Chapter 207 Quincy and Hollow—Natural Enemies
"My... ancestor?"
Ichigo murmured, looking toward Karin. His thoughts drifted elsewhere, but Fiander simply placed his hand upon Kurosaki Ichigo's shoulder and spoke with gravity: "That's correct. Yhwach represents not only the Quincy's progenitor, but also the other half of your own bloodline."
"Do you know about your father, Kurosaki Isshin?"
Fiander's question emerged once more. However, this sort of inquiry fell directly into Ichigo's heart like a devastating bombshell.
To speak truthfully, ever since that confrontation in Karakura Town against Aizen—when his father Kurosaki Isshin had appeared before him wearing a shihakushō—countless confusions had been lingering within his heart. Why was he human, yet his father a Shinigami? Judging from the content of Isshin's conversation with Urahara Kisuke, they should have known one another for considerable duration.
Not only that—even Soul Society's captains, most of them appeared acquainted with Kurosaki Isshin.
Kurosaki Ichigo didn't know what manner of role his father had played before his birth.
"Father?" Kurosaki Ichigo displayed a complex expression. It was obviously impossible to claim he felt no curiosity about all of this.
After a moment's silence, Kurosaki Ichigo spoke: "Why... you seem extraordinarily knowledgeable about my family's circumstances. Is there some specific reason for this?"
Rather than directly requesting Fiander reveal Kurosaki Isshin's secrets, Kurosaki Ichigo instead posed a new question to Fiander.
"The reason?"
Fiander's eyes dimmed, as though contemplating something profound. Then he smiled with evident relief: "The reason is simply that I wish to survive."
"Survive?"
Fiander's answer clearly didn't satisfy Kurosaki Ichigo. He frowned tightly and spoke with bewilderment: "With your strength, who could possibly kill you? Even Captain Yamamoto isn't your equal!"
"You rule such an enormous Hueco Mundo. Even Soul Society fears you tremendously. What could you possibly be worried about?"
"What concerns me remains far beyond your current reach. Revealing such information wouldn't benefit you significantly. Instead, it would expose you to those individuals' scrutiny... though your name is already known to them."
Hearing Fiander's words, Kurosaki Ichigo slowly lowered his head, contemplating something. Observing the youth before him displaying such an expression, Fiander understood.
Although his own words had impacted Ichigo's worldview, they hadn't affected the resilience and judgment within his heart.
This was a young man possessing firm conviction and extraordinarily tenacious self-will. Compared to what he might have been, what Kurosaki Ichigo had experienced in this world had already matured him beyond his peers.
"It seems you don't wish to hear about your father's history from me. Regardless, let's discuss yourself instead. This also relates to your sister's condition."
Hearing that Fiander finally addressed this meeting's central theme, Ichigo's interest sparked. "What do you mean by this 'assimilation' you keep referencing? What caused what happened to Karin?"
"The so-called assimilation refers to the soul's gradual convergence from one extreme toward another."
"And this extreme represents the bloodiest incompatibility between Hollow and Quincy! Since countless years past, the Quincy have dedicated themselves to the mission of destroying Hollows—because Hollow spiritual power constitutes terrible poison for Quincy!"
As he spoke, Fiander extended two fingers. A stream of black and blue Reiatsu slowly emerged from his fingertips, burning like candles flickering in wind.
"This is Hollow Reiatsu and Quincy Reiatsu. Now, when I combine these two spiritual pressures, observe what transpires."
As Fiander's voice fell silent, the two-fingered Reiatsu slowly approached one another. The black spiritual pressure devoured the azure Reiatsu instantaneously. A breath of death permeated the air. Not a single trace remained of the blue spiritual pressure that had been consumed.
"Do you comprehend now? This is why Quincy harbor such profound hatred toward Hollows—why they seek to destroy them completely."
"However, Hollow existence represents the world's stability. Hollows have absorbed the majority of negative emotions and energy throughout the Three Realms."
"If tremendous numbers of Hollows perish, these negative emotions and energies will spread uncontrollably to other worlds. Humans and Shinigami would bear the initial brunt."
"This is why Soul Society can tolerate Hueco Mundo's existence, yet cannot sit idly by while Quincy eliminate Hollows indiscriminately."
"When Shinigami purify Hollows, Reishi dissipates throughout heaven and earth, returning to the cycle. However, Hollows destroyed by Quincy are completely annihilated—even their Reiatsu is consumed by Quincy spiritual pressure."
"This represents a battle for racial survival. It's impossible to achieve the theoretical situation of non-interference despite philosophical differences. Coexistence cannot be attained."
After explaining to Kurosaki Ichigo considerable knowledge that Soul Society had classified as taboo, Fiander pointed toward Karin and continued: "Both you and your sister possess the potential to become Quincy. However, your father has protected you extraordinarily well throughout these years. Because once you become Quincy, it signifies that your destiny will no longer remain under your own control!"
"Kurosaki Karin's Quincy power has awakened. Her body is filled with Hollow spiritual pressure—identical to what you experienced previously. The difference lies in the fact that you awakened Shinigami power, whereas your sister manifested as Quincy."
"Shinigami and Hollow souls possess mutual compatibility. Shinigami can undergo Hollowfication, and Hollows can transform into Arrancar resembling Shinigami. However, Quincy are fundamentally different. Someone is attempting to utilize your sister for experimentation, but their genuine objective is you!"
Witnessing Fiander pointing directly at himself, Kurosaki Ichigo finally comprehended why this seemingly antagonistic individual before him had taken him to Hueco Mundo. Though this situation ostensibly bore no relation to Fiander, he'd created such tremendous commotion.
"Have my family members... become their experimental subjects?"
Kurosaki Ichigo's expression turned ugly. A surge of crimson appeared within his pupils.
"Actually, Kurosaki Ichigo, you represent the optimal experimental material. However, your existence proves extraordinarily unique. They don't dare touch you recklessly. But your sister differs entirely."
"The darkest place lies directly beneath the lamp—it always represents the safest choice. The reason I dared bring you to Hueco Mundo today—think carefully. Did you forget something when you departed this morning?"
Hearing Fiander's words, Kurosaki Ichigo subconsciously touched his chest pocket. His expression transformed immediately.
"It seems you understand now. You forgot to bring your Substitute Shinigami Badge today!"
Fiander lifted Kurosaki Karin and handed her to Reinhard. "Escort Miss Kurosaki to the restoration chamber. Her damaged soul can recover rapidly there."
The restoration chamber Fiander referenced had formerly served as the location where Aizen conducted experiments and completed Arrancarization for Menos Grande.
After Aizen's sealing, Fiander hadn't released him. Having lost the Hōgyoku, Hueco Mundo had never witnessed new Menos Grande complete autonomous Arrancarization.
Consequently, the laboratory had been transformed into a restoration chamber for recovering soul injuries. After all, the density of spirit particles there proved remarkable—especially suitable for spirit body survival.
After entrusting Kurosaki Karin to Reinhard's care, Fiander turned to regard Kurosaki Ichigo directly. "Your sister's matter requires observation for some duration. I believe you possess a secondary purpose for coming here. However, I hope you reconsider this carefully."
"Do you genuinely choose to step back into this world after finally returning to ordinary existence? Kurosaki Ichigo, I hope you understand that you are an independent individual—not the object of anyone's observation. Your disappearance from the human world today will cause certain turmoil."
"Next time, if you wish to visit Hueco Mundo again, it won't prove nearly so simple. For Soul Society, you aren't merely yourself. Do you comprehend my meaning?"
Seeing that Ichigo's expression had grown troubled, Fiander didn't elaborate further. "I'll have Nelliel escort you to rest. Incidentally, you'll meet... the person you've always wanted to see."
"After all, I haven't forgotten what I promised you previously!"
"Nelliel!" After speaking, Fiander looked toward Nelliel within the throne hall and called out.
"I understand! I'll take Ichigo to Orihime's location immediately!" Nelliel spoke with a bright smile as she rose to her feet, raising her hand.
Immediately, Nelliel's figure flickered and materialized beside Ichigo. She patted Kurosaki Ichigo's back encouragingly. "We're departing now! Don't worry about your sister. If Fiander said he'd help you, then he absolutely will!"
Hearing Nelliel's consolation, Kurosaki Ichigo regained his spirits. He glanced toward Fiander, then bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your assistance today!"
After speaking, under Nelliel's guidance, he departed from the throne hall.
After Kurosaki Ichigo's exit, a previously silent Espada finally spoke after restraining themselves for considerable duration.
"Fiander, does a mere human who's lost his Shinigami power truly warrant such attention?"
Espada Number Three, Tier Harribel, broke the deadlock first.
"Exactly! When did we require human assistance? As for the Quincy—if they dare approach, I'll eliminate them directly!"
Not to be outdone, Grimmjow clenched his fists until they cracked audibly, his expression filled with resentment.
"Silence!"
Seeing that all Espada present possessed their own opinions, Ulquiorra—the newly appointed Number Two and Las Noches' strength administrator—intervened.
Hearing Ulquiorra's command, the remaining Espada suppressed whatever they'd intended to say, carefully observing Fiander positioned upon the steps, who watched their discussion with obvious interest.
"Lord Fiander's actions naturally contain his own arrangements. All we must do is obey. There's no need for additional commentary!"
As he spoke, an aura released from Ulquiorra's being that shook the entire throne hall.
"That's enough, Ulquiorra! This isn't Aizen's assembly. Everyone here is Arrancar. I don't wish to make circumstances difficult for you!"
At this moment, Fiander clapped his hands and halted Ulquiorra's behavior. "Everyone assembled here represents the new generation of Hueco Mundo's strength. I will naturally consider and adopt your opinions. So now... well done, Gin!"
Following Fiander's voice, a figure materialized within the throne hall with a swift sound.
Ichimaru Gin—who hadn't appeared throughout this entire time—was gripping someone in his hand. He replied with a characteristic smile: "Of course, no problem whatsoever, Fiander!"
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