"Espada has been chosen successfully; I believe you are all acquainted by now."
"What are your thoughts? Fiander, it's been some time since our last encounter. You certainly enjoyed a lengthy break. "
Upon settling in, Aizen's initial remarks were directed at Fiander, as their previous interaction occurred after the meeting involving Baraggan, Stark, Fiander, and Aizen, following Fiander's extended time off.
While Arrancars typically enjoy freedom in their actions, they tend to remain within their designated territories and only come to the Night Palace when summoned by Aizen.
However, Fiander stands apart from the typical Arrancar and the "Espada. " He served as Aizen's aide when he first arrived at Hueco Mundo to form his own faction.
One could say that in Aizen's absence from Hueco Mundo, Fiander could effectively take his place and make decisions.
Aizen's investment of time in imparting Shinigami techniques to Fiander underscores his commitment to Fiander's growth.
Though Tousen Kaname and Ichimaru Gin are among Aizen's trusted allies, they have not received such specialized attention from him.
"Ahaha! Master Aizen, you know how mundane Hueco Mundo can be. Since you're here, I don't see why I should remain in the Palace all the time. "
"I apologize, Aizen-sama; I promise it won't happen again. " Fiander spoke casually to Aizen, catching the astonished stares of the other "Espada. "
"Don't concern yourself with it. The experiment is almost complete, and I believe it's best for you to remain in the Palace this time. "
"Understood! Master Aizen! " After concluding the exchange with Fiander, the present Espadas were left baffled about the purpose of the "King's" summons, all awaiting Aizen's directives.
"Currently, the Arrancar Legion's personnel are generally stable. Your task moving forward is to ensure the ecological balance within Hueco Mundo. "
"Fiander, I recall you proposed this idea."
Acknowledged by Aizen once more, Fiander simply nodded and responded, "Indeed, Lord Aizen! "
"I require you to extend your territory. Each individual must oversee a specific area. I need you to familiarize yourself with every detail of these territories promptly. "
"Ulquiorra. "
"Yes, Master Aizen? "
"You will be in charge of organizing and reporting this matter to me."
"Yes, Master Aizen. "
This was Fiander's vision to reconstruct a new Hueco Mundo, a plan he had previously shared with Aizen that had been on hold due to a lack of available subordinates.
"Then you may return for now," Aizen remarked, prompting the "Espadas" in attendance to exit the hall one after another. As they departed, Ulquiorra cast a puzzled glance at Fiander, who had not fully transitioned into an Arrancar yet still received considerable regard from Aizen-sama.
Once all the other "Espadas" had vacated the hall, only Aizen, Ichimaru Gin, Tousen Kaname, and Fiander remained.
"What troubles you, Aizen-sama? " Fiander gazed at Aizen and feigned confusion, fully aware that Aizen was inclined to inquire about his whereabouts over the past years. However, he had already devised a response for this situation during their journey back to the Palace.
"Fiander, I have always held high hopes for your potential. "
"Indeed, I am continuously thankful to Master Aizen for your invaluable mentorship. "
"Given your skills and talent, you should be able to undergo the process of Arrancarization without the Hōgyoku. Are you concealing something from me? "
Being in Aizen's presence consistently, he was well acquainted with the significance of the Hōgyoku. He had even allowed Fiander to directly facilitate numerous Arrancarizations of the Menos Grande, aiming to observe the distinctions between the soul boundaries of Shinigami and hollows.
"Ah, Master Aizen, I cannot keep this from you. I have indeed made an interesting discovery! " Fiander approached Aizen and respectfully bowed.
"My apologies, Master Aizen. "
"Ninety-Three of the Auxiliary Way, Ruri Amaterasu! ! "
As Fiander executed the hand gesture, a golden radiance emanated from his palm, much to the astonishment of Tousen Kaname and Ichimaru Gin. The light surged towards the ceiling of the hall, creating a golden barrier that entirely separated the interior from the outside world.
"No. . . this can't be! An Arrancar utilizing Shinigami's Kidō! How is this even feasible? "
If Fiander hadn't still retained some semblance of a Menos Grande at that moment, donned in a Shinigami garb and claiming to be one, Tousen Kaname and Ichimaru Gin would not have doubted him for a moment.
"You truly are extraordinary, Fiander. "
"From the very first time I encountered you, I sensed it—unlike the ruthless and tyrannical hollows. "
"When I looked into your soul, I felt a sense of tranquility; you are indeed unique. "
Fiander maintained a composed demeanor, devoid of arrogance, and continued addressing Aizen:
"Since that moment, I engaged in the research concerning Shinigamis and Hollows. "
"I pondered the limits of the soul and why some individuals can achieve in a brief time what others may spend centuries or even millennia striving for."
This naturally referred to distinctions among Shinigami like Aizen and Ichimaru Gin compared to common captains.
"Through my interactions with numerous souls, I observed that each soul possesses an origin, seemingly predetermined from birth! "
Fiander's concise remarks struck a chord with Aizen. Indeed, had Aizen not reached the boundaries of his Shinigami abilities and found himself unable to progress, he wouldn't have explored countless texts to seek answers, ultimately discovering the source of all existence—the Spirit King.
How you were born essentially defines your potential, while your focus remains on your limitations. The Shinigami's Zanpakutō starts in a sealed form, which is already possessed by the Shinigami.
When a Shinigami transitions from the sealed state to the Zanpakutō, the Shikai and Bankai serve to enhance the Shinigami's innate abilities, with the Zanpakutō acting merely as a catalyst.
Did the Arrancar, Fiander, also possess knowledge of this hidden truth?
"Years ago, I achieved full Arrancarization, yet I discovered that the soul's limits could be pushed even further! There exist alternatives beyond Shinigamiization! "
"Could you enlighten me? " This time, Tousen Kaname's intrigue, along with Aizen's typically composed demeanor, was piqued by Fiander's statement.
It is noteworthy that it took many years for both him and Urahara Kisuke to unravel the method to enhance their two species, which is the "Hōgyoku," developed through the wisdom of those who came before them.
Fiander, being just an Arrancar, has not systematically learned any knowledge; what is the source of his insights?