Although she said that, Nelliel had essentially joined Las Noches.
Two days later, Haruki left Rukia and Renji, who were still under the effects of "Byakurai," on the reishi sand near the ruins where White had evolved. He then cast a fireball spell.
The fireball attracted the attention of the Shinigami, who took Rukia and Renji away. The Hueco Mundo expedition team returned just like that.
As for how they would report the events in Hueco Mundo and how the Central 46 would handle the aftermath regarding Urahara Kisuke and the others, that was beyond Haruki's control.
During this time, Haruki became busy. He began mobilizing the Hollows of Las Noches to search for Adjuchas and Vasto Lordes, gathering powerful Hollows together so that when Aizen arrived, they could conveniently conduct Hōgyoku experiments.
Of course, since he also needed to keep an eye on the situation in the Seireitei, Haruki returned to the Seireitei almost every night.
With his status as a vice-captain, Haruki naturally had the authority to know how the Central 46 reacted after receiving the reports from the Hueco Mundo expedition team.
When it became clear that the incident involved Yoruichi Shihōin, Soi Fon, the captain of the 2nd Division, reacted particularly strongly, insisting on going to Hueco Mundo to arrest the criminal group.
However, the Central 46 did not permit this and instead temporarily halted further actions related to the bull-headed Hollow incident.
Because Urahara Kisuke was far too dangerous, the Seireitei needed time to consider how to deal with this major criminal.
Seeing Haruki tarnish Urahara's reputation, Aizen didn't say anything.
Nearly three years later, the Soul Society still hadn't taken any further action, which bored Haruki, who had been looking forward to some excitement.
Today, he entered Hueco Mundo with Aizen.
This time, Aizen was ready to use the Hōgyoku to conduct Arrancarization experiments on the Hollows.
However, these Arrancarization experiments came with certain risks.
After all, the Hōgyoku Aizen had created wasn't perfect.
In the end, an Adjuchas named Shawlong Kūfang decided to become the first test subject for Hōgyoku-induced Arrancarization.
Originally, Grimmjow was supposed to be the first, but Shawlong stepped forward to take his place.
Shawlong was Grimmjow's subordinate. He likely wanted to use his own life to confirm whether the Hōgyoku truly had the miraculous effect of granting Hollows immense power.
Under the influence of the Hōgyoku, Shawlong Kūfang, whose evolution had stagnated, began to change. The mask on his face started to crack and eventually fell off, leaving about three-quarters of his face exposed.
His body also underwent a transformation.
Shawlong Kūfang had already been one of the top Adjuchas, with a body very close to human form. Now, he had completely transformed into a human.
Only the Hollow hole and the remnants of his mask still hinted at his true nature.
His body radiated an incredibly dense spiritual pressure, far surpassing what he had before becoming an Arrancar.
"This..."
Shawlong Kūfang stared at his hands in shock, unable to contain his excitement.
The spiritual power he hadn't felt grow in years was now surging within him. This long-lost sensation overwhelmed him with emotion.
Not just him—the surrounding Hollows also became excited.
Even some Vasto Lordes were visibly stunned, and Stark, who usually seemed indifferent, couldn't help but take a closer look at Shawlong Kūfang.
"This is it..."
Aizen looked at the newly Arrancarized Shawlong Kūfang with satisfaction. He extended his hand, as if opening his arms to the surrounding Hollows or inviting the world to join him.
"Gentlemen, follow me into a new world."
The Hollows' eyes burned with desire. They could all see the incredible evolution Shawlong had undergone after becoming an Arrancar. No Hollow could resist the temptation to become like him.
"I'll be next!"
Grimmjow stepped forward. He had originally intended to be the first test subject, but Shawlong had beaten him to it.
Haruki walked over to Stark and said, "Do you want to give it a try?"
"Me?" Stark looked puzzled. "Aren't I already an Arrancar?"
In the original story, Stark joined Las Noches and became an Espada very late.
He was only found and invited to join the Espada by Aizen after Aizen had openly rebelled in the Soul Society and taken control of Las Noches.
By then, the Espada in Las Noches had already completed their Arrancarization.
Moreover, Stark had already become an Arrancar on his own, so Aizen didn't need to use the Hōgyoku on him.
But now, things were different. Because of White, they had discovered Stark earlier. Perhaps Stark could benefit from the Hōgyoku as well.
Haruki said, "Arrancarization isn't the end for Hollows. As far as I know, Hollows can achieve a 'Second Release.' Don't you want to try?"
"No thanks." Stark leaned against a wall, looking up at the dim sky of Las Noches and the faint, barely visible crescent moon. He said softly,
"I... don't want to get any stronger."
"That's... a bit arrogant." Haruki followed Stark's gaze, also looking at the crescent moon. "Do you think becoming weaker will give you companions?"
"If you really think that, then I have to say, you don't seem much like a Hollow."
"..." Stark remained silent, and Haruki lowered his head, pointing at the surrounding Hollows.
"See their eyes..."
"..." Stark looked over but still didn't speak.
Haruki continued, "That's the look of those who crave greater power. For Hollows, evolution is their eternal goal."
"Let me be blunt. For Hollows who have lost their 'hearts,' what they desire most is to regain what they've lost, and what they fear most is 'degeneration'—losing not just their hearts but also their sanity."
"You're a powerful Vasto Lorde, so you've naturally gone through the stages of evolution. You understand the fear of degeneration. So you should know this better than anyone."
Haruki said softly, "A Hollow who desires to become weaker, to degenerate, cannot survive among Hollows who crave evolution. They will never be accepted by others."
"Times have changed. You can let go of that arrogant mindset. With Captain Aizen's Hōgyoku, you no longer need to worry about your spiritual pressure killing other Hollows or being surrounded by the weak."
"Besides..."
Haruki glanced at Lilynette nearby and said, "Haven't you already had a companion since back then?"