At the same time—
after the expedition force split up and began their respective operations across Hueco Mundo—
far away, at the center of Hueco Mundo—
within the white fortress known as Las Noches—
a meeting was already underway.
The Arrancar had long been informed by Aizen of the Shinigami invasion.
"Everyone… Lord Aizen was correct."
"The expedition force led by Bai Chen has already entered Hueco Mundo through a forcibly opened Garganta."
"They've landed in the outer regions."
"But thanks to our surveillance system…"
"their every move is under our control."
Inside the vast, dim hall—
Szayelaporro stood atop a raised platform,
holding a remote control.
With a press—
Beep—!
A massive projection screen descended from the ceiling.
Displayed on it—
were the real-time movements of each Shinigami squad.
Yes—
they were being watched.
From the moment they exited the Garganta—
they had already fallen under complete surveillance.
Like being tracked by invisible eyes across the desert.
Meanwhile—
the Arrancar observed everything from above,
like hunters studying their prey.
"They split up instead of moving together?"
"That's arrogance."
On a nearby platform—
Grimmjow bared his teeth in a feral grin.
His savage gaze locked onto the figures on the screen,
as if he wanted to tear them apart with his own hands.
In his eyes—
aside from Bai Chen—
the rest of the expedition force was nothing.
If Bai Chen had stayed with them—
he might have been cautious.
But now—
they had separated.
To Grimmjow—
this was a gift.
The perfect opportunity to hunt.
He had absolute confidence.
None of the other captains—
could match him.
That was the pride of the Sixth Espada.
And he wasn't the only one.
Not far away—
Nnoitra also stared at the screen with a cruel expression.
Clearly—
he held no regard for the Shinigami at all.
"Honestly…"
"If they're stupid enough to split up…"
"why don't we take the initiative?"
The moment he said it—
the atmosphere shifted.
Interest surged among the assembled Arrancar.
"Taking the initiative? That's not a bad idea."
Zommari, the Seventh Espada, nodded.
"The best way to stop them…"
"…is to crush them head-on."
"If we eliminate them during their advance…"
"we can prevent Hueco Mundo from being invaded."
Among the Espada—
Zommari was one of the most loyal to Aizen.
In his eyes—
only Las Noches mattered.
And on the screen—
Kenpachi's squad was clearly advancing—
straight toward Las Noches.
To Zommari—
Kenpachi was a dangerous brute.
If he got too close—
even lower-ranked Arrancar might be slaughtered instantly.
So the best strategy—
was clear.
Divide and eliminate them—
one by one.
"I agree."
Unexpectedly—
even Barragan—
the former ruler of Hueco Mundo—
spoke up.
Arms crossed—
his expression dark.
Though he had never truly submitted to Aizen—
and constantly harbored thoughts of rebellion—
he still could not tolerate
Shinigami invading his domain.
To him—
they were nothing more than insects.
And now—
those "insects" dared to step into his territory.
This—
was unacceptable.
"Hm… even His Majesty has spoken."
"It seems we're all in agreement."
Szayelaporro let out a cold laugh.
Though the top three Espada—
Starrk and Harribel—
remained silent—
their calm personalities made their stance obvious.
The desire to kill—
had already filled the room.
Next—
the Espada began choosing their targets.
"Lord Aizen hasn't given explicit orders…"
Ulquiorra spoke coldly.
"But…"
"That doesn't change anything."
Szayelaporro smirked.
"You're going after Bai Chen, aren't you?"
Ulquiorra's pale face remained expressionless.
Hands in his pockets—
his tone was icy.
"Why ask something so obvious?"
"Even if he's stronger than before…"
"I have no intention of fearing him."
His defeat in the previous encounter—
still lingered in his mind.
This time—
he would settle it.
One by one—
the Espada selected their prey.
Grimmjow chose Komamura Sajin.
Nnoitra targeted Kenpachi Zaraki—
drawn by his overwhelming battle aura.
Zommari—
after learning that Byakuya Kuchiki was the head of one of Soul Society's noble houses—
declared that he would purge the "sin" within his soul.
And just like that—
through this brief meeting—
the Espada made their decision.
They would take the initiative.
And in the endless white desert of Hueco Mundo—
they would meet the Shinigami captains in battle.
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