Chapter 208: The Belated Meeting
Seventeen months later, Ichimaru Gin's existence had always remained unique within Hueco Mundo. When Aizen had still ruled, Ichimaru Gin had served as one member of Aizen's four-person leadership cadre.
Aizen, Tōsen Kaname, Ichimaru Gin, and Fiander.
Now Aizen was sealed, Tōsen Kaname had been defeated and perished, and Fiander had become Hueco Mundo's new sovereign. Although Fiander claimed the title of king, this designation held absolutely no significance whatsoever.
As the sole Shinigami within Las Noches—the individual who'd defected to Hueco Mundo from Soul Society—Ichimaru Gin's strength also ranked at upper captain level within the original Gotei 13. His combat capabilities slightly exceeded Byakuya Kuchiki's, though considerable room for growth remained.
After all, he represented a prodigy who'd graduated from Shin'ō Academy in merely one year. Although his childhood friend Matsumoto Rangiku believed he'd infiltrated Aizen's forces as an undercover agent—attempting to seize the Hōgyoku one day and restore Rangiku's stolen Reiatsu—the complete and undeniable fact remained that he'd betrayed Soul Society and fled to Hueco Mundo. This differed fundamentally from Urahara Kisuke and Hirako Shinji, who'd defected to the human world.
In order to create the Hōgyoku, Aizen had utilized numerous spirit bodies and Shinigami souls as experimental materials. As Aizen's accomplice, this sin could not be offset by any conceivable means.
Even though the Hōgyoku had fused completely with Aizen and could no longer be extracted, after losing this objective, Ichimaru Gin resembled a wandering prodigal son—having lost his hometown, his lover, and everything that had once defined himself.
Fiander kept Ichimaru Gin at his side not only to compensate for the regret within his own heart, but most importantly because Ichimaru Gin—as a Shinigami—proved extraordinarily useful as Fiander's assistant.
During the period following Kurosaki Ichigo's loss of Reiatsu, not only had Soul Society's forces monitored Kurosaki Ichigo, but also the group led by Ginjō Kūgo who'd mastered Fullbring techniques in the human world. Even the Wandenreich had dispatched spies to observe him.
As for Hueco Mundo, naturally Ichimaru Gin had been monitoring the other forces observing Kurosaki Ichigo. It truly embodied the proverb about the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.
When the shadowy manipulator had contacted Kurosaki Karin, Fiander had immediately received intelligence from Ichimaru Gin. This also made him understand that an opportunity had arrived to contact Kurosaki Ichigo once more.
Because whether Soul Society or the Wandenreich, they feared only Kurosaki Ichigo—the human who'd defeated Aizen. They didn't even comprehend how tremendous the reservoir of power dwelling within this child of destiny truly was.
Until recently, Kurosaki Karin's contact with the opposition had grown increasingly frequent. This also caused the dual forces within Karin's body to display signs of losing control, because the opposition had also attempted utilizing Karin as material to develop power suitable for Quincy evolution.
After all, with her older brother Kurosaki Ichigo preceding her, naturally Karin would become targeted.
Of course, this represented entirely a butterfly effect. Most critically, Fiander had defeated Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni in his Bankai state through direct confrontation, and had also preserved half of the Espada's combat strength. This had compelled the Quincy to adopt this strategy.
Returning to the present matter, Ichimaru Gin—who materialized within Las Noches—wore a black and white coat resembling a shihakushō. This represented clothing Fiander had developed that could effectively shield against Reiatsu leakage.
It was merely remodeling based upon Urahara Kisuke's research, with styles chosen according to personal preferences and defense strengthened incidentally. It could withstand a direct Cero from an Espada-level opponent.
Ichimaru Gin threw the human gripped in his hand directly onto the ground. Every Arrancar present immediately fixed their gazes upon him.
"Here you are, Fiander. This is the Quincy who contacted the Kurosaki family. As you predicted, there exists a tremendous conspiracy supporting them."
Being stared at simultaneously by several Espada-level existences, the Quincy who'd fallen to the ground felt his very soul begin trembling. Even his body no longer remained under his control.
At that moment, he even believed that if the enemy wished, his soul would be extracted instantaneously.
After all, he was merely a spy dispatched by the Wandenreich. Although he possessed certain special capabilities, his strength remained limited. Yhwach wouldn't be foolish enough to risk a member of the Sternritter at this juncture.
Consequently, the current Quincy's Reiatsu at most equaled the Third Seat level within Gotei 13.
Observing the Quincy lying on the ground—his face deathly pale and bloodless, his teeth chattering uncontrollably—Fiander lost patience and addressed Ichimaru Gin beside him.
"Gin, with this individual's appearance, extracting useful information will prove difficult!"
"My apologies, Fiander!"
Ichimaru Gin explained with his characteristic smile: "The Espadas' Reiatsu at this gathering makes conversation challenging for such individuals. Well, don't we keep a captive Hollow? Why not have it devour this person's soul so we can extract understanding?"
Ichimaru Gin's voice emerged slowly yet clearly enough for everyone present—including the Quincy before them naturally—to hear distinctly.
"No! No! I... I can speak! I can talk! If you have any questions, Lord Arrancar, please... please ask freely! I... I will absolutely answer everything!"
Ichimaru Gin's words seemed to instantly shatter the Quincy's psychological defenses. He immediately rose to his knees, crawling forward toward Fiander's position. He pressed his head against the ground, his eyes filled with absolute terror.
"It seems he can communicate after all. That's excellent!"
"Now I will ask each question only once. If you cannot answer, there's no need to respond. Do you understand clearly?"
"Yes! Yes!"
"Very good. First question—did you emerge from the Wandenreich? Has Yhwach awakened?"
"Reporting to the King of Hueco Mundo, I have never entered the Wandenreich. An imperial emissary contacted me and assigned my task. As for His Majesty, he awakened nine years ago!"
"Nine years ago? That coincides with the day Kurosaki Ichigo's mother perished. It seems the timing aligns perfectly."
After muttering something beneath his breath, Fiander rose to his feet and approached the Quincy directly. "Since you were arranged to contact Kurosaki Karin, what method did you employ to conceal this from others? And how far has the Wandenreich's plan progressed?"
"I simply used certain mediums as channels to allow Kurosaki Karin to encounter the messenger within the spiritual realm. I don't know the specific details. As for the empire's next plan, His Majesty... His Majesty..."
Suddenly, something appeared profoundly wrong with the Quincy before them. The eyeballs within his sockets began protruding outward. His entire being's Reiatsu spiraled into chaos.
Witnessing this situation about to deteriorate further, Fiander's eyes narrowed coldly. A wave of frigid cold burst forth. The Quincy before them was instantly frozen into an ice sculpture. Then Fiander walked forward with his hands clasped behind his back.
The ice sculpture the Quincy had become collapsed steadily, finally transforming into a puddle of shattered crystalline sand, dissipating completely between heaven and earth.
"Yhwach's safeguard?"
Fiander didn't concern himself with the Quincy's death before him. Instead, he paid particular attention to the messenger the other party had mentioned. Perhaps realizing the Quincy had been captured while using Kurosaki Karin simultaneously, Yhwach had activated protective measures. Or perhaps other factors were involved. Regardless, it no longer mattered.
The Quincy's death before them confirmed the Wandenreich emissary's existence. Since the other party had appeared in the human world, they likely wouldn't depart easily within a brief timeframe.
Considering this, Fiander addressed Grimmjow positioned nearby: "Grimmjow, take someone there. It's merely a Quincy Empire emissary. You should handle this without difficulty, correct?"
"That goes without saying! I've been suffocating from inactivity for far too long!"
Fiander's words made Grimmjow immediately excited. He stood upright and addressed Shawlong Koufang: "Let's depart. Don't embarrass me this time!"
"Yes, Lord Grimmjow!"
Rising to his feet, Shawlong Koufang hastily saluted Fiander. "This subordinate and others will absolutely fulfill expectations!"
"Tch... I'm not that guy's subordinate!"
Hearing what Shawlong Koufang declared, Grimmjow muttered softly beside him.
Afterward, both rapidly departed from the throne hall, traveling to the human world to investigate.
After Grimmjow and Shawlong Koufang's departure, the throne hall became considerably colder. Fiander regarded those present and spoke softly: "The enemy concealed in darkness has revealed themselves. Unlike Soul Society, this time the enemy and ourselves are fundamentally incompatible."
"Ulquiorra!"
At this moment, Fiander looked toward Hueco Mundo's current administrator. Ulquiorra responded immediately.
"Present!"
"Listen well. Hueco Mundo must prepare for battle. After returning to your respective territories, you must establish proper defenses. To avoid the situation where Soul Society invaded Hueco Mundo and defeated the Espada individually, you must all return to Las Noches afterward. Ulquiorra, you're responsible for arranging Grimmjow and Shawlong's territories!"
"Very well. You and Yammy proceed with arrangements!"
"Yes!"
After issuing new instructions, Ulquiorra and Yammy also departed from the throne hall.
After two more Arrancar exited, only Fiander, Lilynette, and Tier Harribel remained within the vast palace.
Fiander approached Tier and inquired softly: "How is the meditation practice I taught you progressing?"
Witnessing Fiander's gentle smile, Tier's cheeks flushed slightly. She turned her face aside and whispered: "Satisfactorily. Sung-Sun and I practice together."
"Excellent! That's good. The approaching battle will prove extraordinarily critical. The enemy we face possesses tremendous power. The reason I chose not to eliminate Gotei 13's captains is because they will become my pawns against the Wandenreich."
After speaking, Fiander turned his head toward Lilynette, who slept soundly with her head tilted back. He approached the other's position without diminishing his breathing, then suddenly shouted: "It's dawn! Wake up!"
Fiander's voice emerged extraordinarily loud, carrying traces of law-infused power that pierced through Lilynette's eardrums and transmitted directly into her brain's depths!
"KYAAAH!"
Startled violently, Lilynette kicked off the bench and tumbled to the ground.
After awakening, she observed Fiander—who smiled while watching her—and her expression darkened. Just as she prepared to retaliate, Fiander extended his hand, grasped her ear, and scolded angrily: "Can you possibly maintain some semblance of the Primera Espada's dignity?!"
"Look at yourself! You're not merely as lazy as when Starrk existed—you're practically useless now, understand?!"
"Ow! Ow!"
Lilynette swatted away Fiander's hand, displayed her small canine teeth, and threatened: "As long as I'm stronger than them, I remain Number One. Whoever refuses to accept that can challenge me!"
"Also, I've matured now. You cannot pull my ears anymore!"
As she spoke, Lilynette glared at Fiander as though preparing to bite him.
Witnessing Lilynette's aggressive posture, Fiander narrowed his eyes and spoke in a cold voice: "Really? It seems the girl has grown up and learned to resist authority."
"You're asking for it!"
After speaking, both ignored Tier Harribel observing from the sidelines and immediately began wrestling together.
Witnessing Hueco Mundo's king behaving thus, Tier felt only exhaustion. She covered her face, unwilling to witness this scene any longer.
At this moment, within another side chamber of Las Noches, Menoly and Loly followed Fiander's instructions and brought Kurosaki Ichigo before a doorway.
"We've arrived, Kurosaki. Orihime typically resides here. As Lord Fiander's student, Orihime has been working diligently."
Although when Aizen had ruled, Loly and Menoly had felt jealous because Inoue Orihime had been valued by Aizen—they'd even bullied her once—when Yammy had attacked them both, it had been Orihime who'd protected them. Then Fiander had assumed power. As Fiander's student, Orihime's status naturally differed considerably.
Throughout this past year, both had also become close friends with Orihime, frequently conversing together.
After all, within this vast Las Noches, few individuals existed with whom one could genuinely talk.
"Thank you for guiding me. If it's convenient, please allow me to proceed alone!"
Ichigo nodded his gratitude toward Loly and Menoly.
"Please, go ahead!"
After gesturing toward Kurosaki Ichigo, both exchanged glances and departed from the entrance.
After their departure, Kurosaki Ichigo stared solemnly at the enormous door. He hesitated, not daring to push it open—just like the nightmare that had haunted Kurosaki Ichigo throughout this entire year, making him pause momentarily.
He was genuinely afraid.
Just as Kurosaki Ichigo hesitated, the door before him creaked and opened of its own accord.
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