Masatsuki Aozaki's days became noticeably easier after Gin Ichimaru and Kenpachi Zaraki took on the role of Lieutenants.
To be fair, among all the divisions, the 11th Division had always had relatively little work.
The 1st Division oversaw overall command.
The 2nd Division handled executions and assassinations.
The 7th Division was responsible for protecting the Central 46 Compound.
The 8th Division specialized in intelligence gathering.
The 10th Division maintained law and order within the Seireitei.
The 13th Division managed Konsō and the purification of Hollows.
During peacetime, aside from periodic assignments to the World of the Living, routine training, and occasional Menos invasions, a combat-focused division like the 11th Division had virtually nothing to do. Because of this, Masatsuki Aozaki had once enjoyed a rather leisurely lifestyle, spending his days idly wandering about.
However, for rare missions like eliminating criminals in District 80 of Rukongai—something that might only occur once in decades—he would still personally step in. After all, Rukongai had produced individuals of captain-class strength, such as Kiganjō and Kenpachi Zaraki. No one could say for sure whether more powerful figures would emerge from there.
But now, with Kenpachi Zaraki around, things were different. Tasks that once required his personal attention could now be delegated without concern.
In short, Masatsuki Aozaki was now living in unprecedented leisure.
With so much free time, he frequently traveled between the Soul Society and Hueco Mundo. Occasionally, he would take casual strolls through Rukongai, hoping to run into someone interesting.
This kind of life was truly carefree and enjoyable!
On this particular day, Masatsuki Aozaki led a white-haired boy and a black-haired girl to the old Shiba Clan residence in Junrinan for sword training.
After a rigorous practice session, he generously treated them to a grand feast.
Not only that, but after the meal, he even thoughtfully prepared a takeaway meal for the boy's grandmother.
Why the sudden kindness toward this boy?
Because his name was Tōshirō Hitsugaya—a prodigy in the original story.
Masatsuki Aozaki had first met him when he invited the Shiba Clan to return to Seireitei. At the time, Hitsugaya had been playing with a black-haired girl named Momo Hinamori, whom he also met then.
After a brief chat, Masatsuki Aozaki, acting as the self-proclaimed "Boss" of Junrinan, didn't hesitate to recruit Hitsugaya into his ranks.
Initially, Hitsugaya resisted.
But ultimately, he was still just a child, both physically and mentally, and with a bit of coaxing, he was easy to sway. As long as he and his grandmother were treated well, everything else was secondary.
Now, whenever Masatsuki Aozaki gave him orders, he would complain endlessly—but his actions were always obedient.
For example, when practicing Zanjutsu.
He grumbled about how useless it was for him, yet every day, he diligently trained for hours—far more dedicated than Rangiku Matsumoto.
Getting Matsumoto to train seriously was another story altogether...
After finishing their feast, Masatsuki Aozaki instructed Hitsugaya and Hinamori to take the packed meal home first.
Then, he set off alone toward the southern districts of Rukongai, hoping to run into someone interesting.
However, after walking for a while, he suddenly stopped.
A faint vibration coursed through his body.
After patting himself down for a moment, he pulled out a token engraved with a skull emblem.
On the back, a small screen glowed dimly.
As the screen lit up...
A man with brown skin appeared on the screen, his expression completely unwavering.
"Aozaki-sama!"
Masatsuki Aozaki heard the title loud and clear, and the way it rolled off the tongue felt rather natural. Kaname Tōsen clearly had no reservations about addressing him this way.
After all, even his former leader, Aizen, had acknowledged Masatsuki as a "friend." And ever since Tōsen learned that Masatsuki had destroyed the Tsunayashiro branch family and killed Tokinada Tsunayashiro, he had never once disobeyed his orders.
"What is it?"
After a brief silence, Tōsen spoke in a low voice.
"I have news about the person you're looking for."
...
Across the vast, snow-covered desert of Hueco Mundo, a group of Arrancars raced forward in urgency.
They were all clad in identical white uniforms. Ordinary Hollows only needed a glance to recognize them—these were high-ranking members of Las Noches.
Being chosen by the king and undergoing the Arrancar transformation meant they were at least of Adjuchas-class strength.
Yet, despite their power, their panicked expressions left the surrounding Hollows in shock.
After all, wasn't Las Noches ruled by an invincible king, one who commanded absolute power? His name was known throughout Hueco Mundo—who would dare provoke his followers?
No one answered their silent questions.
The Arrancars had only one thought: to rush back to Las Noches and report to the two rulers of Hueco Mundo.
But… when they recalled the overwhelming Reiatsu that had erupted in the distance just moments ago, their faces darkened with unease.
Never in their wildest imagination had they expected this.
The terrifying Reiatsu they had sensed didn't belong solely to Baraggan or Szayelaporro, the former rulers of Hueco Mundo.
Somewhere out there, another monstrous entity of equal—if not greater—power had been lurking all along!
Even just getting close to that presence had been suffocating. The sheer pressure of its Reiatsu had nearly crushed them, threatening to make them faint on the spot.
The leading Arrancars exchanged glances, a shared understanding passing between them.
What they had stumbled upon today… could very well be someone the new ruler of Hueco Mundo was interested in.
And if they successfully carried out their master's task, they might even be rewarded—with strength beyond their current limits.
Why should only the females be chosen?
If power was the reward, then they, as males, were just as willing to offer themselves!
Their eyes glowed with anticipation, already envisioning a future where their strength would be elevated.
In Hueco Mundo, a realm where might dictated everything, those who lacked beauty to win their ruler's favor had only one option—unparalleled strength.
But just then, the leader of the group suddenly roared out—
"Stop!!"
The abrupt command sent a jolt through the entire group, and all eyes locked onto him in shock.
Without hesitation, the lead Arrancar dropped to one knee, his expression solemn and resolute.
"His Majesty is here! What are you all standing around for?! Do you have a death wish? Kneel, now!"
At his words, panic flashed across the faces of the other Arrancars.
They quickly lifted their heads, and the moment they saw the familiar figure approaching, they scrambled to kneel, not daring to show even the slightest hesitation.
"Y-Your Majesty…!!"
Their voices rang out in unison, trembling with reverence.
"Enough with the theatrics. Get up."
Masatsuki Aozaki casually waved his hand, signaling for them to rise.
His tone was calm, yet the weight of his presence sent a shudder through the Arrancars.
This was the aura of a king—one who had slain both Baraggan and Szayelaporro.
Szayelaporro was one thing, but Baraggan?
Baraggan had ruled Hueco Mundo for a million years. His might was unparalleled, his name feared by all.
Yet, even he had fallen—effortlessly slain by this man, the absolute ruler of Hueco Mundo.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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