Hueco Mundo.
While Ryūjin led the Soul Reapers forward, riding the waves and cutting through every obstacle in their path, the Espada had already assembled inside the main hall.
Aside from the Fourth Espada, Ulquiorra, the Ninth Espada, Aaroniero Arruruerie, and the Tenth Espada, Yammy, who had already been dealt with by Ryūjin, every remaining Espada was present.
Naturally, Tōsen and Ichimaru Gin, Aizen's most trusted subordinates, were also in attendance.
The only one absent was Wonderweiss, the Arrancar Aizen had specifically created to deal with Ryūjin.
Under Aizen's orders, Wonderweiss had been observing Ryūjin's various abilities throughout his journey, studying him as thoroughly as possible to improve his chances of victory.
Unlike the other Espada, who served as Aizen's tools and carried out different assignments, Wonderweiss had only one purpose.
Kill Uchiha Ryūjin.
"Ulquiorra and Yammy aren't here? And that useless Aaroniero Arruruerie too?" Grimmjow scanned the room with surprise before a look of contempt appeared on his face. "Looks like they died in the Human World. I thought Ulquiorra would be different, but he's just as worthless."
"Even Ulquiorra is dead? Is this Uchiha Ryūjin really that troublesome?" the First Espada, Coyote Starrk, asked as he slightly frowned.
He looked down on Yammy and Aaroniero Arruruerie, but Ulquiorra was different.
Among the Espada, Ulquiorra possessed considerable strength. Even Starrk found him difficult to understand.
He had always felt that Ulquiorra was far more dangerous than he appeared, and his position as the Fourth Espada did not necessarily reflect his true strength.
Yet a mission to the Human World had permanently left Ulquiorra there.
"Ulquiorra and Yammy may not be exceptional, but adding Aaroniero Arruruerie to the mix makes their combined strength difficult to ignore."
"I don't think they're dead. Perhaps Lord Aizen sent them on another mission," the Third Espada, Halibel, suggested.
"No, those three are dead."
A voice echoed from the entrance.
The expressions of the Espada stiffened slightly because the speaker was none other than Aizen.
He walked leisurely into the hall and took his seat upon the throne, looking down at the Espada gathered before him.
"Ulquiorra and the other two are dead. Uchiha Ryūjin killed them."
Aizen's gaze swept across the room as he spoke in a deep voice.
Since Aizen had stated it twice, no one doubted the truth of the matter. Even the Espada were visibly surprised.
None of them had expected Uchiha Ryūjin's strength to have reached such a level.
"I called all of you here today for two matters, although in truth, they are one and the same."
"Today, we will discuss how to stop the Soul Reapers led by Uchiha Ryūjin, who have invaded Hueco Mundo."
"And we will discuss how to seize Karakura Town and obtain the Soul King's Key."
"These two matters are essential steps in creating the Soul King's Key."
Under everyone's gaze, Aizen spoke slowly, his expression serious.
Of course, although he used the word "discuss," nobody present was foolish enough to take those words literally.
Aizen never discussed his plans with others.
Nor did they possess the right to do so.
Their role was simply to obey his orders.
"We're taking Karakura Town today?" Tōsen asked in surprise.
"That's correct."
Aizen nodded.
"The only threat to our plans is Uchiha Ryūjin. However, he has willingly entered Hueco Mundo. This is our opportunity."
"Now all we need to do is kill Uchiha Ryūjin or keep him trapped within Hueco Mundo."
Tōsen and several of the Espada immediately understood.
However, those who had never witnessed Ryūjin's power personally felt somewhat dissatisfied. They found it difficult to believe that Aizen was treating Uchiha Ryūjin with such caution.
"Gin, play the prepared footage."
Aizen casually gave the order.
Ichimaru Gin respectfully acknowledged him. He took out a device, operated it, and a projected image appeared within the hall.
The footage clearly displayed a group of Soul Reapers advancing through Hueco Mundo.
Aizen had already shared information about many Soul Reapers from the Seireitei, allowing the Espada to recognize the invaders immediately.
"Uchiha Ryūjin, Kenpachi Zaraki, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, and Soi Fon? Only four Captain-class Soul Reapers invaded Hueco Mundo? Is the Seireitei looking down on us?" Grimmjow snorted coldly.
Aizen said nothing and simply gestured toward Gin again.
Understanding his intention, Gin changed the footage.
This time, the projection displayed Ryūjin's battles.
There was footage of his fight against Ulquiorra and the others in the Human World, along with scenes of him overwhelming Menos Grande in Hueco Mundo.
Although each battle was brief, Uchiha Ryūjin's overwhelming power deeply shocked every Espada.
The hall fell silent.
Surprise covered every face.
Even the arrogant Grimmjow no longer spoke recklessly.
"Uchiha Ryūjin can absorb Cero? And how exactly did he kill Yammy?"
"He crushed Aaroniero Arruruerie's Cero with his bare hands. That's unbelievable."
"And that black energy he used completely shattered Aaroniero Arruruerie's barrier. What kind of ability is that?"
For a time, voices filled with shock echoed throughout the hall.
Every Espada was stunned by Ryūjin's overwhelming strength.
Only then did they finally understand why Lord Aizen became so serious whenever Uchiha Ryūjin was mentioned.
"Aside from Gin, Tōsen, and Wonderweiss, all of you will cooperate with Wonderweiss in Hueco Mundo to stop Uchiha Ryūjin."
"This is your only mission today. Even if it costs your lives, you must keep Uchiha Ryūjin here."
"The four of us will proceed to Karakura Town."
Aizen finally began issuing his orders.
Everyone present was astonished.
Aizen was sending every remaining Espada to deal with Uchiha Ryūjin alone.