Chapter 308: Suspicion

Of course, such fleeting thoughts were not meant for outsiders to know. Both Makoto and Aizen harbored the same unspoken understanding: there would be plenty of time in the future, and now was not the moment to take unnecessary risks.

Yet, what Makoto found somewhat ironic was that, following their handshake and mutual agreement, Aizen had effectively replaced Baraggan as the nominal "King of Hueco Mundo."

And as for Baraggan's opinion on the matter?

Under the sharp gazes of Makoto and Aizen, the once-dominant and ruthless ruler, who had long projected an image of absolute power before his subordinates, now found himself kneeling in submission before Aizen, gripped by an overwhelming fear of death.

The resentment and unwillingness burning within Baraggan's heart were all too clear.

However, neither Makoto nor Aizen had ever truly regarded him as an equal.

Hatred, anger, indignation?

The wails of the powerless. So insignificant, in fact, that neither Makoto nor Aizen even felt the need to further humiliate him.

Instead, Aizen seemed particularly interested in maintaining Makoto's current identity as "Asura Gensei."

While instructing Baraggan to bring some semblance of order to the chaotic masses of Hollows, Aizen personally took it upon himself to introduce Starrk and Ulquiorra to Makoto.

Makoto's gaze lingered on Starrk, whose appearance was strikingly similar to that of a human middle-aged man. His curiosity was piqued.

Aside from Nelliel, Starrk was the only known Vasto Lorde to have achieved Arrancar transformation independently. If Makoto could fully analyze Starrk's spiritual body, he might just be able to unlock the key to enabling other Vasto Lorde-class Hollows to undergo natural Arrancar transformation.

Unlike the forced transformation induced by the Hōgyoku, natural Arrancar transformation promised greater potential and strength.

Ulquiorra was proof of this. In the original, he had managed to undergo a second stage of Resurrección—a feat that should have been impossible—simply by relying on his own evolution.

With this thought, Makoto turned his attention to Ulquiorra. However, unlike the refined and coldly handsome figure from the original, the Ulquiorra before him was more akin to a demon from legend.

His entire body was pitch-black, bat-like wings unfurled behind him, and his deep emerald eyes were filled with an unchanging, eternal void…

After Aizen finished making introductions and briefly explained the abilities that Starrk and Ulquiorra excelled in, Makoto merely nodded occasionally, making no effort to introduce himself.

Aizen's gaze flickered with amusement. Regardless of whether Makoto was truly slow on the uptake or simply playing along, Aizen took the initiative and asked, "Asura, do you have any specialties?"

"Specialties?"

Makoto seemed momentarily taken aback. After pondering for a moment, he replied:

"I was born amidst withered trees and have spent very little time walking the lands of Hueco Mundo. If I had to name a specialty… perhaps dreaming. In the endless slumber that stretches for centuries, I dream of beautiful illusions that last a hundred, even a thousand years."

As he finished, a subtle glimmer flickered in his eyes, as if lost in thought.

"In my dreams, Hueco Mundo is no longer a monotonous and eternal wasteland of darkness and white sands. I am not alone, watching lifeless trees wither away, one after another."

To any other Vasto Lorde, his words might have seemed perfectly reasonable, even poetic.

But to Aizen's ears, every punctuation mark dripped with an unmistakable underlying message:

"I am a lonely, idealistic good-for-nothing. Other than lazing around, sleeping, and dreaming, I have accomplished absolutely nothing of significance."

Ironically, such a persona was not at all uncommon among the elite ranks of Hueco Mundo. In fact, it encapsulated the very essence of many Vasto Lordes, making it difficult to find any fault with.

At that moment, Baraggan returned, having partially reorganized the Hollow hordes. Seemingly offhandedly, he remarked,

"Lord Aizen, Asura Gensei is hardly as useless as he claims. He seems to possess the ability to induce Arrancar transformation in other Vasto Lordes."

…?!

Makoto froze.

"Oh?"

Aizen's expression remained calm, but there was an undeniable hint of intrigue in his voice as he asked, "Asura, you've mastered such a technique? I wonder—did you develop it through medical science?"

Makoto's outward expression didn't shift in the slightest, but internally, he was cursing Baraggan to high hell. If possible, he would have loved to rip the old skeleton apart and feed his bones to Captain Komamura's Vice-captain.

There was no doubt—if Aizen suspected that Makoto's medical expertise had contributed to Hollow Arrancar transformation research, he would immediately start connecting the dots between Makoto and Asura Gensei.

With no other choice, Makoto responded as neutrally as possible.

"Medical science? What is that? I've merely been toying with a few immature theories on Arrancar transformation in my research."

For the first time, Aizen smiled. Even his manner of address subtly shifted as he asked,

"Would you care to elaborate, Asura-kun? Coincidentally, I am also planning experiments to further Arrancar transformation."

Makoto, whose palms had begun to sweat slightly, hesitated before replying in a deliberately hesitant tone,

"They're still just immature ideas. My original plan was to locate another naturally Arrancarized Vasto Lorde for analysis and study. But before I had the chance, Baraggan and his forces intercepted me here."

As he spoke, Makoto briefly and discreetly glanced at Starrk before quickly averting his eyes.

At this point, delaying was his only option.

After all, as the sole known natural Arrancar among the Vasto Lordes, Starrk was far too valuable. Aizen wouldn't simply kill him on the basis of an uncertain hypothesis to verify Makoto's claims.

Yet, to Makoto's surprise, Aizen suddenly smiled—a knowing, deliberate smile.

"What a coincidence," Aizen mused.

Then, with a slight nod to Ulquiorra, he gave a silent command.

Without hesitation, Ulquiorra's dark wings spread wide, and in a blur of terrifying speed, he vanished from sight.

The next instant, he reappeared, standing before Makoto—this time, holding a small, unconscious figure in his grasp. Without the slightest hesitation, Ulquiorra tossed the figure at Makoto's feet.

Makoto lowered his gaze, his expression shifting ever so slightly as he muttered a name in disbelief.

"…Nelliel?!"

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