The Arrancarization of Sung-Sun and Rose had been completed the day before. At this point, Adjuchas-level Arrancarization was merely a routine task for Aizen.
Nowadays, occasional sounds of playful fighting could be heard outside the base, ostensibly "adaptation training," but really just the three of them itching for something to do.
Yoruichi, having transformed into her cat form, was perched on Kensei Kenzuru's shoulder, licking her paw. "These three certainly have enough energy."
"They just want to pick a fight with Baraggan." Kensei stroked the cat's head. "I wonder what that old fossil has been up to lately."
"How's it feel?" Yoruichi, still in cat form, rasped her tongue against Kensei's fingers. "Gaining two more combatants under your command. Are you one step closer to overthrowing Old Man Yama?"
"That's true enough, but..." Kensei's eyes swept across the room. "Isn't there a bit too many females around here?"
"You might want to wipe that expression off your face before you say things like that."
Aizen's voice came from the direction of the lab. She was holding a record tablet and glanced at Kensei before turning to Harribel. "Adjuchas-level Arrancarization is stable. Next, it's time for the Vasto Lorde Arrancarization experiment."
Harribel rose calmly. "I'm ready to begin anytime."
Inside the lab, Harribel stood there serenely. Having already witnessed the substantial increase in her three companions' power after Arrancarization, she was now somewhat anticipating just how much her own strength would grow.
"Relax. The process will be very smooth."
Aizen casually picked up several test tubes from the rack, all containing Kensei's recent contributions.
Now intimately familiar with every step of the Arrancarization procedure, Aizen performed a series of operations with practiced ease, until the Hōgyoku's light enveloped Harribel's body.
Nelliel peered in curiously. As a fellow Vasto Lorde, she also wanted to witness the experiment's outcome.
Outside the door, Sung-Sun, Rose, and Apacci, knowing today was Harribel's Arrancarization experiment, waited quietly, peeking through the door crack for the result.
Kensei watched Aizen's focused expression. His mind flashed back to the scene when supplies had been insufficient before, and he unconsciously adjusted his trousers.
Yoruichi noticed Kensei's small movement, sidled up to his ear, and whispered with a sly smile. "What's wrong? Thinking about your contribution?"
"Don't talk nonsense."
Harribel's Arrancarization process proceeded without any complications. Thanks to the stabilizer Aizen had specially extracted, this experiment was more like a natural, inevitable ascension.
The light gradually receded, revealing a tall, slender female figure.
Under the lab lights, her brown skin radiated a healthy sheen. Her signature golden hair was naturally tied into three braids that hung down. The white, high-collared leather top covered half of her face.
Slung across her back was a broad, hollow-bladed short sword. Several rings attached to the pommel jingled softly with Harribel's movements.
Of course, none of this mattered to Kensei. What most captivated him was Harribel's... generous... southern cleavage.
"How do you feel?"
Aizen asked, her record tablet already ready to record data.
Harribel looked down at her new form, slowly clenching her fists. Surges of power flowed through her body, far more refined and condensed than when she was still a Vasto Lorde.
"Stronger." Harribel looked up and nodded to her three companions waiting outside. "Much stronger."
"Perfect timing. There's a group of guests outside for you to thoroughly test yourself on."
Aizen closed her record tablet and, with a slight smile, pulled up surveillance footage of the area around the base on the main screen.
Roughly thirty Adjuchas of various forms were prowling outside, led by several particularly powerful ones. When Harribel saw their forms, her pupils contracted slightly.
She recognized those leading Hollows all too well. They were the culprits who had pursued them before, the ones who had gravely wounded Apacci.
"Door-to-door delivery service." Kensei raised an eyebrow, also recognizing some familiar faces among them.
"Leave them to me."
Harribel spoke, and in a flash of movement, she appeared on the screen within the scene.
"It seems there are some different rats mixed in here."
Aizen observed the footage. Though the enemies were on the periphery, she could sense the anomalous spiritual pressure mixed within the Hollow group. Looking at the Hollows whose movements were slightly stiff, a look of interest appeared on her face.
This must be the handiwork of that Hueco Mundo scientist Szayelaporro Granz that Kensei had mentioned.
On the screen, facing the surging enemies, Harribel slowly raised her hand. Her fingers hooked the rings on the pommel of the short sword on her back. Drawing it from the sheath, she used the momentum to pull down. Driven by inertia, the short sword spun through the air several times before Harribel naturally grasped it in her hand.
"Ola Azul(Blue Wave)."
The hollow blade of the short sword instantly flooded with highly concentrated golden energy. With a flick of Harribel's wrist, a blade-like beam of condensed golden spiritual pressure shot forth from the edge, astonishingly fast—the very air seemed to tear at its passing.
The spiritual pressure blade precisely pierced a line of Hollows' torsos, its momentum undiminished as it exploded a massive crater in the distant sand. The stricken Hollows, unable even to cry out, went still instantly.
Simple, direct, efficient.
Baraggan's forces were clearly intimidated by this single strike, momentarily falling into disarray.
Harribel gave them no chance to react. Her figure vanished from the spot, reappearing in the next instant at the center of the Hollow horde. With each swing of her short sword, several Hollows were either killed or wounded.
No need for flashy techniques. Only slashes as precise and deadly as a shark.
Rose, Sung-Sun, and Apacci watched with eyes practically sparkling. This was the first time they had witnessed such a powerful Harribel.
Nelliel's eyes widened slightly. She hadn't imagined Kensei's stabilizer could bring such improvement. No wonder Aizen always sought Kensei's help.
The battle ended in short order. The sand was littered with tattered corpses.
Harribel flicked nonexistent dust from her blade, sheathed her sword, her aura completely unchanged. This little exertion, for her now, was merely the exertion of a post-meal stroll.
Unbeknownst to Harribel, several of the modified Hollows she had slain had already transmitted footage of the battle back to their creator.
Deep underground in Hueco Mundo, Szayelaporro Granz's laboratory.
"Ahhh~ Too exquisite!"
Before the large screen, Szayelaporro watched the footage, his face buried in his hands, his body trembling violently with excitement. The screen froze on the image of Harribel after her Arrancarization, along with her immense spiritual pressure.
"Not only that Shinigami, but even the Hollows beside him have undergone such astonishing evolution!" The corner of Szayelaporro's mouth stretched into an exaggerated curve. "To be able to modify a Vasto Lorde, and so stably at that! It seems they possess mature technology, capable of guiding Hollows towards even more perfect forms!"
At this moment, Szayelaporro's interest instantly soared to new heights. No longer was it merely coveting Kensei alone, but covering the entire team behind him.
"I must obtain this technology!"
Szayelaporro leaned back, fanatical light filling his eyes as he stared at the ceiling. For one who constantly pursued perfection, this unknown technology held deadly allure.
"Tch... I was somewhat relieved to have stumbled upon him."
Glancing at Gorudo Roikodium deeper in the lab, further fusing with Ikomikidomoe, a hint of disgust and dissatisfaction flickered in Szayelaporro's eyes. "Still need to wait a while longer. Ah, well. Consider it a welcoming gift for that Shinigami."
"As for His Majesty Baraggan, let me just make a little use of him..."
***
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