"Harribel-sama, it's our fault. As your subordinates, we need you to protect us," Apacci said self-reproachfully.
"Apacci, haven't I told you? You're not my subordinates, you're my companions. Protecting companions is only natural, right?" Harribel said.
Just then, Harribel suddenly sensed someone approaching, so she quickly warned: "Sung-Sun, Apacci, Mila Rose, someone's coming. Everyone, be careful."
"Someone's coming? Could it be Baraggan?" Mila Rose guessed.
Sung-Sun also said, "Very likely. After all, Pedro was Baraggan's subordinate. Last time Pedro came for revenge on Harribel-sama but ended up killed by that Shinigami Hitsugaya. But Baraggan doesn't know that. He probably thinks Harribel-sama killed Pedro, so he's come to cause trouble."
"Apacci, Mila Rose, Sung-Sun, if the visitor is an enemy we can't handle, escape immediately. Don't come back like last time, understand?!" Harribel said sternly.
"But..."
"No more. This time, you must listen to me," Harribel firmly interrupted the three.
"Alright, let's go out and see who it is first," Harribel then said.
She led the way out of the cave. Apacci, Mila Rose, and Sung-Sun exchanged glances, then hurriedly followed.
However, they silently resolved not to abandon Harribel and flee alone this time, no matter what.
After Harribel, Apacci, Mila Rose, and Sung-Sun exited the cave, they saw three figures before them.
"Who... are you?" Harribel asked, looking at the three.
Judging by their appearance and attire, Harribel felt they weren't Hollows.
"First meeting, hello. I am Aizen, Aizen Sosuke."
It was indeed Aizen, along with Gin and Tosen.
After the battle with Toshiro, Aizen noticed Pedro, who went to seek revenge on Harribel, hadn't returned. Upon investigation, he found Pedro not only failed to kill Harribel but got himself killed.
Thus, Aizen again considered subduing Harribel.
After all, Harribel was a Vasto Lorde Menos Grande. Once Arrancarized, her strength would far surpass Arrancarized Adjuchas.
If not for the scarcity of Vasto Lorde Hollows, Aizen would have wanted an Espada composed entirely of Vasto Lorde Arrancar.
"You don't look like Hollows. Are you Shinigami?" Harribel didn't care about their names, continuing her question.
Harribel felt these newcomers somewhat resembled Toshiro, who saved her.
"Yes, we are indeed Shinigami," Aizen admitted.
"Why are you here?" Harribel asked, somewhat vigilant.
Although these newcomers were Shinigami like Toshiro who saved her, Harribel didn't forget that Shinigami and Hollows were enemies.
In her view, Shinigami like Toshiro were ultimately rare. Most Shinigami held hostile attitudes towards Hollows.
Aizen didn't directly answer Harribel's question. Instead, he asked her: "You want to protect your companions, right? Don't want them sacrificed? Want more powerful strength, right?"
"What about it?" Harribel said noncommittally.
"If the power you seek is your ideal, then I can grant it to you," Aizen said.
"My ideal?" Harribel asked, somewhat puzzled.
"You want greater strength, right? For your companions. If you gain power, you can protect them, prevent their sacrifice. That should be your ideal, right? Don't you want to see the form of your ideal?" Aizen's words seemed to carry a persuasive power, making Harribel instinctively want to agree.
But Harribel retained her reason, asking Aizen: "You can give me greater strength? Why should I believe you?"
"Do you remember Pedro, who sought revenge on you earlier? He was just an Adjuchas, yet his strength surpassed a Vasto Lorde. Do you know why?" Aizen asked.
"You know the reason?!" Harribel exclaimed in surprise.
Pedro was merely an Adjuchas, yet his strength surpassed hers, a Vasto Lorde. This had greatly puzzled Harribel.
"Speaking of that, I must apologize. I gave him the power of Arrancarization, but couldn't give him the mind to control that power," Aizen said without concealing that he granted Pedro his power.
If Harribel became his subordinate, she would undoubtedly undergo Arrancarization. Then she'd naturally understand where Pedro's power came from. Better to state it now, appearing more forthright.
"What?! You gave Pedro his power?!" Harribel exclaimed, shocked.
"Correct. However, I didn't know he'd come for revenge on you. My sincerest apologies," Aizen said with a calm expression.
"So, now you should know I can grant you greater strength. Therefore, come with us. I'll take you to paradise… a world without sacrifice," Aizen invited with apparent sincerity.
Hearing Aizen's words, Harribel didn't immediately agree but pondered.
Seeing Harribel not agree on the spot, Aizen wasn't disappointed. He simply stood there, quietly waiting for Harribel's response.
Harribel would definitely agree to his invitation… Aizen was very confident of this.
"Harribel-sama!" Apacci, Mila Rose, and Sung-Sun called out hesitantly.
The three didn't want Harribel to follow these mysterious people. They knew what it represented.
To gain something, one must lose something. If Harribel agreed, it meant abandoning her pride as a strong individual, becoming this person's subordinate.
Harribel had always lived freely, unwilling to serve under others, otherwise, she wouldn't have repeatedly refused Baraggan's invitations.
Seeing Apacci, Mila Rose, and Sung-Sun's concern, Harribel finally made her decision.
"Alright, I agree to go with you," Harribel said to Aizen.
Seeing Harribel accept his invitation, Aizen couldn't help but smile: "You won't regret today's decision."
Thus, Aizen successfully tricked Harribel into becoming his subordinate.