After what I'd jokingly called "Momo-chan's Hōgyoku" or "Peach Orb" was revealed to truly be a Peach Orb, I was once again holding a two-person meeting with my partner Tobi-chan in my room.
"...So this is the problematic Hōgyoku."
"It seems 100% made from my spiritual pressure—or rather, my soul. Artificial soul clones, though."
"I can certainly feel it. To think such a thing was truly possible..."
I'd told her about it, but seeing the real thing was still shocking. It wasn't a dimensional substance where status was determined by spiritual pressure strength or weakness. An existence in the realm of principle, like Negación or Kōtotsu. And all of it was composed of our spiritual pressure.
"Honestly... I disliked the idea of putting something unknown like Hollowfication or a defective Hōgyoku inside my soul, as you'd mentioned before, but with this I have no complaints. Worthy of Aizen Sōsuke, I'd say."
"...Tobi-chan, you're easy in two ways."
"?"
With cute excited Tobi-chan seemingly satisfied, I immediately moved to the main topic.
Right. How to best utilize this newly obtained "Hōgyoku created from countless Hinamori clone lives"—this supreme Shiro-chan-clouding item—for a better "HINAMORIIII!" That was this meeting's focus.
"It's a new trump card that wasn't in the original plan. We need to decide its use carefully."
"...Um, wasn't this Hōgyoku originally meant to become stronger beyond a Shinigami's limits?"
"Yup, it's to become strong or creepy and make Shiro-chan suffer?"
"...Was it? Right, it was."
Tobi-chan tilted her head, but actually I'd already reached my target Number Ten level in spiritual pressure, so personally I was satisfied.
Though Aizen-sama seemed to want me even stronger, and for Tobi-chan to keep smugly mounting Hyōrinmaru two years from now, this alone was insufficient. In that sense, I'd have to fuse with the Peach Orb and desire further power after all.
The discussion derailed, so course correction.
Anyway. With Hōgyoku fusion as a given, the problem was what moves to make at the main Karakura battle.
Let me introduce the initial pleasure plan.
First, I'd challenge the Gotei as a tragic heroine with no choice but to follow Aizen-sama. I'd rampage with high-humidity stylish moves, then act like my fighting spirit broke when trying to finish off kido-neutralized Shiro-chan with "I can't..." Following that flow, Aizen-sama's "I'm disappointed" would get me cut down once for a temporary exit.
Then the Gotei camp would rage and gang up on fake Aizen-sama, leading to canon development where I got impaled by Shiro-chan under Kyōka Suigetsu, finally dying in Shiro-chan's arms after saying "I'm sorry... I love you..."
A perfect pleasure plan expecting the ultimate "HINAMORIIII!"
"So why must you die?! I'll tolerate being hurt, but absolutely won't permit more! Consider my feelings too...!"
"I-I know... sorry."
I bowed my head to Tobi-chan, whose face turned bright red in anger. Unlike early reincarnation when I'd planned to simply die without thinking ahead, now that I'd formed bonds with Tobi-chan, planted enhanced White in Ichigo, and owed Aizen-sama tremendously, I couldn't easily throw away my life.
So the plan needed revision, and while at it, I'd add the newly obtained Peach Orb here, transforming gradually from human form into increasingly ugly monster—adding further despair events.
"What do you think, Tobi?"
"...I won't say no, but please stop any unattractive changes. I absolutely hate becoming disgusting like that Tōsen...!"
DJ, poor thing being called disgusting by such a cute girl.
But if she hated disgusting elements, my guro fallen heroine (?) reference list was totally wiped out. Well, Dark Souls' Aldrich overlapped with subordinate Aaroniero, and Drakengard's goddess Furiae was too advanced—Shiro-chan might become a shut-in.
My backup Bloodborne rebirth person or cannibal mutants from The Forest would probably be rejected too. Even though the feeling of countless Hinamori Momo collective bodies was erotically grotesque and stylish. Hmm, troubling.
Beautiful monstrous form with decadent mystique...
"Not Turn A Gundam's Moonlight Butterfly—how about something like an Actias artemis moth? Butterflies and moths are metaphors for being trapped in spider webs, and if I asked the Hōgyoku for tattered wings, it'd look appropriate."
"...If it's a butterfly, well..."
Tobi-chan reluctantly agreed. Hehe, I knew she was actually a bit interested.
But since Hōgyoku Aizen-sama also had butterfly-moth wings, I'd explore a unique route while maintaining commonality. The fact it'd probably suit female me better was a little secret.
Now then, the crucial tragic heroine moves utilizing the Peach Orb. We worried together for a while about good ideas, worried and...
Then thought of something.
"At tomorrow's mortal world invasion, what if I go retrieve the Arrancar and suddenly clutch my chest looking pained in front of Shiro-chan? Hint at bodily abnormalities, making him imagine the worst developments happening to Hinamori Momo."
"Gradually revealing Hōgyoku fusion bit by bit... you mean?"
"Exactly. If I suddenly monstrosize, Shiro-chan might get confused and the purity of despair would decrease."
The so-called "laying groundwork." Having this versus not made mental preparation different.
Though this method was double-edged, and Tobi-chan seemed to have similar concerns.
"Won't it be difficult...? If you overdo it, you'll provoke crisis awareness and that child will chase you all the way to Las Noches."
"I'll ask Captain Aizen to control Head Captain Yamamoto with Kyōka Suigetsu—no problem. Or suppress Urahara Kisuke and the Twelfth Division to physically prevent them coming to Hueco Mundo."
If he still came here, it couldn't be helped. I'd entrust responses to Harribel to recreate canon matchups, then retrieve her at the right time and go to Karakura together.
Shiro-chan, make sure to chase me to the mortal world...!
And then the Karakura decisive battle, recovering the foreshadowing of my bodily abnormality (lol).
After that, I'd rampage with Tobi-chan in completely despairing heroine moves like venting anger, and when satisfied, play dead following the initial pleasure plan. Savor "HINAMORIIII!" and if I could quietly fade out to the Naruki City hideout while Aizen-sama rampaged, I'd be perfectly satisfied.
"...As long as you live, I'm fine with that. The transformation timing progresses gradually during battle?"
"Right. And if I struggle, that's when evolution advances rapidly—stylish, yeah? If I get too strong fusing with the Peach Orb, I'll hide my power through acting."
"...I'll properly torment and crush Hyōrinmaru fair and square. Please refrain from kido."
"Don't worry. But go easy on Shiro-chan himself."
Thus, though vague, we successfully decided our future policy.
Having decided to survive this battle, various other things I needed to do would increase. Tense days would continue from now on.
Now then, for the pleasure plan's first wave, let's scatter seeds of pleasure at tomorrow's canon event!
Though first I had to pacify the Peach Orb's Hinamori clones excitedly saying "Change into that!" after hearing "rebirth person"...
October 29th, early morning.
The day came for the third Karakura Town raid operation in canon spacetime.
The operation's main objective was bait for Ulquiorra to contact Inoue Orihime. I'd already had him prepare to head to the Dangai, and I'd summoned main members to my office to draw Soul Society's attention.
"—Mission contents are three. First, reconfirm mortal world forces; second, Wonderweiss's combat test; third, support separate unit Ulquiorra. Especially prioritize information on Urahara Kisuke and the Visored receiving his support."
"Yes, ma'am!"
I explained the operation to the four assembled Arrancar. Unlike Grimmjow's previous unauthorized action, this was different. Including Wonderweiss, all possessed Espada-class spiritual pressure.
"Wonderweiss-san, you'll handle Urahara Kisuke. However, zanpakutō release is strictly forbidden. Luppi-san and Yammy-san, please be as attentive as possible to support Wonderweiss-san while defeating other enemies."
"Ahh-ohhh."
"Roger~! General-san ♡"
"Leave it to me, Hinamori-san."
Wonderweiss's response was that, but he properly followed orders, so no worries. First-meeting Luppi seemed quite annoying—good character. And Yammy's underling vibes were just adorable and unfair.
—Sexta Espada, the Sixth Espada—
LUPPI ANTENOR
—Decima Espada, the Tenth Espada—
YAMMY LLARGO
—Arrancar Number Seventy-Seven—
WONDERWEISS MARGELA
And then...
"You'll most likely encounter the mortal world Visored forces. When fighting Kurosaki Ichigo, watch your back—Grimmjow-san."
"...Yes."
—Privaron Espada, Ex-Espada—
GRIMMJOW JAEGERJAQUEZ
These four would engage in the third Karakura Town raid operation. This was as far as I could set up for canon scene recreation.
"This is Captain Aizen's direct order. If any irregularities occur, I'll personally respond."
"...!"
The group looked surprised. For them it was their usually-unknowable boss's pet project. I'd lit a fire under them, but I'd appreciate some motivation.
...Well, my real feelings were meeting Shiro-chan. "Irregularities" were just an excuse—clearly obvious.
"At operation's end, I'll retrieve everyone with Negación. The battle continues, so never let your guard down and don't push yourselves."
"Y-yeah..."
"You're being warned, Yammy."
"Shut up! You're the one who'll obviously get beaten up underestimating the mortal world folks."
Luppi and Yammy seemed friendly, but this was an important briefing. It's Aizen-sama's order. Remember the mission properly.
Feeling anxious, I intimidated the four with spiritual pressure for serious appeal, conveying detailed rules to reduce screw-up possibilities. Everyone looked serious, so I gave final encouragement and sent them off.
"This is the Arrancar army's first official large-scale offensive."
—All units, I expect results.
Now then, I'll move on my end. Though only two months had passed since our Soul Society farewell, it felt like years.
Wait for me, Shiro-chan...
I'm coming to see you now, okay?
***
10 Advanced Chapters Available on my Patreon!
https://patreon.com/Well_being