Stepping out of the laboratory, Silas, still bearing the youthful visage of Eren Jaeger, surveyed the deserted corridors.
He navigated towards a section of the palace rarely used: a small storage room. Inside, neatly folded Soul Reaper uniforms hung in rows. Clearly, Aizen had left them behind for some strange reason. Whatever the reason they were here, it was the last piece Silas needed to play off as a Soul Reaper.
Pulling out a black robe and the accompanying hakama, he wore the uniform. It had been a long time since he'd done so.
With his new Zanpakutō strapped securely to his side, he teleported to the secret meeting room.
Silas materialized at the highest level, with twelve throne chairs surrounding a circular hall. table at its center. As he settled into the chair, the room remained eerily silent.
With a flick of his wrist, a small pulse of energy was sent outward, a signal specifically designed to summon two Espada members. A soft hum filled the air as the room's light slightly shimmered. And then, with their arrivals quiet, two figures materialized.
Ulquiorra appeared first. His usual stoic expression remained unchanged as he scanned the room, settling on the unfamiliar figure occupying the twelfth chair. Silas could tell by the look on his face that he wasn't at all sure who he was.
Following him was Neobarra. Neobarra appeared exactly like Ulquiorra, with the same expression plastered on his face.
Both were filled with curiosity, peeking into their eyes. Their gazes first landed on Silas's clothes and then his Zanpakutō. Yet they still couldn't tell who the person was.
This is what Silas had hoped for. If he couldn't trick his own subordinates, he wouldn't have a chance at entering the Seireitei.
Then something both registered to him. Silas, who was regarded as the most powerful being anyone's ever seen, would never allow someone to sit on his throne without permission. Whoever they were seeing was either Silas himself or someone in league with Silas.
"Is that you, lord Ichigo?" Ulquiorra started.
"It is…"
"Why have you summoned us, my lord?" Neobarra asked, believing it to be.
"First answer this, Neobarra. On what grounds do you believe I am lord Ichigo?"
Neobarra wasn't expecting that question. So he said, "No one is allowed on that chair except the one I served." I can tell that it is indeed you because of how your form enacts authority, my lord."
"Well said…"
Neobarra nodded in response as Silas acknowledged his keen eye for detail. Then he said, "My transformation is not why I gathered you two here, however…"
"Surely it is important nonetheless," Ulquiorra said.
Silas leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers before him, saying, "As you know, Las Noches has undergone a significant change. With the recent… vicissitudes… the Espada is now more paramount."
The two remained impassive; their gazes remained fixed on Silas.
"Therefore," he continued. "I am taking a temporary leave of absence from Las Noches."
The two Arrancars exchanged a surprised glance. This was unexpected. Neobarra didn't want to consider it, but the thought came to him immediately: if Silas left, chaos might ensue under the canopy. Ulquiorra, while seemingly indifferent, harboured respect for Silas's leadership and desired him to rule without question.
"A leave of absence?" Neobara repeated. "For how long, my lord?"
"The duration of my absence is... volatile. Rest assured, Las Noches will be... in capable hands while I'm away." His gaze then lingered for a moment on Ulquiorra. "You both understand the overall responsibility for Las Noches. You've proven your prowess and unwavering loyalty. There is no doubt that you two may maintain order and ensure continued operations while I am away."
Ulquiorra inclined his head in a curt nod, his expression unreadable as he said, "We shall do our best, lord Ichigo."
Silas turned his attention elsewhere and said, "Neobarra, your primary task remains the same: keep the others in check. I expect you to lend Ulquiorra your considerable strength should the need arise."
"We understand, my lord," he responded. "It is sad to say that things might get dull while you're gone."
Silas found that statement amusing.
"Before you both return to your duties, remember that there are no conflicts between us and the Soul Society. Therefore, you shall not draw unwanted attention without my orders."
This was readily accepted by both Espada members. The meeting continued with discussions on the recent missions. Since some of the Arrancars were still gathering intel, Silas's instructions were to send all detailed reports to Neobarra and have Ulquiorra overlook them.
When the missions were completed, they were to continue watching any strange activities occurring in either realm.
'Focus on gathering information and do not cause trouble. Observe, report, and recruit."
It was clear that the two strongly desired to know why Silas had taken on a different form and was now showing off as a Soul Reaper. Both of them, however, respected him too much to say something that might offend. Whatever or whoever Silas was, they had the utmost honour for his plans.
"I can see that you're both interested in my disguise," he mused. "Be not alarmed, for it is a necessary precaution for the journey I'm about to undertake. Let's just say I'll be venturing into uncharted territory, and blending in might be advantageous."
Intrigue filled both their eyes. Silas knew better than to underestimate their curiosity, however. He wouldn't reveal his true motives unless it was necessary. In his absence, all they had to know was the importance of maintaining the status quo.
"One more thing," Silas continued. "Should anything arise that you deem beyond your capabilities, or if a decision requires immediate attention that you cannot come to, use Espada numbers five and six established order. They shall help connect you to a more peaceful resolution."
Both Ulquiorra and Neobarra nodded in acknowledgment. They then teleported out, returning to their duties. Las Noches, for now, was in the hands of Ulquiorra and Neobarra, neither of whom would let fall.