At this moment, there was no doubt—Aizen's charisma was on full display.
If those same words had come from Ikkaku, they would have felt absurdly out of place, almost comedic in contrast.
But when spoken by Aizen, they carried an undeniable allure and a captivating force.
Regardless of whether one truly believed in Aizen's seemingly noble cause—to reshape Hueco Mundo and wage war against the Soul Society—his sheer presence and conviction alone were enough to inspire an almost uncontrollable urge to stand beside him and defy the world.
Even Grimmjow, who had been lounging beside Makoto just moments ago, let out a low, instinctive growl, as if barely restraining his own battle-thirst.
That was, until Makoto casually smacked the side of Grimmjow's face, snapping him back to reality and reminding him exactly whom he was supposed to be fighting for.
Makoto pondered briefly before responding in an even and rational tone.
"Aizen Sōsuke… so this is your goal? Stirring up all of Hueco Mundo, forcing the majority of its inhabitants onto the battlefield against the Seireitei, all for some personal ambition—regardless of the inevitable casualties?"
"There has never been a victory without sacrifice," Aizen replied, pausing for a moment before posing a question of his own.
"Even I, a Shinigami, am willing to risk my life to stand with Hueco Mundo against the Soul Society. Yet, as a Vasto Lorde, are you hesitating out of fear of sacrifice?"
At that moment, Makoto fully grasped Aizen's terrifying prowess—not just in strength and intellect, but in rhetoric as well.
This was an argument one simply couldn't refute.
It was akin to a classic moral paradox—like questioning why one ally wouldn't help another when they were both on the same side.
And Makoto… he wasn't even a real Vasto Lorde. If an actual one would find this logic impossible to counter, how could he possibly debate it?
Any further questioning would only make his stance seem suspicious.
For a brief moment, Makoto felt as though he was caught in a dilemma with no escape.
Aizen's unexpected arrival had completely disrupted his original plan—to use this opportunity to annihilate Baraggan's forces in one decisive strike. Instead, Aizen was now taking control of the very same Hollows, right in front of him.
This was nothing short of a… coup.
And yet, with their spiritual pressures appearing equal on the surface, Makoto wasn't confident enough to challenge Aizen directly just yet.
Not to mention, Aizen had already secured the loyalty of both Starrk and Ulquiorra, placing Makoto's forces at a clear disadvantage.
Before Makoto could strategize a way to disrupt Aizen's influence, Aizen spoke once more.
"Asura Gensei, why not join me? I will grant you a position second only to myself—power and authority beyond any other in Hueco Mundo."
As Aizen made this offer, Makoto keenly noticed a flicker of scrutiny in his gaze.
He's analyzing me…
Why?
Was he suspicious of how a Hollow of this level could appear in Hueco Mundo without any prior notice?
Even though Makoto was confident in his disguise, this subtle shift in Aizen's demeanor put him on edge.
His mind raced.
To Aizen, I must appear as someone who knows too much—someone who opposes him at every turn.
It's likely that his visit to Hueco Mundo isn't just about consolidating power… he might also see this as an opportunity to eliminate me.
If Aizen truly believes I'm Makoto, then in his eyes, I would be doing everything possible to sabotage his plans…
Then suddenly, a bold idea struck Makoto.
As long as I remain in the shadows while Aizen operates in the open, I still have an advantage. But what is the darkest place of all?
At this thought, Makoto, seated upon his Throne of Withered Wood, leaned forward slightly, giving the impression of growing interest.
He questioned Aizen directly.
"Aizen Sōsuke, all of this is merely your perspective. Do you truly believe that, as a Shinigami, you can declare yourself the king of Hueco Mundo? Isn't that far too arrogant?"
Aizen smirked. He glanced at Baraggan before answering.
"Arrogance? No, I am merely stating facts. Do you truly believe Baraggan is still fit to bear the title of 'King of Hueco Mundo'?"
Ignoring Baraggan's rising fury, Aizen continued.
"Today, Hueco Mundo's ruler will be decided—between you and me. Isn't that so?"
At these words, Makoto fell silent.
Unlike the Soul Society, which operated under a strict system of laws and governance, Hueco Mundo had always abided by a single rule—the law of the strongest.
And clearly, Baraggan no longer had the strength to uphold his title.
"So, compared to me—a Shinigami—you believe yourself more suited to be the King of Hueco Mundo?" Aizen's tone carried an implicit challenge, with a deliberate emphasis on the word Shinigami.
Makoto paused briefly before shaking his head.
"I have no interest in ruling," he said. "I simply fear that Hueco Mundo will be utterly destroyed."
Aizen's eyes flickered slightly. "Which is all the more reason for you to join me, is it not, As weura Gensei?"
This time, under Aizen's piercing gaze, Makoto's Throne of Withered Wood slowly moved forward until it came to a stop directly in front of him.
Then, rising from his seat, Makoto met Aizen's eyes head-on.
Without hesitation, he extended his hand and spoke.
"I have no interest in competition. Most of my time will be spent in slumber—so don't expect too much from me."
Aizen lowered his gaze, staring at Makoto's outstretched hand.
For several long seconds, he remained silent. Then, finally, he reached out and clasped Makoto's hand in his own.
"Welcome," Aizen said. "From this moment forward, you will be ranked No.0 in the Arrancar army I am creating—the Espada. In Hueco Mundo, your authority will be second only to mine."
For a brief moment, the image of their handshake seemed to freeze in time, a silent agreement between two forces with vastly different motives.
And in that instant, both men harbored their own thoughts.
Makoto: "A hand that is surprisingly warm and firm. Should I use this chance to mess with his mind… maybe plant a seed of doubt?"
Aizen: "Cold… like withered wood. Perhaps I should collect a sample of his spirit particles for analysis?"
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