn't help but worry about their Lord Aizen. If he genuinely hadn't known about the Segunda Etapa, then his image in their hearts... would truly suffer damage. While his reputation for masterful planning wouldn't disappear entirely, it would certainly be tarnished.
At that moment, Aizen responded with apparent frankness:
"This may disappoint you, but I have indeed never witnessed Ulquiorra's Segunda Etapa."
Upon hearing Aizen's admission, all the Arrancars turned toward Ulquiorra and gasped collectively!
[Yammy Llargo]: No way! Seriously?!
[Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez]: Doesn't that mean... Ulquiorra is beyond your control, Aizen?
[Nnoitra Gilga]: This sneaky bastard actually mastered such incredible power and didn't bother teaching the rest of us Espada!
[Zommari Rureaux]: What an unexpected reversal!
Grimmjow, who had never accepted being ranked below the 4th Espada, felt particularly frustrated. Ulquiorra's base Resurrección already filled him with dread. After witnessing this Segunda Etapa, he knew he'd never catch up in his lifetime!
Damn it! I need to evolve as quickly as possible, or I'll never possess the power of a Vasto Lorde!
The other Espada regarded Ulquiorra with newfound fear, instinctively stepping back several paces.
Just observing the spiritual pressure emanating from the screen gave them insight into Ulquiorra's overwhelming strength. Even the top three Espada couldn't confidently claim victory against him in this state.
While actual combat would be needed to determine the precise power differences, Ulquiorra's current speed and strength could undoubtedly match any of them.
Witnessing his comrades' shocked expressions, Ulquiorra's typically expressionless face showed the slightest fluctuation.
"If I told you... that I didn't even know I could achieve this Segunda Etapa, would you believe me?"
Ulquiorra's words sent shockwaves through Baraggan, the other Espada, Tōsen, and the watching Shinigami!
Are you joking? Mastering this transformation is frightening enough, and now you claim ignorance? Do you take us for fools?
[Coyote Starrk]: Hey, Ulquiorra, at this point there's no need to keep pretending. Are you afraid we'll steal your techniques?
[Yammy Llargo]: Planning to replace our top-ranked Espada, are you?
Starrk covered his mouth and yawned. "Eh, whatever. I don't particularly care about the Number 1 title anyway. If you take on the Shinigami, you'll probably just create more trouble for me. Might as well give it to you."
The 2nd Espada, Baraggan, felt ambitious flames burning in his heart as he thought to himself: Damn it! I, the King of Hueco Mundo, don't even know about this state... This is absolutely infuriating! I must master it immediately. Once I do, none of the Espada will be my match—not even Aizen.
At that moment, witnessing the awkward scene unfold, Aizen spoke with his characteristic calm demeanor of one who sees through all truths.
"Don't be concerned. I believe Ulquiorra speaks truthfully."
"If I'm not mistaken, this is likely a form that Ulquiorra has only recently mastered."
"To be more specific, it was after his interactions with Inoue Orihime, or following his battles with Kurosaki Ichigo, that he achieved this transformation."
Aizen's words struck like a boulder creating countless ripples across a still lake.
[Nnoitra Gilga]: What?! Are you kidding me? Can someone just become stronger on the spot? Is he the Kenpachi Zaraki of Hueco Mundo?
[Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez]: No, this instant power-up ability—that's more like our Hueco Mundo's version of Kurosaki Ichigo!
The Arrancars' composure completely shattered.
Observing his dumbfounded subordinates, Aizen continued explaining with a smile:
"In truth, I have been observing Ulquiorra and discovered he possesses mysterious hidden power that even he remains unaware of."
"After all, he is only the second being besides the 1st Espada capable of achieving Arrancar transformation independently! His potential far exceeds your imagination."
"Although his current apparent strength and spiritual pressure don't surpass the top three Espada, after mastering Segunda Etapa, his power may genuinely approach that of other species entirely."
The other Espada questioned Aizen in confusion:
[Zommari Rureaux]: We Hollows originally gained power from Shinigami abilities and grew stronger after obtaining Zanpakutō. Has he comprehended an even higher level of Shinigami power?
Aizen shook his head and spoke slowly:
"Don't forget Kurosaki Ichigo's true nature—he is human."
"What I mean is... Ulquiorra has likely incorporated aspects of human power."
"This isn't direct material gain, but evolution through mysterious spiritual development."
"Though they don't possess actual human blood or specific human abilities, after being inspired by the human heart, he has become an anomaly among us."
"A being with human consciousness... one who commands both Shinigami and Hollow power!"
"Therefore, his temporary breakthrough and development of Segunda Etapa becomes understandable."
After hearing Aizen's analysis, Ulquiorra himself experienced sudden realization:
"I see. In the future, will I learn from these weak humans? How ironic! At this moment, I have no comprehension of this so-called human heart..."
Aizen smiled calmly: "Because Ulquiorra, your human heart is only in its infancy."
"After all, Kurosaki Ichigo is an incredible existence! He truly deserves to be my most perfect experiment. His future achievements will far exceed even my imagination."
"Not only is he tremendously powerful in combat, he even possesses the ability to inspire others' growth and constantly elevate their understanding."
This can indeed be said to surpass even the Hōgyoku—a truly incredible existence! He is worthy of being his son! Of course, he is worthy of being created by Aizen... capable of producing both the complete Hōgyoku and Kurosaki Ichigo!
At this moment, Aizen's anticipation for the battle between Kurosaki Ichigo and Ulquiorra reached unprecedented levels.
Ulquiorra murmured to himself in confusion: "Is this my future self? Wanting to actively learn from humans? Can I also master this so-called human heart?"
The other Espada felt tremendous waves surging through their minds.
Damn it! We cannot fall behind—we can't let Ulquiorra become this strong alone! Do we also need to learn how to gain human power?
[Szayelaporro Granz]: Hehe, should I use humans as experimental subjects to gain stronger power? That's not a bad idea!
[Nnoitra Gilga]: I don't understand what you're talking about, but I heard humans are very useful... Previously, we Hollows devoured our own kind to grow stronger. Do you want us to devour human power now?
[Tier Harribel]: Can you be more reasonable and stop being so savage? Humans aren't as inhumane as you are.
[Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez]: I think you should just do what I plan to do—fight Kurosaki Ichigo more often! Haha! Although I haven't had that earth-shattering showdown with him yet, I think I've gained some inspiration from watching these future scenes! Let's see if I can turn this realization into power as soon as possible! In the future, I must evolve into a Vasto Lorde, continue defeating Kurosaki Ichigo, then destroy more Shinigami and those damn Quincy!!
In this way, the commotion caused by Ulquiorra's revelation couldn't be calmed for quite some time. The Arrancars watched the unfolding scenes even more intently, determined to analyze the battle between Ulquiorra and Kurosaki Ichigo carefully and learn as much as possible.
They too had to master Segunda Etapa!
Meanwhile, in Soul Society, the Shinigami engaged in heated discussion.
[Ikkaku Madarame]: How is this possible? This Ulquiorra can actually have a Segunda Etapa?
[[Yumichika Ayasegawa]: Could it be that the three Espada we fought before had even stronger forms they hadn't revealed yet?
[Shūhei Hisagi]: Maybe they've also mastered Segunda Etapa without telling Aizen?
For a moment, the Shinigami were both shocked and suspicious!
[Suì-Fēng]: That seems entirely possible. The 2nd Espada was killed by his own corrupt power before he could fully utilize his abilities. The 1st Espada seemed distracted by his Fracción's death and was defeated by Captain Kyōraku. As for the 3rd Espada, we never saw her final battle, so it remains unclear.
Hitsugaya Tōshirō's expression grew increasingly grave.
[Hitsugaya Tōshirō]: If they can truly perform Segunda Etapa, this war will be unprecedentedly difficult! I originally thought their Resurrección was equivalent to our Bankai. Could it be they were only matching our Shikai?
The Espada's base Resurrección alone placed the Shinigami in extremely perilous situations. The thought of them possessing even stronger Segunda Etapa forms left the Shinigami deeply troubled.
[Kyōraku Shunsui]: No need for such pessimism. Didn't you hear Ulquiorra say that even Aizen had never witnessed this form? Given his personality, it shouldn't be mere boasting to claim only he can master it.
Hearing this reasoning, the Shinigami found it quite logical and collectively sighed with relief. They all hoped the other Espada wouldn't suddenly power up through cheats.
One cheating Ulquiorra was already enough! Otherwise, how would the Shinigami cope?
[Byakuya Kuchiki]: By the way, when Aizen attacked us in the Human World, there should have been only the top three Espada present, correct? The 4th Espada never appeared from beginning to end. If nothing unexpected occurs, the battles in the Human World and Hueco Mundo may be taking place simultaneously. From this perspective, Ulquiorra's position truly resembles Aizen's most loyal second-in-command. Fortunately, he remains in Hueco Mundo, relieving pressure from our Human World battlefield!
After everyone's analysis, the cause and effect of this war instigated by Aizen gradually took shape, though some aspects remained unclear—particularly Aizen's ultimate purpose and strategic objectives.
Beyond discussing Ulquiorra's strength, the Shinigami also debated his relationship with Aizen.
[Sajin Komamura]: Has Aizen truly never seen Ulquiorra's Segunda Etapa?
[Tetsuzaemon Iba]: Could such a powerful Aizen, who granted them Arrancar abilities, really be kept in the dark by his subordinates?
[Izuru Kira]: Actually... it's difficult for us to determine. Maybe Aizen knew but chose not to reveal it.
[Momo Hinamori]: "Haven't seen it" doesn't necessarily mean "don't know about it."
[Rangiku Matsumoto]: Perhaps Ulquiorra has some unknown purpose and deliberately concealed it...
Everyone's speculations were endless.
At that moment, Kenpachi Zaraki offered his unique perspective:
[Kenpachi Zaraki]: Do you think it's possible he learned it on the spot? Just like me—I can always get stronger mid-battle. When I used Bankai in the future Three Realms Projection, it seemed like I didn't know how to do it beforehand.
[Yachiru Kusajishi]: I understand what Ken-chan means! Ulquiorra might have been influenced by Kurosaki Ichigo and gradually understood fighting instincts. After all, if he wanted to kill Ichigo Kurosaki, he could have done it long ago, but he kept prolonging the battle. This definitely isn't for enjoying combat, right? Instead, he wants to gain something from Kurosaki Ichigo!
After hearing this shocking theory, many captains were extremely surprised!
What?! Has Kurosaki Ichigo become a cheat distributor? And he's even selling cheats to enemies?!
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