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Aizen observed the astonishing scene unfolding before him, momentarily at a loss for words.
At this moment, Aaron appeared as an enigma in his eyes—utterly unfathomable.
"Kyōka Suigetsu... breaking just like that? How is that possible?" Aizen shot a wary glance at Aaron, his mind racing with suspicion.
In truth, Aaron understood the true nature of "Taotie" the moment he attained Bankai.
Unlike its Shikai form, which merely absorbs the surrounding Reiryoku and Reishi to release them through a newly formed spiritual blade, Taotie's Bankai had a far more profound effect—it devoured.
It could consume abilities unleashed by an opponent's Zanpakutō, absorb incoming attacks, and potentially even devour an enemy whole.
However, Aaron could sense that his Bankai remained incomplete. At present, Taotie could only swallow attacks directly channeled through an opponent's blade.
He had an inkling that, if his Reiatsu were to ascend to yet another level, he might one day be able to devour space itself.
Thus, he was even more eager for Aizen to expedite his research on the Hōgyoku.
For now, however, he needed to let Aizen live.
After all, who else would perfect the Hōgyoku for him?
With this thought in mind, Aaron summoned a Garganta.
Aizen, watching the figure vanish through the portal, wore an expression of frustration.
Grinding his teeth and scoffing coldly, he, too, disappeared in a flash.
Upon returning to the Urahara Shop, Aaron found the area in complete disarray.
The shop itself was relatively intact, thanks to the protective barrier established by Urahara Kisuke and Tsukabishi Tessai.
The surroundings, however, were a different story—massive trees had been uprooted, telephone poles had toppled, and nearby buildings bore significant damage.
Surveying the devastation, Aaron felt a sense of relief.
Thankfully, he had entered Hueco Mundo through the Garganta in time. Otherwise, given the sheer destructive force unleashed earlier, the Urahara Shop might have become the epicenter of destruction, wiping out everything within a ten-mile radius.
Just then, Urahara and the others rushed over.
They encircled Aaron, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity.
"Sensei, are you alright?" Kuchiki Kōga asked in a low voice, his tone filled with concern.
Aaron smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine. But you should focus on healing your injuries.
If you're unscathed, then recover your strength as soon as possible."
After some discussion, everyone dispersed to attend to their own matters.
At that moment, Shihōin Yoruichi caught up with him and spoke softly. "Sensei, about that..."
Aaron looked at her curiously, unsure of her intentions.
Still, he smiled and asked, "What's the matter? Is there something you need?"
"Don't tell me you want another lesson in Shunpo?"
After a brief silence, Yoruichi's cheeks flushed slightly. Lowering her voice, she continued, "Urahara is organizing a dinner at the shop tomorrow night.
He originally planned to have Ichigo and the others inform you tomorrow, but..."
"But what?" Aaron asked, intrigued.
Yoruichi hesitated, then glanced up at him before quickly averting her gaze. Speaking softly, she said, "Actually... I was planning to ask you to go out with Orihime tomorrow.
But with Urahara suddenly arranging this dinner, I thought I'd inform you first."
Aaron chuckled and nodded. Just as he was about to thank Yoruichi, he noticed her turn and leave in a hurry.
Watching her retreating figure, Aaron couldn't help but sense something in her words.
However, he didn't dwell on it and continued toward his residence.
Meanwhile, Yoruichi, now standing at the entrance of the Urahara Shop, discreetly glanced in the direction Aaron had left.
Lost in thought, she didn't notice Inoue Orihime stepping out of the store, her arm wrapped in bandages.
Seeing Yoruichi's slightly flustered expression, Orihime curiously approached. "Yoruichi-sama, your face is red.
Are you feeling unwell? Do you need healing?"
Realizing her own lapse, Yoruichi forced a small smile. "No, it's nothing."
Then, as if trying to change the subject, she suggested, "Orihime, let's go to the hot springs together.
It'll help speed up our recovery."
Orihime blinked in surprise before her face brightened with excitement. She playfully hooked her arm around Yoruichi's shoulder and beamed. "The hot springs? That sounds great! Let's go, Yoruichi-sama!"
With that, the two of them made their way toward the deeper chambers of the Urahara Shop.
Meanwhile, in Hueco Mundo, within Las Noches…
After returning, Aizen dismissed his subordinates and sat alone on his grand throne, lost in thought.
Ever since obtaining the Hōgyoku, he had been confident in his ability to transcend all limits and carve an unparalleled path to power.
However, today, when his Kyōka Suigetsu failed to hypnotize Aaron, a rare flicker of doubt crossed his mind.
After careful consideration, his expression gradually relaxed. Leaning back on his throne, he smirked.
Aizen had realized the key to Aaron's immunity—his Zanpakutō.
If he could use the Hōgyoku to create an Arrancar capable of neutralizing Zanpakutō abilities, the problem would be solved.
A faint smile curled at his lips as his plan took shape.
Outside Las Noches, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez sat atop a massive rock, his expression cold and contemplative.
His Fracción gathered around him, sharing uneasy glances.
"Grimmjow, what now?" a thin Arrancar, Shawlong Koufang, finally asked.
Grimmjow scoffed. "Tch. Who would've thought that mongrel would hold two special seats?"
Despite the disdain in his voice, a flicker of wariness flashed in his eyes.
His Fracción exchanged silent looks before turning back to him.
Grimmjow clenched his fists. "Kuchiki already had ridiculous power, but I can't understand why Aizen-sama is giving Ulquiorra another chance."
Shawlong placed a hand on Grimmjow's shoulder and said, "Because he and Starrk are natural Arrancars. Meanwhile, we..."
Though Shawlong didn't finish his sentence, everyone understood.
After a long silence, Grimmjow's eyes burned with determination.
"Tomorrow. Tomorrow night, we're heading to the World of the Living."
A smirk crept onto his face as he continued, "We're going to find that brat, Kurosaki Ichigo, and kill him."
His voice was laced with conviction. "Not only will this eliminate a potential threat for Aizen-sama, but it'll also prove we're just as strong as those two bastards—Kuchiki and Ulquiorra."
His Fracción exchanged knowing glances before nodding in agreement.
The hunt was set.
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