Only those who have read the light novels would understand the orders in which Espadas and Arrancars were formed. Silas was one of those people.

Approximately twenty years before the start of the series, Hollows were being experimented on. As time progressed, the rankings within the Espada changed. This change was based on power and merit. Those, like Dordoni and Cirucci, which were created as one of the first hundred or so batches, lost their title.

What Silas desired was to ensure that his Espada was among the strongest of the strong. And to determine that, he would personally rank those he believed would utterly annihilate the opposition.

Sol, who at the time was Sol, ranked number one. There was no doubt that Sol was strong, but Silas didn't think he deserved that rank.

What was even more troubling was the order in which Espada's were numbered. They were apparently ranked based on the time of their creation. Yet Sol was discovered after Aizen left the Soul Society, immediately achieving the first rank.

There was only one Arrancar Silas believed deserved that rank: Ulquiorra.

Ulquiorra was the most obedient Arrancar in Las Noches. Without needing to be manipulated, he unhesitatingly followed orders.

In the past, his existence in Hueco Mundo was a solitary one. Unlike the sea of darkness that surrounded him, he was an anomaly. He roamed the desolate landscape, weighed down by the emptiness of his being.

Then, one day, a sight captivated him: a stark white tree, its branches adorned with menacing thorns. In its bleakness, Ulquiorra found solace. He merged with the tree, shattering his mask and achieving a strange sense of peace. This was prior to having been discovered by Aizen.

Apart from Ulquiorra's strange background, he was despondently powerful. It was so powerful that not even Aizen had witnessed his second resurrección, a feat only Ulquiorra had achieved.

A deadly force in close combat, he utilizes both his fists and sword with devastating efficiency. While his swordsmanship is rarely displayed, it's incredibly lethal, showcasing his genius when he deems an opponent worthy.

But his true edge lies in his phenomenal speed. He can react in milliseconds, effortlessly dodging attacks and keeping pace with even the fastest opponents.

What makes him worthy of being number one are the following: high-speed regeneration and his segunda etapa. The former alone is enough to at least put him in second place.

Silas made up his mind after careful consideration of who would be ranked. Their spots would first have to correlate with their strength. The stronger they were, the higher they would be ranked.

Then came their personalities. Those who found favour in Silas's sights would surely be given special treatment. For these are the Esapda that could personally relay information to him or be given direct orders.

And when Silas wasn't in Las Noches, someone worthy of commanding his organization would need to be in place.

• • •

In the recently constructed, sterile white meeting room.

Twelve throne chairs, each an imposing monolith varying in height and made of smooth marble, stood in a perfect circle within the vast room.

Neobarra was the first person to arrive. With a scoff, his imposing form surveyed the unsettling thrones. In a low tone, he said, "What are these theatrics? Someone better explain things." His eyes lumbered towards the topmost throne, the one that marked the number twelve.

"Just wait there," someone drawled. Sol's voice echoed in the hall as he manifested himself on the chair with the number two. There was a bored expression on his face. But when he saw what chair he sat on, he said, "Seems like I've been given a promotion."

Dordoni materialized one chair beside Sol. Unlike his companions, he seemed genuinely excited by the bizarre chairs. So he said, "Oh, how marvelous! Individual thrones designated by rank? Our lord Ichigo truly understands the importance of hierarchy." He then fluttered his eyelashes, hammily.

Following him, Halibel materialized. She had already known what the two were discussing, despite having arrived late. Before acknowledging them, she looked at her bosom and felt her tattoo slightly burning. Ignoring it, she asked, "Where is lord Ichigo?"

The silence stretched, only to be broken by Ulquiorra's arrival. He fixed his eyes on the twelfth seat, knowing that it belonged to Silas.

The light in the room briefly shimmered, and the rest of the Arrancars appeared in their respective seats. Yammy appeared on the third seat, Nel sat on the sixth seat, Grimmjow slouched on the seventh seat, Zommari relaxed on the eighth seat, Cirucci remained pristine on the seat with the number zero, and Aaroniero sat still on the tenth seat.

A collective murmur of amazement rose from the assembled Arrancars. Neobarra lurched forward, his fingers brushing the smooth marble of his throne, while saying, "Is it not obvious why lord Ichigo is not here yet?"

"Enlighten us, old one," Cirucci jeered.

Zommari's voice boomed, saying, "He wants us to figure the situation out ourselves and see how we feel about this change."

Dordoni clapped his hands with glee. "Oh, how intriguing! A meritocratic system? Wonderfully progressive!"

Sol, on the other hand, seemed completely indifferent, not feeling comfortable with his rank. He slumped into his chair, his tattoo burning on his hand. Grimmjow, having been here before, now understood why he sat on the seventh seat the first time.

He looked at Sol and said, "It feels like a game of musical chairs, number two." His comment was an indication that if Sol didn't like his rank, someone like him would gladly take it.

A tense silence gripped the room as the Espada understood that their hierarchy could indeed change if they slacked on their duties. All of them were proud. And if it meant having a higher rank would allow them to be closer to Silas, they would relish the opportunity.

"Clearly, Yammy, that is not your place," someone commented, noticing the number three on Yammy's seat. It was Aaroniero, who himself was sitting on number ten. Out of all the Espada to voice their opinion, Aaroniero was the least expected. This particular Arrancar was the first member of the Espada to hold the tenth rank for the longest time.

"Perhaps a lower station is more fitting for your brawny intellect?"