Las Noches, Hueco Mundo.
Inside the Espada conference room.
"Aizen has bitten the dust. Of his two subordinates, one died on the spot and the other is still being treated. The people of the Soul Society won't let them off easily."
Ren Kurogane sat at the head of the table, speaking calmly. "After this incident, the strength of our Hueco Mundo has undergone a qualitative change. Compared to before, we are countless times stronger. However, do not become complacent. Compared to the Soul Society, our mid-tier strength still has a massive gap!"
No one present refuted him. In the battle today, they had truly witnessed peak combat power. Even a powerhouse like Aizen was handled without any room for resistance; the hidden strength of the Soul Society far exceeded their imaginations.
"Therefore, for the next five hundred years, Hueco Mundo will undergo stable development! First and foremost, we must solve the issue of Hollows having to devour each other to grow stronger!"
Ren glanced at Halibel. She had already released her Resurrección and wrapped herself up tightly again. Seeing Ren call her out, she looked at him with a hint of suspicion.
"Halibel is the only one among us who grew strong without devouring her own kind. Halibel, you will assist Szayelaporro in researching how to grow strong without cannibalism. The rest of you, go about your business. Meeting adjourned!"
The group dispersed. Halibel was invited by Szayelaporro to the laboratory to exchange notes on power growth. The other Espada also understood Ren's underlying message: cannibalism was now prohibited.
Hopefully, they actually research something useful. Otherwise, I won't be staying in Las Noches,Grimmjow thought to himself.
Returning to his room, Ren didn't immediately spend time with his wives. Instead, he sat on the sofa, contemplating Aizen's end.
Aizen strengthened himself several times; his strength shouldn't be lower than the Monk's. With the assistance of Kyōka Suigetsu, his comprehensive power should have been higher. Being sealed now... is the Monk's ability truly that heaven-defying, or did the Soul King himself intervene?
In Ren's view, the only ones in this world capable of dealing with Aizen were the three parts of the Soul King. Anyone else facing him would just be toyed with by Kyōka Suigetsu. Even Yhwach, who absorbed the Soul King, was deceived by it. Currently, Yhwach and Ichigo hadn't fully matured yet, so only the Soul King himself could have suppressed Aizen.
I should have followed Aizen up to the Royal Palace to watch the show. I really want to know what happened up there!
While he was scratching his head in curiosity, Nel came skipping in. She immediately pulled Ren into a soft embrace and laughed. "Ren! Aizen is gone. Does this mean Las Noches is ours to develop however we want now?"
"Theoretically, yes." Ren leaned back happily. "I'm thinking of taking a few research Hollows to the Living World in a couple of days. We'll copy some high-end technology and see if we can scavenge a couple of scientist souls to help us research modern tech. Soon, we'll be able to play online games!"
Nel nodded half-understandingly and then tossed the thought aside. "Then I'll just wait to play that 'online' thing!"
The "Good Brothers" Space.
After reviewing the recent memories of Hollow Ren, the other Rens were full of sighs.
"Even though Aizen fully merged with the Hogyoku, he still wasn't a match for the Monk."
"Rule-based abilities are just too strong!"
"It's still because Aizen himself wasn't strong enough. Otherwise, he could have just used raw power to crush the Monk into the dirt. Let's see how much 'Rule Power' he could use then!"
The various Rens had different takes, but their sympathy for Aizen was unanimous. They thought Aizen would be invincible this time since Ichigo wasn't even his enemy, but he still failed.
"Wait three more years. After the Yhwach business is settled, the world will enter a brief period of peace," Hollow Ren laughed. "During this time, I'll definitely make Hueco Mundo as prosperous as the Living World and solve the cannibalism problem!"
"Solving that is actually simple," Super Beast Ren noted. The others turned to him, waiting for the explanation.
"Think about it. Why do Hollows devour their own kind? For energy! Once you solve the energy source, getting stronger is easy," Super Beast Ren said, sounding like a disappointed teacher.
Pirate Ren asked, "So what's the specific plan?"
"Cultivation techniques!"
Super Beast Ren nodded with a profound look. "When I first encountered extra-dimensional energy, I relied on the cultivation method given to me by the Lion King. It's not as fast as exploding one's conviction, but it's stable! As long as you work hard, you'll see results!"
Hollow Ren found the energy cultivation method in his shared memories. After reviewing it, he was instantly enlightened!
"Right! If I create a technique that allows Hollows to autonomously absorb surrounding Reishi, they won't need to eat each other!"
With that thought, Hollow Ren exited the space to begin his research. I'll strive to finish the Hollow Cultivation Method before Yhwach makes his move!
Naruto World: Konoha Village.
"I'm going to pick up Little Konan today. Do you think I should prepare a meeting gift?"
Hikari stood before the mirror, adjusting her clothes, and asked Ren.
"A gift?" Ren thought for a moment. "Konan likes interesting things. You could bring her some small toys!"
"Small toys?" For some reason, Hikari's cheeks flushed slightly.
"What are you thinking about..." Ren was speechless, only to be pummeled by two small pink fists.
Once ready, Ren used Flying Raijin to teleport to the Hidden Rain Village. Konan was still packing, and she was startled to see Ren appear.
"Sorry, Ren, I haven't finished packing yet!" Konan stuck out her tongue sheepishly.
"It's fine. I'll help you pack~"
Seeing the mischievous grin on Ren's face, Konan rolled her eyes and pushed him out of her room.
In the small attic, Jiraiya, Yahiko, and Nagato had already packed their bags, waiting for Konan before leaving. Seeing Ren come out of Konan's room, they were long past being surprised.
Yahiko greeted him with a laugh. "Yo! Kicked out by Konan again, huh?"
Nagato remained expressionless. Sensitive people find partings difficult, especially for Nagato, who had suffered cold shoulders since childhood. Now, he had finally found companions, and they were separating. From now on, it's just Yahiko and me, Nagato thought.
It wasn't long before Konan's voice rang out. "Ren! Come in and move the boxes!"
"Coming!" Ren gave the others a quick smile and dashed upstairs. Konan was waiting at the door. "Hurry! Let's move the stuff first, then we'll say our goodbyes to Yahiko and the others."
Speaking of goodbyes, Konan was reluctant. But it wasn't a permanent farewell; whenever she wanted to visit, she could just have Ren use Flying Raijin to bring her back.
Soon, Ren, carrying several large bundles, went downstairs with Konan to face Jiraiya's group. Jiraiya looked at Ren with a complex gaze. Nominally his student, Ren had taught himself everything and reached his current level through sheer grit. Wait, I have another nominal student, Minato Namikaze. I hear he's doing well and is recognized by Mito.
Jiraiya wondered if he should have stayed here for three years. Perhaps he should have brought these kids into the Land of Fire from the start.
"Keep the items with the Flying Raijin marks on you. If you ever face trouble, find me or Minato," Ren instructed Yahiko and Nagato.
Yahiko laughed heartily. "Don't worry, Senior! With our current strength, almost no one in the Rain Village can threaten us!"
Nagato nodded. "Yahiko and I will support each other. There won't be any big problems."
Under Jiraiya's three years of guidance, the two had reached Elite Chunin level. With luck, as they grew and their chakra reserves increased, they would naturally reach Jonin or even Elite Jonin level in two years.
Konan said her goodbyes. Yahiko said with a smile, "Don't be sad, Konan. We're happy you're going to live the good life in Konoha! If Ren ever dares to bully you, tell us. No matter where I am, I'll come to Konoha to settle the score for you!"
"Hey, hey! I would never bully Konan! I barely have enough time to pamper her!" Ren chuckled.
He wondered what the scene would look like when they met again. I hope Danzo doesn't come to the Rain Village to stir up trouble...
Ren almost laughed at his own thought. Danzo not stirring up trouble? Impossible!
After the farewells, Ren left with Konan. Jiraiya blinked, looking dazed. "Wait! You kid, you're a bit too blunt with the 'take the girl and run' routine, aren't you?!"
Konoha Village.
Back home, they were first greeted by a well-prepared Hikari. She held a white bunny plushie. Seeing Konan, she happily said, "Welcome home, little sister! This is your gift!"
Konan smiled shyly and took the plushie. "Thank you, Sister Hikari. I'll be in your care from now on!"
Ren took both of their hands and smiled tenderly. "We'll live together from now on. Tomorrow, I'll call Minato and the others over. We haven't gathered in a long time; this is a perfect opportunity!"
The two women looked at each other and suddenly burst out laughing.
"Ren, just stick to your usual self. Being suddenly this tender feels weird!" Konan said.
"Yeah, this isn't like you at all!" Hikari added.
"Fine! I try to be gentle for once and you guys mock me! I'm sulking! The kind that can't be fixed without three rounds of white stockings!"
Looking at the child-like Ren, Konan's clothes shifted from her purple dress into a one-piece white stocking outfit. Ren's eyes nearly popped out.
"Ssss!!!" Ren took a sharp breath! Two breaths! Three breaths! Then he pounced like a hungry wolf! "Watch my ultimate move: Spear of the Rising Dragon!"
After a few happy hours, Ren sat on the sofa with a satisfied expression. Beside him, the two women were wrapped in blankets, faces flushed with shyness.
"Idiot!" "Lustful demon!"
Ren remained unfazed. "Actually, I still have a 'Golden Right Hand' move I haven't used yet..."
The two felt a wave of dizziness, and a strange sensation shivered through them. Hikari quickly changed the subject. "Konan-chan, what was with that outfit? Why did it vanish after just one round?"
Konan explained with a slight blush, "My Paper Ninjutsu can shift at will. Actually, that was part of my body. If it gets... too wet, it reverts to its original form." She secretly pinched Ren with her soft toes, her eyes full of reproach.
Ren felt a surge of pride at the "attack." "As a Medical Ninja, it's only natural for me to be strong!" He received two massive eye-rolls in response.
That night, Ren enjoyed the bliss of being surrounded by beauties.
Next Day, Noon.
Minato and the others arrived at Ren's yard at his invitation. The BBQ grill was set up, and Konan and Hikari were preparing food. Ren was reinforcing the swimming pool. Though it was a temporary creation, it had everything it needed, including smooth tiles he'd swapped in with ninjutsu.
The entire backyard had been transformed into an open-air pool area.
Seeing Minato, Nawaki, and Tsunade arrive, Ren shouted, "Welcome to the Ultimate Pool Party!" Then he looked at the dazed Nawaki. "Single dogs, please leave."
"Ehh!! No, Master! This is the Ultimate Pool Party! Let me join!"
With Nawaki's wailing, the yard was soon filled with happy laughter. The BBQ sizzled on the grill. Tsunade sat on an air mattress in the middle of the pool, a drink in her hand. She shouted to Ren, who was grilling meat, "Cook! Is the meat ready? Bring ten skewers over here for me!"
"Shut up! If you want to eat, stop bossing me around! You despicable adult!" Ren replied with a "shark face."
Hikari and the others were preparing cooked dishes while Minato and Nawaki were assisting Ren. Only Tsunade—who wasn't even invited but crashed anyway—was enjoying a sunbath while barking orders at the only chef! If not for Mito taking such good care of him, Ren would have thrown her out long ago!
"Master, master! I've been practicing fried noodles lately! I'll show you my skills later! It'll blow your mind!" Nawaki said confidently.
Ren saw the bundle Nawaki brought, which indeed contained ingredients for fried noodles. "Then we'll have to have a good taste later!"
"Leave it to me! Hehe!"
While Ren and his friends were enjoying life, a piece of news spread rapidly through Konoha.
"Have you heard? Because of White Fang's momentary lapse in judgment, Konoha has suffered a massive loss!"
"Huh? Tell me more, what happened?"
"I heard White Fang failed to protect the Daimyo properly, and the Daimyo was terrified. Now the Daimyo is going to reduce our funding!"