Chapter 6: Problems of being famous
"I t hink I've ruled for too long...
I never liked the idea of losing my throne to an arrogant brat... but here he is… a brat who not only seems to match me but grows stronger as the fight drags on..."
Beginning to grasp the direction of this conversation, Szayel felt his eyes widen, and his jaw drop.
"W-wait, Baraggan! You're not thinking of—" Before the scientist Vasto Lorde could finish, Baraggan stood from his seat and turned to face the hollows surrounding them.
"Hollows of Hueco Mundo, my subjects! Rejoice and bow down! For today, a new God-King of Hueco Mundo is born! My equal, SZAYEL APORRO GRANTZ!"
With that proclamation, roars, howls, and cheers of victory erupted from the hollows. Even though this battle had cost the lives of dozens, the hollows, being selfish creatures without human-like bonds, saw survival as paramount in Hueco Mundo's harsh realm.
Szayel could only sigh as he stood and adjusted his "clothing."
"Ah… there's no stopping you, is there, old man?" Szayel said with an exaggerated roll of his eyes, letting out a whistle. Baraggan walked ahead with a smug yet slightly irritated expression, which quickly turned into palpable annoyance as Szayel's next words reached him.
"Well, Old Man Baraggan, I guess that makes us co-God-Kings of Hueco Mundo now? Oh well, the important thing is that you'll have to share that throne with more than just your bony old butt!"
"SZAYEEEEEEEL!"
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
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Szayel POV
After my… "coronation," things have been... dull. Instead of giving ridiculous orders or demanding upgrades, Baraggan now asks for my advice and opinions on trivial matters. I used to think he was a bored old man, but DAMN IT, BARAGGAN! You're *so* boring!
He now insists on having me sit with him on these twin thrones in the middle of nowhere, staring at the dark skies of Hueco Mundo and listening to the worship of idiot hollows.
Seriously! The only silver lining is that despite the title of "God-King," Baraggan rarely rules as expected. He embarks on expeditions across Hueco Mundo, killing those who oppose him and recruiting others. Meh, at least thanks to this, I have better control over my instincts now.
"It seems your favorite concubine is not pleased with being here, Szayel."
Ah… yes, there's that. After everything ended, Harribel and her Fracción were welcomed into the court as my "concubines" and given free rein to do whatever they wanted. I admire Harribel; she takes her role as my bodyguard seriously. But… I just wish she didn't take Baraggan's crazy "concubine" idea so literally!
After all that fighting, she really asked if she had to "relax me" as a thank-you!
Come on! What am I, some kind of abuser? … Well, then again... Roka and my experiments… better not go there, hehe.
"Nah, everything's fine. I'll take her to rest in the quarters and check on the others!"
"Guahahahaha, don't lose your energy before the next expedition, Szayel." And with that, I escaped yet another boring lecture about our power in Hueco Mundo.
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[SOUL SOCIETY]
The hall of the First Division was steeped in heavy silence, broken only by the faint crackle of the flames lighting the room. The captains of the Gotei 13 occupied their places, their distinct auras adding to the room's dense atmosphere.
At the center, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni sat with authority, his staff resting at his side. His presence, as always, was imposing, his stern eyes sweeping over the faces before him.
"The situation we face threatens the balance of the Human World and the Soul Society. This is not something we can ignore," Yamamoto began, his deep voice echoing across the hall.
Ginrei Kuchiki, standing with his usual impeccable posture, was the first to speak after the Commander. His tone was calm but weighty.
"In recent weeks, we've observed a significant increase in Hollows invading the Human World. Their behavior has been unusual. More than once, before being slain, some of them shouted the names 'Baraggan-sama' and 'Szayelaporro-sama.'"
The name Baraggan caused a murmur among those present.
"Baraggan?" Karasu Shihōin, captain of the Second Division, leaned forward slightly, his expression curious. "That name sounds familiar. If memory serves, it's mentioned in the records as that of an ancient Vasto Lorde."
"Correct," interjected Kirio Hikifune of the Twelfth Division. Despite her usual warm tone, there was a seriousness to her voice. "Baraggan Louisenbairn was known as a tyrannical Vasto Lorde we once encountered in the Human World. If he is still active, it would explain the level of organization among the Hollows."
Azashiro Kenpachi of the Eleventh Division observed with a cold demeanor.
"This means we should just eliminate them before they become a bigger nuisance."
Shunsui Kyōraku of the Eighth Division countered with a more measured tone.
"Easy there, Azashiro-kun. We don't know how strong they really are. If they're as organized as suggested, we might face more than just numbers."
Retsu Unohana, of the Fourth Division, who had remained silent until then, spoke with an authoritative calm.
"Whatever the threat may be, it is our duty as captains to protect the Soul Society. We must treat this with the seriousness it demands."
Yamamoto nodded slowly, his gaze shifting to Kaminari Hoshikawa of the Seventh Division.
"Kaminari, you proposed something relevant before the meeting. Share it with everyone."
The meticulous young captain stood and crossed his arms.
"We need to strengthen patrols in the Human World. It's essential to map out the attack patterns and determine where these Hollows are coming from. They wouldn't act this way without a plan or a strong leader behind them."
The discussion continued, with proposals and counterarguments shaping the strategy. Yamamoto finally silenced the group with his staff striking the ground.
"Enough. Your points are valid. Ginrei, Karasu, and Kaminari will lead a detailed investigation. Hikifune, gather data on Hollow leaders. Kenpachi, prepare your division for a potential confrontation."
The captains dispersed, and Shunsui muttered to Ukitake:
"This is getting more complicated than I'd like."
"If Baraggan is indeed behind this," Ukitake replied with evident concern, "we'll need more than strength to defeat him this time."
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[HUECO MUNDO]
"Why do I feel like I'm doomed somehow? … Nah, it's probably my imagination!"
In his lab, a certain Vasto Lorde was once again working to evolve his "Gabriel" technique while allowing his little diabolical offspring (*Pícaro*) to swing on his tentacles like a playground.
"Haha, Szayel-sama!"
"Yes, yes, nothing bad will happen, right? After all, God's in His heaven, and all's right with the world!"
Little did Szayel know that his rapid rise in Hueco Mundo had caught the attention of the Soul Society, and soon he would learn the true cost of fame.
[Information about OCs in the final notes]