"This… what are these? "
Fiander inquired with a composed demeanor, indicating the name on it, wary of being discovered by Aizen. After all, an Arrancar who has continuously inhabited Hueco Mundo for centuries suddenly encountering unfamiliar Shinigami would certainly raise suspicions.
Additionally, Aizen is aware that Fiander has resided in Hueco Mundo since the day he was born and has never departed, which contributes to Aizen's sense of security regarding him.
"The experiment is nearing completion, but I am still struggling with the core soul aspect of an Arrancar. "
"I want to select a vice-captain from those I can trust completely, to facilitate the execution of my next strategy. "
There should be no doubt about it; it must be Hinamori Momo, who is so naïve and kind-hearted, accepting everything you say without question. However, Fiander made a concerted effort to mask his feelings and continued:
"What do you require of me, Master Aizen? "
"After a certain period, I would like you to initially transport an Adjuchas-level Menos Grande to the human realm. "
"In the human realm? ! " As Fiander stumbled over his words, he quickly apologized, "I apologize; please excuse my blunder! "
"That's alright, Fiander. For those like you, entrenched in Hueco Mundo, Shinigami are regarded as your mortal enemies. Even if you've never encountered a Shinigami before, an inherent animosity will be present. "
"I am attempting to understand the origin of that animosity. " Aizen's observation rang true; while many possessed logical reasoning, encountering Shinigami often invoked an underlying fear.
Such fear is rooted deep within their souls, and the origins remain a mystery. Those who are primitive and beastly will recklessly strike without comprehending the power disparity, leading only to futile demise.
At Fiander's level, Arrancar no longer view the lowest tier of hollows as kin.
"Understood, Master Aizen. " After bowing again, Aizen regarded him, saying,
"Your presence is composed now. I can sense the rising Reiatsu within you." Aizen felt pleased with this subordinate, who consistently executes Aizen's desires as if inherently meant to serve him.
"Thank you, Master Aizen; all credit goes to you." Fiander, with a profound understanding of Aizen's character, is fully aware of his own standing and maintains humility in Aizen's presence.
Those who possess a modicum of power yet act brashly are insignificant in Aizen's eyes, as he prefers to operate discreetly.
"Perhaps you won't need to wait until I fully create Hōgyoku; you could fully Arrancarize yourself right now. "
"Withdraw for now; I will have the other Arrancar advise you on the precise timing of execution."
"Yes—— Master Aizen. " Exiting the primary chamber of the Night Palace, Fiander let out a breath of relief, rotated his neck with a "creak," and muttered, "Aizen has become increasingly enigmatic over the years. "
"I didn't anticipate that as my abilities grew stronger, the disparity between us would feel even larger. "
"I suppose it's best for me to remain cautious and focused. " After voicing this thought, he glanced around to ensure that no one overheard him.
Just as Fiander reached the hall's exit and was about to depart, he was abruptly halted.
"Hey! Fiander Moros! You just left Aizen-sama's chamber again, didn't you? "
Fiander turned to face a tall Arrancar blocking his path. This individual had light blue hair, sky blue eyes, some bangs falling over their forehead, and lake-green eyeshadow accenting the corners of their eyes.
"Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez? Congratulations on your successful Arrancarization. What do you want? " He recognized the future Espada No. 6, even though the ranking system had not yet been officially established.
"Congratulations? Don't pretend like we're close. "
"While you did bring me to the Night Palace to receive Aizen's gift, it's unfortunate that you still haven't managed to complete your Arrancarization after all this time. "
Grimmjow shoved his hands into his pants pockets, narrowing his gaze at the portion of Fiander that remained in a Vasto Lorde Menos Grande state, and sneered.
"Oh really? My apologies, may I leave now? " Although Grimmjow had successfully transitioned into an Arrancar, Fiander could tell that his Reiatsu remained weak, well below the strength of an Espada, which is why he chose to disregard the taunt completely.
Indeed, Grimmjow was aware that Fiander lingered in a semi-Arrancarized form, yet had always earned Aizen's trust. This situation frustrated him, as he believed his own successful transformation granted him significant power.
He had long sought an opportunity to demonstrate to Aizen who truly deserved his confidence.
"Did I give you permission to leave? Fiander Moros! " In a flash, Grimmjow lunged towards Fiander, lifting his head to glare at him as if he intended to devour him.
Squinting at Grimmjow's feigned ferocity, Fiander dismissed him and turned to exit the hall.
"Idiot! " After Fiander had taken a few steps away with his back turned, Grimmjow's eyes widened in shock at being so disregarded, prompting him to strike.
Just as his hand was about to reach Fiander, several large claw marks suddenly appeared on the back of Grimmjow's hand.
"You--"
Under the agony, Grimmjow pulled back his arm, shielding the injury with his other hand. He noticed that Reinhard, who had been waiting outside the corridor, had positioned himself between the two of them.
"You're just a new Arrancar; how dare you show disrespect to Master Fiander! " Reinhard exclaimed, extending his tongue to wet his thick palm while drawing a heavy breath.
"This is Lord Aizen's palace—don't be so presumptuous! " Without acknowledging Grimmjow behind him, he concluded his statement and exited without a backward glance.
"You better show some respect to Master Fiander next time. " Reinhard called out before hastily approaching Fiander, inviting him to mount his back, and then departed.
"How is this even possible? ! " With the injury on the back of his hand instantly healed, Reinhard's momentum and speed distinctly overshadowed his own.
It's crucial to note that Reinhardt was merely an Adjuchas who hadn't even undergone Arrancarization. If such a powerful Adjuchas serves as a subordinate, one can only imagine the strength Fiander possesses as their master.
"I'll remember you all! " Grimmjow observed their departure with unease, feeling unsettled by their retreat, especially as he remained in the "new" phase.
At that moment, a tall man with dark hair styled in pigtails and a mask covering the top of his head and left eye approached Grimmjow, inquiring, "Are you okay, Grimmjow? "
"I'm fine; they just underestimated me," Grimmjow replied to his subordinate, who wore a concerned expression.
"Among all the Arrancars, only he and the former king Baraggan have achieved the Vasto Lorde level. Even if the adversary isn't fully Arrancarized, it's not wise for newcomers like us to provoke them," his subordinate, a Menos Grande of the Adjuchas level, patiently advised.
"Are you doubting my abilities? I'm not the type to lose confidence after a single blow. Their disdain, however, truly infuriates me."
Just after Fiander and Reinhard exited the Night Palace, Reinhard expressed his confusion, saying, "Why do you allow them to disrespect you, Master? "
"They're merely a few Arrancars who have just finished their evolution; even if you eliminate them in the hall, Lord Aizen wouldn't hold you accountable," he replied.
Listening to his subordinate's grievances, Fiander merely smiled and responded, "This isn't the age of Baraggan, who only understood mindless fighting and slaughter. We must employ strategy in all our actions. "
"If I solely rely on brute strength, what's the difference from those contemptible Hollows? While it's easy to eliminate them, I believe Master Aizen wouldn't wish for me to act that way. This is what he values in me."
"And even if we desire to eliminate them, it's not the right moment yet," Fiander said, sitting cross-legged on Reinhard's back, resting his chin on his hands. As he spoke the last words, a glint flashed in Fiander's eyes.