In Las Noches, Baraggan sat upon his already dilapidated throne, his finger bones tapping against the armrest one after another.
Although Baraggan had no face, making it impossible to observe his expression, one could still discern his impatience and suppressed rage from the sound of the tapping.
The shattered throne, the broken crown, and the loss of most of his troops—all of it served as a constant reminder of Baraggan's previous defeat, leaving him now huddled like a stray dog in his nest. This pent-up anger had soaked into his bones, consuming him with thoughts of revenge at every moment.
"Szayelaporro." Baraggan's voice was tinged with impatience. "This ally you spoke of—how much longer must this king wait?"
Szayelaporro stood below, a hypocritically respectful smile on his face as he slightly bowed. "Your Majesty, please be patient. Excellent partners are always worth waiting a little while for."
"If Your Majesty wishes to accomplish your great undertaking, I implore you to have a little more patience." The smile on Szayelaporro's face grew wider. "After all, the enemies are indeed quite troublesome. We should now conscript all available power at our disposal."
Szayelaporro's words sounded genuine, as if he were sincerely concerned about Baraggan's revenge. But he had no interest in playing house with Baraggan here in Hueco Mundo. Arturo was indeed someone he had invited to help.
However, in Szayelaporro's grand script, this ancient Vasto Lorde, much like the arrogant King of Hueco Mundo before him, was destined to be devoured—advanced nourishment to fulfill his dream of becoming the perfect being.
"Hmph." Baraggan snorted coldly. "I hope his strength proves worthy of my waiting."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than an undisguised, A powerful spiritual pressure appeared within both of their senses. It wasn't intentional; merely the unconscious revealed the spiritual pressure, yet it highlighted the intense presence of the approaching figure.
"Arturo Plateado." Arturo walked in slowly, nodding slightly towards Baraggan and Szayelaporro. "To eliminate the invading Shinigami and restore stability to Hueco Mundo, I have come specifically to lend Your Majesty a hand."
Baraggan stared intently at Arturo. He could sense the powerful aura emanating from the other, and also saw the arrogance in his eyes that suggested he hadn't regarded Baraggan as an equal.
Another one...
Baraggan's fingers tightened slightly. Szayelaporro alone was trouble enough, and now here was another unconstrained Vasto Lorde, one whose spiritual pressure was unfathomable.
"Since you speak of lending me a hand," Baraggan's fingertips emitted a faint glow, a black mist carrying the aura of... decay shooting toward Arturo, "then let me see what you're capable of."
He needed to demonstrate his authority to this newcomer, least any improper thoughts arise.
Facing Baraggan's show of force, Arturo unhurriedly raised his hand. A spatial prison, similar to a Gillian's membrane, tightly surrounding the aging breath released by Baraggan. Although it only resisted for a moment before being completely decayed, that brief moment was enough for Arturo to evade.
"An additional ally is better than an additional enemy." Arturo's smile remained unchanged. "Does Your Majesty not agree?"
He felt no anger at Baraggan's temptation. After all, these people would eventually become stepping stones on his path to power.
Szayelaporro, sensing the somewhat stiff atmosphere, timely interjected: "Lord Arturo possesses powers that will be very helpful in dealing with that Shinigami who masters spatial abilities."
"Hmph. Let us hope so." Baraggan's voice was low, ceasing his provocations against Arturo. He turned his attention to Szayelaporro. "What of the results you promised? This king's patience is limited. I don't want those Shinigami to come knocking before you've even completed your research."
"Rest assured, Your Majesty." Szayelaporro had been waiting for this moment. "If you would permit me, allow me to demonstrate this great achievement to you and our new ally."
He clapped his hands, and a figure slowly emerged.
An Adjuchas, normal in appearance but with unusually large spiritual pressure, came into view. All of them could sense that this Hollow had reached the limit of evolution, but unfortunately, probably limited by its natural potential, it was stuck at this level.
"This is a demonstration subject I deliberately prepared. Of course, I haven't touched in advance." Szayelaporro took out a transparent bottle from his bosom, took out a pill from inside. With a slight flick of his finger, he flicked into the Adjuchas's mouth. "Now, if you would both kindly appreciate my masterpiece."
After the pill was swallowed by the Adjuchas, no noticeable change occurred. But when Baraggan saw its spiritual pressure—which should have been impossible to change—increase slightly after it casually devored a Gillian, even his hollow eye sockets grew fiery.
"Oh?" Baraggan leaned forward slightly, a bone marrow excitement he hadn't felt in a long time flooding his being.
Although the increase in spiritual pressure wasn't large, this characteristic of continued growth through engulfing—wasn't this exactly the ability of his old rival?
If he could obtain this power, combined with his own ability to decay all things, crushing those who dared defy him would be effortless!
Then, not only Hueco Mundo, but Soul Society and the Living World would all become his territory!
"Szayelaporro, you truly possess astonishing wisdom!"
Excitedly, Baraggan praised Szayelaporro as if he could already envision the scene in which he would casually pulverise Kensei and the others after gaining this power.
But immediately, Baraggan calmed down, and a hint of fear inevitably arose in his heart.
This power was beyond his control. If Szayelaporro had done something secretly, what means would he have to resist?
"It is my honor to serve Your Majesty."
Szayelaporro bowed gracefully and continued to act loyal toward Baraggan. At least until his plan was complete, he would not show any flaws before Baraggan.
Arturo narrowed his eyes, carefully observing the Adjuchas. This ability to devour others to grow itself was somewhat similar to his Zanpakutō, "Immortal King." Although less efficient, if he could also master this ability, combined with his Zanpakutō, wouldn't his growth be multiplied?
The calculating smile on his face deepened as his gaze wandered between Szayelaporro and Baraggan, as if considering which would be more suitable as the main material.
Beneath the sky of Hueco Mundo, three people, each harboring their own ulterior motives, formed an alliance. Yet it was filled with schemes and suspicions, like a cracked mirror that would shatter at the slightest touch.
After the three separated, Szayelaporro returned to continue researching Ikomikidomoe's power. Baraggan contemplated how to safely use Szayelaporro to master the power of his old rival.
As for Arturo, he stood alone atop a towering sand dune, gazing into the distance.
His hand rested on the hilt of his Zanpakutō, "Immortal King," at his waist. His smile was both greedy and cold.
He couldn't imagine the level he would reach after this, using "Immortal King" to absorb the powers of all these people.
"Soul Society... wait for me."
***
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