Be Ruler or Whatever

The transformation marked a significant surge in Starrk's power. Kai, his hand still firmly gripping his Zanpakutō, watched with a steady gaze. There was no panic or apprehension on his face, merely a quiet confidence that was all the more intimidating.

Starrk was the first to strike, his pistols blazing as Ceros hurtled towards Kai with lightning speed. The tranquil field erupted into chaos, the emerald blades of grass incinerated by the sheer power of the Ceros. Yet, amidst this turmoil, Kai remained unperturbed.

His movements were a blur as he dodged the deadly beams, his body twisting and turning with a dancer's grace. His eyes were focused, not a hint of worry marring his calm demeanor. It was clear that Starrk's enhanced power did not intimidate him.

Once, twice, thrice Kai leapt into the air, evading a barrage of Ceros with ease. His Zanpakutō moved in tandem with him, deflecting those attacks he couldn't avoid. The clash of energies sparked, painting the meadow in a vibrant display of colors.

Starrk pressed on, his attacks growing faster and more powerful. He was like a storm, relentless and destructive. Yet Kai remained the eye of this storm, calm and composed. His evasion became a dance, his Zanpakutō, a partner in this deadly waltz.

Without warning, Kai lunged, his sword aiming for Starrk's chest. The latter parried the strike, his pistol meeting the blade with a resounding clash. The ground beneath them quaked, testament to the force behind the strike. Kai didn't let the reprieve last, continuing his assault with swift, precise strikes.

Each exchange of blows felt like an explosion, their energies colliding in a shower of sparks. Starrk's pistols fired relentlessly, Ceros flying at Kai from every angle. But the swordsman met each with unwavering resolve, his sword a blur of silver amidst the chaos.

And then, in an almost dismissive gesture, Kai swatted away a particularly aggressive Cero with the flat of his sword. His figure became a blur as he charged Starrk, closing the distance in a heartbeat. There was no pomp, no grand declaration. Only the swift, assured movements of a seasoned warrior.

Starrk barely had time to react. He brought up his pistol in a hasty block, the force of Kai's strike sending him skidding backwards. Kai's Zanpakutō traced an arc in the air as he spun, the momentum carrying him towards the off-balance Starrk.

The final exchange was a flurry of blows, too fast to follow with the naked eye. The repeated sound of clashing metal echoed across the field, Starrk's pistols and Kai's sword meeting again and again. Yet despite the barrage of attacks, Starrk was slowly losing ground.

With a swift feint, Kai bypassed Starrk's guard, his Zanpakutō cutting a clean line across the Arrancar's chest. It was a superficial wound, but the surprise in Starrk's eyes indicated he hadn't expected it.

A swift kick to Starrk's midsection sent him sprawling. He landed heavily, the pistols slipping from his grasp. The once raging storm of his power began to die down, his body struggling to maintain the release form. Kai stood over him, his Zanpakutō held loosely at his side.

"Did you have your fun, Starrk?" Kai asked, his voice echoing through the quiet field. His smirk was back, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Starrk didn't answer, his gaze instead settling on the sword that had bested him. It was a quiet acknowledgment of defeat, a resignation that spoke louder than any words.

"I don't want to kill you, Starrk," Kai said, his voice low, breaking the eerie silence of the battle-scarred meadow. His tone was placid, belying the violence that had just transpired. Starrk, still sprawled on the grass, regarded Kai with narrowed eyes.

"A group of enemies will appear soon, and they will target Hueco Mundo," Kai continued, his gaze steady on the defeated Espada. The emerald hues of the meadow, illuminated by the dappled sunlight, danced in reflection in his eyes. He held his Zanpakutō loosely at his side, the blade glinting ominously.

"I want you to rule over this place and gather forces after I deal with Aizen. At that time, I want you to fight with me." Kai concluded, his statement hanging in the air between them like an invisible tether.

Starrk's face twisted into a grimace, the picture of reluctance and annoyance. "More battles?" he drawled out, pushing himself into a sitting position on the ground. He looked up at Kai, his eyes questioning. The notion of continual fighting seemed to irritate him more than his defeat. "If only the world was a more peaceful place."

Kai exhaled, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He crossed his arms over his chest, looking down at Starrk. "Indeed," he said, his voice carrying a hint of shared sentiment. "But until then, we do what we must."

Starrk looked at him, his brows furrowing in contemplation. He was silent for a moment, the air around them heavy with the weight of his decision. Finally, he spoke. "I don't like the idea of betraying, but since I lost, it means there is no need to fight anyway."

Kai nodded in response, pleased at Starrk's acquiescence. He slid his Zanpakutō back into its sheath with a quiet sound. "This dimension will keep you separated for 36 hours. After that, you will reappear in your room," he explained.

Starrk raised an eyebrow at Kai's words. "And Aizen?"

"Until then, Aizen will probably leave Hueco Mundo. When he is gone, gather all the Hollows and create a big faction. You don't have much time," Kai replied. His tone was urgent, impressing upon Starrk the severity of the situation.

Starrk gave a resigned sigh, nodding his agreement. "I understand." His eyes flitted to the sky, the rays of the sun filtering through the clouds to dapple the battlefield in a kaleidoscope of light. It was a beautiful day, in stark contrast to the gravity of their conversation.

"Good." Kai's voice held a note of finality. He turned to leave, his figure slowly fading away, merging with the tranquility of the meadow.

Reappearing in Starrk's room, Kai allowed a small smile to grace his lips, satisfaction emanating from his frame. "That's four out of the five objectives I wanted to accomplish when I decided to come here," he muttered to himself, his gaze falling onto a small desk laden with paperwork.

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