Fate in Bleach: Unlimited Blade Works!

However, things didn't unfold exactly as Aizen had envisioned.

It wasn't Ailin who sought the Hōgyoku, but Gin Ichimaru.

And with the Hōgyoku's aid, Gin's spiritual pressure had surpassed the limits of a veteran captain, reaching the realm of a Shinigami at their peak. In terms of raw reiatsu, he was now Aizen's equal.

"So, Gin, what choice will you make?" Resting his chin on his hand, his elbow propped on the armrest of his throne, Aizen's gaze seemingly wanted to pierce the veil of the future.

As the oppressive reiatsu dissipated, the Arrancar within Las Noches breathed a collective sigh of relief, as if awakening from a nightmare.

Moments later, Gin appeared in the main hall.

"Captain Aizen, I encountered some audacious thieves attempting to steal the Hōgyoku. I dealt with them. This is the Hōgyoku I recovered from them." He held out the gem.

"Thank you for your efforts, Gin," Aizen said, taking the Hōgyoku. "However, it was unnecessary. Even if they had escaped with it, it would have returned to me eventually. Because that is the Hōgyoku's will."

After Aizen spoke, the Hōgyoku in his hand emitted brilliant blue light, then floated towards his chest and merged with his body.

"The Hōgyoku's will?" Gin narrowed his eyes. It seemed the gem held secrets he hadn't anticipated.

Aizen hadn't lied. The Soul King sought release. As fragments of the Soul King's power, the Hōgyoku naturally obeyed his will.

Aizen had been chosen by the Soul King's will within the Hōgyoku to be his successor, the one to grant him release.

Just as Gerard Valkyrie, Pernida Parnkgjas, and Lille Barro, representing the Soul King's heart, left arm, and a fragment of his power respectively, had chosen Yhwach as the instrument of the Soul King's liberation.

They were all striving, in their own ways, to fulfill the Soul King's desire. Thus, even if the Hōgyoku had been stolen, it would have eventually returned to Aizen, merging with him, elevating him to a higher plane of existence.

Aizen announced, "Now that the Hōgyoku has returned to me… Espada, assemble!"

…

Half an hour later, a long conference table had been set up in the main hall of Las Noches. The Espada sat around it, awaiting Aizen's instructions. There were no seats for Aizen, Gin, or Tōsen. Aizen occupied his throne, flanked by Gin and Tōsen.

The Espada's expressions varied. The lower-ranked Espada, from seven to ten, wore expressions of unease. Their strength paled in comparison to the top Espada. In this upcoming battle against the Gotei 13, they might perish.

Ulquiorra's face remained impassive, as if even the prospect of battling Shinigami captains couldn't shake his composure.

Nnoitra Gilga grinned like a predatory.

Grimmjow's fighting spirit surged. His previous encounter in the World of the Living had ended in a humiliating defeat at the hands of Ichigo Kurosaki, before he could even settle the score with the Shinigami captain. This time, whether he faced Ichigo or a captain, he would tear them apart.

The top three Espada, however, showed no change in their demeanor. They possessed absolute confidence in their strength, certain of victory regardless of the opponent.

Aizen surveyed his Espada with an almost hypnotic charisma.

"The time has come for our decisive battle against the Soul Society. I understand that facing the powerful captains of the Gotei 13 might fill you with fear and uncertainty. But there is no need for such pessimism. You are not alone. We stand at the forefront of this battle. Do not be afraid. Do not hesitate. Simply follow my lead and savor the taste of victory. Believe in me. Before us, there are no invincible foes."

"Yes, Lord Aizen!"

Inspired by his words, the Espada straightened in their seats and responded in unison.

"Stark, Baraggan, Harribel, prepare yourselves. You will accompany me to the World of the Living, along with your Fracción."

"Yes, Lord Aizen."

"Ulquiorra, the protection of Las Noches is your responsibility."

"As you command, Lord Aizen."

"Nnoitra, Grimmjow, all numbered Arrancar are under your command. Ensure that no Shinigami captain reaches Las Noches until our battle is concluded."

"Yes, Lord Aizen."

"Hahaha! A few Shinigami captains? There's no need for such elaborate preparations. I can handle them myself!" Nnoitra's arrogance contrasted sharply with Grimmjow's more reserved acknowledgment.

"Is that so? I await your good news." Aizen wouldn't dampen Nnoitra's enthusiasm.

"You are dismissed. I expect to see you all upon my return, celebrating our victory."

…

"I apologize, Captain Unohana, but you cannot pass."

Of the two groups that entered Hueco Mundo, Retsu Unohana and Isane Kotetsu were the first to encounter resistance. They were surrounded by a group of skull-faced Arrancar, led by a ram-headed Arrancar with demonic horns.

The number 61 was etched on his body. He was Arrancar Sixty-One, Rudbornn Chelute, leader of the Exequias, Aizen's execution squad in Hueco Mundo.

Looking at the almost hundred Arrancar, Isane gulped, drawing her Zanpakutō. She stepped in front of Unohana. "Captain Unohana, I will hold them off. Not a single Arrancar will pass while I still stand."

"There's no need, Isane." Unohana smiled.

Like Yamamoto, she, too, had grown soft, compassionate, during her centuries of protecting the Soul Society. But unlike Yamamoto, whose immense power could inadvertently destroy the world, she had no such concerns. If battle was required, her strength would surpass even that of her younger, more ruthless self.

How else could she have repeatedly killed and healed Zaraki, pushing him to reclaim the power he had possessed eight centuries ago, even revealing his Zanpakutō's name?

She had only been able to defeat Zaraki because he had suppressed his own reiatsu, matching her level.

Unohana stepped in front of Isane, addressing Rudbornn. "Arrancar, are you certain you wish to engage me in battle here?"

Rudbornn explained, "While Lord Aizen has granted us permission to retreat if we encounter you or the other two captains, our current orders, from Grimmjow-sama, are to eliminate all intruders. I apologize, Captain Unohana, but I must obey his commands. I hope you will be my first… trophy, proof that even those of us who haven't attained Espada rank can still bring glory to Lord Aizen." He bowed respectfully, then shouted, "Kill!"

The skull-faced Arrancar drew their Zanpakutō and charged towards Unohana and Isane.

"Such admirable resolve. But battle isn't decided by mere determination."

Unohana smiled and shook her head. She didn't draw her Zanpakutō. She simply extended her hand.

"Hadō #88. Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō!"

A massive bolt of lightning erupted from her hand, like a roar of thunder, striking the charging Arrancar.

Boom!

At least thirty Arrancar perished in the blast. The forward momentum of these Hollows halted.

Unohana continued moving and pink flames formed around her.

"What… what is that?" Isane stared in astonishment.

As a Kidō specialist, arguably the most skilled among the lieutenants, she recognized the spell. It was Hadō #91, Senjū Kōten Taihō.

High-level Kidō spells, those above number eighty, possessed destructive power comparable to a captain's Bankai. Spells above ninety surpassed even that. Unohana had unleashed a ninety-level Hadō without incantation. Her strength, even among captains, was exceptional.

"Senjū Kōten Taihō!" The pink flames transformed into streams of light that struck the remaining Arrancar.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

A series of explosions rocked Hueco Mundo, a mushroom cloud rose above the battlefield.

When the dust settled, Isane stared at the massive crater and was speechless. The Arrancar, including Rudbornn, had been annihilated.

"Let's go, Isane." Unohana lowered her hand and her smile was still unchanged.

"C-Captain… you're… incredible." Awakened from her stupor, Isane looked at Unohana with newfound awe. She had been worried about protecting her captain. It seemed that she was the one who needed protection.

…

"I sense it. That reiatsu." Having left Las Noches, Grimmjow flashed across the desert, Ichigo Kurosaki's image was on his mind.

That boy, the one Ulquiorra had dismissed as trash, unworthy of even killing. And yet, that "trash" had effortlessly defeated him and severed his arm. If not for Gin Ichimaru's intervention, he would have perished alongside his Fracción.

Last time, he had been careless, underestimating his opponent. This time, however, he would be prepared.

"Luppi."

"Grimmjow-sama." The black-haired Arrancar, Luppi Antenor, trailed behind Grimmjow with a sycophantic grin on his face.

After Grimmjow's injury, Aizen had designated Luppi as his replacement. However, thanks to Orihime's healing, Grimmjow had retained his position, and Luppi, much to his chagrin, had become Grimmjow's subordinate.

He lived in constant fear of Grimmjow, terrified of being killed for any perceived slight. After all, he was a potential rival. He hadn't realized, however, that if Grimmjow had been demoted, subjected to his mockery, he would have undoubtedly sought revenge once his arm had healed.