Within the Soul Society, a plot against Seiya Arima was taking shape.
Elsewhere...
Unaware of it all, Seiya sat quietly in a remote corner of the world.
The place was vast, barren, devoid of life, and utterly silent.
No sun in the sky—only a constant crescent moon.
He scanned his surroundings: nothing but endless white desert and ink-black skies.
A monotone world of black, white, and gray—a scene so desolate it chilled to the soul.
Seiya bowed his head slightly, exhaled softly, and watched his breath swirl away.
He was deep in thought when a familiar voice rose behind him.
"So the first thing you do upon waking is enjoy the view?"
A faint smile touched his lips as he turned halfway.
"Well, unlike you, it's my first time actually being here."
Gin Ichimaru.
Gone was the Shinigami uniform. He now wore the classic Hueco Mundo garb—white coat and pants, with a long robe modeled after a captain's haori.
Hearing Seiya's quip, Gin tilted his head and murmured, "Yeah, I guess…"
Aizen had been preparing Hueco Mundo for years.
Throughout this long process, Seiya had stayed behind in Seireitei, planting the seeds of his "Gandharva" power—never once setting foot in this world.
So while Aizen and the others were conquering Hueco Mundo and establishing their "kingdom," Seiya had been busy in the Soul Society.
Seeing Gin momentarily at a loss for words, Seiya gave a wry smile.
"Honestly, I didn't expect you guys to have a whole palace already set up."
Las Noches.
A symbol of civilization in this wasteland. Artificial blue skies and white clouds—mockeries of the world they'd left behind.
Gin met his gaze and sighed softly.
"Before we knew it… things got this far, huh?"
Seiya smirked. "So, what now, Gin?"
"Nothing. I've stopped planning anything."
He'd once dreamed of betraying Aizen, of toppling the man. But now… it was all so pointless.
"Even if I did have thoughts, I doubt you'd agree anyway."
Why say things that would only make him miserable?
Seiya playfully scratched the back of his head. "I'm getting the feeling… you don't think much of me."
"Took you long enough to figure that out."
Their banter lightened the air, but the moment passed quickly. Gin's face turned serious.
"If something dangerous like that happens again… at least let me know."
"I know I'm not on your level… but watching you fight alone, unable to help—it sucks."
Seiya blinked, then smiled. "Alright, next time."
"Yeah, right…"
Gin took a deep breath, composing himself. "Aizen wants to see you."
Here it was.
After arriving in Hueco Mundo, Seiya had passed out.
The cost of exceeding his spiritual limit—almost like overdrawing his soul.
Thankfully, he recovered quickly with some rest.
"He's probably going to show me the others, right?"
He was ready for it—eager, even.
He'd always liked the Arrancar faction when reading the original story. Unlike the Soul Society's strict structure, Hueco Mundo embodied instinct and chaos.
Of course, admiration was one thing—liking them personally was another.
Seiya stood, and Gin muttered under his breath, echoing Seiya's phrasing.
"Comrades, huh? I don't think so."
More like… beasts.
Even so, Gin kept his worries to himself. Looking at Seiya, he hesitated—then chuckled.
What was he thinking?
Worried these brutes would corrupt Seiya?
Ridiculous.
...
Las Noches.
Led by Gin, Seiya made his way through the fortress until they reached the central hall.
As vast and unnerving as the desert outside, the room swallowed sound and space alike.
At the center, a massive table surrounded by seated figures.
Some turned at the sound of footsteps, and Seiya found himself looking into familiar faces.
So familiar, in fact, it felt surreal.
"Seiya-kun, we've been waiting a long time."
That gentle voice prompted his steps to halt.
Turning toward it, Seiya saw the man now free of glasses, of false smiles—Aizen Sōsuke, in all his unveiled pride.
He sat at the head of the table, chin resting on one hand, posture relaxed, eyes alight with confidence.
"This way."
Just two words—but they echoed with authority.
Not the kind of debut Seiya had hoped for.
And Gin wasn't going to help, either—he looked away, whistling innocently.
Stiffly, Seiya walked to Aizen's side.
"What are you doing?" Aizen asked coldly.
His tone froze the air.
…Is he angry?
Maybe because Seiya had slept for a while, disrupting Aizen's plans?
Best to apologize—
But before he could say a word, Aizen turned his gaze elsewhere.
"Seiya-kun is here. Why hasn't anyone brought him a chair?"
Seiya glanced behind him, belatedly noticing a few humanoid-looking Hollows scrambling to obey.
Not aimed at me?
"Sorry, Seiya-kun," Aizen said, back to his usual polite self. "I gave the order, but some just can't seem to retain instructions. Makes me miss Soul Society, really."
As he spoke, the hollows wheezed and pushed out a chair.
Aizen's influence was unmistakable. Just a few words brought them to their knees.
What have you been doing here all this time, Aizen? Breaking these creatures' wills?
Even as Seiya wondered, Aizen's expression shifted.
His smile faded, breath steadying into a colder rhythm.
"No."
…What?
"This chair is wrong."
"I said this before, didn't I?"
"Seiya-kun is special. Not like the rest of you."
"That's why I ordered two identical chairs to be made."
He sat in one.
The other?
Was meant for Seiya.
"I hate those who don't listen."
"Teaching is exhausting. If it's something important, you shouldn't need it repeated."
His voice lowered.
"Did you think my words were meaningless?"
"Eeek…"
The hollows collapsed in terror, unable to speak.
The air darkened with dread.
Gin and Tōsen stood silent, clearly in agreement.
But before judgment was passed—
A voice interrupted.
"Aizen-sama…"
A woman's voice.
Seiya turned toward it.
A tall, golden-haired woman with brown skin and green eyes—her face calm, her presence powerful.
Tia Harribel.
Number 3 Espada. The only female among them.
"Those lower Hollows lack the capacity to understand intentions. Their memory is limited…"
"So you're saying mistakes are forgivable?"
Aizen's tone was icy.
A mature leader might forgive such errors.
But Aizen?
"I don't think so."
"Even lowly beasts can learn through consistent feeding and punishment."
"This situation is no different."
"Without discipline, they won't learn what truly matters."
Ruthless.
Harribel wanted to speak further but stopped—she sensed it.
Aizen's will was absolute.
In Hueco Mundo, he was king.
No longer hiding behind smiles, he embraced who he truly was—proud and scornful.
But just when things were about to take a dark turn—
Seiya hesitated, then spoke.
"Um… Aizen-sensei?"
"What is it, Seiya-kun?"
"I think… Miss Harribel has a point. Since it's their first mistake, maybe we can let it go?"
He scratched his cheek, awkwardly smiling.
"I don't feel offended, so… maybe just let it slide?"
So casually said—like a friend asking a favor, not an underling offering advice.
No one spoke to Aizen like that.
But then—
"…Very well. We'll do as you suggest."
…What?
Aizen Sōsuke—agreeing?
With that tone?
To this guy?
Who was he?
What spell did he cast?
Everyone, even those resting with their eyes closed, now looked his way.
Who was this man...
That even Aizen Sōsuke treated him like this?
At Aizen's direction, a new chair was placed beside him—on his right.
"Now that everyone is here, I'll explain."
Aizen stood.
White cloak, pink sash.
He placed a hand on Seiya's shoulder and spoke with calm finality.
"I must introduce this man."
"My comrade. My student. My confidant."
"The only person I trust completely."
"Seiya Arima."
And with that—
Aizen made one request.
"Treat him with the same respect you give me."
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Powerstones?
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