Three months later, in the Forest of Menos...
"Masatsuki-sama, is this really necessary? Once this is done, will I truly become an Arrancar?"
Harribel murmured softly, unable to suppress her unease as she felt the strange sensations coursing through her body.
The term "Arrancar" was something Masatsuki Aozaki had introduced to her—a title given to Hollows who had grasped the power of the Shinigami, essentially "Shinigami-fied Hollows."
Upon becoming an Arrancar, a Hollow's mask would shatter, revealing a human face, while their strength would undergo a significant boost. Some of their power would be sealed into a spiritual core, taking the form of a Zanpakutō.
However, the process of Arrancarization was an extremely dangerous experiment, one without any prior successful precedents for reference. Because of this, thorough and meticulous physical examinations were necessary.
Although she was wrapped in her sturdy bone armor, preventing direct contact, Harribel still felt a faint sense of embarrassment when Masatsuki Aozaki's hand touched her. Beneath her mask, her face tinged slightly with warmth.
"The Arrancar experiment has proven successful for Adjuchas, but when it comes to Vasto Lorde, we still lack sufficient experience. Naturally, caution is essential."
Masatsuki Aozaki waved his hand dismissively before turning toward the two young girls behind him and giving instructions.
"Loly, bring me the examination report. Menoly, take Harribel to rest."
Upon receiving the command, Loly Aivirrne, the black-haired girl with twin ponytails, swiftly retrieved a document and handed it to Masatsuki Aozaki.
"Harribel-sama, please come with me."
Menoly Mallia, the short-haired blonde girl, spoke softly, her voice tinged with apprehension as she carefully helped the powerful and elegant Vasto Lorde to her feet.
This was the pinnacle that all Hollows in Hueco Mundo aspired to reach.
Both of these girls were Adjuchas that Masatsuki Aozaki had encountered on his way to the Forest of Menos. They had also been among the first to undergo the Arrancar experiment.
It was only because the experiment had proven successful on them that Masatsuki Aozaki had decided to proceed with similar tests on individuals such as Sung-Sun, Apacci, and Mila Rose.
He carefully examined the detailed report in his hands, scrutinizing every data point with precision.
After thoroughly reviewing the findings, he nodded in satisfaction. "No abnormalities detected..."
"Hmm, based on the current data, there shouldn't be any issues proceeding with the Arrancarization."
He muttered thoughtfully, as if reaffirming the conclusion to himself.
Without hesitation, he picked up a pen and signed his name at the bottom of the report with deliberate intent.
Once he had completed the signature, Masatsuki Aozaki lifted his gaze slightly, staring into the distance. The corner of his lips curled into a subtle, almost imperceptible smirk.
He was filled with anticipation for the upcoming Arrancarization experiment on Harribel.
He was well aware of its extraordinary significance and the far-reaching consequences it could bring.
Not just because he found Harribel physically captivating...
But more importantly, if the experiment succeeded, he would gain a formidable ally at the very apex of Hueco Mundo.
If he was destined to stand atop the heavens one day, then Hueco Mundo was meant to be the land beneath his feet.
"Masatsuki-sama, Sung-Sun and the others are coming out."
Loly softly reminded him.
Masatsuki Aozaki's ears twitched slightly at her words, his instincts sharpening as he tuned in to the faintest sounds in his surroundings.
A nearly imperceptible set of footsteps echoed down the narrow corridor outside the laboratory.
The sound was deliberately hushed, barely audible—yet, it could not escape Masatsuki Aozaki's keen hearing.
As the footsteps gradually approached, a knowing smile crept across his face.
Three striking figures appeared in view.
The one in the lead moved with effortless grace, while the two behind her strode in with a bold, carefree demeanor, stepping into the makeshift laboratory.
"Masatsuki-sama."
The first to speak had a voice as clear and melodious as a songbird.
Masatsuki Aozaki glanced up to see Sung-Sun approaching with Apacci and Mila Rose in tow.
They stopped in front of him, exchanged brief glances, then knelt down in unison, their eyes filled with deep reverence and admiration.
The sight took Masatsuki Aozaki by surprise.
Sung-Sun had always been composed and respectful, so her deference was expected.
But Apacci and Mila Rose were far more headstrong.
Though they had always addressed him as "sama" out of acknowledgment of his strength, in their hearts, their loyalty belonged solely to Harribel.
Yet at this moment, the sincerity in their gazes made it clear—this was not just a formality. It was genuine recognition, born from admiration and respect.
Masatsuki Aozaki was secretly pleased, but he let out a teasing sigh of mock exasperation. "Oh, come on..."
The three girls flushed slightly at his jest.
Earning the true trust of these proud warriors had never been an easy task,
but it seemed his efforts had finally borne fruit.
"Alright, get up. Let me check your condition."
His gaze shifted to the experimental equipment beside him, which had been transported from Soul Society.
With a subtle motion, he gestured for Sung-Sun, Apacci, and Mila Rose to lie down inside the intricate apparatus.
None of them hesitated. Without a word, they removed their light garments and entered the complex machinery.
"Abandoning Ultra-Speed Regeneration in exchange for increased Reiatsu."
"Reiatsu output has doubled, still classified at the Fourth Rank Spiritual Power level."
"Upon Resurrección, they should just barely reach the Third Rank."
Masatsuki Aozaki nodded in satisfaction.
Even in their base state, their Reiatsu had already surpassed what it was when they were Hollows.
Though the boost wasn't overwhelming, becoming an Arrancar meant gaining access to their true power—Resurrección, akin to a Shinigami's Shikai.
Upon activation, they would revert to their original forms, their Reiatsu surging dramatically.
According to Masatsuki Aozaki's research, an Arrancar's power increase from Resurrección was roughly equivalent to a Shinigami's Shikai, amplifying their combat strength by nearly fivefold.
But that wasn't the most important aspect.
The true breakthrough was the transformation in their ability to control and harness Reiatsu.
At the same Reiatsu level, both their offensive and defensive capabilities had undergone a qualitative leap.
Hollows, by nature, were highly inefficient in their use of Reiatsu.
Take Gillians, for example.
Despite possessing the formidable power of Sixth-Class Reiatsu, a few ordinary seated Shinigami who had mastered Shikai could easily take them down—even with lower Reiatsu levels.
This wasn't just due to their lack of intelligence but also their poor ability to utilize their own spiritual energy.
In terms of Reiatsu manipulation, Hollows had never been able to match Shinigami of the same rank.
Whether in attack or defense, they were always at a disadvantage.
However, as Arrancar, Sung-Sun, Apacci, and Mila Rose had refined their control to the level of Shinigami.
Once they activated their Resurrección, they would be more than capable of defeating even Adjuchas-class Hollows with Third-Class Spiritual Power—effortlessly.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake