"So, Kisuke Urahara. Have you estimated the time Aizen will require to complete the Hōgyoku?" Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's voice rumbled through the communication screen, the Captain-Commander opening one stern eye.
"Yes, sir. I have a rough estimate," Urahara replied, his usual playful tone replaced by grave seriousness.
Based on his own experience forging the artifact and the potential variables within Hueco Mundo, Urahara had calculated a probable timeline. He was now in the delicate process of relaying this to Soul Society's leadership.
"Drawing from my previous work in creating a Hōgyoku, and considering Aizen is using Menos Grande as its core nourishment… it will take him a minimum of one year to finish. Therefore, we still have a considerable amount of time to prepare." Urahara allowed himself a small, internal sigh of relief.
'However, Inoue Orihime's ability… remains a hidden variable. If Aizen discovers and utilizes her power, he could drastically shorten that timeline.' This thought, of course, he kept to himself.
The less attention drawn to Orihime's unique gifts, the better; it was the best way to protect her and their plans.
'According to my reports, the offensive component of her Shun Shun Rikka, Tsubaki, was shattered. This means she has lost her direct combat capability and is limited to healing. With that as a reason, I should be able to persuade her—and Soul Society—to keep her safely in the rear. She won't attract Aizen's notice.'
It was a sound plan. Unfortunately, Urahara was unaware that from the moment the Arrancar first appeared, information on Orihime's abilities had already been transmitted to Aizen via Ulquiorra Cifer's Solita Vista.
"One year…" Yamamoto mused, the lines on his face deepening. "It seems your decision to allow Amamiya Miyako to safeguard the Hōgyoku has indeed bought us valuable time. Tell me, Kisuke Urahara. Is the Hōgyoku's hiding place now secure? If Aizen grows impatient, he may intensify his search for it."
A year was sufficient for Soul Society and Urahara to make significant preparations, but only if they could withstand Aizen's inevitable probing assaults in the interim. An unspoken stalemate existed: Soul Society would not launch a full-scale invasion of Hueco Mundo, and Aizen, before completing his Hōgyoku, would not commit his full force. Yet, localized skirmishes in Karakura Town were a near certainty.
"…Yes. The Hōgyoku is perfectly preserved by me. Its location is known to no one else." Urahara lied without a flicker of hesitation. If Yamamoto-Genryūsai discovered the orb was inside a Vice-Captain—and one currently in the Human World—Amamiya would be forcibly recalled to Soul Society and placed under maximum security in the Central 46 compound.
But the Hōgyoku was too volatile. Beyond himself, no one else knew the precise methods to seal it. Therefore, Amamiya had to remain close. Should anything go wrong, Urahara needed to be able to act immediately to re-secure the artifact.
"I understand. I will relay this timeline to Captain Hitsugaya in the Human World. He will inform the other stationed Shinigami. Vigilance there remains essential. Aizen may not have abandoned the search for your Hōgyoku entirely."
"Thank you, Captain-Commander," Urahara said with a deep nod. The screen before him faded to black.
'According to Hirako and the others, Kurosaki Ichigo has officially begun training with them to control the Hollow within. As the only one not under the hypnosis of Kyōka Suigetsu, if he can master that power… he may become a true trump card against Aizen.' Urahara leaned back, mentally reviewing the pieces on the board.
'And then there is Amamiya Miyako… Can he truly be trusted…?' He replayed all his arrangements. Every variable in the Human World was under his observation or control… except for the enigma that was Amamiya.
…
In the desolate splendor of Las Noches, Sōsuke Aizen sat upon his crystalline throne, carefully reviewing the memories shared by his Fourth Espada. His focus lingered on the scene of Inoue Orihime healing Yasutora Sado's injuries, and a subtle, fascinating anomaly caught his expert eye.
'The Rejection of Phenomena… if applied to that incomplete Hōgyoku, could it not accelerate its completion…?'
"Fascinating," Aizen murmured, a smile touching his lips. "Could the Hōgyoku have drawn forth such a power…? Inoue Orihime, you have inadvertently trespassed into the domain of gods."
The Hōgyoku's function was to materialize the desires and latent abilities of those around it. But even Aizen had not anticipated it would manifest a power of this nature—one that touched upon the fundamental laws of reality.
"Kaname. Would you summon Ulquiorra for me?" Aizen spoke to the empty hall.
"As you wish, Aizen-sama," Tōsen Kaname's voice replied from the shadows before he departed silently.
Soon, Ulquiorra Cifer entered the throne room and knelt on one knee. "Aizen-sama."
"Ulquiorra. You recall the human woman with the peculiar healing ability, seen during your mission with Yammy?"
"Yes, Aizen-sama."
"Do you believe her power is merely a healing Kido?"
"No. Her ability is not simple mending. The healing effect resembles a regression or reversal of an event in time and space."
"As expected of you, to perceive a fragment of its essence. However, her power is far greater than mere temporal or spatial regression. Inoue Orihime… this girl possesses The Rejection of Phenomena."
Ulquiorra showed no reaction, his green eyes fixed on his master. "Will this woman pose a threat? Shall I eliminate her?"
"No, Ulquiorra." Aizen's smile widened. "Your task is precisely the opposite. You are to capture her and bring her to me, alive. It would be ideal if she could be persuaded to serve our cause willingly."
Faced with this complex directive, Ulquiorra did not hesitate. "I understand, Aizen-sama. I will devise a method to accomplish this."
Among the Espada, many harbored their own ambitions and quirks. Aizen was well aware of this. But Ulquiorra was different. He possessed formidable power, keen intellect, and, most importantly, a loyalty Aizen felt was genuine and unshakable.
"I leave it to you, my most loyal servant. There is no need for undue haste. With your intellect, I am confident you will formulate a satisfactory strategy." Aizen's trust in the Fourth Espada was complete.
Truthfully, using Menos Grande—Gillian and even Adjuchas—as materials to nurture the Hōgyoku produced rapid and potent results. However, the Reishi within a Menos was vast and inherently chaotic. While it nourished the orb, it also rendered its state unstable. Each absorption required Aizen's personal and meticulous adjustment. But with Inoue Orihime's power… he could experiment repeatedly, accelerating the process exponentially.
If she could be made to assist him, the true completion of the Hōgyoku might occur far sooner than anyone in Soul Society anticipated.
'Perhaps mere months… maybe even less…' A serene, anticipatory smile settled on Aizen's face. He now looked forward to the arrival of Inoue Orihime with genuine interest.