Chapter 281-282: Recruitment (II-III)
<span style="font-weight:400">The moon continued its celestial journey, witnessing the passionate fifteen minutes in its entirety. During these fifteen minutes, the whole mansion stirred, and everyone was awakened by M Rose’s shenanigans.
<span style="font-weight:400">When Kazuya entered the house with M Rose clinging to him, he saw all of his Hollow lovers. Harribel, Api, Sung-Sun, Lisa, Ciri. Even Izumi had joined everyone. Only the basement dwellers — Starrk, Lilte, and Menoly — were missing. In all likelihood, they didn’t want to end their sleep early, and nobody could me them.
<span style="font-weight:400">None of his lovers seemed angry at his abrupt appearance except for Lisa. She red at him like she wanted to pluck out his eyeballs and y marbles with them.
<span style="font-weight:400">He promptly ignored the malevolent energy oozing from Lisa and smiled at his loyal maid on duty. After sensing his Reiatsu, Api had switched to her maid dress to wee him.
<span style="font-weight:400">Such devotion wasmendable in his eyes.
<span style="font-weight:400">Api’s frown oozed barely concealed jealousy, his appreciative gaze having no impact on her demeanor at all. “Shameless.”
<span style="font-weight:400">While she had the heart to let them finish their intimate activities, where anybody could see them, she clearly held a grudge against him.
<span style="font-weight:400">Sung-Sun snickered behind her sleeve. “You reek of jealousy, Deer.”
<span style="font-weight:400">The taunt ignited Api’s temper, and she threw a punch at Sung-Sun’s face. Her fist roared through the empty air as Sung-Sun nimbly ducked under it.
<span style="font-weight:400">The snake-eyed Arrancar stepped behind Lisa, using her friend as a shield. “You’re a degenerate at your core, Api. Does it scare you? Does it make you wanna cry, little girl? Do you wanna boohoo~?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Api gritted her teeth. “Coward. Face me like a man.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I am a woman,” Sung-Sun said, her tongue darting out yfully. “We both are. Unless…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“...”
<span style="font-weight:400">With a look of triumph, Sung-Sun turned to Lisa and patted her shoulder. “Lisa-chan, it seems to me you have some words for my Husband?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I do.” Lisa crossed her arms, eyes narrowing behind her sses. “How will hepensate me for ruining my beauty sleep?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Kazuya cleared his throat. “Let’s discuss thatter. I’m here for an important reason.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Like doing us all on the same bed?” M Rose said, holding a look of anticipation in her eyes. “I’d be down for that, honestly.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Although she had her favorites in the family like Harribel and Ciri, she considered everyone here a part of her pride. Ever since epting Kazuya as her mate, the idea of pleasing him with the others in her pride felt as natural as sharing his affection with them.
<span style="font-weight:400">“W-What?!” Api eximed, her trembling finger pointing at M Rose. “How can you suggest that so casually?!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Casually—”
<span style="font-weight:400">Kazuya ced a finger on M Rose’s lips. “No fighting for my sake. Be quiet and hear me out.”
<span style="font-weight:400">M Rose’s defiant expression softened under his calm authority, and she gave a slow nod in response. “‘Kay!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Kazuya ruffled her hair before turning to everyone. Different levels of curiosity and anticipation were etched on their faces, and their full attention was on him, waiting for the reveal like children waiting for their parents to unwrap the gifts.
<span style="font-weight:400">A smile reached his face. “I’m here to enlist everyone for a war.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Harribel’s eyes narrowed slightly, the realization dawning on her. “Is it time…?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yup.” He confirmed with a nod. “We’re going to establish an eversting Empire in Hueco Mundo.”
<span style="font-weight:400">A chorus of cheers erupted from the group of Api, Sung-Sun, M Rose, and even Ciri. They began whispering to each other passionately, forgetting their prior arguments. Only Izumi remained quiet, a flicker of confusion crossing her face—understandable since she had yet to hear his ns for Hueco Mundo.
<span style="font-weight:400">Api cracked her knuckles with a vicious grin. “Finally a chance to pummel some sense in those idiot Arrancars.”
<span style="font-weight:400">M Roseughed. “My fingers have been itching for a real battle. I’m gonna crack open their skulls and stuff some humanity inside.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Ciri brandished her whip, a sadistic smile on her face. “I’ll see to Espada’s demise myself.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Sung-Sun watched her friends and shook her head. “I’m more excited about helping my husband. It’ll be my first battle as his beloved wife. I must give my all and prove my worth outside of his bedroom.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Thest part made Api blush as she took a nce at Kazuya. He pretended not to notice her meaningful gaze and maintained his serious expression.
<span style="font-weight:400">Lisa pushed up her sses. “Am I allowed to join in on the fun?”
<span style="font-weight:400">From her calm expression, one wouldn’t imagine her head being full of conflicting thoughts such as ‘I shouldn’t be part of a Hollows war?’, ‘Aren’t I a half Hollow?’, and ‘I don’t care about it!’. She couldn’t change her overthinking nature.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Of course,” Sung-Sun said. “Who else will have my back out there?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Treat me to some ramenter, yeah?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Sung-Sun winked at Kazuya. “I’ll invite Husband to make him pay.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“A crazy idea. I’m really down for it.”
<span style="font-weight:400">The pair exchanged a lively high five, acting as if they weren’t going to war with some of the most powerful Hollows in existence. He was partially to be med as the twodies considered themselves to be untouchable by his side. He had to do everything in his power to maintain this unshakable belief.
<span style="font-weight:400">Harribel stepped forward, the sound of her slippers making everyone silent. “Kazuya, let’s make sure no deaths are involved…”
<span style="font-weight:400">She wanted to build a haven for Hollows — to end the cycle of endless violence — while avoiding any sacrifices. It was asking too much of her lover, she knew, but she also knew that only he could pull it off. What may be miraculous to many was just a tiny bit of trouble to him.
<span style="font-weight:400">Kazuya nodded solemnly. “We’ll incapacitate those who don’t want to surrender. Still, we can’t avoid death entirely. Some deaths will be outside of our control.”
<span style="font-weight:400">The flicker of regret in his eyes told of the conflict within—mercy toward enemies was not his first instinct, but he understood the need to maintain bnce. Killing many Arrancars might draw the attention of the Royal Guards. For this, he needed Harribel and the others’ support.
<span style="font-weight:400">The uing battles would give everyone a chance to get stronger and potentially evolve in a safe environment.
<span style="font-weight:400">As for Aizen, he wasn’t worried at all. The recent events had painted Aizen as a mistrustful man in Yamamoto’s eyes. A cunning man like Aizen would avoid leaving the Soul Society until the heat around him died.
<span style="font-weight:400">Now was the perfect chance to strike and cripple Aizen’s influence in Hueco Mundo.
<span style="font-weight:400">Harribel breathed a sigh of relief. “I trust you, Kazuya… When do we leave?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“At dawn,” he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “And no provoking the Espada in my absence.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Kazuya proceeded to hand them every piece of information required to execute his n. For the next few minutes, the room remained silent save for his voice. Harribel, Api, Sung-Sun, and Ciri listened with an unwavering focus, while Lisa and M Rose didn’t bother with the strategic warfare as they felt content listening to orders.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Point me in the direction, and I’ll rip anyone to pieces for you” was M Rose’s justification. She simply had no desire or patience to stress her little brain for oveplicated tasks.
<span style="font-weight:400">Lisa’s justification “I’d rather not waste my energy on this. I trust you and Harribel” fitted herid-back personality.
<span style="font-weight:400">Kazuya’s gaze fell on Izumi, who stood off to the side, an unspoken sadness in her eyes. She longed to join them in this warfare as she had qualifications to be a great war asset against Hollows — she had Quincy powers of a pureblood Quincy, her raw capabilities reaching the Gillian-ss of Hollows. However, her powers would kill Hollows, which went against the very foundation of this war.
<span style="font-weight:400">He walked over to her side and whispered a soft “Hey” in her ears.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hey, Otouto-kun,” she replied, a force cheer in her voice. “I’ll watch over the ce while everyone’s gone.”
<span style="font-weight:400">She could have protested, could have begged to join him, but she chose to swallow her desire and be more open to his wishes. And he wished for her to stay behind, otherwise, he would’ve asked her to join him by now.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Thanks, Izumi. I’ll make it up to youter.”
<span style="font-weight:400">She giggled at hispliment. “It’s fine, Otouto. You’ve done so much for me. Let me repay you in some form…” She trailed her words and fidgeted with her fingers. “Though I wouldn’t mind going on a date with Otouto.”
<span style="font-weight:400">She tried to act reserved, yet when it came down to it, she couldn’t stop her desires from slipping out.
<span style="font-weight:400">He couldn’t help but chuckle. “Alright.”
<span style="font-weight:400">As he talked, or rather, flirted with Izumi, Api grabbed his hand and dragged him away.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Api?”
<span style="font-weight:400">She moved into his arms and gave him a hug that would put bears to shame. But as quickly as she’d embraced him, she pulled back, looking flustered. “Sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Kazuya smiled, shaking his head. “No need to apologize.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“No, I brought you here to tell you something important,” she said, regaining herposure. “I don’t know why I hugged you like that.”
<span style="font-weight:400">He knew the reason—her Aspect of Death, Devotion, was growing stronger. He refrained from exining anything and let her decipher the truth for herself.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Like I said, it’s fine.” He stroked her face. “What’s so important?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Nelliel came here yesterday. She said she is moving to Hueco Mundo.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Nel?” Kazuya’s brow furrowed in thought. “Wasn’t she busy with her tiny Hollows?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I asked her about that! But she didn’t say anything. She seemed… sad.”
<span style="font-weight:400">A look of concern crossed his features. “I’ll meet her there.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Api nodded, biting her lip as if struggling with something. “Kazuya…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yeah?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’s… nothing.” She shook her head and lowered her gaze to the floor, then looked up with a hint of defiance. “Don’t make us wait too long, or I’ll stop wearing this stupid dress for you.”
<span style="font-weight:400">At first, she was hesitant to share her thoughts, then she started threatening him. The cause of her uncertainty had to be rted to her biggest ambition — bing a Vasto Lorde.
<span style="font-weight:400">Kazuya gave her a gentle hug. “I’ll see you in Hueco Mundo.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Mhmm.”
<b>***</b>
<span style="font-weight:400">Kazuya’s next stop was his mansion’s basement training ground, a rocky desert dwarfing the mansion above. The spatial Kidō spells had him intrigued. He’d pay Kisuke’s friend, Tessai, in blood to learn these spells. He would devote his time to Kidō practice once he got rid of Aizen.
<span style="font-weight:400">His versatility, impressive as it was, seemed but a pale shadow of what he could achieve. He craved more.
<span style="font-weight:400">Drawing breath into his lungs, he cupped his hands around his mouth. “Get your asses over here.”
<span style="font-weight:400">His voice, amplified through Reiatsu, made the very space tremble, carrying his will to every corner of these barren grounds. The seals around the training grounds meant he could use his Reiatsu as he pleased.
<span style="font-weight:400">In response to his summons, three figures dashed to his side.
<span style="font-weight:400">“No need to yell, Leader,” Lilte said, stirring her ear with her pinky finger. “Right, Menoly?”
<span style="font-weight:400">The eyepatched Arrancar with short blonde hair nodded her head with a quiet “Hmm”. Nobody would even think of this tame woman as the same species as those soul-devouring monsters.
<span style="font-weight:400">Starrk weaved his fingers through his messy hair, looking at Kazuya with his right eye closed. “Hell must have frozen over for you to show your face here.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ouch. Do I look like someone who doesn’t care about his friends?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Starrk nced at Lilte and knocked on her helmet. “I’m not saying you don’t. It’s just… I get bored just sleeping around, you know?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Lilte and Menoly would often go to y upstairs, whereas Starrk would be stuck here all alone. While it beat having to kill Hollows with his presence alone, he was starting to get bored. He did join Lilte once, however, he quit after an hour of unbearable awkwardness he brought with him.
<span style="font-weight:400">Starrk wasn’t a fit for the good fellows upstairs.
<span style="font-weight:400">Kazuya chuckled. “Got it. I promise I’ll spend more time with you all after I take care of this thorn in my way.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Aizen?” Starrk asked, rubbing the back of his head. “Call on me when you want to take care of his Arrancar army. I dislike fighting but it’s the least I can do to help you…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I was here for that. Join Tier and the rest in the morning. We’re going to war.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Starrk nodded his head. “We’ll be there—”
<span style="font-weight:400">Lilte punched Starrk’s belly, making him bend at the most awkward angle. “Ask Menoly before agreeing to this!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Starrk rubbed his belly with a groan. “What the… Menoly, you aren’ting?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Menoly turned her gaze to Kazuya instead, her eyes inquiring him ‘Can I?’ nonverbally. He was her leader, after all, and she had no desire to make any decision against his will.
<span style="font-weight:400">Kazuya reached out and pinched her cheek. “What do you want to do?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Her left widened in surprise, her right would too if it wasn’tpletely swallowed by her Hollow hole. She stared at his face, contemting to herself or simply afraid to give a voice to her thoughts.
<span style="font-weight:400">He took back his hand and dusted his shoulder. “Do you want to join us in the fight, or do you want to stay here? If you doe, I’ll give you a VIP seat for Espada’s end. You don’t have to fight anyone either.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ah…” She nced at Lilte, who responded with a smug face. “I’ll go.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“There you go!” Lilteughed and patted, or rather pped, Menoly’s back. “No need to be scared of this big guy. He’s a softie inside like Starrk.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Starrk let out a sigh, looking like he had resigned to being toyed about at the hands of Lilte, the manifestation of his Resurrión.
<span style="font-weight:400">Kazuya patted Starrk’s shoulder with a sympathetic ‘I know your pain’ look. They were in simr boats except his Resurrión was sexier (instead of cute) and a whole lot more unhinged.
<span style="font-weight:400">Starrk frowned. “Is Grimmjow’s grouping?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Wasn’t he with you?” Kazuya asked, a little puzzled by the question. He had left Grimmjow’s rowdy group with Starrk and Kisuke. “I didn’t see him with Kisuke when you shifted here.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“He never returned after he left to help Kisuke that night.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Kazuya clicked his tongue. “That fucker must’ve escaped when Kisuke was fighting Aizen. Why didn’t you bring it up earlier?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Starrk scratched his cheek. “I wanted to confirm it with Kisuke. He never showed up here… then I forgot…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“...”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Where do you reckon he went?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hueco Mundo.”
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