"Alright, that should do it."
The banquet at the Spirit Palace Val-Alya had ended, and the scene shifted to the Tenth Detached Palace.
I, Momo, had spent the last week savoring the afterglow of Toshiro's brilliant performance, spending about a week in the Dangai—where time moves two thousand times faster—to squirm and roll around in a state of pure "adoration-induced" bliss.
Now that I've calmed down, I've switched gears. I'm currently visiting Yammy's palace to finish regenerating his arm. It was completely incinerated by Head Captain Yamamoto's Zanka no Tachi, so I've brought along the highly competent Roca—who can restructure spiritual bodies with her Thread of the Anti-Membrane—to ensure a perfect recovery.
"How does it feel? Any lag in your senses?"
"Nah, I'm good. My spiritual pressure feels even better than before."
"I'm glad. Let me know if anything feels off."
Watching Yammy open and close his hand to test the limb, I couldn't help but smile. In this massive plot-break I've titled "Operation: Espada Reorganization," his performance was the biggest surprise.
This was a grand plan that veered wildly off the Bleach canon, and I'd staged as many "Stylish Moves" as possible to prevent failure. To set the stage, I'd even evacuated his Fraccion to make sure he could fight without distraction.
But man, talk about overachieving!
I never expected eight Captains—including the old man himself—to invade Hueco Mundo, and I certainly didn't expect Yammy to hold out against them for that long. I felt bad for him, so I made up an excuse to the rest of the army—"I want to watch over Yammy's pride"—and we all secretly watched the whole thing. It was a high-tier Style Scene. Even I, the Style Police, had to give it a thumbs up.
I'm convinced the veteran Espada are especially stylish because of Aizen's influence. Yammy's stock value in my head hit an all-time high that day. From now on, I'm calling him "Big Brother."
"Since your body is back to normal... here! It's Kukkapuro!"
"What!? You had him!?"
I gently handed over the little dog Fraccion I'd been hiding.
I actually wanted to have Szayelaporro hand him over back in Hueco Mundo to trigger a "Touching Reunion with a Pet" OSR bonus, but that pink-haired creep was looking at the dog like it was a piece of trash, so I gave up on that. Why are you like that, Szayelaporro?
Safety first, I suppose. The battlefield was no place for a puppy.
"Did this thing get fat on your food, Hinamori?"
"Hey, I don't make dog food. Don't look at me."
I thought he was staring at the dog with affection, but he was just calling it fat. I was hoping for a "Gap Moe" moment with a gentle hug, but I guess that's asking too much of Yammy. Still, he might just be shy because I'm watching. I'll give them some space.
"Well, I'll be going now."
"Lady Hinamori."
As I prepared to leave with the idle Roca, Yammy called out to me. I turned back to see him sitting cross-legged on the floor, his back turned to me.
"—I'm glad you didn't kick the bucket."
I froze for a second, but the "Momo Persona" kicked in effortlessly.
"Oh... thank you. I'm sorry for making you worry. It's thanks to you that we're all able to live together like this again. Thank you so much, Yammy. You really are the 0th Espada!"
"Yeah, whatever. That was nothing."
"Hehe. So reliable. I'll see you at dinner!"
I prattled off the praise and dragged Roca out of the Tenth Detached Palace. We walked down the corridor in silence for a few moments before we both stopped and looked at each other.
"...Who was that guy?"
***
This was the paradise, Los Varies.
An hour before the morning bells. Beneath the beautiful pink glow of the great nebula, the 3rd Espada, Tier Halibel, was taking a solitary walk through the corridors.
It had been one night since they moved their residence to the Spirit Palace Val-Alya, created by their beloved master. As a servant of the Queen, Halibel felt it was her duty to memorize the castle's layout. Her eyes were deadly serious as she patrolled.
"Oh, Halibel. You're up early too?"
As she passed a small hall, a voice called out to her.
"Neliel."
"It's been a while. I think the last time we spoke like this, you were still just a Hollow."
Halibel frowned as she looked at the green-haired beauty. Neliel Tu Odelshwanck—the former 3rd Espada who had been ousted during a conflict within their ranks. In the previous war, she had sided with Ichigo Kurosaki's group. A traitor.
"The fact that you're walking around freely... am I to assume Lady Hinamori has forgiven your treason, Neliel?"
"Thankfully, yes. I owe her a massive debt of gratitude... again."
Neliel stroked the remains of her mask, which had been perfectly mended. Judging by her increased spiritual pressure, she had likely undergone a re-Arrancarification using the Hogyoku to heal her old wounds. It was an enviable transformation.
"She even made me the guide for when Ichigo and the others visit. She's incredibly thorough. Almost scary..."
"I see. And what of Ulquiorra?"
"The guests are staying in the Fourth Detached Palace, so he's handling that side of things."
To establish the Arrancar army's position in the spiritual order, the kind-hearted new Queen was obsessed with building friendly relations with other factions. Her mercy toward Neliel was likely a calculation based on Neliel's connection to the humans.
Halibel had no intention of questioning her master's decision. If Neliel's "betrayal" was seen as a revolt against Aizen rather than the army itself, there was room for leniency. Besides, her previous devotion to the General and her subsequent loss of status was a history worthy of sympathy.
"Fine. I shall acknowledge you as well. Let us support Lady Hinamori together."
As Halibel offered the truce, Neliel leaned in with a warning.
"I'm honored. But keep this in mind: she still worships Aizen as her King. Be very careful with your words."
"I see."
"I accidentally let something slip about him during my audience, and she pressured me with a smile that was absolutely terrifying. I think the reason she doesn't like us groveling to her is because..."
Neliel trailed off, her face turning pale as she looked down. Halibel had sensed it too. The Queen's devotion to Sosuke Aizen was a complicated matter. To maintain the current regime, an "ideological shift" was needed for both the leaders and the subordinates.
Regardless, Halibel's first priority was becoming a worthy servant.
"I'm going to inspect the training grounds. Will you join me?"
"Yes, I think I will. I need to regain my senses if I'm going to be of any use as a warrior."
The two shared a dry laugh and headed toward the Great Canopy.
***
The Spirit Palace Val-Alya was a massive structure modeled after Las Noches. Beneath its central dome lay a vast desert. The interior was a designated training area where any ability could be used. When Halibel and Neliel arrived, they found about a dozen Arrancars already engaged in voluntary training despite the early hour.
The two women stood frozen, their jaws dropping at the sight of the combatants in the center of the field.
"NUUUUUUGH!! Not enough! It's not enough! My Respira won't even slow you down at this rate, Primera!!"
"Give me a break, old man! Unlike you, I'm shaving off pieces of my soul for every attack! I can't just spam these things all day!"
A spiritual pressure that made their spines tingle collided in the air. As the dust cleared, they saw two Espada fighting in their full Resurrección states.
"Why are you hesitating!? If you run out of soul, just ask that woman to fix you! Now quit your whining and throw every last one of those wolves at me, you brat!!"
"Tch! Don't you dare die on me, you geezer!!"
—Cero Los Lobos!—
Light and darkness crossed. Explosions rocked the dome. The surrounding Fraccions erupted in cheers.
Halibel and Neliel stood in a daze for nearly a minute before Neliel managed to speak.
"Who... are those guys?"
"It's hard to believe... but their appearance, spiritual pressure, and abilities... those are Baraggan and Stark."
"Oh, thank goodness. I thought I was still under the influence of Kyoka Suigetsu..."
The two male Espada were radiating a fierce, warrior-like fighting spirit. Seeing the once-arrogant old King and the once-lazy shut-in engaged in such a passionate duel, Neliel tentatively approached a nearby Fraccion.
"Findorr. What happened to your master? Is he on some kind of drug?"
"Oh? If it isn't the former Number Three. Have you come to witness the majesty of His Majesty—I mean, Lord Baraggan?"
"Majesty...?"
As she stood confused, Findorr Calius, the 24th Arrancar, began to explain with tears of admiration in his eyes.
"Ah, the nostalgia! It might surprise you newcomers, but long ago, Lord Baraggan was a true warrior who fought against thousands of Hollows single-handedly!"
"Baraggan... a warrior?"
"Esacta! Then, after he conquered all of Hueco Mundo, the warrior became a King, and the King became a God. The Baraggan you knew was the form he took after he became King. It was merely a single chapter in his long history of conquest."
"Uh-huh..." Neliel gave him a skeptical look. Findorr, lost in his own excitement, cracked his mask, causing his spiritual pressure and volume to skyrocket.
"BUT! On that battlefield where he was consumed by his own power of aging, the King of Hueco Mundo, Baraggan Louisenbairn, passed away! And upon his resurrection, he made a declaration!"
『—"I am no longer a King. I am simply Baraggan, the Warrior!"—』
"Whoa..." Neliel recoiled as five other Fraccions joined in a synchronized shout.
Apparently, after being subdued by Momo Hinamori and "dying" by his own pride, Baraggan had decided to end his life as a King. Now reborn and free from the burden of royalty, he intended to rebuild his glory from scratch as a warrior.
"So... he didn't actually change his personality? He just reverted to his old self?"
"No es esacto! It's not a reversion, it's a Rebirth, former Number Three!"
"Yes! To think he would regain his 'youth' of spirit to transcend even his own power of 'age'... how divine! Witness the birth of a new legend!"
"Long live Baraggan, the Great Warrior!!"
"LONG LIVE BARAGGAN!!"
"Right... I'm glad he's happy," Neliel muttered.
Is this what they call 'the boys' getting hyped over a private joke? Neliel moved away from the idiots and regrouped with Halibel, who had returned from the Primera's side.
"It looks like Number One has had a change of heart too."
"Yes. He hasn't gone through a literal death experience like Baraggan, but seeing Yammy's struggle seems to have lit a fire under him."
"I see..."
The two women shared a smile. Even if Findorr hadn't mentioned it, Baraggan had clearly been influenced as well. After all, the two of them were here at the training grounds for the same reason.
"Hah? What are you all doing gathered here?"
Speak of the devil. A massive spiritual pressure announced a new arrival. The two Espada in the air lowered their weapons. Lilibette Gingerback, the child Fraccion who had been talking with Halibel, answered with a hint of nerves.
"Hmph! We should be asking you that! You're up pretty early for a sleepyhead—Yammy."
Standing there, looking down at his comrades with a grin, was the giant.
The 10th Espada: Yammy Llargo.
Despite his rough appearance and attitude, he was a warrior of high loyalty and an unbreakable spirit. His performance against eight Gotei 13 Captains had earned him everyone's respect. Combined with the "gap" in his usual behavior, Neliel found herself truly impressed by his heroic struggle.
Of course, not everyone was honest enough to offer praise. Lilibette, for one, was clearly annoyed by the attention Yammy was getting.
"Lady Hinamori told you to rest and recover! You're just letting the fact that she personally nursed you go to your head! Don't get cocky just because you worked a little hard for once!"
"My head isn't anywhere, you brat! But ever since Hinamori fixed my arm, I've had so much spirit energy I don't know what to do with it!"
Yammy rolled his shoulders and started walking into the desert. "I'm gonna go blow off some steam." He was as immature as ever when dealing with kids, but even Halibel remained silent, seemingly hesitant to scold him. He had developed a unique aura of someone who had earned their place.
...I suppose I can understand how Lilibette feels, Neliel thought.
"Hey, Yammy?"
Neliel knew she was acting out of character. Perhaps her spiritual pressure had increased after her treatment, making her feel bold. Before she knew it, she had called out to the arrogant "Hero."
"Hah? You're..."
"Neliel, the former 3rd Espada. Did you forget your colleague's face after ten years, Number Ten?"
"Who cares about a 'Privaron' weakling who couldn't even keep her seat?"
Yammy gestured with his chin for her to get to the point. Neliel's eyebrow twitched as she offered a forced smile.
"I was thinking I'd give you a match. I've just been healed by Lady Hinamori, and I need some rehabilitation. I was looking for a sturdy target."
"!"
The others gasped. Even if he was the 10th Espada, the gap in power could be flipped instantly once Resurrección was involved.
But as Lilibette moved to stop what looked like a suicide attempt...
"How interesting. I think I'll join in too, Yammy."
"Halibel, you too!?"
The current 3rd Espada jumped on the idea.
"Hey! This is my fight!" Neliel protested.
"I can't exactly stay silent after being called 'trash' and 'weakling' all day. I intend to make him take those words back."
Like Neliel, Halibel was an Espada first and a "person" second. She was a member of the elite. She showed no mercy to those who underestimated her, ally or enemy.
After a brief staredown, Neliel sighed. "Fine. Do what you want."
"I intend to. If you don't like it, we can make it a three-way brawl."
"Fine by me. I won't hold back."
The two women drew their Zanpakuto, their eyes locking onto the man who claimed to be the strongest. The tension in the air was palpable.
...But then, they were interrupted again. Stark and Baraggan looked down from above.
"Hmph. A couple of girls are just an opening act. If you want to fight, Yammy, finish them off quickly and face me," Baraggan declared.
"Hey now, testing your strength is one thing, but let's not start a war. But... yeah, once the old man is done, I'm next, okay?"
"Then go first. There won't be anything left of him after I'm done."
"Ooh, bold words, geezer."
"Wait! You guys too!?" Neliel's head was spinning. What started as a simple challenge was spiraling out of control.
But they had forgotten the most important person: the one they were all talking about without his consent. They had forgotten the source of the power he governed...
"—You guys are having a real nice conversation over there, aren't you? Hah?"
Suddenly, a scorching red wind swept across the desert. The group spun around to see a monster whose skin was cracking, radiating a spiritual pressure like boiling magma.
"If you want to play that bad, quit your yapping and bow your heads before I crush you all at once... YOU DAMN PIECES OF TRASH!!"
"!!?"
I might have miscalculated, Neliel thought, trembling under the heat of the spiritual pressure. Standing before them was the strongest Arrancar.
Yammy Llargo, the 0th Espada, was preparing to release his blade with a vicious grin.
"BLOW YOUR TOPS!!"
—IRA—
(Note: Caught up in the battle, they completely missed the morning bells. Overseer Tosen eventually rounded them all up with his Bankai and sentenced them to a week without food.)
And so, the peaceful days of Val-Alya began.
***
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