Not long ago, an opposing force emerged in Hueco Mundo, challenging Baraggan. Baraggan sent Vargas to eliminate them. He didn't expect Vargas to return so quickly.
"Vargas, wait here for a while. I have something to deal with. When I return, I'll hold a victory celebration for you," Baraggan said to Vargas.
"Baraggan-sama, what matter requires your personal attention?" Vargas asked.
"Oh, nothing major. Some Shinigami from the Soul Society appeared in Hueco Mundo. The leader among them can use Bankai and seems quite strong. I'm a bit bored, so I thought I'd go meet him to pass the time," Baraggan explained.
"Shinigami from the Soul Society!"
Hearing Baraggan's words, Vargas's eyes flashed with hatred that seemed to burn everything.
"Baraggan-sama, please let me go! I will avenge Delgado and kill all those damned Shinigami!" Vargas said, his eyes bloodshot.
The Delgado mentioned by Vargas was the Vasto Lorde who, centuries ago under Baraggan's orders, attacked the Soul Society but was slain by the 7th Kenpachi.
Vargas and Delgado were Baraggan's two Vasto Lorde subordinates back then, his most powerful underlings, and they had always been very close.
Since Delgado's death, Baraggan was left with only Vargas as his Vasto Lorde subordinate.
Although Baraggan had tried over the years to subdue other Vasto Lorde in Hueco Mundo, most powerful Vasto Lorde were proud by nature. None were willing to lower themselves to serve Baraggan, another Vasto Lorde… even though Baraggan's strength was among the greatest among Vasto Lorde. (A/N: Starrk was too low-key, so only few Hollows knew of him).
Even Vargas and the former Delgado became Baraggan's subordinates because they had been under him before evolving into Vasto Lorde.
Vargas and Delgado joined Baraggan together, even evolving into Vasto Lorde around the same time. So, although most Hollows were cold and ruthless, their bond remained strong.
Thus, after Delgado was killed attacking the Soul Society, Vargas developed a deep hatred for Shinigami. If not for Baraggan stopping him, Vargas would have invaded the Soul Society again to avenge Delgado.
"Very well, Vargas. This time, you may go," Baraggan agreed.
Since Baraggan had stopped Vargas from attacking the Soul Society to avenge Delgado before, he couldn't refuse this time.
"Thank you, Baraggan-sama," Vargas said.
"Garcia, lead the way for Vargas," Baraggan said to Garcia.
Watching Vargas and Garcia leave, Baraggan sat back on his bone throne.
"So boring. You lot, split into two teams and start fighting each other again!" Baraggan said, looking at the many Hollows kneeling below the platform.
All the Hollows trembled, inwardly cursing Vargas. Baraggan had been about to go deal with the Shinigami, but Vargas suddenly volunteered. Now, with Baraggan idle again, he wanted to watch them slaughter each other for amusement.
Though cursing inwardly, the Hollows had to split into two teams again, preparing to fight.
"Roar!"
All the Hollows roared fiercely, attacking their opponents.
Only by killing their opponent could they survive.
Watching the scene of bloodshed and flying flesh and bone below the platform, Baraggan nodded with satisfaction and had the female Hollow attending him pour a cup of wine.
…
Hueco Mundo Expeditionary Force's camp.
Toshiro gathered everyone together.
"Everyone, earlier, I went with Ando and Amagai to find the Hollows that attacked the Hueco Mundo Expeditionary Force. Now, I can tell you: those Hollows have been annihilated!" Toshiro announced to the expeditionary force.
"Long live Commander Hitsugaya!"
"Long live Commander Hitsugaya!"
"Long live Commander Hitsugaya!"
The entire Hueco Mundo Expeditionary Force cheered jubilantly.
Especially the few dozen Shinigami who survived that attack… they looked moved to tears.
"Commander Yamazaki, and all our fallen comrades... we've avenged you. Rest in peace," Ando murmured.
…
Central tent of the Hueco Mundo Expeditionary Force camp.
"Since the Hollows that attacked the expeditionary force are dealt with, we can resume normal operations. Ando, how did you usually operate before?" Toshiro asked Ando Akimine.
"Hueco Mundo is too vast. Moreover, staying together in large numbers isn't convenient for movement. So, each corps of the expeditionary force operates separately. North, south, east, west… each corps is responsible for one direction, separately searching for and clearing Hollows in their assigned area. Only when encountering a large-scale Hollow horde that a single corps cannot handle do all corps gather and act together," Ando replied.
"Alright. In that case, we'll continue operating this way," Toshiro nodded.
"Each of you, return and prepare. We'll begin separate operations tomorrow. I'll be in charge of the 1st Corps. The other three corps will still be led by their original commanders. Each corps will clear Hollows in their original directions," Toshiro instructed.
"Yes!" The corps commanders responded and left to prepare.
After they left, Toshiro's expression turned grave.
'If that Flores really was Baraggan's subordinate, given Baraggan's personality, he'll definitely come looking for trouble,' Toshiro thought, feeling somewhat troubled.
Given Toshiro's current strength, facing Baraggan would be difficult, with little chance of victory.
Although in the original story, Baraggan was defeated by Sui-Feng, whose strength among Captains is relatively weak, and Lieutenant Sasakibe Chojiro's joint efforts, that definitely wasn't because Baraggan was weak. He fell for their scheme and died pitifully due to his own ability.
In a direct confrontation, Sui-Feng and Sasakibe were absolutely no match for Baraggan.
Just then, Toshiro suddenly sensed a powerful Reiatsu approaching the expeditionary force camp.
Swish!
Toshiro's figure appeared on a high point within the camp.
Standing on the high ground, Toshiro looked into the distance. On the horizon, a black figure was speeding towards them.