Bleach: Threads of Destiny

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When Aaron heard what Gray Wolf said, he immediately understood what the other party meant.

Facing Chiyo yesterday, he hadn't thought much of the encounter—it was a trivial matter to him, nothing more than an experiment. Using Hadō #90: Kurohitsugi (Black Coffin) had been a test of his capabilities, and the man's survival or death had never been a concern.

After all, Chiyo was merely a test subject for his Kidō experiment. Whether the man lived or died was up to fate. Still, Aaron was somewhat surprised to hear Chiyo had managed to cling to life despite being gravely injured. It made him acknowledge that Shinigami who had spent years fighting in Hueco Mundo had their own survival strategies.

Chiyo's durability—his metaphorical "thick skin"—suggested he was at least as strong as an ordinary captain. To Aaron, his use of Kurohitsugi had been nothing more than a warning, a small punishment. And yet, he hoped the display of power would serve as a deterrent to others who might have similar ideas. Sometimes, making an example of someone was far more effective than wiping out all opposition.

Despite his efforts to avoid meddling further in petty conflicts, Gray Wolf had come running to inform him that "he" wanted to see him. This news left Aaron feeling slightly exasperated.

After pondering for a moment, Aaron replied calmly, "Brother Gray Wolf, I have much to do. If this person really wishes to speak with me, let him come find me directly."

Gray Wolf's helpless expression spoke volumes, but he nodded. Between the strongest warrior of the Hueco Mundo Death Squad, whom he'd known for centuries, and this rising star he'd only just met, he had no choice but to be the messenger.

"Yes, Brother Taotie. I'll deliver the message," Gray Wolf said awkwardly before leaving quickly.

Watching Gray Wolf depart, Aaron began to wonder about the person seeking him out—the so-called strongest Shinigami of the Hueco Mundo Death Squad.

Before long, Gray Wolf returned, accompanied by a tall, middle-aged man clad in a haori-like garment. His long hair flowed behind him, giving him an air of quiet authority.

"Lord Sogetsu, this is Brother Taotie, who joined us just yesterday," Gray Wolf introduced them nervously. "Brother Taotie, this is Lord Sogetsu, the leader of our expeditionary force."

Aaron gave a small nod but said nothing. Sogetsu smiled faintly and dismissed Gray Wolf. "Thank you, Gray Wolf. We'll take it from here."

Gray Wolf glanced between the two men before hurrying off, clearly relieved to escape the tension.

Left alone, Aaron and Sogetsu studied each other in silence. After half a minute, Sogetsu broke the ice with a soft chuckle. "Taotie? What an unusual name. I must thank you for sparing Chiyo yesterday. I am Sogetsu, entrusted by our comrades to lead the Hueco Mundo Death Squad."

Aaron replied evenly, "There's no need for thanks. I only gave him a minor punishment. As for leadership, it has no bearing on me."

Sogetsu laughed. "Straightforward, aren't you? Would you invite me to sit and talk?"

Seeing no hostility in Sogetsu's demeanor, Aaron gestured toward his tent. "Please."

For several hours, the two discussed the realities of Hueco Mundo. Sogetsu revealed surprising truths about their mission: the Seireitei's expeditionary force had no combat objectives. Their sole purpose was survival in this inhospitable realm until their term expired, at which point they'd be retrieved.

Sogetsu explained the dangers of Hueco Mundo—its treacherous dead zones and the ever-present threat of Menos Grande. Hollows, drawn by Shinigami Reiatsu, often launched coordinated attacks to evolve into higher forms.

Despite its barren appearance, Hueco Mundo was a death trap for Shinigami. While it was a paradise for Hollows, it was hell for their kind.

Reflecting on the prospect of spending five hundred years in such a place, Aaron resolved to prioritize his strength.

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A hundred years passed in the blink of an eye.

On this day, Aaron declined the assistance of Sogetsu and others, choosing once again to embark on his solitary path of cultivation.

After a century of relentless effort, the density of spiritual particles in his body had reached an astonishing level. This increase had caused his Reiatsu to grow exponentially, radiating a presence that was nothing short of overwhelming.

Over these hundred years, Aaron had not only relied on the "Box Picking System" to enhance his abilities but had also used his spare time to refine and optimize various Kidō techniques through his mastery of "Omniscience and Omnipotence."

Aside from battles and research, he often engaged in discussions with members of the Hueco Mundo death squad, sharing insights and even mentoring them. These exchanges earned him their deep respect.

In fact, Aaron had been acknowledged as the most powerful Shinigami among them for over ninety years. Yet, he paid little attention to such titles, dismissing them as meaningless accolades.

For Aaron, the vast and perilous Hueco Mundo was an endless treasure trove, rich with opportunities for growth. His singular focus remained on honing his strength.

Now, he decided to venture into the Menos Forest, a place he hadn't visited in a long time.

"Only there," he thought, "can I find the battles that truly matter."

Elsewhere in Hueco Mundo:

Beneath the vast white sands of Hueco Mundo, construction was underway.

A massive, lifeless black tree extended from the depths of the ground, its withered branches rising like skeletal arms. Surrounding it, countless small and mid-sized Hollows toiled under the watchful eyes of larger, more menacing overseers, transporting massive white boulders for the construction of a grand palace.

Standing not far from this emerging fortress was a middle-aged man clad in an opulent robe and crown. He was surrounded by dozens of Gillian—towering Menos Grande with masked faces and blank stares.

The man surveyed the scene with satisfaction. His gaze swept over his subordinates as a twisted grin spread across his face.

"Finally... I have evolved into a Vasto Lorde," he proclaimed, his voice ringing with pride. "This power... it is extraordinary!"

He laughed coldly. "Those fools in the Menos Forest, no matter how cunning they may be, could never anticipate my plans. I shall command my subordinates to build this palace atop the Menos Forest itself. Let them witness my grandeur!"

At that moment, a massive Gillian approached cautiously, its steps heavy against the sands. The Hollow bowed deeply before the man and began to report in a language only other Hollows could understand.

As the message was delivered, the middle-aged man's expression darkened. His Reiatsu exploded outward, a wave of crushing spiritual pressure spreading across the desert.

Every Hollow present, no matter their size, collapsed to their knees, trembling in terror.

"Those damn Shinigami!" he roared. "How dare they harm my subordinates?! Very well, then! I will show them—show them all!"

Hovering above the sands, his voice thundered across the desolate wasteland.

"I am Baraggan Louisenbairn! The true king of Hueco Mundo! Let the Shinigami and those fools in the Menos Forest understand who reigns supreme!"

His laughter echoed ominously as he floated in mid-air, a dark shadow against the endless white desert.

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