A full moon hung high in the sky, like a luminous pearl, casting its silvery glow over the silent expanse of Las Noches.
Once a mere pile of ruins, the palace had been reconstructed with massive white stone, standing tall beneath the moon's radiance. Together, they formed an eerie yet majestic sight in Hueco Mundo.
...
A faint rustling echoed through the sea of sand.
A figure streaked across the desert like a bolt of lightning.
He did not pause, nor did he spare a glance at the breathtaking scenery before him. Driven solely by his keen spiritual senses, he pressed forward.
Ahead, a fully restored Las Noches came into view.
Its dome, a flawless arc, stretched over the palace, enclosing it entirely.
The towering white stone walls exuded a solemn and imposing presence, while low-ranked Arrancars in white robes combed the desert, searching for something.
Masatsuki Aozaki paid them no mind.
Like a ghost, his figure flickered past, silent and swift. In the blink of an eye, he had already stepped inside Las Noches.
...
Within the palace, an intricate labyrinth of structures unfolded before him—an architectural masterpiece brimming with a futuristic aesthetic, as though plucked from another era.
Its unique design was almost mesmerizing, a stark contrast to what one might expect.
"This is nothing like the ruins Harribel and the others described... Aizen's sense of aesthetics is still as impeccable as ever."
Masatsuki Aozaki muttered the words softly, genuine admiration lacing his tone.
Even the white robes worn by his Arrancar subordinates were modeled after the designs from the time Aizen ruled Las Noches.
They were likely moments away from a battle to the death, yet Masatsuki Aozaki couldn't deny that Aizen had an eye for elegance.
...
Refocusing his thoughts, Masatsuki Aozaki took advantage of his march to calculate his odds of victory.
"After absorbing the Soul King's kidney, my abilities have far surpassed what should be possible at my Reiatsu level. Within my tier, there is no one who can rival me."
His fingers, resting on the hilt of his sword, slowly tightened and relaxed—an unconscious motion, as if awakening every muscle in his body while mentally running through every possible scenario.
If his strength was overwhelming enough, then any form of trickery would become meaningless.
More importantly, raw power wasn't his only advantage.
"After fusing with the Soul King's right arm, I gained the ability to foresee the future."
"No matter what schemes or plots Aizen has in store, I will remain undefeated."
"And besides... I'm not without my own tricks. You're not the only one who can play the long game, Aizen."
Summing everything up, Masatsuki Aozaki was certain—there was no chance he would lose.
"Now, give me something worth my time."
A grin stretched across his face, revealing a set of sharp white teeth.
He was in complete control.
And he could hardly wait to see what kind of spectacle Aizen would put on for him.
...
"Be on alert. He's here."
A low voice sounded beside the throne.
Kaname Tōsen straightened slightly, the hem of his white robe fluttering in the night breeze.
A scoff of disdain echoed through the chamber.
Standing beside the throne, along with Tōsen and Kōga Kuchiki, were two more figures.
One was an elderly man with long white hair, a bone-white crown resting upon his head.
The other was a young man with flowing pink hair.
"Aizen-sama, is it really necessary to go to such lengths just to deal with a single Shinigami?"
The man with long pink hair asked, his expression tinged with doubt.
Sōsuke Aizen gave a faint smile, casually removing his glasses and sweeping his hair back, exuding a confidence that was both effortless and sharp-edged.
He replied in a calm voice, "Szayelaporro, never underestimate this Shinigami. He is the key figure in my plan—the greatest obstacle standing between me and everything I wish to achieve."
Kōga Kuchiki clearly heard the mocking chuckle of the elderly man beside him, stirring a hint of unease in his heart.
He, too, found the situation puzzling.
In this room stood Aizen, the undisputed pinnacle of Shinigami, alongside two of Hueco Mundo's strongest warriors. Add to that Kaname Tōsen and himself—both Captain-class fighters.
With such an overwhelming lineup, even someone as formidable as Masatsuki Aozaki, a man capable of annihilating the entire Tsunayashiro Clan, should have no chance of survival. Logic dictated that he was already as good as dead.
Yet, the white-haired old man scoffed in disdain.
"Hmph! Just another Shinigami. If he dares to stand before me, I'll personally cleave him in two."
As he spoke, he cast a glance at Aizen, his body radiating an intense killing intent, as if he could barely restrain himself from striking down this so-called intruder.
Aizen let out a light chuckle.
It was obvious the hostility was directed at him.
But he didn't care in the slightest.
He ruled this palace now. The former King of Hueco Mundo had no choice but to bow before his strength.
...
The Arrancar below, hearing Baraggan's words, erupted in excitement, their fighting spirit surging. They were eager—itching to rush forward and slaughter the enemy.
Kaname Tōsen observed the scene with satisfaction.
Had Aizen-sama not given direct orders, he would have already led this force, along with two Vasto Lorde-class Arrancar, to intercept the intruder.
That thought prompted him to glance sideways, his unseen eyes beneath his dark glasses seeming to fix on the noble son-in-law.
Yet, the man remained silent.
Tōsen gave a quiet scoff before turning away, unwilling to waste another thought on him.
Kōga Kuchiki had always been rash and impulsive. Yet, in this moment, he was uncharacteristically quiet.
Was it hesitation?
The tension in the room was palpable.
Everyone was on edge, ready to strike. A fierce battle loomed just beyond the horizon.
The only sounds that filled the vast chamber were soft, measured breaths.
No one spoke.
They simply stood there, waiting for the inevitable moment to arrive.
...
Two seconds passed.
At last, a shadow appeared at the grand entrance.
Masatsuki Aozaki pushed the doors open with ease, his gaze sweeping over the Arrancar who had turned to face him.
He absently scratched his head, as if unfazed by the growing hostility in the air.
Far in the distance, seated upon a throne, was a man.
Aizen looked down at Masatsuki Aozaki from above.
Gone was the gentle facade.
The arrogance, the razor-sharp presence he had hidden for so long now surged outward like a tidal wave, suffocating and undeniable.
Even at a hundred meters away, Masatsuki Aozaki could feel the sheer force of it.
Beside Aizen stood four figures.
To his left, Kaname Tōsen.
To his right, Kōga Kuchiki.
On the steps below them, two more Arrancar stood watch.
One, a pink-haired man, idly ran his fingers along the hilt of his Zanpakutō.
The other, an elderly Arrancar, rested both hands on a massive axe, his gaze distant yet piercing.
All five of them had their eyes locked onto Masatsuki Aozaki.
Their stance, their presence—it was dramatic, imposing.
If someone didn't know better, they might mistake them for some kind of elite fashion model group.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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