The aftershocks of the battle lasted for hours before finally settling.
The vast desert of Hueco Mundo returned to its usual silence and stillness.
The reunited "Big Four" of the Expeditionary Force gathered to exchange the intelligence they'd gathered over the past few days.
"What?!"
"Kid, do you even remember why we're in Hueco Mundo?!"
When Kimboshi Gonryutei heard that Fujimiya Makoto had dared to "domesticate" an Adjuchas, he immediately slammed the table and glared at the young man.
But after Fujimiya soothed him with a few words and laid out his logic of "using Hollows to fight Hollows," Kimboshi couldn't help but frown, falling deep into thought.
Truthfully, if any other Shinigami had spouted such nonsense about taming Menos, Kimboshi's first reaction would've been to draw his sword and purge the heretic.
Don't underestimate a kindergarten principal's authority.
But Fujimiya Makoto was the Gotei 13's universally acknowledged "strategist" and "genius."
Words from someone like him carried weight.
Fujimiya knew full well that his plan couldn't stay hidden forever.
For one thing, the Automated Processing Device developed by Shutara was faithfully recording their every move.
So, he chose to make his methods public.
"...When purging Hollows, we must weigh the costs and benefits. Using Menos as combat support is undeniably efficient. However, their loyalty is a legitimate concern. In that case, why not use me and Harribel as test subjects?"
"If this succeeds, it'll lay a solid theoretical foundation for future operations."
Fujimiya spoke eloquently during the meeting, his arguments well-reasoned.
But every time he got going, someone always seemed to misinterpret his intentions.
Kaname Tōsen, sitting at the edge of the table with her shoulders hunched habitually—her ample bosom hidden beneath the thick white captain's haori—timidly raised her hand and muttered:
"But..."
"Vice-Captain Fujimiya... you're just waiting for that Adjuchas to evolve into a Vasto Lorde so you can see her human form, right?"
Kimboshi and Saitō both turned to stare at Kaname.
She'd seen right through him!
Earlier, they'd all seen what an ordinary Vasto Lorde looked like.
Honestly, if not for the fact that they knew these beings still had Hollow holes somewhere on their bodies—that they were monsters born from Hollows devouring one another—even Kimboshi might've mistaken them for another kind of "human."
So for someone with Fujimiya's... unique tastes...
Saitō and Kimboshi's gazes turned deeply skeptical.
"Hey! You two!"
"Even if you don't trust my morals, at least trust my standards!"
Fujimiya Makoto glared indignantly, as if his very preferences were being questioned.
His zanpakutō spirit chimed in helpfully.
[Yeah, yeah!]
[I'm not just into any Vasto Lorde, you know!]
[But I did notice earlier—Harribel's Hollow hole is on her womb. She should be fine.]
[I'll test it out later.]
The three at the table stared at Fujimiya with even more disbelief.
Fujimiya was livid.
Why did no one believe him?!
Damn you, stupid sword!
"Enough!"
In the end, it was Kimboshi who put his foot down. "We'll proceed as Fujimiya suggested... for now."
"But don't get yourself killed."
"An Adjuchas is not some pet cat or dog."
"...Yes, sir."
Fujimiya's voice was utterly dejected.
He was a respectable man!
How had the world misunderstood him so thoroughly?
Whether it was kicking Szayelaporro or proposing this plan, he'd always been acting for the greater good!
Kaname Tōsen seemed to notice his gloom.
After the meeting, she quietly approached Fujimiya, who was sitting cross-legged by a campfire.
The seemingly plain, bespectacled girl—her large glasses and braided hair giving her a bookish air—looked almost ethereal in the firelight, her skin glowing.
Kaname leaned forward slightly, her ample chest pressing against Fujimiya's back as she whispered softly:
"Actually... I believe in you, Makoto."
"You didn't have any ulterior motives when you proposed this, right?"
Fujimiya glanced at the soft weight resting against his shoulder and awkwardly turned away.
"You knew, and you still said that?"
Kaname smiled faintly. "Because I did it on purpose."
"And you admit it?!" Fujimiya whipped his head around, wide-eyed. "Captain Kaname, do you have that little respect for me?"
"Of course not." Kaname's smile turned sly. "But if everyone understood you, my trust wouldn't be special anymore, would it?"
"You—"
Fujimiya studied Kaname's face—her eyes bright behind those thick glasses—and suddenly felt like he was seeing her for the first time.
"...So this is the real Kaname Tōsen?"
"If possible..." Kaname's smile softened. "I'd prefer if you called me by name, like you did when we first met in the library."
"Tō-sen~"
"Doesn't it sound nice?"
Fujimiya shuddered and scooted away. "Could you not? This is creeping me out."
"Really?"
Kaname pushed her glasses down slightly, her smile deepening as she inched closer, her soft body pressing against his arm.
The warmth and softness of a cute girl had a persuasive effect like no other.
Fujimiya almost gave in.
But he wasn't his zanpakutō—he was a respectable man.
"Honestly, I prefer the old you."
"Could you... go back to that?"
"Sure, sure~"
Kaname's tone was almost indulgent as she adjusted her glasses.
But just as she was about to pull away, she noticed Saitō glancing over at them.
When their eyes met, Saitō immediately looked away, pretending she hadn't been staring.
Kaname's lips curled into a mischievous smile.
Then—
"Ah! Makoto!"
She "tripped," landing squarely in Fujimiya's lap.
Fujimiya froze.
A second later, Saitō shot to her feet, her face red as she yelled:
"HEY—!"
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TWO DOING?!"