The Oriole

[+2,343,276 XP]

[+114,840 Spirit Power]

[Level Up]

[+1 Free Stat Point]

[Level Up]

[+1 Free Stat Point]

[Level Up]

[+1 Free Stat Point]

[Level Up]

[+1 Free Stat Point]

[Level Up]

[+1 Free Stat Point]

[XP: 213,247/457,530]

[Spirit Power: 5,464,912]

Hisashi was focusing on quickly absorbing all of Szayelaporro's body to remove any evidence of what happened.

'Good thing I didn't trust these bastards. I knew my presence might change some things. We need to continue keeping our guard up. Few in Las Noches can be trusted. Szayelaporro said "we" meaning he isn't the only one involved with this plan. I'm sure Nnoitra is involved too. They worked together to eliminate Nelliel before after all. It's safe to say their subordinates are involved, but the real question is whether any other factions are involved,' he thought.

Honestly the only one he was certain wasn't involved were Grimmjow and his underlings if only because of his massive pride wouldn't allow him to pursue such underhanded means. Such means were below him.

As for anyone else that might be watching, due to the effect of [Illusory Aura] it appeared like nothing had happened at all. He not only used it to hide himself, but once he reached close enough to Szayelaporro for him to be within range of his ability he controlled it to appear as if Szayelaporro was just preparing to inject Harribel with the poison.

Once he had completely absorbed Szayelaporro he even went one step further and took his place by replacing his image with Szayelaporro's and released a matching level of spiritual pressure.

He knew Aizen probably wasn't always watching, but he or his underlings potentially could be watching at any time in Las Noches.

He continued to act as if he were Szayelaporro and acted like he was injecting Harribel with a syringe he wasn't actually holding. He left shortly after. Though Aizen and others probably wouldn't show up for a little longer he didn't want to take any risks.

Similar to what he had done once already he once again left Las Noches and returned after turning invisible once he was convinced he was outside of Las Noches' sphere of influence.

'Man, this is annoying. I can't take any risks though," he thought walking back towards the lab Harribel was in while maintaining his invisibility.

He actually had to patiently wait outside the door to the lab as the door was shut and it opening for "no one" would be rather suspicious. All he could hope was that no one had shown up while he was gone and entered before him. Even if they did the risk was rather low though. Even if they were in one of the factions that was looking to eliminate Nelliel and anyone related to her they would be convinced Szayelaporro had already taken care of things.

It took a while, but eventually Cirucci was actually the one to show up. He followed close behind her while the door remained open.

They both looked around the lab as soon as they entered to find no one except the still cocooned Harribel seated at the centre of the room.

Cirucci walked up to Harribel looking at her closely.

After a few moments she walked over the one of the bare white blocks off to the side and hopped up and sat on the edge of it swinging her legs.

She frowned, biting the nail on her thumb. "Why won't they join me? Is it because of that bastard? He's just another Vasto Lorde. Now it won't just be Nelliel, but she will have another strong Arrancar at her disposal... What should I do?" she muttered to herself.

Hisashi just shook his head. Not only did she do a bad job at actually enticing them because they were already about as strong as her even before transforming, but she also kept antagonising him who along with Harribel acted like the leader of their little group which of course wasn't going to garner her any goodwill with them. Maybe she truly was a bird brain.

It didn't take much longer for more Espada to show up. Hisashi did his best to limit his movement and any sound he might make. Since his ability reduced the sound he generated by percentage the less he created in the first place the more silent the end result was after all.

First was Nelliel who was eager to see Harribel join her as an Arrancar. As soon as she walked in a flash of annoyance passed through Cirucci's gaze. Although she could dream of Nelliel joining her she knew that would never happen so her presence could only annoy her as she took everything she felt belonged to herself.

Whether it was that she was more powerful, the allies she managed to find, or simply the appearance she was secretly somewhat jealous off. It seemed she had everything Cirucci felt she herself deserved to have.

Then Ulquiorra and Aaroniero showed up shortly after one another, but neither said anything from the moment they entered. Simply finding a spot and watching on silently.

Nnoitra came in and looked around and seemed to frown, probably due to Szayelaporro not being present. He didn't say anything either though. He likely expected things were done and would be going his way soon enough.

Coyote just nodded at them to acknowledge them upon entering.

Finally Grimmjow strode in like he owned the place.

He had also become an Espada. It seemed Nelliel showing up after him and becoming an Espada before him, even if she had been one before already, had motivated him. He had actually managed to challenge and defeat Dordoni. His win was much harder to achieve which just seemed to frustrate him further.

He looked at Nelliel with arrogance and challenge in his eyes. He actually wasn't that interested in her, but more Hisashi who was part of her Fracción. He had never been defeated by Nelliel after all even if it was just because they had never actually had a real fight. He didn't care though. He would retrieve his wounded ego. Becoming an Espada was just the first step.

He walked over to her and narrowed his eyes. He continued to look her in the eyes with arrogance. "Where's the bug?" He asked.

Nelliel frowned in annoyance. "Who?" She said.

"You know who I mean. The four arms," He retorted.

She shook her head. "He is on a mission outside Las Noches," she finally said. She didn't intend to elaborate any further.

Grimmjow eventually snorted and walked off to find somewhere to sit lazily.

-X-X-X-

If you enjoyed the chapter leave a power stone.

If you're looking for more content check out my patreon/subscribestar:

https://www.pâtreon.com/Prognastat

https://www.subscribestâr.com/Prognastat

Writing Soundtrack: Palaye Royale - Various Tracks