Ichimaru Gin and Hitsugaya Tōshirō held their swords with both hands, their expressions solemn and wary as they looked at the two monsters before them, who resembled Hollows yet were distinctly different.
An unsettling aura emanated from them, making one feel an invisible pressure.
"...Is it you? Aozaki's subordinates? Or is it the Eleventh Division? How wonderful, both of my most hated factors are gathered here."
The monster's voice carried a hint of disdain and provocation.
The humanoid creature had no hair, its entire body seemingly clad in a white bodysuit, with a ring on its back and a long tail dragging on the ground.
Its appearance was both eerie and peculiar, like a large Frieza from Dragon Ball, but its body was pure white.
Listening to his words, Ichimaru Gin and Hitsugaya Tōshirō had black lines across their foreheads.
To immediately ask if they were Reiji's subordinates, that guy must have been secretly doing bad things outside again.
"I am Oswiel, and this is Ishdar. We are both Lord Baraggan's subjects."
Just as the two were contemplating, a shadowy figure, completely black, slightly bowed beside the humanoid creature named Ishdar, politely introducing himself.
Seeing the other party so courteous, Ichimaru Gin couldn't help but feel a little surprised.
He had originally thought these enemies would be fierce, brutal, and irrational monsters, but he didn't expect there to be someone among them who understood etiquette.
This made him more curious and wary of the enemies before him.
However, the name Ishdar seemed somewhat familiar, as if he had encountered it somewhere before.
And from the opponent's words and actions, it seemed they did not like the Eleventh Division.
Ichimaru Gin, who knew the history of the Eleventh Division like the back of his hand, quickly recalled the person's identity after a brief thought.
It was none other than the Vasto Lorde that the former Eleventh Division Captain, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, had slain more than two hundred years ago!
As a very rare Vasto Lorde-class Hollow, his name was recorded as a meritorious deed of Kenpachi Kuruyashiki in the Eleventh Division's historical archives!
After much deliberation, Ichimaru Gin slowly spoke:
"I am Ichimaru Gin, the Vice-Captain of the Eleventh Division, and this is Hitsugaya Tōshirō, who shares the Vice-Captain position with me. Our Captain is indeed Aozaki."
Immediately after, he continued to ask:
"So, may I ask why the two of you are looking for us?"
Hearing Ichimaru Gin's question, Oswiel nodded slightly.
Then, he replied in a low voice:
"Hmm, your lord killed our lord, so we have specifically come for revenge this time."
However, he did not mention that he had once been slain by Aozaki.
After all, on a fierce battlefield, being defeated and killed by an enemy only indicated one's own insufficient strength, and there was not much to resent.
But, when the lord suffered, how could a subject remain indifferent?
It was precisely for this reason that he and Ishdar came here.
At this moment, Ichimaru Gin and Hitsugaya Tōshirō looked solemn, focusing all their attention on the enemies before them, not daring to relax in the slightest.
The two guys opposite, one black and one white, looked like humans, and in their previous lives, they were definitely Vasto Lorde-class Hollow.
They knew very well.
Among Menos Grande, Vasto Lorde are the highest rank, with a starting Reiatsu of Second Class Reiatsu.
Facing such powerful opponents, any carelessness or underestimation could lead to irreversible consequences!
Watching Oswiel raise his long spear, Ichimaru Gin and Hitsugaya Tōshirō did not hesitate, raising the blades in their hands.
"Shoot to kill, Shinsō!"
"Sit Upon the Frozen Heavens, Hyōrinmaru!"
Reiatsu surged from their bodies.
One Zanpakuto shortened, while the other Zanpakuto extended a chain from its end.
Seeing their swords, Oswiel nodded.
"Good Reiatsu, very powerful."
"As expected of that Lord's subjects, very good."
"If you fall into Hell, I am willing to introduce you to Lord Baraggan."
As soon as these words were spoken, Hitsugaya Tōshirō immediately gnashed his teeth.
He was about to retort that he was not that guy's subject, but before he could speak, he felt a large hand on his shoulder.
"No need. Staring at too much dazzling light can also be very uncomfortable. In this life, I only need one sun."
The moment the words fell, Ichimaru Gin raised his short sword.
The instant the Zanpakuto was raised, a silver-white light suddenly rapidly approached.
It was not that the air was colored.
Rather, hidden within this light was a sharp killing intent!
The buildings between the four, wherever this light swept, were cut off.
A blade, in an instant, arrived before Oswiel, striking the black lance.
Even though Ishdar had already mentally prepared himself after sensing the opponent's Reiatsu, he couldn't help but be a little surprised to see such swift speed.
"Leave that white-haired brat to me."
He moved his feet.
With a "bang," the advanced movement technique called Sonído was performed by him in his monster form.
Seeing Ichimaru Gin's surprised gaze, Oswiel grinned:
"The power of Hell, I imagine, is no worse than Arrancarization. Ishdar and I are both a little different from before."
"However, I heard that Lord Szayelaporro died at the hands of that Lord again."
"Indeed, that Lord's power is still so desirable."
Hearing Oswiel's words, Ichimaru Gin nodded.
Such power, power capable of overturning the world... who wouldn't yearn for it?
Fortunately, this power was in Aozaki's hands. If it were given to certain ambitious individuals who liked to put on a show, who knows what this world would become!
"Let's change locations. I can't unleash my full power here."
Saying that, he placed one hand on his face, then leaped and disappeared from the spot.
Seeing Ichimaru Gin's actions, Oswiel raised the corners of his mouth.
Then, his figure flickered, and he followed, leaving.
...
While the Gotei 13 and Hell were locked in battle, something world-changing was happening in a corner of Hueco Mundo.
In the boundless expanse, there was a stretch of white sand, and the quiet environment had a sense of being isolated from the world.
It was as if no matter how cruel the world became, it had nothing to do with this place; as long as one closed their eyes, they could attain eternal tranquility.
If one stayed too long, even the most beautiful memories would be forgotten.
Aozaki coldly watched the gradually disappearing colossal body.
When miracles became powerless, the process of decomposition and absorption was no longer difficult, but this was not the goal, but a means to achieve the goal.
Of course, this time, as he expected, nothing went wrong, and the process of absorbing nutrients was very smooth.
He felt his thoughts gradually become clear and transparent; this wonderful feeling made him feel comfortable.
With such complete tranquility, the Reiatsu around him gradually subsided.
With the Reiatsu contained within his body, he immediately felt a craving from his Souls.
Sitting cross-legged on the ground, Aozaki began his path of evolution...
No, it was about becoming what he was meant to be.
Aozaki had a wonderful realization; it was at this moment that he completely understood the difference between himself and Aizen.
What he told Aizen back then was not a lie.
Both were in their third fusion state, but Aozaki was stronger than Aizen, standing on a higher dimension.
The Hōgyoku was something that guided potential; this was correct.
And his potential was to be stronger than Aizen.
Aozaki even had an arrogant thought in his heart.
He was not a small demon on the journey to obtain scriptures, needing to obey the Great King's orders to go to his death, but rather the Great Sage Equaling Heaven who should turn the world upside down.
But... becoming a monkey was fine, but it was best to be himself.
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