The Fullbringers Under New Leadership

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Esteban's eyes locked onto Ginjo, scrutinizing him as one would a curiosity. An unexpected smile formed on his face, revealing a set of perfectly aligned teeth. A playful spark danced in his black and white eyes.

In the midst of carrying Ginjo, a distinct slight sensation pulsed through Esteban. He felt a hidden power concealed deep within Ginjo's being separate from the Fullbring power he was already aware of.

It was like a soft whisper in the back of his mind, a persistent itch he couldn't ignore, causing Esteban's initial impression of him to waver.

"Ginjo Kugo...", Esteban began, his deep voice filling the silence between them, "You're interesting. I had assumed you were a piece of trash initially after seeing you just now. But, upon closer inspection, it seems that I may have been hasty. You... have some potential."

The Hollow was now standing over the Fullbringer, a formidable silhouette against the dusky backdrop of the cityscape. He crossed his arms over his broad chest, looking down at the humiliated leader with a sense of amusement.

"Did you know, Ginjo...", Esteban continued, "That I'm aware of everything about you? Your past, your grudges, your vendetta against the Soul Society.", His words hung in the air, a deliberate provocation.

"I wonder...", Esteban's voice dropped, almost a whisper against the wind, "With the power you currently possess, do you honestly believe you can stand against the entire Soul Society? Are you so deluded to think you can even begin to fight them?"

Ginjo was silent, his gaze hardened, but he made no move. The revelation of Esteban's knowledge of his past had caught him off guard.

Esteban chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that echoed in the growing darkness, "You can't even stand straight around me, Ginjo, how do you hope to combat the entire Soul Society?"

He paused, seemingly to let his words sink in before continuing, "I've had a fight against one of the Captains from the Gotei 13 a few days ago and had to retreat. Believe me when I say, they are not to be trifled with. And there are 13 of them, not to mention the Head Captain."

A smirk played on Esteban's face, "Can you imagine the power they wield? All united, all against you."

The silence was oppressive, Ginjo's eyes bore into Esteban, the weight of his words sinking in. The Fullbringer's brow furrowed, a myriad of emotions flashing across his face – disbelief, anger, but also, curiosity.

"Now...", Esteban shifted his stance, leaning in closer, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone, "What if I told you there was a way for you to gain the power you need? A way to protect those dear to you, and a way to enact your vengeance upon the Soul Society."

Esteban's gaze lingered on Ginjo for a moment before he continued, "And it's more personal than you think. Aura Michibane, the woman you saw earlier, is a Fullbringer like you. She's the daughter of one of your previous squad members that the Soul Society... eradicated."

The revelation hit Ginjo like a ton of bricks. He stared at Esteban, his face a mixture of shock and confusion. The Hollow chuckled at his expression, "Shocking, isn't it?"

Esteban continued, "Tokinada, the vile scum who orchestrated the entire massacre, had plans to kill Aura as well. I happened to intervene and save her. Through her memories, I learned the truth. The cruel injustice that befell you, your comrades... and now, it threatens Aura and the other Fullbringers."

Suddenly, Esteban's demeanor changed. His eyes bore into Ginjo's, "The Tsunayashiro noble house and the Soul Society won't stop. They'll come for all of you. They covet the Soul King fragments. For Aura, for you, and for your friends, there's only one option - join me."

Esteban knew that the Xcution wasn't just a collective of people sharing a unique power. It was a refuge for those who were different, who were thrust into the world with a power they never asked for.

A place where they could explore the extent of their abilities, and perhaps find a sense of belonging in a world that could never understand them. He knew that despite his tough interior, Ginjo probably still cared about everyone in their little group.

Ginjo looked at Esteban, taken aback by the abrupt proposal, "And why should I trust you?", He asked, his voice just above a whisper.

Esteban simply shrugged, his smirk returning, "Well, consider this - Aura joined me willingly, and set aside her pride. She's close to my power level. If she can do it, why not you, Ginjo? Especially when you're... currently a weakling in comparison.", He paused, letting the word hang in the air, an unspoken challenge.

Esteban leaned closer, his voice barely audible against the rustle of the wind, "I have the means to make you stronger. I have a plan to take revenge on the Soul Society. In two months, after we train, we can strike back. The perfect opportunity will present itself then."

Ginjo remained silent, his gaze locked with Esteban's. The Arrancar continued speaking, "I promise, I will try and protect the Fullbringers. Not just Aura, but all of you. I noticed something within you, Ginjo. An untapped power, something not linked to your Fullbring abilities. I can help you awaken it. Join me, Ginjo. And together, we'll ensure the survival and prosperity of the Fullbringers. Together, we'll avenge the wrongs done by the Soul Society."

Ginjo listened to Esteban's proposition, his mind a whirlpool of emotions. His pride screamed at him to reject it outright, but the more rational part of him knew that he didn't have a choice.

He had just been manhandled like a child, his own spiritual power dwarfed by the towering might of Esteban. His hatred for the Soul Society, too, had reached an unprecedented peak. This man... no, this Arrancar, was offering him a chance for revenge, a chance to protect his Fullbringers from the predations of the Soul Society. It was an offer he could not refuse.

As he locked his gaze with Esteban, he remembered Aura down in the room, her face soft with content. She was the daughter of an old comrade, a fellow Fullbringer. Seeing her stand beside this imposing Arrancar with an air of trust and respect played a part in swaying his decision.

Slowly, he got back to his feet, brushing the dust off his clothes. His eyes, filled with a hardened resolve, met Esteban's, "I accept!", He declared, his voice firm and steady.

A surprised grin spread on Esteban's face, and he extended his hand toward Ginjo, "Smart choice!", He responded, and their hands met in a firm shake, sealing their agreement.

"But...", Esteban's voice took a stern tone, "I expect you to convince your comrades below about this new arrangement. I am their leader now, and they need to understand that if they want to remain safe and grow stronger."

Ginjo frowned at the request, his pride stinging at the thought of being the bearer of such news. But he knew it was necessary. Swallowing his resentment, he nodded, "Fine!", He muttered through gritted teeth.

Esteban gave him a nod of approval, and the two men turned to leave the rooftop, the setting sun casting long shadows behind them as they made their way back into the building.

Ginjo, with Esteban looming behind him, stepped back into the room. He saw the faces of the Fullbringers turn to him - faces filled with confusion, anxiety, and fear - but also curiosity.

His gaze fell on each of them, lingering a moment longer on Riruka because he was surprised. She was eyeing Esteban subtly, her eyes darting over his towering frame, the blush on her cheeks uncharacteristic yet evident.

Taking a deep breath, Ginjo began, "Everyone, we... have a change in leadership.", He let the words hang in the room, watching as each Fullbringer absorbed the news.

Tsukishima was the first to react, his analytical mind processing the implications swiftly. His eyes narrowed, but he held his tongue, waiting for Ginjo to elaborate.

Riruka frowned at the news, but her eyes were still on Esteban, who stood stoically behind Ginjo. Jackie and Yukio exchanged a glance, their faces mirroring their unease. Giriko merely clenched his fists, and Moe looked at Ginjo with an expression of confusion.

Seeing their reactions, Ginjo continued, "Esteban will be leading us from now on. He has the strength and the knowledge we need to protect ourselves and get stronger. I... We don't have a choice."

At this point, Aura stepped forward, her soft voice cutting through the tension in the room, "We're all Fullbringers, and he may be a Hollow, but he's not our enemy. We need to get stronger.", At this point, Aura and Ginjo also mentioned her backstory to them and Aura surprisingly also started putting a good word for Esteban.

After a few minutes of silence, Esteban finally spoke up, his voice commanding yet composed, "We're meeting on the outskirts of Tokyo tomorrow morning for training. Be prepared."

With that, he turned and left the room, leaving behind a group of Fullbringers steeped in shock, confusion, and anxiety. Yet, there was also a glimmer of determination in their eyes.

After all, they were now under the leadership of an incredibly powerful Arrancar, and this was the start of a new chapter for them. Maybe they would finally be able to leave the shadows.