Hueco Mundo — Las Noches.
Deep within the vast white palace, beneath the eternal night, Aizen Sōsuke sat upon his obsidian throne. On his left stood Tōsen Kaname, silent and still. On his right, a man with short black hair, skin as pale as moonlight, and emerald eyes framed by dark tear-like streaks of green gazed forward, expressionless. The number 4 was carved into his left chest — the mark of an Espada.
Half of his skull was covered by a white mask fragment shaped like a horned helmet, a remnant of his former Hollow form. His uniform — a high-collared, long-sleeved jacket with black lining — opened down the chest with a zipper. White hakama and black sashes completed the attire, and his Zanpakutō rested calmly at his hip.
He was Ulquiorra Cifer, Espada No. 4, embodiment of the aspect of death — Emptiness.
"Captain Aizen," Tōsen said quietly, lowering his head. "Does Kuchiki Shiraha truly intend to come to Hueco Mundo?"
His tone was respectful, but beneath it lingered doubt. After all, Hueco Mundo was Aizen's domain. What fool would willingly step into the lion's den? Did Shiraha not fear being consumed here, where the very air carried the scent of death?
Aizen's lips curved faintly. "Yes, Shiraha is far bolder than you, Kaname. Even I cannot take him lightly."
He spoke calmly, but the words struck like thunder. Tōsen stiffened, taken aback.
It was not an exaggeration. If Aizen could have subdued Shiraha, he would have done so long ago. But with his current strength, even Aizen Sōsuke — the man who betrayed the Soul Society — could not yet achieve that. Not until the Hōgyoku fully merged with his soul.
Only then, when the twin Hōgyoku became one and matured completely, would his power surpass all boundaries. According to his own estimation, that perfection was still nearly a year away.
Ulquiorra's eyes flickered. Even Aizen could not defeat this Shinigami? Who exactly was the man who dared enter Hueco Mundo?
"I understand, Aizen-sama," Tōsen murmured, bowing deeply before withdrawing to his position.
"The guests are coming," Aizen said suddenly, resting his chin upon one hand. "Prepare tea."
Without a word, Tōsen turned and left through a side passage.
Ulquiorra's cold voice followed. "Lord Aizen, who is this guest that warrants such formality?"
"An enemy… and a partner," Aizen replied simply, the faintest trace of amusement in his tone.
Ulquiorra bowed slightly. "Understood, Lord Aizen."
Of all the Espada, only he and Tōsen were unwaveringly loyal to Aizen. The rest were bound by fear — of power, of Kyōka Suigetsu, of the illusion of omnipotence. Aizen's smile deepened, a mirror of the darkness in his heart.
"They're here."
He rose from his throne.
Ulquiorra turned as a black void opened in the air before them — a yawning Garganta, swirling with shadow. Two silhouettes stepped through. The first, silver-haired and smiling, was Ichimaru Gin. The second — clad in the robes of the Gotei 13 — was Kuchiki Shiraha.
"Shiraha," Aizen greeted lightly, gesturing to a stone chair nearby. "Sit."
"Captain Aizen," Shiraha replied with a faint smile as he took the seat. "You've changed quite a bit."
Through his spiritual perception, Shiraha could feel the shift in Aizen's essence since leaving the Soul Society. Even his appearance had altered — his slicked hair, the sleek uniform — almost theatrical.
"As expected of a man who spends more time on his hair than strategy," Shiraha thought dryly.
His gaze slid to Ulquiorra, standing silently to the right. He recognized the Arrancar immediately — the only one among the Espada capable of a Segunda Etapa, a second resurrection.
In the original records of battle, this man had driven Kurosaki Ichigo to the brink of death, crushing his Bankai and Hollow form alike. If not for the inner beast within Ichigo awakening at the final moment, Ulquiorra would have ended him without effort.
By Shiraha's own measure, Ulquiorra's power in his second release surpassed most captains — even Byakuya — though he still stood just beneath Ichimaru Gin.
"Shiraha," Aizen said smoothly, "the Hōgyoku you required has already been fused."
Ichimaru Gin strolled over to Ulquiorra with his habitual grin. "Yo, Ulquiorra."
Ulquiorra didn't bother to reply. His gaze lingered momentarily on Shiraha, surprise flickering in his usually dead eyes — a Shinigami standing beside Aizen? But he said nothing, his demeanor unshaken.
A moment later, Tōsen returned, carrying a silver tray with two cups of dark tea. One he set before Aizen, the other before Shiraha.
"Thank you, Captain Tōsen," Shiraha said lightly, taking the cup. "It's surprising to see you serving tea. Last time we fought, you were much weaker than I expected. I trust your wounds have healed?"
The corner of Tōsen's mouth twitched. A cold snort escaped him as he turned away, returning to his post beside Aizen without a word.
Shiraha took a slow sip, his eyes glinting. "Won't you introduce me to this Arrancar beside you, Captain Aizen?" he asked, as if unaware of Ulquiorra's identity.
It hadn't been long since Aizen obtained the Hōgyoku — two of them now perfectly fused within him — and already he had created Las Noches, this colossal white fortress under an artificial sky of his own making. Through his keen spiritual sense, Shiraha could feel the fabricated sunlight and drifting clouds above — a fragile imitation of the world of the living, contrasting sharply with the barren desert beyond its walls.
As for the Espada who inhabited this place… their intellects were hardly on the same level as their master's. For them to construct such a palace would be unthinkable.
Aizen nodded slightly, offering no explanation himself.
Ulquiorra stepped forward, placing a hand upon the mark on his chest. "Ulquiorra Cifer. Espada No. 4, under Lord Aizen's command."
His tone was calm, utterly devoid of emotion. After speaking, he bowed slightly and returned to his place beside Aizen.
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