Although it was clear that Shiba Kaien was in trouble, there was nothing Haruki could do.
He had no idea where Shiba Kaien was, so he couldn't save him.
Besides, he had already obtained Shiba Kaien's "Similar Person" ability...
Well, it didn't matter anymore.
As Haruki had said long ago, and as his Zanpakutō had awakened, he might seem like he was making friends everywhere, but...
He was only pretending to make friends.
He wasn't sincere; he just wanted others to be sincere with him. From the very beginning, his friendships were driven by utilitarian motives, making it hard for him to truly open up.
Thus, he was trapped in the "Lonely Hell"—a reflection of both his ability and his circumstances.
If he were to be honest, spending time with people did foster some genuine feelings, like with Renji, Momo, Hitsugaya, Rangiku, and others...
But someone like Shiba Kaien? He was just a tool for Haruki to gain favor and abilities. Haruki didn't have any special attachment to him.
If he could save him, he would.
If he couldn't, then so be it.
With that mindset, Haruki waited in the 5th Division until the final team selection was announced.
After discussions among the thirteen captains, it was decided that the 10th and 11th Divisions would be sent to Hueco Mundo.
This was because the members of the first expedition team were primarily from these two divisions.
The first team had been led by Shiba Kaien and included members from the 11th Division. This time, Shiba Isshin, who was related to Shiba Kaien, and Zaraki Kenpachi, the captain of the 11th Division, would lead the mission.
Teaming up with Zaraki Kenpachi was going to be a nightmare, but Shiba Isshin could probably handle it.
Haruki silently mourned for Shiba Isshin—or rather, for Rangiku—for a second, then inquired about Rukia.
"What? Captain Kuchiki and Captain Ukitake both agreed to let her go to Hueco Mundo?"
Haruki's eyes widened.
He was currently drinking with Rangiku, Shūhei, and Iba, essentially seeing Rangiku off.
From Rangiku, he learned that Rukia had been included in the second expedition team to Hueco Mundo.
This was unexpected.
"Apparently, Captain Ukitake went to plead with Captain Kuchiki. As for why Captain Ukitake agreed, I'm not sure."
Rangiku seemed relaxed, as if she weren't about to enter a hellish place like Hueco Mundo.
The only thing bothering her was that once she entered Hueco Mundo, she wouldn't be able to hang out with Haruki and the others as often.
For Haruki, this was also a relief. Without Rangiku around, the person impersonating him in the Seireitei would have an easier time.
But Rukia was really going to Hueco Mundo?
This was getting interesting.
Aizen might use this opportunity to test Dark Rukia, as his interest in Rukia had likely grown.
Not just Aizen—even Haruki was intrigued.
After leaving the restaurant, Haruki prepared to return to Hueco Mundo.
The 10th and 11th Divisions would wait for the 12th Division to pinpoint their targets before heading to Hueco Mundo.
If Haruki wanted to be involved, he needed to prepare in advance.
"I'm heading out, Captain Aizen."
Haruki returned to the 5th Division, bid farewell to Aizen, and then made his way to the secret laboratory. Using the hidden passage Aizen had set up, he traveled to Hueco Mundo.
"You're back already?"
As soon as he appeared in Las Noches, he heard Stark's voice.
"I just got here, and you're already waiting for me? Were you keeping an eye out?"
Haruki couldn't help but roll his eyes.
Emerging from the Garganta and immediately seeing someone pop up was indeed a bit startling.
"That power of yours—the one that creates a Hollow mask. I'd like to see it."
Stark was straightforward. "Can you show me?"
"Uh..." Haruki thought for a moment. "I call that power 'Hollowfication,' but it's not fully developed yet. How about I come find you once it's complete?"
"Fine." Stark didn't push the matter. Time meant little to him.
He had existed for who knew how long. Waiting another hundred years was nothing.
"Actually, there's something I need your help with." Relieved that Stark didn't insist on a spar, Haruki added, "Could you help me find a few people?"
"Who?"
"A Vasto Lorde with the form of an antelope, named Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck. The rest are Shinigami. I need any traces of Shinigami."
Stark frowned. A Vasto Lorde and Shinigami?
"I'll look for them. Take care of Lilynette for me."
"Stupid Stark, what are you talking about?"
Lilynette suddenly jumped out and kicked Stark. "How can you leave me behind?!"
"There's no need to go alone," Haruki reminded him. "The Soul Society is sending two divisions to Hueco Mundo, which means two captains will be here. If you go alone, you might be in danger."
Two captains...
Hearing this, Stark remained unfazed, still looking somewhat listless.
He had little impression of the Soul Society's captains, as he rarely left Hueco Mundo and had almost never been to the Soul Society or the human world. Thus, he didn't pay much attention to them.
"If you find traces of Shinigami, don't alert them. Just remember their locations."
"When you get back, I'll tell you a new story."
This last part was directed at Lilynette.
"Yay! But you haven't finished the story about Shinigami Naruto yet!"
"Of course, I'll finish that one first, then tell you a new one."
Haruki teased Lilynette like a child, then added, "In a little while, you'll have more companions."
"Are you going to make other Hollows into Arrancars?" Stark asked.
"Not me—Captain Aizen." Haruki shrugged.
Hearing it was the mysterious Aizen, Stark didn't press further.
Stark had a deep impression of Aizen. When Aizen first appeared before him, Stark immediately recognized him as a powerful figure.
And...
He was a lonely powerhouse.
He...
Was lonely.
Although Aizen never showed it, Stark, who had also been lonely for countless years, could sense that loneliness.
It was because he saw Aizen's strength and loneliness that Stark decided to follow him and the others when he first met them.
He believed that by following them, he would...
No longer be alone.
...
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