Yammy snarled, his giant figure feeling comfortable on the throne that fitted him. But before he could retort, Nel was seen measuring the number six on her chair. A satisfied giggle escaped her lips.
Her previous rank was number three, yet she had no problems not being in the top five.
"Seems our thrones acknowledge more than just strength," she happily said.
Cirucci tilted her head, content that although she was the lowest-ranked, her seat was still fairly higher than the others. Some exchanged wary glances, but many of them were quiet. Ulquiorra, for example, hadn't said a word after verifying his new rank.
He was number one.
A new unease settled upon the Espada. This wasn't just a pointless display of dominance. They all knew Silas had a plan—a plan that involved them all in ways they couldn't yet fathom. This secret white room, their newly assigned seats—all of it meant something.
A feral grin split Grimmjow's face. Now he started to get some clarity on his "demotion". So he hollered, "Finally, you'll show Grimmjow some recognition!"
Sol let out a sigh, responding, "Sounds like more paperwork regardless of what our rank is, I suppose."
Halibel interjected, her voice cutting through the growing cacophony. "Our numbers have nothing to do with the desk work."
"Yeah!" Nel approved. "And I'm sure lord Ichigo wouldn't dazzle us without a reason." Behind her agreement, she truly didn't want to have to do any more paperwork.
"If that's the case," Dordoni announced. "Then I should be ranked one. But I value lord Ichigo's decision with the utmost vigour!"
Zommari's laughter boomed—a deep, rolling sound. "Nine suits you just fine. I sense you lack the finesse for anything higher."
When they all heard the word "sense", there was another silence. It was broken by Yammy as he asked, "By the way, where are we?"
"I can't sense anything outside either," Halibel added.
Little did she know, Yammy wasn't trying to sense things; he was simply unaware of the peculiarities of the new meeting room. And there was something each of them had been feeling: their tattoos were burning.
Each of their gazes fixed on where their tattoos were located. If they couldn't see it, they felt it.
On Yammy, it was on his left shoulder. On Sol, it was on the back side of his left hand. On Barragan, what many weren't aware of was that it was directly on his abdomen. On Nel, it was on her midback. On Halibel, it was on the left side of her bosom. On Ulquiorra, it was on his left pectoral muscle. On Grimmjow, it was on the right side of his lower back. On Zommari, which was never revealed, it was on his tailbone. On Aaroniero, it was on his two heads. On Dordoni, it was directly on his sternum. And lastly, on Cirucci, it was on the right side of her bosom.
Each of their numbers was transfigured, swirling into a new numerical value. This made the ranks official in front of their members.
Cirucci Sanderwicci, Espada number zero, maintains her signature abrasiveness. Rude, cocky, and blunt, she seems to have taken the demotion in stride without defiance. Despite her lower ranking, her sharp tongue and formidable power ensure she remains a force to be reckoned with.
Aaroniero Arruruerie, shrouded in mystery, claims Espada number ten. Preferring solitary confinement within his own bizarre domain, his true power and allegiance remain with whoever's in charge. Rumours swirl about his abilities, but the truth is only known to a select few.
Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio, the eccentric Espada number nine, possesses an insatiable curiosity that often lands him in strange situations. His goofiness makes him a delight in any room. While his methods can sometimes be unorthodox, his ingenuity shouldn't be underestimated.
Zommari Rureaux, Espada number eight, prefers the serenity of meditation to the chaos of battle. His calm demeanor masks a cunning intellect and formidable abilities honed through years of self-reflection. His true power may only be revealed when pushed to his limits.
The ever-combative Grimmjow makes a comeback as Espada number seven. His thirst for battle remains unquenched, and even within the new order, he seeks opportunities to test his might. Whether his loyalty truly lies with the Esapda or not, his own insatiable bloodlust remains to be seen.
Nel, the spirited Espada number six, retains her trademark childish innocence. While obedient to orders, her playful demeanor often hides a surprising amount of power. Don't underestimate the adorable powerhouse that is Nel.
Following in her footsteps is Tier Halibel. She embodies loyalty as Espada number five. Her dedication is unflinching, and that same dedication now only shows for one. Her calm demeanor and use of water manipulation inspire trust within the ranks.
The old and strategic Baraggan takes Espada number four. A seasoned warrior with a kingly demeanor, Baraggan prefers the tactical battlefield of a chessboard when not engaged in real combat. After his recent change, his intellect and experience are a valuable asset to the new guard.
Yammy, Espada number three, boasts an arrogance as colossal as his frame. Never seen without his canine companion, Yammy's loyalty is unquestionable, though his temperament might not always be. His immense strength makes him a powerhouse, but his impulsiveness could be a liability.
Joining the ranks of Espada number two is Sol, the embodiment of laid-back charisma. While his immense power is undeniable, Sol's greatest passion seems to be being with others, a habit that might prove accountable in and out of combat itself.
Lastly, there was Ulquiorra, the undisputed Espada number one. He stands as a pillar of silent obedience, and he will carry out orders with the same persistent loyalty he once displayed. His cold demeanor masks a newfound purpose behind his chilling enigma.
Together, these Arrancars form the newly rehabilitated Espada. Their strength and diverse abilities promise a new era for Hueco Mundo and the rest of the realms. Yet there are still more questions than answers for this organization.
Can they truly unite their powerful and often-conflicting personalities under this banner? And where do their individual loyalties lie?
Only time will tell if the Espada will serve as the instruments of a new directive or become the architects of their own destinies.
But one thing was certain: they all served under one man: Silas Wren.