Void Night Palace.
On a palace road woven with shifting shadows and pale light, four figures advanced together.
"Hey, Yin Lijiang… who exactly are you trying to save?" Nilu's childish voice broke the silence, her eyes fixed on the boy walking before them.
"A blonde with big waves," Su Li answered casually, smiling faintly as he stepped ahead.
"Eh?" Nilu blinked.
Peixue rubbed his chin thoughtfully, colorful images flashing through his mind. "That answer sounds serious, but it feels like there's another meaning hidden in it…"
"Is she someone important to you? A companion?" Nilu pressed innocently.
Since entering the halls of Las Noches, she had clung tightly to Su Li's sleeve, part fear, part unease.
"Emmm…" Su Li lowered his head in thought, then replied with a soft murmur. "I can't really say… but I suppose she can barely be called a companion. I don't know her well—we've only met a few times." His tone carried uncertainty, as if even he doubted his own reasoning.
The truth was simpler. Rescuing Inoue Orihime had not been some carefully planned resolve. It was instinct. One of the three major upheavals in the Shinigami world, and Su Li had always chosen to involve himself in such tides. How could he stand aside now? Coming to Hueco Mundo was not just for her sake—it was curiosity, impulse, and the pull of fate. Orihime's rescue was incidental. His true desire was to see the real Hueco Mundo with his own eyes, to feel its alien atmosphere and barren customs. He had grown up in the Soul Society and already visited the World of the Living. Only Hueco Mundo remained unseen. To him, this was an excursion as much as a mission, a journey outward to broaden his horizons. Saving lives was merely a byproduct.
"You've only met a few times, and yet you would come here to save her without hesitation?" Peixue and Donde Chaka exchanged a look of disbelief.
Their minds went back to the day Su Li saved them, despite knowing almost nothing about them. His selfless act, repeated again here, reshaped their perception. A boy who risked himself for near-strangers—his kindness and resolve made their chests tighten with shame and admiration.
Nilu, too, stared up at him with wide, glassy eyes. In Hueco Mundo she had grown accustomed to endless bloodshed and betrayal. Never had she seen someone like this. The fabric of his haori in her small hand wrinkled as she gripped tighter, unwilling to let go.
Meanwhile, at the grand entrance of Las Noches, four more figures dropped from the sky. Kurosaki Ichigo, Kuchiki Rukia, Ishida Uryū, and Sado Yasutora landed with traces of battle still marking their uniforms. Clearly, the path here had not been without conflict.
"Why is it so quiet here?" Ishida's sharp gaze scanned the barren desert. His voice betrayed suspicion.
Along the way, they had encountered Hollows and frenzied battles. The danger of Hueco Mundo was fresh in their memories, and yet now—before the most crucial stronghold—the silence felt unnatural. No Menos guards, no patrols. Nothing but stillness.
"It's strange… this is the main entrance, and no one's here," Rukia said, her tone puzzled.
Uryū and Chad frowned, equally uneasy.
Ichigo, however, grinned. "If that's the case, I won't be polite!" He strode forward boldly.
Bang!
"Ow!!" A chestnut whacked down on his head.
"You idiot! Don't get ahead of yourself!" Rukia scolded with an exasperated glare.
"Damn it, what was that for?!" Ichigo rubbed the swelling bump furiously. His immaturity showed in every line of his face.
Rukia let out a quiet sigh. Both boys… yet the difference is so vast. She glanced at Ichigo but thought of someone else entirely.
"Either way, we must stay cautious," Ishida said, adjusting his glasses.
"Yes. Caution first," Chad agreed, his steady tone grounding the group.
"Let's go," Rukia declared, drawing her Zanpakutō and stepping through the palace threshold. Uryū and Chad followed close, wary eyes sweeping their surroundings.
"Ugh… isn't that the same as me going first?! What's the difference?!" Ichigo grumbled behind them, then ran to catch up.
Deep within Las Noches, a dimly lit chamber held an Espada meeting.
At the head sat Aizen, a faint smile resting on his lips. An Arrancar servant had just departed respectfully, though the news was unnecessary—everyone present had already sensed it. Lunugangka, the White Sand Watcher, was dead. And more than that, several "rats" had slipped past the gates. Three of Hueco Mundo itself, followed by four intruders. An unusual gathering, one that made even the Espada stir.
Slap! A palm struck the table.
Grimmjow rose, his voice sharp. "Where do you think? To kill them, of course. Flies that enter should be crushed immediately."
"Grimmjow," Aizen's calm voice drifted faintly.
Before Grimmjow could answer, Tōsen's cold tone cut across him. "Lord Aizen has not given an order. Sit back down."
"I'll defeat them for Aizen-sama!" Grimmjow snarled, glaring at Tōsen with feral defiance.
The other Espada turned their gazes toward him, eyes cold. The room tightened with tension as spiritual pressure swelled.
"Grimmjow…" Aizen's voice, gentle as a breeze, echoed once more.
"Yes," Grimmjow muttered, turning his head slightly.
"I'm glad you're eager to act for me. But I have not yet given permission. For now, return to your seat." His tone was mild, but under the dim light his face could not be read.
Grimmjow froze, words caught in his throat.
"What is it? Did you not hear me, Sexta Espada?" Aizen's voice lowered slightly, yet it carried the weight of command.
Grimmjow stayed still.
The next instant, a crushing reiatsu thundered down on him. His knees hit the floor with a heavy crack, his face twisted in pain. Only when the suffocating weight lifted did he gasp for breath again, terror flashing in his eyes.
"Then it is decided," Aizen continued, his voice smooth as still water. "There are four intruders. Do not underestimate them, but there is no need for rash action. Return to your palaces. Go about your duties as usual. No arrogance, no impatience. Simply wait."
His eyes narrowed, the faint smile never leaving his lips. "Do not fear. No matter what comes, if you move forward with me, there will be no enemies before us."
His calm words settled like iron in the chamber, filling even the strongest Espada with silent awe.
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