Chapter 20: Chapter 20
In the absence of Aizen and the others, Fiander and Ulquiorra, both Arrancars, are tasked with guarding the palace and managing various situations.
While Fiander initially resisted, believing that Ulquiorra was sufficient on his own, he eventually surrendered to Aizen's indifferent gaze. Reluctantly, he lowered his head in acceptance.
At this juncture, it is now 2015, marking 18 years since the confrontation between Shiba Isshin and White. Over this period, significant changes have occurred within Hueco Mundo's Espada ranks, although these developments are of secondary importance.
The pivotal event is the birth of Kurosaki Ichigo, the son of this world's key figure and the so-called "King candidate". Throughout this time, Fiander made visits to the human world to observe this boy.
Truthfully, while Fiander held a deep respect for Kurosaki Ichigo, he viewed him as the greatest obstacle in his future endeavors and contemplated the option of eliminating him silently.
However, upon further reflection, Fiander dismissed that thought. He realized that not only was he focusing on Kurosaki Ichigo, but that Aizen and others were also keeping a close eye on him.
It can even be stated that Rukia Kuchiki's assignment to Karakura Town to carry out her duties was orchestrated by Aizen, particularly when she encountered Kurosaki Ichigo and transferred the Shinigami power to him.
Currently, Aizen, masquerading as Central 46, has issued an order for Rukia Kuchiki's execution. Kurosaki Ichigo had recently suffered defeat at the hands of Byakuya Kuchiki and was undergoing a ten-day intensive training with Urahara Kisuke to restore his Shinigami powers.
Differing from the events of his previous life, because White has been altered by Fiander's soul energy, resulting in better compatibility with Shinigami souls and significantly less hostility than before.
Consequently, Kurosaki Ichigo's rate of improvement has been extraordinarily rapid, a phenomenon that took Fiander by surprise. After all, when he created White, he could never have anticipated that he would inadvertently enhance the protagonist, Kurosaki Ichigo.
"Hey, good morning, Tia-chan! Long time no see! " At this moment, Fiander ran into the new No. 3 Espada—Tia/Tier Harribel, the sole female Arrancar Vasto Lorde, who is exceptionally formidable. Regarding the former No. 3, Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, during his journey to the human realm, she was ambushed by the former No. 8, now No. 5, Nnoitra Gilga, and by the former No. 9 and current No. 7, Szayel Aporro Granz.
The mask atop her head was shattered, leading to amnesia and a loss of power; her body shrank, and she now roams outside the night palace.
Upon his return, Fiander instructed Reinhard to take in Nelliel and her two subordinates, Peche Kadixe and Dondochaka Bierstein.
Though he disapproves of Nnoitra's underhanded tactics, Aizen permits fights among the Espada, so Fiander chose not to concern himself with others.
Nnoitra never instigated any conflict with him from start to finish. It was truly peculiar, considering his greatest pride lay in overpowering those who were weaker.
Thus, the current hierarchy of "Espada" is as follows:
No. 1 - Coyote Starrk,
No. 2 - Baraggan Louisenbairn,
No. 3 - Tia Harribel,
No. 4 - Ulquiorra Cifer,
No. 5 - Nnoitra Gilga (the previous No. 5 lacked strength and was removed),
No. 6 - Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez,
No. 7 - SzayelAporro Granz (the former No. 7 was not powerful enough and was eliminated),
No. 8 - Zommari Rureaux (Evil Eye Curse Monk, the Arrancar capable of controlling objects with his gaze),
No. 9 - Yammy Llargo (it turned out the hollow eater was too repulsive and was killed by Fiander, thus he was not included),
And No. 10 - Fiander Moros.
Noticing Fiander's drowsy expression, his presence in the Night Palace was unusual. Tia Harribel smiled and responded with her followers:
"It's quite rare to see you. When Master Aizen is absent, I scarcely get a glimpse of you."
"Greetings, Master Fiander," Although they were subordinate officers of No. 3 and not required to pay their respects, Apacci, Mila Rose, and Sun Sun still bowed to Fiander as he had saved them from Baraggan during their time as Menos Grande.
"Hey! You're also here! Hello! Reinhard, it's amusing to see your caring side; bring the items here! "
After greeting Tia and the others, Fiander followed his subordinates, who are currently No. 11 and is a Vasto Lorde Menos Grande Arrancar.
Reinhard approached Tia with a box resembling a gaming console, while holding the sleeping Nelliel in one arm.
"Hello, Master Tia; this is a gift from Master that I was instructed to bring you from the human realm. "
As he spoke, he passed the main box to Tia, who was promptly assisted by Sun Sun in taking it.
"This. . . what exactly is this? " Tia inquired with confusion.
"Hey! This is something great. Hueco Mundo can be very dull, but the human world holds excitement. Trust me, you'll quickly become addicted to this! "
"This is the latest PS4 gaming console created in the human realm. Since there are so many of you, let's all play together. "
Though Tia was uncertain about what Fiander meant, she still respectfully expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you very much. " After a moment's hesitation, she glanced at the peacefully sleeping Nelliel in Reinhard's arms and asked, "Is it okay if you keep her with you? "
"You mean Nelliel? Wow~ What an adorable Arrancar; who could gossip about her? I can't believe I didn't notice how charming Nelliel is before! "
"Eh! I'm the only one who finds lolis appealing, and that's a sin! A sin! "
"Indeed! I have always been a sinful individual! " Fiander stroked his head and began a theatrical display with a sorrowful expression.
Everyone is accustomed to the perplexing statements that occasionally emerge from Fiander, even though Nnoitra Gilga once permitted Nelliel to roam in Hueco Mundo.
However, if Fiander is the one to receive her, I doubt that Nnoitra Gilga would inconvenience him.
At that moment, the gaunt Ulquiorra emerged from behind the throne in the main chamber, shot a glance at Fiander as he returned from his tasks, and made a quick stride toward him, saying,
"I don't recall when Master Aizen granted you permission to exit the Night Palace unaccompanied. "
Just back from his outing, Aizen's most devoted follower came to stir up trouble, but instead of becoming angry, he responded with a goofy grin:
"I didn't leave without permission; I possess crucial information regarding the human realm! "
"And also…"
Fiander took hold of Ulquiorra's shoulder.
"Ulquiorra, you're not one to squeal, right? We're pals, aren't we? "
"…"
Ignoring Fiander's words, Ulquiorra, who intended to escape from Fiander's grasp, found himself hindered by a heavy weight on his shoulders, rendering him immobile.
Noticing that Ulquiorra continued to appear uncommunicative, Fiander released him with a pout, saying,
"Deadpan, you're not very charming at all; you're all work and no play, relax a bit."
"If you keep this up, no one will appreciate you."
After breaking away from Fiander, Ulquiorra turned away, glancing back and coldly responding:
"You… should maintain your dignity as an Espada. "
After declaring this, he vanished from view in a flash. Watching Ulquiorra's retreating figure, Fiander wore an unusual expression, and sharply addressed Tia beside him.
"Forget it! I'm off to have some fun with Starrk! Catch you later! "
With that, Fiander took Reinhard and disappeared from the hall, leaving Tia and the others looking confused.
"Master Harribel, if Master Fiande is so formidable, why is he ranked only No. 10? Could it be a directive from Master Aizen? "
"I'm not sure. Despite my frequent interactions with him, I cannot grasp his true intentions. Let's move! This month's territorial report needs to be submitted, so let's not waste time. "
"Understood, Master Harribel. "
In "Espada," each one holds jurisdiction over their distinct area. A monthly tally of the Menos Grande residing in their territory must be reported. Initially, it was presented to Aizen.
Given the vast expanse of Hueco Mundo, it is impractical for just a handful of individuals to oversee it, so this approach effectively aids Aizen in managing the realm. Consequently, each Espada must appoint a competent subordinate to assist in the administration of their area.
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