Chapter 5: Two Societies
Karakura Hospital
Captain Ukitake looks down upon Karakura, atop the Hospital where the Hollow attacked earlier, trying to find Rukia and the humans. He was quite upset to find neither but instead a squad of Policemen inspecting the Hospital to find out what happened.
Ukitake thinks to himself, "Luckily the Police think it was a gas line explosion. But still… where is Kuchiki?"
As if on cue, Rukia appears behind her captain, kneeling with her head towards the ground, apologizing, "Forgive me, Captain, but I had to take the humans elsewhere."
"And where is elsewhere, 5th seat Kuchiki?" Ukitake asks with an unusually cold tone.
Rukia flinches, "Near the Clinic down the road. They apparently have friends who they could stay with in that area."
Ukitake turns around looking down on Rukia, "And did you wipe their memories, as is standard protocol?"
Rukia is silent.
"You didn't wipe their memories?!" Ukitake is actually shouting at her, something he rarely does to any of his squad members.
Rukia explains, "I couldn't do anything about it, because someone saw potential in the two of them and could've overpowered me to get their way. Besides which, the humans are spiritually aware, so likely would have resisted the mind wipe anyway."
"But that is still no excuse to break protocol—ALLuh!" Ukitake's shouting has triggered his condition, coughing out blood and having to take a knee as the pain forces him to the ground.
Rukia runs to support her Captain, helping him to stand, "Are you alright, Captain Ukitake?"
Ukitake waves her off, "Yes, I'm fine. And I'm sorry for yelling, the Hollow got away and I'm stressed. But please, I'm going to need more of a concrete explanation, or else Sir Genryusai will be cross!"
Rukia nods and explains, "Former Captain Shiba has allies in this world that are tending to the humans, while he himself wants to come back to the Soul Society with us. He wants to know if his daughter would be able to join the Gotei 13, as she has potential to become a Shinigami and is willing to."
Ukitake looks at Rukia for a good ten seconds, taking time to process all of what he just heard, "Very well, but we'll need to ask Head Captain Yamamoto and Central 46 about both. Personally, I welcome them if they are indeed willing—I have a feeling we'll need all the help we can get against this Hollow. But it's not my call."
Rukia nods, "Thank you Captain—"
"However," Ukitake adds, cutting her off, "Isshin Shiba will need to come back with me tonight as we make our report."
Rukia nods back at her captain, who asks her another question, "Oh, right. I almost forgot. What did you want to talk to me about earlier, Rukia?"
Rukia recalls Urahara's explanation of how the Quincy were massacred, as well as Uryu claiming he was the last of the Quincy and how the Shinigami supposedly treated his master poorly too.
Rukia shakes her head, "Nothing important… I've forgotten what it even was."
Ukitake nods, before the two flash-step away, heading to the Kurosaki Clinic.
Kurosaki Clinic
As Isshin just finished scolding Yuzu for being out so late at night in the rain, he sends both her and Karin to bed. He sighs, "Why'd Ryuken decide to give Yuzu a Quincy Cape of all things to keep her dry?"
Just then, there's a knock on the front door, which tells Isshin nothing, as he already sensed his visitors coming. Jushiro Ukitake and Rukia Kuchiki walk into the room Isshin is in, an uncomfortable silence between them.
Finally, Isshin decides to let them know he's aware of them by starting a conversation, "How long's it been, Mr. Ukitake? Probably not that long from your perspective…"
"Come now, you make it sound like I'm an old man with that type of talk." Ukitake answers jovially, "But really, it's been too long for me to find you here with a family. And here I thought I'd always be invited to your wedding."
"Sorry about that." Isshin responds, "A lot's happened."
Ukitake sighs, "Rukia has told me. You really think it's a good idea to come back after all these years? The Head Captain would kill you on the spot if you weren't of noble birth."
"I know that." Isshin responds dejectedly.
"Then why?!" Ukitake demands, "Why throw away this happy life you have here with your children when for 20 years we have seen or heard nothing of you?!" Ukitake starts coughing due to his fit of passion.
Isshin faces towards the Shinigami now, "Ms. Kuchiki must've neglected to tell you that the Hollow you've been hunting down, the one that launched that huge cero—White. That thing attacked my wife 20 years ago, and now it has returned after a Hollow killed my son."
Ukitake is shocked and stares at Isshin while he elaborates, "I'm sorry if I can't act rationally when my family's greatest nightmare has returned. I must kill it for good, for both Masaki and Ichigo!"
Ukitake nods, understanding where this man is coming from fully, as past events have shown him entirely how a Shiba operates when it comes to those they care for, "I understand. This type of battle is one of pride—the pride and memory of your whole family is on the line."
Ukitake regains his bearings and makes direct eye contact with Isshin, "Very well, I'll take you back to the Soul Society to meet with Sir Genryusai."
Isshin's eyes light up with resolve, "Thanks. So, when do we go?"
Ukitake stops as he is walking out of the house, turning back, and answering, "Right now."
Isshin hurriedly exits his Gigai and Jushiro clarifies, "I will leave Rukia to watch over your children while the two of us meet with Kenpachi to report back. Central 46 and Sir Genryusai will both need to determine if your daughter is allowed to join the Gotei 13. As for yourself, that mostly lies with Sir Genryusai, as you were already a captain and are only guilty of abandoning your post."
By the time Ukitake is finished explaining the politics about Isshin's requests, they have met up with Kenpachi in the woods of Karakura, where the battle with White took place.
"Well would you look who it is? Never thought I'd see your sorry face again." Kenpachi whistles as he looks upon his former colleague.
Ukitake warns, "Now's not the time for catching up, Zaraki. Sir Genryusai will be cross if we don't report in soon."
Yachiru comments, "Aww, old man Juju is killing our fun…"
Kenpachi himself shifts from a smile to a frown at being reminded of the 'boring' duties that come with being a captain, "Whatever, I'll let you do all the talking this time. It's a pain."
Ukitake agrees that is probably for the best, as Yachiru jumps off Kenpachi's back, waving to the three, "We'll catch up later Isshi, ok?!"
Isshin waves back at the girl awkwardly, "Yeah, sure!"
Ukitake prepares the Senkaimon and the three walk through to enter the Soul Society.
Silbern
In the shadows of the Soul Society there lies a white fortress named Silbern—this is the homebase for the Wandenreich; the army of the Quincy King—Yhwach. Candice Catnipp, otherwise known as Sternritter T: The Thunderbolt, is walking through the halls of the fortress, heading towards the throne room to report to Jugram Haschwalth—the leader of the Sternritter and Yhwach's Advisor. However, he is not in front of the massive white doors of Yhwach's throne room as she expected him to be, but instead a Soldat—a foot soldier—stands guard, addressing Candice as she approaches.
"His Majesty awaits in the throne room, Ma'am." The Soldat salutes, delivering quite grim news from the perspective of the Sternritter.
"Just my luck, reporting to his majesty directly could be fatal depending on his mood. That means I have to be all formal—damn why'd I have to feel nice and give that girl my cape? He might take that as a sign of disrespect!" Candice thinks to herself.
"Ma'am?", the Soldat questions after Candice is silent and unmoving for a minute.
"Yeah, I heard you", she replies as she makes her way in, thinking, "It's definitely worse to show up late and keep him waiting than to show up not fully dressed, so on the bright side, my chances of not dying are at an all-time high, fan-fricking-tastic!"
Candice halts her thoughts as she takes a knee, bowing before her almighty emperor, her face facing the floor. The massive doors close behind her, leaving the room pitch black save for the blue light coming from the floor, illuminating the features of the Quincy King sitting on his throne.
"Sternritter T: Candice Catnipp, you may raise your head and speak of what you discovered in the living world." The Quincy King's voice comes out as but a whisper, but was perceived as a loud, booming voice of absolute authority, tolerating no resistance.
Candice raises her head, looking upon Yhwach for the first time in a very long time, and reports, "Your Majesty, the one known as Ryuken Ishida has turned down our invitation—he will have no part of the Wandenreich, but also will not stand against it."
Yhwach considers this news, "I have foreseen this. Despite his attempts to deny it, Ryuken is just like his foolish father Souken…" The King ponders this a moment longer, "And what of Ryuken's son, the young Uryu Ishida? Were you able to observe the boy?"
Candice answers, "Yes, your Majesty. He used his Quincy powers to dispatch a Hollow earlier today. It seems he has made contact with the Shinigami."
Candice waits for what feels like hours before the emperor responds, "Good. They will come to validate his hatred of them, and he will no doubt wish to join us when the time is right."
Candice remains silent, waiting for the Quincy King to give her his permission to continue.
The King notices this, "You may continue."
Candice bows slightly, "Of course, your Majesty. The Shinigami currently have two of their squads, including captains, stationed in the world of the living. I believe they are hunting an exceptionally powerful hollow but was unable to get close enough to confirm without making myself known to them."
Candice's heart drops when she hears Yhwach state, "No."
He elaborates, "This I have not foreseen. Do you dare to lie to your King?"
Candice's face is full of fear, as she sees Yhwach's hand start to rise.
"N-No, your Majesty, I would never lie!", she almost shouts but instinctively keeps her voice down despite the fear, as she's seen many ex-Sternritter murdered by Yhwach for less.
Yhwach states, matter-of-factly, "So, you are calling me wrong."
Candice is full of despair now; she is searching for things to say that would ensure her survival here but has nothing. She's frozen, fully accepting death.
"Nothing to say? Well, I guess I'll make this quick then." Yhwach muses but pauses as a man with long blonde hair and blue eyes finally steps out from the shadows.
"Wait your Majesty, I'd like to ask her a question.", the man requests.
Yhwach looks at this man, Jugram Haschwalth, as if asking what he could possibly want from the Sternritter that he has not already asked. He allows it, however, "Very well… but make it quick. I must return to slumber shortly."
Haschwalth bows, "Thank you, your Majesty."
Candice feels a glimmer of hope that Haschwalth has given her the opportunity to survive this. Unfortunately, her hopes are dashed by what he asks next, "Sternritter T, please explain to me why you have returned without your cape? Surely you know appearing before his majesty without wearing your full uniform is a sign of disrespect?"
Yhwach also seems a bit interested in her answer, as he leans forward slightly. Candice can't stop sweating despite the coldness of Silbern, as the pressure is nearing its limit.
She decides to answer, at this point she's dead anyway, "I gave it away."
The room is silent for a minute before Haschwalth decides to break it again, "And to whom would you give your cape, knowing that it could throw your life away? Another Sternritter, perhaps?"
Candice feels a bit of embarrassment as she admits, "A little girl standing in the rain by herself…"
Yhwach finds this show of embarrassment amusing, considering everyone in the room knows she'll be dead once this conversation is over, but Haschwalth pushes further, "And this little girl's name?"
Candice looks to Haschwalth, expecting to see him taunting her or making fun, but sees he is completely serious, as always.
"Yuzu…" she repeats "Yuzu Kurosaki."
Candice did not expect what came next: both Haschwalth and Yhwach gasp. She's seen Haschwalth get surprised like this on occasion, but never has she even heard of his majesty ever losing composure at all.
"Kurosaki… you're sure?" Haschwalth asks her.
Candice nods, "Yes, she told me her name was Yuzu and I saw her crying in front of the grave of her brother, Ichigo."
At this point, Haschwalth is too stunned to speak, so Yhwach continues the conversation, "Ichigo Kurosaki should have become a Substitute Shinigami recently… to hear that he is dead…. complicates things."
Candice is confused as to how some girl crying for her brother could hold such significance to her King, but here she is.
Haschwalth breaks out of his shock, "And what are your thoughts of the girl, Catnipp?"
Candice answers honestly, "I thought she was weak but has some potential to become a Quincy. I sensed her power, which caused me to investigate. From what I could tell, that was the first time she ever used her abilities."
"Fascinating…" the Quincy emperor murmurs, "It seems that Ichigo Kurosaki's death has greatly altered events to the point that even my omnipotence has trouble foreseeing the future. My visions have changed since the last time I called upon the Almighty. Yuzu Kurosaki will play a pivotal role in our success."
Yhwach then gives his decree, "Candice Catnipp, you have survived this meeting due to your interaction with the young Yuzu Kurosaki. She will grow to become a great asset to our cause. However, as you have observed, she is young and weak—using conventional methods, two years is nowhere near enough time for her to properly develop into what we need her to be. As such, I am putting you in charge of her development. Fail to meet my standards, and you'll wish you died on this day. Haschwalth will inform you of the trivial details, I care not to waste time on such things. That will be all."
The emperor shoos her away and Haschwalth follows her out of the room, closing the doors behind them. He dismisses the Soldat standing guard, reassuming his duties of standing guard of the throne room. Candice lets out a breath, falling to her knees at relief of no longer feeling like she is under duress.
"You did well not to crash under his Majesty's gaze, Catnipp." Haschwalth compliments the younger Sternritter.
"Thanks…" Candice states passive-aggressively.
Haschwalth, completely out of touch with such social cues, or perhaps just ignoring them continues, "You will leave for the world of the living as soon as possible and are not to return until you believe Yuzu Kurosaki is comparable in power to a Sternritter, or when I come to get you in two years."
Candice is internally livid at this, as she was looking forward to kicking back a bit with her fellow female Sternritter, but instead has to go right back to the world of the living—crawling with Shinigami, their hunters!
Haschwalth explains further, "Gather your things, Catnipp. You may take with you whatever you see fit and one fellow member of the Wandenreich, excluding his Majesty and myself, to help train Kurosaki."
Candice is surprised at this, "You mean I'll have help? And what if they give me trouble?"
Haschwalth explains in a neutral tone, "Given that you are now a direct extension of his Majesty's will, I will have to execute them, naturally."
Candice sweat drops and asks, "Is a fellow Sternritter alright?"
"Naturally." Haschwalth confirms.
Candice smiles, as she knows exactly who she wants to take with her, marching off to get ready.
Squad 1 Barracks
In the First Division Barracks of the Soul Society, all Captains are present except for Gin Ichimaru, who stated he had business in the Rukongai to attend to, and Captains Zaraki and Ukitake, who the rest of them are waiting for. The doors to the Head Captain's office open, three individuals entering. The first two are the previously mentioned Captains, but the last one is… Yamamoto's eyes widen in recognition of the third man standing before them, a reaction shared by the rest of the captains present.
"Captain Shiba?!" Toshiro yells, both delighted and confused to see his former Captain for the first time in 20 years.
Isshin gives a friendly wave to Toshiro before shifting his attention to Yamamoto. The two lock eyes, neither saying anything.
Ukitake interrupts this stare down by stepping in front of Isshin, "Head Captain, I would like to give my report about what just transpired in the world of the living."
"And I would like to hear it, boy, as you have brought a deserter seemingly back from the dead with you to report." Yamamoto's grip on his cane is so tight that Soi Fon, standing to his right, flinches from the sound of it.
"He's pissed.", she thinks.
Ukitake nods, "Very well. I'll begin by saying that we encountered the unique Gillian in the world of the living again. It calls itself White and was collaborating with another Hollow, but their intentions were unclear. Regardless, they caused great damage to a building in the living world, although there were no casualties from what I can gather. Furthermore, White has evolved into an Adjucha and forced Captain Zaraki to fight without his eyepatch."
The captains are once again stunned that the Hollow was able to evolve so fast.
"And? What became of the hollow?" Yamamoto asks cautiously.
Ukitake explains, "Losing to Captain Zaraki caused the hollow to go into a frenzy, charging a cero that very well could have leveled the town, despite us fighting away from the populated area, so I intervened using my Shikai. It got away while I was dealing with the blast."
Yamamoto hums, "We are fortunate that you were there to ensure the town's safety. A rabid beast is most dangerous when cornered. It seems we must be even more vigilant when dealing with this particular hollow."
Ukitake nods his head in agreement as Yamamoto moves onto the next topic of discussion, "Then what of Ex-Captain Shiba? Why does he stand before us now?"
Ukitake is about to answer when Isshin steps forward, "Well, that's simple, Head Captain. I have a personal vendetta against that hollow—it attacked my wife 20 years ago and now I want to kill it. I'm not asking for my seat as a captain back, or even a pardon, but I refuse to let that thing outlive me!"
Yamamoto contemplates what he just learned as Captain Hitsugaya steps forward, "Head Captain, I can personally vouch for Captain Shiba's character. He would be an asset against the Hollow White!"
Yamamoto raises his voice, "I don't need you to vouch for him, boy! I've known him since before you were even born! I know all I need to know about Isshin Shiba's character."
This causes Toshiro to step back, Isshin giving him a smile of appreciation regardless.
Meanwhile, Aizen's mind is rushing, "White?! An Adjucha already? Isshin Shiba, you fool! You want to kill your own son! I look forward to seeing your despair at learning the truth. It seems I must send a message to Gin to motivate Barragan to catch this hollow so that I can speak with it. Or perhaps… perhaps another approach would be better at this point?"
Aizen's attention is grabbed by what Isshin says next, "I do have one request."
"You think you're in any position to make requests from us, boy?" Yamamoto shouts.
"I do not, but regardless I think it will be helpful for the Soul Society." Isshin admits.
"Go on then, speak." Yamamoto replies.
Isshin explains, "My daughter, Karin, has the potential and wants to become a Shinigami. But, given that I will either be sitting in a jail cell awaiting execution or hunting this hollow after this meeting, I will not be able to train her."
Yamamoto growls, "So you would have us train her?"
"Exactly." Isshin confirms.
Yamamoto considers this for a moment, before stating, "Normally the Central 46 would decide these matters, but given the potential crisis the Soul Society now faces, both your requests can easily be achieved given two conditions."
Isshin maintains his serious expression, "What are they?"
"The first is that during the hunt for White, you are always monitored by at least one other Captain. After this hollow is dead, Central 46 can decide your fate. The second condition is that your daughter must take on the Shiba name and remain here in the Soul Society until she has at least graduated from the Shinigami Academy."
Isshin tilts his head in confusion, "Is it really that simple? I thought the Central 46 wouldn't just accept a human becoming a Shinigami?"
Yamamoto nods, "That's exactly why she must take on the Shiba name, because for an heir of the Shiba Clan to appear means that the Shibas may once again take their place among the five great noble clans. As you know, Kukaku Shiba has no interest in such things. At that point, Central 46 has absolutely no authority over you. In other words, your daughter Karin must become a princess of sorts, at least in name."
Isshin nods, thinking to himself, "Well, my Karin is already a princess so it shouldn't be a problem!"
Yamamoto further clarifies, now smiling, "I would a fool to turn away such talented individuals such as you and your family!"
Aizen is amused at the possibilities for the future in that he could manipulate the Kurosakis in such a way to ensure that all his plans proceed smoothly. Aizen decides these are thoughts for later as he listens to what Yamamoto has to say next. "Now then, I think five captains in the living world ought to be enough to ensure this hollow's demise. That means I need two volunteers."
This prompts Byakuya Kuchiki of Squad 6 and Sosuke Aizen of Squad 5 to both to step forward.
"Very well. Captains Kuchiki, Shiba, and Aizen are to accompany Captains Ukitake and Zaraki back to the world of the living. I appoint Captain Ukitake to keep watch over Captain Shiba as a security measure and to ensure that his daughter is brought to the Soul Society without any issues.", he then slams his cane onto the ground and declares the captain's meeting to be over.
As Isshin exits the meeting room, he catches up with some of the other captains, Kyoraku and Hitsugaya most of all. Aizen, however, says that he will join the other four after retrieving something from the Squad 5 barracks.
Aizen enters his room and turns on the secret monitor under his desk, revealing the devilish face of Gin Ichimaru, "It's about time you contacted, Captain Aizen. Barragan and the other Espada have been getting restless. Every hunting party of Adjuchas our Segunda has sent out to track down that hollow have disappeared. I think the Vasto Lordes are to blame. Are you sure we shouldn't send out any of the Espada to deal with them, like before?"
Aizen thinks about this for a minute, "No. I just learned that Ichigo Kurosaki has developed into an Adjucha."
"How can you be so sure it's him?" Gin asks, genuinely curious.
Aizen smirks, "Because it calls itself White."
Gin's eyes open wide as result of this.
Aizen lets Gin have a second to process as he continues, "Tell Barragan that I will not meddle in the affairs of Hueco Mundo until further notice, and that both he and the Espada are free to do as they please. Furthermore, do not tell them anything more about White. If Ichigo Kurosaki is truly worth our time, he will become the strongest hollow in Hueco Mundo and topple my current Espada easily. At that point, we won't need the Espada anymore anyway, so their deaths won't be much of a setback. And in the case that he dies, the Soul Society won't see him anymore. Once the Soul Society believes him to be gone, then we will return to our previous arrangement."
Gin nods, "Understood Captain Aizen. I'll see you soon."
"Actually, you won't." Aizen corrects.
Gin gives a brow of confusion as Aizen reveals, "I will be going to the world of the living to hunt White, giving myself a front row seat of its abilities when it does show up again."
Aizen gets off the call with Gin before leaving the barracks. He then rejoins the four other Captains, apologizing for the wait.
They make their way to the Senkaimon and Isshin can't help but think to himself, "Well Karin, looks like we'll have to speed run your Shinigami training. I just hope you're ready for Urahara's… methods."
With that, the five captains return to the world of the living.
Silbern
Candice traverses the halls of Silbern wearing a mildly irritated expression. "Should've known that they wouldn't be in their own rooms when I returned. That leaves only one place."
Candice stops before a door, letting out a sigh as she can hear a few voices on the other side. Candice steps froward, swinging the door open aggressively.
"WHO THE HELL SAID YOU COULD ALL CRASH AT MY PLACE WHILE I WAS GONE?!", the woman shouts, genuinely irritated.
A group of four women sit on the large, white bed in the middle of the room. The first to address Candice is Sternritter Z, Giselle Gewelle; a woman with long, black hair with antennae shaped tufts sticking up from the top of her head, "Candy's back! You were gone for so long! We were starting to get worried…"
"You mean, YOU were starting to get worried and dragged the rest of us with you to Candy's place." A small, short haired blonde girl, known as Sternritter G Liltotto Lamperd, nonchalantly comments on the other woman's words, while chewing on a donut.
Giselle glances back at Liltotto, with an odd smile, "That's so mean Lil! Candy's feelings will get hurt if you say you don't care about her! ~"
Liltotto shrugs while looking to the side before fetching another donut from her satchel, "Candy can take care of herself—I don't need to invade her room to ensure her safety."
"Then why'd you agree to come? ~" Giselle questions with a snide expression.
The blonde is about to respond, but notices sparks of electricity running across Candice's skin from the corner of her eye. Seated next to Liltotto is tall woman, with long pink hair, known as Sternritter P Meninas McAllon, who notes the obvious, "Would you two please be quiet and listen to what Candy has to say? We can banter after that."
Giselle turns her attention energetically to Candice, who is wearing an irritated expression, "Oh right! Tell us what happened, Candy!"
The sparks fade as the woman sighs, explaining her situation.
"…so I hope you all get how fucked I am…" Candice finishes, dejectedly.
Liltotto nods her head, stating while placing yet another donut in her mouth, "You're right. I definitely wouldn't want to be in your shoes."
Candice's eyes seem to light up at this, "Speaking of, you're coming with me."
At this, Liltotto starts to choke on her donut, gasping for air as Meninas pats her back softly before performing the Heimlich.
While this is happening, the fourth woman lets out a scoff, prompting Candice to look at her, seated next to Giselle. "Really Candy? You thought Lil was your best choice? C'mon, it should be obvious that I, the leader of our little group, is the only choice for this mission!"
Candice deadpans as she stares wordlessly at the confident black-haired woman known as Sternritter E Bambietta Basterbine.
Liltotto, having managed to swallow the donut, immediately follows up on Bambietta, with a sly gleam in the corner of her eye, "I agree with Bambi. She has the most merit and experience with this type of thing out of all of us."
"Ooo, me too! I think Bambi's the cutest—I mean, the strongest too!" Giselle agrees enthusiastically.
Bambietta nods confidently at the support of her peers, "See, Candy? I'm honestly disappointed in you for not realizing something so plainly obvious."
Meninas doesn't miss the hesitation still present in Candice's expression, "I get where Candy is coming from. This girl is quite young and green—Bambi might be too much for her to handle right now…"
Candice nods in confirmation to this, "Exactly! What's the point in trying to train the girl if you end up breaking her in the process?"
Bambietta once more scoffs, "Impossible. His majesty sees potential in her, so she must be made of sterner stuff. Honestly Candy, the fact that you're even making this a debate is starting to offend me."
Candice quivers as the woman glances briefly at her with a sinister look in her eye.
However, the blonde woman stands her ground, adopting an irritated expression, opening her mouth to shout something, but is cut off by Liltotto, "You'd better just take Bambi and go."
Candice looks at Liltotto with a questioning look, prompting the girl to elaborate, now wearing a serious expression, "If what you've told us is true and the girl really has just gotten her Quincy powers, then the only one of us who can toughen her up enough to meet his majesty's standards within two years is definitely Bambietta."
Candice begrudgingly sighs, "Fiiiine! Bambi will help me train the girl…"
At this, Bambietta nods her head with a smirk before jumping off the bed.
"Alle raus! (Everyone out)" she snaps, causing the others to jump off the bed after her as they walk past Candice towards the exit.
Bambietta stops at the door giving Candice a look, "I'll be packing my things—I suggest you do the same."
Candice turns around slowly, looking at the vacant doorway where her friends were standing a few seconds prior.
Hueco Mundo
White feels completely rejuvenated after he finishes devouring the hunting party belonging to Barragan. He roars up at the sky, a red glow coating his body as his wounds close. He is successfully able to take off now and starts flying around aimlessly.
A blue explosion occurs in the distance and White flies toward it to investigate. What he finds is a group of Adjucha hollows standing proudly over what he can make out as the corpses of other Adjuchas. They notice White as he lands, staring them down.
Most of the group back away, sensing White's reiatsu, but a smaller, panther-like hollow steps forward, "You are all cowards! This one is my prey—its strength is worthy of a King!"
If he were still human, White would have questioned the hollow about Barragan being the king, but his instincts are screaming at him to fight this hollow and devour it like the rest of the pompous self-centered hollows he's devoured thus far. The two lock gazes and pounce at each other, beginning a rivalry that would last for years to come.