In Hueco Mundo With shendu Template

Abundant spirits clustered in the desert, forming a high-density energy among the white sands.

In an open area, two figures, one tall and one short, faced each other from a distance.

Beneath the burly figure was hot magma and large pieces of colored glaze. The figure opposite appeared far more disheveled, his entire body scorched black, with even his expression unrecognizable.

Only the flicker of fear deep in his golden pupils betrayed his current mood.

Szayelaporro concealed his inner panic, vigorously channeling his Reiatsu to alleviate the severe burns with high-speed regeneration.

Although this regeneration was effective, it was still not true High-Speed Regeneration. The recovery speed was limited.

As a Vasto Lorde-class Menos Grande, Szayelaporro had reached the ceiling of this ability. If the injury wasn't something critical like a severed limb, a portion of Reiatsu would suffice for recovery.

While the burns looked severe, for him, they would heal within a few breaths.

However, under Shendu's cold gaze, Szayelaporro dared not activate the ability at full strength, fearing it might provoke another violent attack.

From the initial contempt, he now treated Shendu as an equal adversary.

Originally, his intention had been to recruit a suitable subordinate. But things had spiraled far beyond his expectations.

"Szayelaporro."

Shendu grinned, his killing intent undiminished.

"Does the strength I displayed meet your expectations?"

Faced with this provocation, Szayelaporro hesitated to decipher Shendu's intentions but responded cautiously.

"Looking at the entire Hueco Mundo, you are undoubtedly the strongest Adjucha."

Though he said this, he didn't entirely mean it.

The earlier ambush that nearly claimed his life as a Vasto Lorde was more than enough proof of Shendu's power.

"If that's the case..."

Shendu sat cross-legged, indifferent to the scorching heat beneath him.

"Let's talk about this so-called 'cooperation.'"

Szayelaporro didn't approach. Instead, he maintained his distance and focused on recovering from his injuries.

Shendu, however, didn't seem to mind.

As Szayelaporro's scorched body slowly returned to normal, he finally relaxed a little.

"About Hueco Mundo," Szayelaporro began cautiously, testing the waters, "How much do you know?"

Shendu rested one hand on his dark green thigh and the other under his chin, feigning contemplation.

"It's a void between this world and the Soul Society," he replied. "Filled with spiritual energy, barren deserts, and ideal for hollow survival."

Szayelaporro's eyes widened slightly, surprised at Shendu's awareness.

Although these were basic facts, they seemed unusually advanced for an Adjucha.

What followed, however, astonished him further.

"And the ruler of Hueco Mundo... that ugly skeleton?"

For over a century, Shendu had been evolving—from Gillian to Adjucha. He had deliberately avoided stepping into Las Noches prematurely, knowing Baraggan's terrifying abilities.

This cautiousness left him uncertain of the current timeline.

"Ha, exactly," Szayelaporro replied, his haughtiness returning, though his eyes betrayed caution. "Baraggan Louisenbairn rules Hueco Mundo, claiming Las Noches as his throne."

"Even Vasto Lorde like myself are nothing but researchers under his command."

This declaration caught Shendu off guard.

If Szayelaporro bore the number "0," marking him as an Espada, why did he claim Baraggan still ruled?

Szayelaporro interrupted Shendu's thoughts.

"But!"

Pointing to the sky, Szayelaporro continued, voice tinged with reverence:

"Recently, I encountered an existence far beyond Baraggan!"

"He bestowed upon me the power of Arrancar, transforming me into the perfect, charming form you see now!"

Hearing this, Shendu began piecing together the sequence of events.

Szayelaporro, initially recruited as a researcher by Baraggan, likely encountered Aizen upon his arrival in Hueco Mundo.

Aizen's demonstration of the Hōgyoku's power probably led to Szayelaporro's allegiance, making him the zeroth Espada.

Yet, Aizen hadn't openly challenged Baraggan for control of Las Noches.

Thus, for now, Baraggan remained Hueco Mundo's ruler.

Shendu speculated this was before the Hollowfication incident in the Soul Society, with many events yet to unfold.

Hueco Mundo remained its desolate self.

"I see," Shendu murmured thoughtfully.

"So," Szayelaporro pressed, "Are you tempted by this perfect transformation?"

Eager to flaunt his newfound form, Szayelaporro seemed oblivious to how his words could be misinterpreted.

"Trash," Shendu snorted disdainfully.

"You, who nearly died in one attack, want me to degrade myself into a weaker form?"

His Reiatsu erupted like a torrential wave, rushing toward Szayelaporro.

Though it wasn't enough to truly harm the Vasto Lorde, Szayelaporro instinctively took half a step back, scarred by Shendu's earlier assault.

"Arrancar holds no interest for me," Shendu declared, flames framing his imposing figure.

"But..."

The corner of his lips curled into a devilish grin.

"If you can help me evolve into a Vasto Lorde..."

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