In the Hueco Mundo base laboratory, the rapidly scrolling data streams on the screen finally came to a halt.
"So, the conclusion?"
Kensei Kenzuru moved closer to Aizen, looking at the dense array of various charts and analytical data, feeling a headache coming on.
Yoruichi raised her head from the sofa. Nelliel also looked over curiously.
"The conclusion is clear." Aizen's voice remained calm. Her fingers tapped lightly on the control console, pulling up a summary report. "Adding your blood to the experiment does indeed produce a significant stabilizing and catalytic effect on the Arrancarization process."
Two sets of starkly contrasting charts appeared on the screen. Even someone with Kensei's brain could see the difference.
The control group on the left showed almost all data stuck around fifty percent. The experimental group on the right, however, mostly exceeded the control group's data, with even a few reaching heights around eighty percent.
"This is one of the successful cases."
Aizen brought up the video record of one successful case. Previously, multiple simultaneous experiments had been conducted. To ensure safety, Aizen had specifically asked Kensei to create an isolation zone using his spatial abilities.
In the footage, an Adjuchas resembling a mantis, enveloped in the Hōgyoku's light, saw its bony Hollow shell shatter and fall away, revealing skin no different from a human's. The mask on its face remained only about a quarter, with a few Hollow characteristics retained elsewhere on its body. When the transformation halted, the recorded transformation rate reached seventy-eight percent.
"Not just one successful case." Aizen swiped her fingers. The screen switched to another scene, showing another nearly human-like Arrancar. "These Adjuchas, after completing Arrancarization, experienced a substantial increase in intelligence, arguably not much different from ordinary humans."
"Impressive, Kensei!" Yoruichi patted Kensei on the back in approval. "Didn't think your blood would actually work."
"Just average, third in the world."
Although Kensei's words were modest, the smugness on his face was impossible to hide.
"You're rejoicing too soon." Aizen closed the footage and called up another set of data. "Even with the addition of your blood, the experiment still has cases of failure. Based on the conclusions from the recent days of experiments, the success probability for Arrancarization is only seventy percent."
"That's definitely because those Hollows are too weak, unable to withstand the blood of the great Lord Kensei Kenzuru."
Kensei immediately found the reason. Rather than reflecting on oneself, it's better to blame others—a principle he always adhered to and practiced quite well.
"Besides that, there's another interesting phenomenon."
Aizen looked at Kensei. Though there was no fluctuation in her gaze, Kensei, who knew her inside out, still detected a hint of peculiarity and mockery within it.
Aizen pulled up a gender statistics chart of the Arrancarized Hollows. On the chart, the curve representing female Hollows was significantly higher than that for male Hollows, whether in average transformation rate, highest transformation rate, or post-Arrancarization stability coefficient.
"Female Hollows perform this well?" Yoruichi, after seeing the data, gave Kensei a strange sidelong glance. "Why?"
"Perhaps Kensei's factors resonate more with female Hollows in some way. To reach a definitive conclusion, more verification is needed."
Aizen and Yoruichi's scrutinizing gazes fell upon Kensei, making him slightly uncomfortable.
"I think it's someone's inherently lustful nature, with even his blood carrying this trait."
Yoruichi's mouth held a smile as she mercilessly attacked Kensei.
"Nonsense!"
Kensei would certainly not accept such baseless slander.
In his view, it must be the Soul King's doing. Otherwise, why would such a discrepancy appear? This Soul King must be a Gendered Knight!
Aizen ignored their bickering, rubbing her slightly tired temples. "Regardless, this proves the path is feasible."
"What about next?" Nelliel, who had been quiet, asked softly. "Continue capturing Adjuchas?"
"No. The Adjuchas data is sufficient to establish a relevant model." Aizen shook her head. "Next, we can attempt to find a suitable Vasto Lorde for the next phase of experiments."
Aizen looked at Nelliel before her. Although a suitable experimental subject was right beside them, she knew Kensei wouldn't agree to attempts on Nelliel until the Arrancar technique was fully mature.
Glancing at Kensei, who was still bickering with Yoruichi, Aizen stroked the Hōgyoku in her embrace, lost in thought.
-----------------
Deep underground in Hueco Mundo, Szayelaporro Granz hummed a tuneless melody, his fingers rapidly tapping on an operation panel. On the main screen before him, dozens of images simultaneously displayed scenes from Hueco Mundo, mostly showing the activity traces of Hollows under Baraggan's command.
To avoid being disturbed in his research, Szayelaporro had hidden his self-made concealed monitors in many places throughout Hueco Mundo.
"It seems Baraggan has sensed something."
Recalling Baraggan's recent large-scale search operations, a mocking, exaggerated smile curled at the corner of Szayelaporro's mouth.
"My experiment isn't complete yet. Can't let these fools interrupt it."
Watching the blonde Vasto Lorde on the monitor repelling several of Baraggan's subordinates with her three weak companions, a calculating light flashed in his eyes.
Szayelaporro tapped the control console. A hidden door opened on one side of the lab. A figure emerged from the shadows—a Hollow specially modified by him, its spiritual pressure perception enhanced several times over.
"Go." Szayelaporro smiled. "Blend into Baraggan's forces. Help them accomplish their mission."
The modified Hollow nodded and silently departed.
"Baraggan proclaims himself King of Hueco Mundo. As his subject, I naturally should help His Majesty resolve his worries."
Szayelaporro's gaze fell on the screen, on the curve representing Gorudo Roikodium's physical data, anticipation gleaming in his eyes.
After leaving Szayelaporro's laboratory, the modified Hollow smoothly blended into the force pursuing Harribel.
Previously, the Hollows that found Harribel were scattered small groups, their strength posing little threat to Harribel's quartet.
There were long intervals between successive waves of enemies, giving Harribel and her group ample time to rest.
Now, with this modified Hollow acting as a guide, the Hollows searching for Harribel almost surged toward their target in one mass.
Behind a concealed dune, Harribel rested briefly, the greatsword formed from her left hand planted in the sand, having just repelled a wave of enemies.
Beside her, Apacci, Sung-Sun, and Mila Rose all bore wounds of varying depths. Their strength didn't match Harribel's; facing pursuit by Hollows, they couldn't possibly emerge unscathed.
"Make the most of this time to adjust." Harribel said calmly. "I can sense more enemies heading this way."
"Damn it, why are these guys sticking so close?"
Rose lay on the ground, licking a wound on the flank of her lion-like body. The enemies clung to them like hyenas that had caught the scent of blood.
"Baraggan is probably serious this time." The snake-like Sung-Sun raised her head. "The forces sent this time are much larger, and their strength is far greater than Rose's too."
"Bastard, still thinking of mocking me at a time like this?"
Apacci ignored the bickering between the two, looking weakly at Harribel. "Harribel... your chance of breaking through alone is greater than if you take us with you."
"Be quiet."
Harribel's reply was, as always, brief.
The root cause of their current predicament was her own refusal of Baraggan's recruitment. Even if she could truly escape, these hard-won companions would surely be devoured.
Harribel sensed the numerous spiritual pressures approaching from afar. One hand touched the device hanging at her waist—the one the Shinigami had tossed to her during their parting, saying she could contact him through it for help if in trouble.
Back then, she thought it unnecessary. Now, it seemed fortunate she hadn't discarded it outright.
Harribel pressed the button on it. The device emitted a special signal, then fell silent.
"Hold this position. That Shinigami will come."
Pulling the greatsword from the sand, Harribel looked at the black figures already appearing within her line of sight, readying herself for battle.
Although that Shinigami said his help wasn't free, whatever the cost, survival came first.
***
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