Chapter 9
Hueco Mundo
Las Noches; it was such a lovely place, a place befitting a King of Hueco Mundo. He had to admit the place was wonderfully crafted and the technological equipment that was used was unlike anything. Well, Aizen was indeed a resourceful person.
Naruto had travelled around the world of Hollows for a few minutes in full speed before he finally reached the palace of Aizen. When he got in, he realized that it was easy to get lost within the place. It was insanely huge and there were several hollows inside the place. Of course, he killed some hollows who refused to tell him were the main residence was.
He then went out of the place, and stood on top of it. There was no reason to believe that his presence had yet to be noticed by the owner of the palace. So, he was not the least careful in anything. Naruto was finally able to locate the place where he sensed several high Reiatsu signatures. Once his target destination was confirmed, he disappeared in a swirling vortex.
Aizen's throne room
The king of Hueco Mundo was silently watching his subordinates bicker as Ulquiorra explained everything that had happened in the human world. Yami had not been pleased that he had been forced to leave before he got his revenge on the blond. No serious damage was done to him, but those attacks seriously hurt and were meant to render him immobile not kill him. His stoic partner had been quick to remind him that he could not have even put a scratch on Naruto even if he wanted to.
Aizen had yet to tell his subordinates about the man who had made a short work of Yami without much trouble. It was simply amusing to watch them bicker was they were. They were discussing about who was useful and who was strong. Yami was being berated as being weak because of his defeat to someone unknown.
Just then, a swirling vortex appeared within the room, arlaming everyone. But Aizen merely remained clam, with a small smile spreading across his face. Gin standing beside his 'master' leaned down and whispered. ''Ah, it seems he has finally decided to pay us a visit.''
''Indeed he has,'' Aizen replied. Ever since he found out about the blond, he had been keeping track of him. This man could pose a threat to his plans. But given all that he has gathered, he could not be much of a threat. He had been waiting for the man knowing that he would surely come to him one day. Who could have the audacity to storm into enemy camp without back up, other than Uchiha Naruto?
The swirling vortex revealed Uchiha Naruto. The Espada were quick to recognize him as they had seen him from Ulquiorra's memories. Yami was quick to respond in anger. He charged towards the blond blindly, but no one even dare attempted to stop. He was loud, and they were interested in seeing how the blond would fair given that he was surrounded by enemies.
Naruto sighed annoyingly, everyone noticed. ''Not you again,'' he said and locked eyes Yami. The hollow came to an abrupt stop as he was inches away from his target. A few were able to see what had happened. It had happened so fast that one could have easily missed it. Naruto's katana was pressing against Yami's neck. If it was not that it had actually managed to cut him, he would have believed that the blond was unable to cut him. Naruto retrieved his blade and placed it back to its sheath.
Yami grinned, ''You should not have done that,'' He yelled as he attempted to punch Naruto straight on his face with his right fist. But the blond disappeared and appeared behind the large hollow.
Yami quickly twisted around to face the blond. ''Ulquiorra, you said I couldn't cut this guy, I will show you now that I can!''
The Espada number 4 merely shook his head. As usually, Yami was not good with senses. Even he could tell that this man wasn't an easy target. There was also a reason he felt brave enough to come here without so much as bringing other Shinigami to ensure that he got out alive. But Yami didn't care about reasons.
The large Espada swung his right hand aiming to hit his opponent from behind as he wasn't looking at him. The punch was thrown will all his might as he wanted to squash the ''little'' guy under his mighty punch. However, Naruto's left hand blocked attempted punch with an open palm; the hand blocked the punch just above his left shoulder.
Naruto didn't even move, despite some winds blowing past him because of the power that was put behind the punch.
Despite Yami's punch being blocked, the big man merely grinned as his hand started glow red. ''Bala!'' he shouted. However, nothing happened. ''Bala!'' the Espada shouted again, yet nothing happened.
Naruto flicked the hand away from him before he swiftly turned to face Yami. ''I ready don't like drawing my blade twice against children. Once is tolerable, but twice just makes me feel unhappy,'' he stated, voice void of any emotion. The tone wasn't very different from that of a hollow.
''T'ch,'' Yami growled. ''Don't get overconfident Shinigami! I will crush you now!''
''I hate children for such actions,'' the blond mused silently before drawing out his blade. He pointed the blade at Yami, ''Bala,'' he said and a red beam short out of the tip of the blade and sped towards a wide eyed Yami. The big Espada brought both hands in front of him in an x position to defend himself from his stolen technique.
The technique didn't do much aside from a few burns on his hands. Yami growled. ''Bastard, that was my technique!''
''Yes, and I have no use for it; it is useless to me.'' The blond stated while still holding out his blade. ''Perhaps my execution was just not flawless. It doesn't matter anyway.'' He mused loudly.
Naruto then took several steps toward the big hollow, but just then he disappeared from view. The others were able to track his movements, but Yami couldn't. Hence he didn't see anything when Naruto suddenly appeared behind him.
The other Espada shook their heads as they saw what had happened, but Yami had not. ''Come here Shinigami!'' he yelled returning around. Just then, his right hand ''fell'' off his shoulder and blood began to gush out in a heap. This followed by Yami's screams of pain and curses to murderer Naruto. The blond twisted around to face Yami, his blade followed in blinding speed, moving towards Yami's neck. But it suddenly stopped just inches away from cutting his head off.
Something else caught Naruto's attention and in the end, he put his blade away. Ulquiorra was forced to take Yami out of the area so that he doesn't become a bother to Aizen. Though, the Espada dully noted that his leader was merely enjoying the show.
Naruto knew the nature of hollows. He knew that because now they were not on a mission, no one would stand to protect Yami even if he were to attempt to kill him. But he had tried that already, so he was not going to and besides, something else had caught his attention.
He then took a few steps towards the ever smiling Aizen.
''Welcome to Las Noches, Uchiha taicho,'' Aizen said politely in a smooth tone laced with some sort of respect.
Aizen was sitting up so he could look down on those beneath. Naruto did not feel good having to look up so he could speak to a child. Well, with what Aizen has done, he guessed he could no longer call him a child. ''Ah, a lovely welcome indeed. The whining child was a bit annoying though,'' he responded as he continued to walk towards Aizen, in a slow pace.
Aizen smiled. ''If you had informed me beforehand that you were coming, I would have prepared a seat beside me for you,'' oh, how good he was with words. ''What do we owe the pleasure of having you with us, Uchiha taicho?'' he had an idea of what he wanted, but asking was just being polite.
''He does not strong to me,'' Espada no 6, Grimmijow stated as he matched towards Naruto. He stopped in front of the blond. ''A Shinigami is in our mist, we should get rid of him, he stinks. Aizen-sama, you just called him a captain, if we get rid of him now, we would have weakened them.''
That made sense regardless of how you looked at it.
Naruto, though, ignored him and walked past him. He then stopped when Grimmjow pulled him back by placing his hand on his shoulder. The blond merely narrowed his eyes at the Hollow. ''The best way to make a hollow submissive is through fear. When there is a Vasto Lorde that is powerful, other hollows stay away from his path because of fear. But the arrogant and stupid ones, match straight into his path. The end result is that they get slaughtered in because of sheer arrogance.''
''Is that some of threat?'' the Espada questioned with narrowed eyes. He was ready to tear the Shinigami apart. Again, Aizen merely watched with interest. If Grimmijow gets killed, he would find another hollow to replace him, it was easy as that.
''Only a strong man can enter another strong man's house and hope to come out alive. Unless you can outsmart a snake, you must never be foolish enough to play hide and seek with it or its venomous fangs will violate your flesh,'' he paused for a moment. Some already got what he was saying. But the number 6 Espada did not get it. ''Now tell me, child, do I look like a prey or a predator to you?''
Grimmjow let the comment about being called a child slide as he responded. ''All shinigami's are preys to me,'' he responded.
''So you are saying that those three are also your preys?'' Naruto questioned, not even sounding interested in his own question. Aizen actually smiled at the question, wondering how his rebellious subordinate would respond to it.
It was now lost to Grimmijow that those three was referred to the other Shinigami in the room. So he settled to glare at the blond for a second before grinning. ''You talk big, I wonder if you can back those words. But I have no problems in teaching you a few lessons,'' he said readying to attack the blond any moment.
Naruto looked at Aizen. ''I imagine that he is quite an annoyance,'' he said to the former captain, ignoring the fact the Grimmijow was still standing beside him.
''He is sometimes,'' Aizen admitted. ''But he can be handled,'' the man never lost his smile as he responded. Things were going so well. Naruto was just how he thought he would be. He was certainly not disappointed with the blond's visit.
''Do you dare ignore me when am I am talking to you, Shinigami!'' Grimmijow yelled trying to pull Naruto to face him. He found it impossible to move the blond.
The air became quite tense after Grimmijow had spoken. ''I am a predator, always. Everyone I see is a prey. I devour who I want; I play with who I want. I am Uchiha Naruto, and I have no equal. You are a child, who needs to play with the other children and let the adults talk,'' the words were said in a calm and smooth but yet deadly tone. But the threat beneath the words was lost to Grimmijow.
He grinned widely. ''I can-'' he was cut off when Naruto spoke again.
''A true testimony; hollows only respond to fear,'' with that he released his Reiatsu, it was focused of Grimmijow. But because he had no perfect control over it, the others felt it, albeit at a lesser degree than the target. Instantly, Grimmijow fell on the ground as soon as this heavy weight fell on him and started to suffocate him.
Naruto dropped his Reiatsu after a few seconds and walked towards Aizen without even sparring Grimmjow a glance. ''It is amazing what fear does to one, human, hollow and Shinigami, they all react the same when it comes to fear.''
Tia Harribel marveled at the confidence of Naruto. She had felt his spiritual pressure, it was strong, but there was one thing she knew, Aizen was a monster. Still, the blond had all the confidence. He had walked inside here, surrounded by enemies and yet he did not seem to mind about them. It seemed that he was only interested in Aizen only, but still watching him walk and talk like that made her give him some credit. No many had the audacity to do something like this, especially in front of Aizen. It irked her though, that he was ignoring them. It was like he saw them as nothing, no threat to him.
Typical of Shinigami; they all thought that they were all superior to them.
Naruto looked at his right hand. He had sensed something there. But it was not now that he felt it. He had felt it a few moments earlier. Aizen seemed to notice that something, not within the room had gotten his attention. ''Something interesting got your attention?'' he questioned smiling. But he was curious as to what the man could have sensed.
''You have gone to the forest of death, to be more precise, the forest of the God of Hueco Mundo,'' Naruto stated turning back to look at Aizen.
''Yes, I have,'' Aizen did not even try to hide that fact. The blond had not even asked if he had. It was a statement of fact.
The hollows got curious, when the God of Hueco Mundo was mentioned. To them, it felt like he believed it existed or had been there before. And Aizen had been there before. They all knew about the forest, but only two had dared to enter the forest.
''...and you took something from there that belongs to me. So tell me, what did you find in Eden?'' that was what the inside of the barrier was called.
''What you have just confirmed now,'' Aizen responded. ''I have found out the God of Hueco truly did exist. But I did not find him in Eden. I can now confirm that you used to leave there more than 1000 years ago.''
Aizen's response got the hollows to stare right at Naruto. Was Aizen saying that this Shinigami was over 1000 years and had lived here in Hueco Mundo, within the home of the God of Hueco Mundo? How could that be? Especially since he looked so young. ''Aizen-sama, are you saying that this Shinigami has lived in Hueco Mundo before and in the deadliest places within this world?''
''Yes, that is exactly what I saying,'' Aizen responded calmly. ''Don't let looks fool you,'' he warned.
''I find that hide to believe,'' Grimmjow stated, but a lot more quietly.
''Then was he related to the God of Hueco Mundo?''
Naruto spoke in a calm tone. ''Quite down, children. You will have your time,'' he said. He did not come here to listen to what the Espada's had to say.
''So you were able to feel that he is in here, by just being here,'' Aizen stated, referring to what he had taken that belonged to Naruto.
''I sensed him the moment I appeared here. And I have already alerted him of my presence.''
That raised an alarmed inside his Aizen's head. ''I doubt there is much he can do given the delicate situation he is in,'' he replied coolly.
Naruto shook his head. ''The reason you brought him here is because he can't be killed. If he could be killed, you could have killed him. But even when bound, a dog finds new strength when his master returns from a long journey,'' he kept his tone calm. Aizen did not react to this. ''I will show you what I mean. By now he should be ready,'' as if Naruto gave the instruction, there was a sudden explosion that shook Las Noches. A heavy Reiatsu then washed over them before dying down. There was a flash of darkness beside Naruto.
A hollow appeared beside the blond, it looked human from its head to toe. But its hands were clawed, they were black. It kneeled facing down.
''Naruto-sama, I have come at your request,'' the Hollow stated in a hollow tone. There was no mistake that the hollow was powerful. They knew that it was the hollow Aizen had kept locked inside a cage. But It was a surprise to see such a powerful hollow kneeling before a mere Shinigami.
''Why does such a hollow as yourself kneel before a mere Shinigami?'' it was ironic that the questioner also kneeled before a Shinigami. Perhaps Aizen was no longer a Shinigami or there was something special about him that Naruto did not have.
''You are uniformed, fool. Your stupidity and arrogance leads you to say such things. My master is neither Hollow nor Shinigami,'' Aizen was not surprised by this, for he already knew. ''But you on the other hand kneel before a Shinigami. But I guess it is to be expected. Weak fools need someone to hold their hands so not to get lost, with no regard to who holds their hands.''
Baraggan growled dangerously in response.
This was amusing. He had forgotten about this attitude. Naruto looked at Aizen. ''I would imagine that you would not want him to leave since you went through the trouble of bringing him here. But you are a smart man. You know an attempt to do that would end in this place being destroyed,'' he placed his hand on his subordinate before he started to disappear in a swirling vortex. ''I will return soon,'' and then he was gone.
''Aizen-sama, should we go look for them?'' Ulquiorra questioned ready to track down those two.
Aizen shook his head. ''There is no need,'' he stated while still smiling. ''You have all met Uchiha Naruto, the former strongest captain in Soul Society,'' he then stood up, leaving his army to digest what he had just told them.
Eden
The barrier was still activated and everything was well. Nothing was broken, but for his subordinate to enter, he had deactivated the barrier. The air within the barrier was very different and calming. One would never wish to leave once they came here. But there was a problem because this was designed to reject those who would stay within the place for too long. Every visitor had to come here and then leave, if you did not, you be flushed out.
It was not unless he gave permission for one to enter the place. But he should have made a barrier that restricted both Shinigami and Hollows. Well, it did not matter anyway. This one had worked well over the years. It was not like more Shinigami would attempt to come here.
He looked at Kishin, ''How were you defeated?'' this one was one he thought would never taste defeat. He had made all the measures to ensure that this guard was strong enough to handle anything. To compensate so the lack for strength that was like his, he had made him immortal and sacrificed some of his powers. Yet this hollow was still defeated. It was obvious that he was stronger than all of Aizen's toys, unless they had other cards.
''He was strong, Naruto-sama. His Zanpakutou is also an illusion type. The illusions deceived me and I was captured. I apologize for my failure,'' Kishin reported. The man had been strong. He had not been expecting someone as strong as him to come knocking at his door. Over the years, he had decided that sleeping was the best medicine since nobody dared to come here. But the Shinigami had come and fought against him.
''I would assume that he had tried to recruit you before engaging in battle with you,'' Naruto stated knowing that such a thing wasn't out of the question. If you were gathering an army and came across Kishin, you had to recruit him because he was very strong. The hollow was a beast amongst hollows. He was also powerful; he did not need weak underlings after all.
''He first came here, when you were still sealed. He tried recruiting me by telling me that you had been permanently sealed and he would give me a new purpose. But I refused and told him that you would return to me one day. Even so, his visits became regular. Each time he only spoke to me until a few months ago.''
Naruto nodded. ''I am going to the core of the well. I might be there for some time,'' he stated calmly as he walked on top of the water from the waterfall. He was standing beneath the water fall were there was a pool. ''Stand guard,'' he jumped into the water and disappeared.
He needed to prepare his body for the ''ritual'' he was going to perform very soon. The well would help his body grew everything back to place and all his eyes would mature perfectly. One could say that he would be in top form after leaving here.
Hours later
Naruto had spent hours inside the water. He did not count because once he went inside the core of the well, time moved differently. His grandfather had been truly a genius to think that something like it could be made. He had done all the research and gathered all the materials, but he killed him before he could do it. He was the one who finished all the work and made his grandfather's theory a reality. It took him some time to get it done.
Creating the thing also weakened him greatly as he had used too much power. It was his power that brought the thing to reality, thus he was its master. He owned the well and could destroy it anytime he wanted. No one could achieve that feat. He always made sure that things that he made were dependable. He did not like it when things he owned misbehaved.
After leaving Eden, he then sped towards Las Noches get Yamamoto's information. It would really be annoying if he did not get anything to tell to the Sotaicho. He did not want Central 46 to be bothering him with the fact that they think they could seal him.
It was true they could seal him given his current condition. But the trip to the core of the Fountain of Living Water made him good. Even if he could be sealed right now, there could be no seal that could hold him forever. He had all the keys he needed to unlock his full power. Being sealed would not stop him. But he did not want to give those fools the satisfaction that they could.
Upon reaching Las Noches, he appeared into the place he went the previous day. But he did not find anyone. He stood there for a few moments before someone walked in. It was a former Shinigami captain, Ichimaru Gin, the ever smiling man. He looked at the weird man with an expressionless face. ''Where is Aizen?''
''Straight to the point,'' Gin said to himself more than to Naruto. ''Follow him, Aizen taicho has been waiting for you.'' Gin said turning around to leave on the way he came by. Naruto said nothing; he merely followed the former captain.
Gin looked at Naruto who was quietly walking beside him. He did not look to be interested in his surrounding nor even checking for traps. This was a man who could walk into hell without a single worry; without even checking for threats. This man could walk into a pit of fire while he sees it. What gave him confidence to do such things intrigued him. ''So you are one of the original captains. Aizen taicho says you were stronger than Yamamoto those days. It must be sad to lose all that power and sealed, neh?'' his tone sounded genially curious and innocent.
Naruto was not the one to get riled up by such things. ''You are a very interesting child,'' the bond stated. ''I have lived long enough to get the general idea of a being just by looking at it and hearing it talk once - either be hollow or Shinigami. Very little can be hidden from my eyes. I have seen you twice now, heard you speak just now,'' he paused for a moment. ''Because you are an interesting child, I will tell you this; what you see, feel, hear, and read, is not always the reality. All those things can be deceiving. But you know that already.''
Gin's grin only widened as the two continued walking in silence. Bored of the silence, Gin asked another question, "Your eyes are special, and you're rumored to be more powerful than Yamamoto, could you actually defeat Aizen if you wanted?"
Naruto looked at Gin for a moment before he looked ahead. "Well, aren't you a little snake," he said. "I'm told Aizen has an illusion type Zanpakutou and no one can escape them. These illusions, they are the reasons he was able to fool the entire Gotei 13,no?"
"That and the fact that he is really smart," Gin said.
"When you're brave enough to tell me the reason you wish to know all these, I'll give you my answer, and then some…"
Naruto was led to a room which seemed like a boardroom where business executives have their meetings. Aizen was sitting down around the table with his Espadas around the table also. Of course the chair Aizen sat on was very unique. It had to be, he was the king of Hueco Mundo after all.
All Hollows fear his name. They bowed and kissed his feet when they saw him, they trembled under his mighty power and played within his palms when he wanted them. He was after all Aizen Sosuke, the man would will sit in the heavens. But first he had to overthrow the King of the Spirit world.
''Naruto taicho, we have been waiting for you,'' Aizen said ever so smiling confidently as he motioned for the blond to sit down. Naruto sat down between Stark and Harribel. It seemed that he was sitting on Gin's chair as the Shinigami was merely standing by.
Naruto looked around looking straight at each hollow. They all quietly stare back at him, some seemed to glare or snort, but he did not mind it all. They seemed to be well mannered children as nobody dared to speak. He looked at Aizen. ''It seems you have,'' he stated. If he was not Uchiha Naruto, he would have surely been surprised that the man predicted his time of arrival and set up a lovely table.
''What brings your visit to us,'' the whole room was quite as Aizen's smooth voice echoed through the room. He was asking the same question he had asked the previous day. Naruto had not responded since something had come up. He knew for sure that the blond had not come just to retrieve his subordinate.
''I was a little surprised when I heard that someone called Aizen was trying to overthrow the Spirit King. I thought anyone would be foolish to attempt such knowing just how strong that 'thing' is. But I see you have made a good start,'' Naruto stated in a calm voice. The fact that all these Hollows could attempt to play with him did not concern him one bit. It did not concern him that Aizen might be planning something for him.
''A good start?'' Aizen queried. He dully noted that Naruto referred the Soul King as a thing. But he chose to leave it for now. It was not that he has not seen it. It should be expected from the man to say such a thing given his history. A history - it was all it seemed to be, but Aizen knew better.
''These children can play with the Gotei 13 for a while. But if they faced Yamamoto, he would wipe them out,'' Naruto paused looking thoughtful for a second.
''Who are you calling children, Shinigami?'' Baraggan growled deeply. It did not please him that he had to lose his throne to Aizen and now a child of a Shinigami had the audacity to call him a child?
Naruto looked at the hollow. He seemed older, but no one in this room was older than him. ''Why ask a question you already have an answer to? Are you merely testing the waters?''
''Grrrrrr,'' Baraggan growled. ''Watch what you say, Shinigami, or I will crush you!''
''Who is he?'' Naruto asked looking at Aizen. The threat was meaningless to him. By the way the hollow spoke, he seemed to one used to be in power and authority. Still, that did not scare him. There was nothing that could scare him.
''Baraggan Louisennbairn, the ''King of Hollows,'' Aizen responded, his hand movements displayed that the title was self-proclaimed. He just wanted to see how the blond would react to all this. He was positive before this that Baraggan would be the one to be in confrontation. While that happened, he would study the man once more.
''King of Hollows, this old cloth?'' he seemed amused more than anything by this hollow. The insult of Baraggan being an old cloth received some snickers from some of the Espada.
''I will not allow you to speak to me like that. I am the King of Hollows. And there is no such thing as the God of Hueco Mundo. I have travelled to the Forest of Death, there is nothing there. There has and I only one ruler of Hueco Mundo, and that is me!'' Baraggan spoke loudly banging the table. Everyone else was quite as if they were used to this kind of scene.
The barrier Naruto had set Eden could not be seen by hollows since he had made an illusion on it. He did so that no one could see what was inside. ''That is an understatement. You bow to Aizen and still have the audacity to call yourself a King? You are not even the strongest in this room. If you are God, should you not be the one ruling Las Noches instead of being a barking fat dog that has lost its bone?''
Aizen merely watched in amusement. This of course was a surprise to the Espada's as nobody; even Aizen, spoke to Baraggan in the manner.
Baraggan banged the table furiously, standing up. ''My patience is wearing out with you, Shinigami!'' he sounded beyond infuriated. It was clear that one more push and he would explode in the face of Naruto.
''Ignorance truly is bliss,'' Naruto said looking away from Baraggan. ''I am beginning to despise beings that look old. They are grumpy, loud and annoying, and filled with overconfidence. I should end this hollow. King? Pathetic, one that is weak should sit go along quietly or play in the sand,'' he seemed to be talking to himself rather than anyone. But everyone heard him.
Within an instant Naruto was sent crashing through the walls; sent through by the brute force of a brutal punch by Baraggan. No one did anything to stop the infuriated Segunda Espada. Baraggan followed suit by shooting a powerful Cero at Naruto. The cero hit him dead on and sent him crashing through more walls. Barragam grinned with satisfaction before returning to his seat.
''We just had that fixed,'' Gin pointed out a fact that he was sure everyone, including Aizen would ignore. The man seemed far too amused by the show to mind anything. Gin, had to admit, the blond did have a way with words. They could be buddies if things worked out well. How could he miss a chance to ''buddy'' a man such as Uchiha Naruto?
Ignoring Gin, Baraggan looked at Aizen. ''I took care of him. Now should we get on to why we were called here?''
Aizen shook his head. It was not yet over. Just then, Naruto walked from the hole on the wall, dusting himself, but with no wound, not even a scratch ''Perhaps you may be a king after all, but a king of sheer arrogance,'' the blond adding more to the insults. He raised up his right hand, facing Baraggan. ''Allow me to show you a real Cero.'' His second strongest Cero was deadly. It is enough to severely wound him. Perhaps only the strongest could survive it. Even if Baraggan does survive the blast, when he sees it next time he will run away.
'A real Cero?' was the thought of some Espada. They did not know that the blond could use Hollow techniques. Just then, a black ball of dense energy began to form on Naruto's palm. It was quite obvious by the Reiatsu being released that it was no ordinary Cero. While it slowly formed, electricity sparks began to sparkle around it as though it was part of it. The immense power was felt by everyone and there was the fact that Naruto was a Shinigami captain. So how could he use such a powerful hollow technique?
Baraggan arrogantly stood up waiting to take the Cero head on believing that only his power was absolute. Naruto was only forming it slowly for show. Another point that was worrying was that the blast would not take Baraggan only. Before the Espada could act, Aizen spoke.
''Naruto taicho, a technique of that magnitude will not do well this well. It can cause the atmosphere of this place to become unstable. And I still need Baraggan for my plans,'' the former captain stated smoothly without sounding as if he was demanding that Naruto cancel his technique. He made it sound like he was politely asking the blond to cancel his technique.
Naruto sighed before cancelling his technique. He sat down ignoring the glare Baraggan was giving him. Aizen decided to speak before anything else happened, ''Baraggan, will you please sit down so we can talk with our guest,'' even though he sounded so nicely, everyone in the room knew that Aizen was not asking. He was telling Baraggan to sit down, no questions asked. It was not a request. And if the Espada did not do as told, there would be consequences. Begrudgingly, the former ruler of Las Noches sat down quietly.
''That hollow you left with, he said you were neither Hollow nor Shinigami, what did he mean by that?'' Tia Harribel questioned looking straight at Naruto. She was rather curious to know because he looked like a Shinigami, and felt like one, but there is something that made him feel like a hollow. Not to mention he can also do hollow techniques.
''It means I'm not a hollow or a Shinigami, but I do possess powers of both species, isn't that obvious enough?'' If he could use Hollow techniques, it must mean that there is a hollow part of him. However, that was not the reality of things. The truth was that he could use Hollow techniques because he could. There was no barrier that limited him from learning anything he chose to learn.
If he wanted to live even as a human, he could go to the human world and live as a human. Anyone could see him, even humans. He didn't need a ginkai for humans who aren't spiritually aware to be able to see him. He exists in every dimension, spiritual or physical. He could also live as a hollow while assuming a hollow form. Not much was impossible for him, after all.
''I know that is obvious,'' Tia said firmly. She wasn't the least bothered by his response. ''What I meant to ask is what are you if are not Shinigami or Hollow? You cannot be a human, so what are you?''
Aizen merely watched this play unfold with a small smile. He wondered though, if Naruto would answer the question honestly or not. However, knowing the arrogance the man had, he wouldn't be surprised if he told them what he was. The man did believe he was untouchable. Telling them what he was wouldn't put him at any danger. Saying things he shouldn't be saying wasn't a bother to him since he thought no one could defeat him.
Even if you knew how his abilities work, and other things, it wouldn't make a difference because he would always overpower anyone; this is what Aizen believed to be the thought of the blond captain.
''I am what I am.'' That wasn't what Tia expected to hear. But she wasn't going to press further. Naruto looked back at Aizen. ''Yamamoto asked me to gather Intel on what you're doing here. I find the task bothersome, but it can't be helped.''
''I'd assumed that much,'' Aizen responded. ''The lack of information means that they can't act or do anything since they do not know the kind of danger their enemies might pose. I do believe that by now they've already discovered what I plan to do.''
Naruto didn't confirm nor deny anything. In fact, he said something else like he hadn't heard Aizen's last words. ''I've sensed a number of hollows within this place, special kind of hollows. However, I do assume that these ones here are your elite forces. You could say they are the captains. Something does lead me to believe that these ones the ones that of use. I would absolutely have no use for the flies that are flying around here except these ones.''
Aizen too didn't confirm nor deny anything. ''What do you think of my plan? Would you be interested to take part of it?''
''I don't know...'' Naruto said looking in thought. ''Who is the strongest here?''
''If you want to find out, I propose you battle one of my subordinates. I'm sure you'd be interested in finding out just how powerful they are, and I'm interested in seeing how they can do against someone like you - your power is legendary after all, or perhaps you no longer have that power,'' Aizen said smoothly.
''Ho?'' He sounded amused about something. ''Are you trying to assess how much of a threat I can become, if I do become one? Unlike the rest of the captains, you cannot tell how powerful I am.''
''That is up for debate,'' Aizen said smiling. ''I do like to see something original from you should you choose to test my subordinates.''
''Aizen,'' aside from the people he truly knows, Naruto almost never call anyone by their name, yet he did it here. ''What do you think when you see me?'' He then shrugged. ''Well, never mind.'' He said. ''Will you show me this thing that makes all things possible?'' Naruto wasn't looking at Aizen when he spoke, but rather, he was staring at the ceiling.
''Some other time, perhaps...''
Later
''Aizen taicho, why did you allow capt' Uchiha to come here and leave without even trying to stop him?'' Gin questioned his leader curiously. It was indeed an interesting chose that Aizen had taken. Naruto had a potential to threaten Aizen's plans, yet the man still allowed him to enter into his palace and leave without much of a fight. The man did not even seem to be interested in having the blond fight. He seemed interested in other things.
''That man can be stronger than the captain commander. But he has yet to recover all his strength. It will be interesting to see what happens when he does recover all his strength,'' Aizen responded while still smiling smoothly.
''Would it not have been a good thing to rid of him or try to convince him to join your cause now when he has yet to recover? He may prove to be a problem in the future,'' Gin reason while looking straight at Aizen. He certainly did not care what the man wanted or if he tried to convince Naruto to join his cause, he was more interested in why he let him come and go.
''That would be the most logical thing do to,'' Aizen admitted. Gin could feel that there was a 'but' coming. And indeed it came. ''But that man is not like anyone; you can't convince him to follow you - he only follows the path he chooses and besides He can't be killed easily.''
''Still, all the Espada's would have proved to be a match for him. It would also have been interesting to see what more he could do,'' Gin said, pushing for more. He knew that Aizen was aware of what he was trying to do. But that would not stop the man from giving him what he wanted...well if he wanted to, that is.
''They might have,'' Aizen said. ''But if you noticed him speak, he said the Espada's may be able to hold their own against the captains. And he also added that Yamamoto would wipe them out if he went against them. He never included himself in the picture.''
''I did note that. What are you thinking, Aizen taicho?''
''If we were to launch an attack at Soul Society now, that man would not take part in it. He will merely watch how things proceed. I have no doubt that even if some of the captains are losing, he wouldn't join the battle.''
''How sure are you about that? I mean wasn't he friends with Kyoraku and Ukitake? He also gets well with Unohana and Shutara-san, do you think he will watch them being defeated?''
If he cared for them, he wouldn't watch them being defeated, or killed. Maybe he may, he didn't seem to care about much after all. Gin didn't believe it when people said Naruto cared for Shutara more than anyone, and wouldn't kill her.
He didn't look like that kind of person.
''That man once said he has control over life and death, if they die, he could just bring them back, if he can that is. Besides, Unohana will not fight, neither will Shutara-san. Kyoraku and Ukitake will be the ones that fight, and I don't think he cares for them that much.''
''Do you think he will come back to ''test'' the Espada?''
''Yes, he will come. Even though he knows that I'm just trying to gauge out his power and trying to have him show the Espada just how powerful a true captain is, so that they can be prepared.''
Squad 1 Barracks
The captains stood in the usual formation as they waited for Naruto to offer his report on what he'd seen in the land of Hueco Mundo. Yamamoto had called everyone so that Naruto could give his report while everyone listened. After hearing what the blond had to say, it was then that would make a decision on how to proceed.
The only noticeable absent captain was Ukitake who was struggling with his sickness. Naruto looked at Kyoraku, avoiding the gaze Shutara was giving him because he'd been away from home for two days, and he hadn't said anything to her.
''Where is Ukitake?'' he was the only one who called the captains informally.
''Oi,'' Soi-fon started glaring down at Naruto. ''Weren't you stripped from your rank as Captain by Central 46? So why do you still wear a captain's haori? And speak to your superiors with some respect.''
That was indeed true. Since he was demoted by Central 46 as punishment for his actions against the second division's captain and her men, he was no longer in the same playing field as the captains. The woman had all the rights to call herself his superior. She even wondered why Yamamoto wasn't doing anything about it and Central 46 should have noticed this already.
''Who cares what Central 46 says?'' Naruto responded with a shrug. ''The Gotei 13 was created by Genryusai, its laws, code and everything. I was one of those who helped him furnish the laws while I was still his student. In its creation, Central 46 had no role, and only assumed control over the Gotei 13 over the past hundreds years.
While the Gotei 13 does report to Central 46, the body has no authority to strip me of my position. Nevertheless, they can do so indirectly by ordering Yamamoto to do so. When you look for a new captain, do you look for Central 46? No, you simply follow the ways of the body, and the code of the body tells me that Central 46 can't fire a captain. Well, I could be wrong if the laws changed over the years.''
''Things have changed.'' Soi-fon stated firmly. ''I'll report this to Central 46 and see what they can do to punish you further.''
''Okay,'' Naruto simply said, surprising even Yamamoto. ''You can go now while I'm still here,'' he added before looking back at Shunsui. ''Answer me Kyoraku.''
''He is sick.'' The captain of the 8th division simply said.
Naruto sighed. ''How the mighty has fallen.'' He said. Ukitake had such glorious power yet a simple sickness was keeping him in bed. ''Now then, what do you want to know, Yamamoto?''
''What you can tell us.''
''Let us see, what can I tell you..?'' Naruto became thoughtful for a few moments before he finally spoke. ''Aizen has an army called Espada. They rank from 1 to 10 and going by rank, can challenge the children in here. He also has more hollows under his command but they are not worth mentioning.''
That was all he said.
''Anything about the Hogyoku?'' Mayuri asked curiosity evidently dripping in his tone and expression.
''Nothing concrete. But I do know that Aizen uses it to create his Espada, or a new breed or hollows if could say,'' Naruto responded calmly. The Hogyoku was one part that Aizen wasn't willing to tell much about. He was actually rather secretive about it, but he would eventually find out what he wanted.
He still had another meeting with the former captain after all.
''Well that is not much information,'' Mayuri said again. ''I'd thought that you'd return with Intel that would give us something to work with. But there is nothing concrete, but a few words. You should have really gone with me.''
Naruto tilted his head a little. ''If you want to go that badly, I have no problems in sending you straight into Aizen's court. Perhaps you may be lucky and find all his subordinates with him, and they might play with you.''
Mayuri narrowed his eyes. Regardless of how you look at it, that was a real threat.
''What I can say about all these, is that Aizen has created his own elite army that can revival us the younger captains. We all know that Aizen is smart, so he knows our strength, I like to believe that he is prepared to make an opponent for each one of us. However, the fact that he hasn't done anything now means that he is still preparing.
If we can get to Hueco Mundo, why don't we just go there now and end this before he can finish things quickly?'' Hitsugaya stated in his most rational mind.
''That would be a risk.'' Byakuya stated calmly. ''We don't know what these Espada's abilities are, and we could as well find Aizen waiting for us if we go there.''
''I agree with Kuchiki-san,'' Kyoraku said. ''Let us find more information about this before we make our move. I wouldn't be against the idea of heading to Hueco Mundo if we knew everything about the enemy. But we don't and that place is their home turf, there could also be traps within the place.''
''Are you afraid Byakuya?'' Kenpachi questioned, looking at the Kuchiki. If it was up to him, he would not be against the idea of going to Hueco Mundo. What could hurt in a few surprises? If they were strong, they would succeed.
''No, I'm just using my head,'' Byakuya responded coolly.
Before Kenpachi to retort, Yamamoto spoke. ''Naruto, you will take Captain Shutara, Kyoraku and Kurotsuchi with you to Hueco Mundo so that they can find valuable Intel on our enemy. You will be watching their every step and insure that nothing happens. If there is ever a chance of danger, bring them back. Are my orders clear, Naruto?''
Naruto blinked at such an order. Did Yamamoto just use Shutara like that? That was totally unexpected. He knew that he wouldn't do anything to Shutara and Kyoraku and would actually insure that they were safe. Both those two wouldn't allow harm to come to Mayuri.
''I will indulge you this once, Yamamoto. However, I will not accept being held on a ransom like this next time, if there is a next time.''
Naruto's House
Naruto was inside his house with Shutara. Given that the house was away from Seireitei, he could do everything that he wanted without eyes seeing that they should not and ears hearing what they should not. He was underground inside the lab that he used to store important documents. Without him, no one could enter the lab. There were things that people should not look into inside the lab.
Today he was going to finally reclaim everything. Everything well, except for Amaterasu. But he would fetch her after everything else. When this was a success, he would disappear and watch everything that Aizen was doing from far away. He would only intervene should there be a need for him to do so.
''So, you are really going to awaken all your powers?'' Shutara said looking straight at him.
''Yes,'' Naruto responded sitting down in a meditative position. Under him was a seal with different arrays within it. ''Just hold still, while I complete everything.''
''If you hadn't actually made amends or explained yourself, I would surely take advantage of this situation to do what I please with you,'' Shutara said smiling at Naruto. She was actually threatening him. Even though he would never show it to anyone, there were threats that did get to him.
He wouldn't even admit that he was wrong mostly because of his pride. The man held his pride high above all things. Shutara had never seen anyone who was so prideful than Naruto. And no matter what happens, he never swallows it - he always carries it above his shoulders. Perhaps it was because things always turned into his favor that he wasn't forced to swallow it.
''How would you take advantage of me Shutara?'' Naruto asked looking straight into the eyes of the black haired woman standing just away from him.
''You're going to be vulnerable to attack right about now. All your power will be focused on unsealing whatever that is sealed inside of you. You are also not going to be conscious of what is happening outside unless your body experiences pain or you're moved.'' the woman still smiled when she spoke. ''If I was your enemy, what do you think I would do? No, no, there is a good one; if the Soul King were to come here and find you vulnerable, what do you think he would do?''
''What do you want?''
''Right now, you're asking me to stand guard because you don't want anything to interfere. Inferences could ruin things, that's what I assume anyway,'' Shutara started before answering Naruto's question. ''I want you to make me a promise, Naruto.''
''What is it?''
''I want you to promise me that you'll love me like you used to. If you can't do that, then this relationship isn't going to work. Better we just end it because I'm not actually happy and you're not looking at me, rather you're focused only in what you want,'' Shutara stated firmly.
She did know leaving him wasn't going to be easy. He would probably be angry if she decided to do something like that and would most likely kill someone. However, dying seemed to be a better option than continuing on with a life like this. Sometimes she couldn't even define what she was trying to make work because it didn't feel like there was a relationship between her and Naruto.
''Do you feel that much neglected, that you're willing to make me promise in such a situation?''
''Yes. I've told you before, and you said you would change, but nothing has changed.''
''Fine,'' Naruto smiled at her - a true genuine smile that Shutara hadn't seen in years. ''I will work on my resent towards you for choosing your duties over me,'' he stated. With that he closed his eyes and entered into the depths of his soul.
Naruto walked silently in a new world; above him were shining stars and a full moon but under him was just pure eternal darkness. The blond walked without even minding all the darkness underneath him. He walked for a few minutes, before he decided to increase his pace, knowing that were he had to go was a little bit far.
After a few minutes, he finally reached a large cave. Without even stopping to do anything, he entered the cave and walked in darkness. Once he reached the center of the cave, he clasped his hands and some lights flickered on.
In front of him was a large steel gate. But beyond the gate was darkness, there was nothing that could be seen at the other side of the gate. The light that had appeared within the cave did not seem to penetrate through the large steel gate - The gate kept out the light, denying it entrance.
Naruto held out his right hand and began to write something in the air around him. Once done he clasped his hands together and a light blue seal arrays appeared around his entire body.
He then touched the ground before muttering a few words, when he was done, the whole insides of the cave was covered with the light blue seal. He walked towards the large gate and touched it. Once that was done, the other side of the gate became visible. And inside it, there was a coffin that was strapped by large black and gold chains. Everything seemed old, yet nothing seemed to be breaking apart. Naruto when attempted to punch the gate to open it. But his punch rebounded and he was forced back away from the gate.
When he was about to go at it again, he heard a voice calling him. ''Takemi,'' then a woman appeared in front of the gate. She was a tall slender woman with long red hair that reached her waist. She wore nothing but silk a black dress that was tight around her waist level. She was bare footed. Her eyes were light green and she was smiling sadly at him.
For the first time in thousand years, Naruto felt anger boiling in him. He was so furious at seeing this woman appear in front of him like that. He wanted nothing more than to tear her apart. But seeing her smile sadly like forced him to keep calm. Had it not been for that sad smile he would have lunged at her. He knew that smile; it did not spell anything good. So being calm would help rather than acting in anger which would do him no good.
''How are you here?'' he questioned through gritted teeth and a death glare straight at the woman.
''I have always been here from the day this gate was created. This gate is me.''
''You have been here all along? You have been alive all along?'' his voice was louder than it normally was. How could he keep calm seeing the woman who damned him and the only person who could make sure that he never fully awakens? But that was not what was making him shout. No, it was the fact that she'd been inside of him all along and yet he never knew.
''Yes. I knew that you would attempt to unlock this gate so that you could get all your power back. So I sacrificed myself and sealed myself within you. I have been watching almost everything you do in Soul Society.''
''What are you planning, Amaya?'' Naruto questioned walking slowly towards the woman with narrowed eyes. His mind was already begging to work on a way to get out of this situation.
''I am going to end our existence, all three of us,'' this time her small smile had disappeared, it had been replaced by a rather serious expression. ''I only set this up if you became successful in finding the key. I didn't want to end you; I only wanted you to live a normal life. But that didn't happen, and now we have to die together.''
''What?'' Naruto froze just in front of her. It was possible for her to do so. It was possible for her to kill him despite his immortality. When it came to him, this woman could put a dent to his plan. But that did not mean that he could not do anything about. But to do anything, he needed all his power to counter her seals.
''I have seen your power, Takemi. No one should possess the kind of power you have. You cannot live forever in this world and hope rule it over - with your power it is very much possible. But I cannot let that happen. If you fully awaken, everything will change. It might be the end of the world. I cannot let you get to him. We will all die here,'' as she said that she began to glow light blue forcing Naruto closer to her and the coffin close to her.
Naruto couldn't control any part of his at this time. It was just like last time.
''I know you might survive this. But there is only 1% chance that you will survive. If you do manage to survive, you will not live long enough. The damage to your body will be too severe and even if you continue to live, you will never be able to use your Reiatsu again,'' Naruto by this time was trying by all means to break away from the invincible force that was holding him down. Yet he couldn't. ''You are so proud of your power. I am going to release it at once. In this situation, it will be unstable, and uncontrollable like a wild fire.''
''Do you know what will happen if you do that?!''
''Uncontrollable spiritual in the depths of your soul. In your full power, your Reiatsu is enough to kill anyone less than a captain, just by coming close to you. I have already set a seal which will make sure all your power goes, boom!'' It would just be like setting off a nuclear bomb from his gut.
''If you turn my Reiatsu into a bomb, it will destroy my body from the inside and may possibly erase my soul,'' wide eyes and frozen, for the first time, Naruto felt fear. Fear that he was actually going to die. His immortality could not deal with the kind of explosion. His body could not handle it. Even if he does survive, his power... No he had set up other plans should anything like this occur, but he had to worry about surviving here.
''I know you planted an egg into Shutara's soul. When you were sealed, that egg hatched and gave birth to another replica of your soul should anything happen to you, that soul will activate and you will be reborn again. However, if it becomes like that, you will not have your full power - you'll just become a normal Shinigami,'' she stared straight into his eyes as black reaitsu began to cover the whole cave, causing it to tremble. ''You planned for that, but this explosion will kill her also. If you were in Seireitei, it would possibly destroy it.''
Naruto could feel his body overheating; the Reiatsu around the cave was turning into a source of heat. That was not all; the spiritual pressure inside of him was being forcefully pulled out. He looked straight at the woman in front of him. How could she do this to him?
Amaya leaned down and kissed him on the lips; his lips were still cold as usual. She smiled sadly. ''I will always love you, Takemi. But it has to end this way.'' right then cracks began to appear all around her body. And then everything just went...
Boom!
The whole of soul society began to tremble under the explosion, causing everyone to panic. Naruto's house was wiped out of existence. The explosion caused the atmosphere to become unstable. Because it became unstable violent winds began to form around the area and a dark cloud formed in most of Soul Society.
Thunderstorms roared in abundance as they tore down the very fabrics of space. For once, Soul Society stood on her feet, as she witnessed these great phenomena. The heavy reaitsu washed all over soul society forcing almost all souls to their knees – some who were strong remained standing but with some difficulty. The debris that had picked up took about more than two hours to finally die down.
The violent winds had already stopped, but the atmosphere seemed still unstable, making it dangerous for just anyone to enter. What used to be Naruto's house was but a large crater that dug deep down the ground. Amaya had been correct, if the explosion had occurred in Seireitei, it would have destroyed it, killing all Shinigami. Even after everything else within the crater that once had life had turned to ash, Uchiha Naruto or what was left of him was in the middle of the crater in air.
Naruto - what was left of him - had turned all pure black, not even his blond air had retained its color. It was all pure black - what was left of it anyway. The side of his right face was all blown out. The remaining part was his left side and his left eye. His entire right shoulder was missing and there was a large hole from what used to be his stomach. There were 6 rods sticking out of his chest and at the back. Both his legs from knees were missing. He could not even breathe. His lone eye was just wide, frozen in shock.
Four shadows then appeared at the edge of the large crater… they all looked up at Naruto, who was now falling down the center of crater…
And that is the end of awakening… seriously…
No, I'm just kidding. Well anyway, I tried by all means to make this chapter interesting enough and I hope it was. The last scene in the chapter was supposed to be in the next chapter, but I chose to put it here. The reason being that I don't update this story often because it has become difficult for me to write. But I said it before; I will not abandon it, even if I have to write five more chapters to conclude it.
That being said, I will try to work on things quickly.
This end gives Naruto something to work on, and a clear goal. You now get the reason why I removed Shutara and placed Unohana from the story properties.