Posting another one today!
The image of Tatsuki that 'fallacious' posted on my board is incredible! Because of that, I'm thinking of making this version of Tatsuki the heroine for the final [Quincy Chronicle] after this story ends. Ah, of course, that's after I finish this Hollow Chronicle.
It has likely been about five years since I last saw Is. In the past, she used to visit frequently using Kyoka Suigetsu, but she hasn't set foot in Hueco Mundo for the last five years to finalize her ultimate preparations. I suppose she trusts me enough to manage Hueco Mundo on her own.
“You haven't changed at all, Is.”
Seeing her again after five years, she was exactly the same. No, perhaps the fact that she had taken off her glasses, allowing her cold eyes to radiate a sharper charisma, was the slight difference. It felt as though she had finally cast aside her mask as a Soul Reaper once and for all.
“You're as handsome as ever, Ruel. But... what is that standing behind you?”
Is’s eyes turned even colder as they shifted toward Tatsuki, who was standing behind me. Her tone was accusatory, almost like an interrogation, so I replied nonchalantly while throwing a question back at her.
“Hm? My test subject. More importantly, what are those things behind you, Is?”
Is introduced the two figures with equal indifference.
“Just some followers who were enamored by my ideals. On the left is Kaname Tosen, and on the right is Gin Ichimaru. Both are Captains. But that girl... she is a friend of the Ryoka. When did she become a Soul Reaper?”
Already aware of Tatsuki, Is reached out a hand toward her with a look of genuine intrigue. She wasn't necessarily trying to harm Tatsuki, but I grabbed Is's hand before she could reach. Is’s gaze snapped back to mine.
“I don't want our long-awaited reunion to be disturbed by underlings.”
“How dare you!”
Tosen bristled at my remark, while Gin merely maintained his unreadable, snake-like smile.
“Enough. Everyone, out.”
“You too, test subject. Go back to my room.”
Despite appearing dissatisfied with our commands, everyone except Gin moved to comply. They couldn't exactly defy us. Tosen was Is's loyal servant, and Tatsuki was my test subject; ultimately, they had no choice. Once the three of them left, only the two of us remained.
“I missed you, Ruel.”
“Yeah. So, are the preparations finally complete?”
“Yes. This is the other half.”
Is pulled out the Hogyoku created by Kisuke Urahara from her robes. Emitting an alluring, violet light, it was identical to the Hogyoku I possessed. No, perhaps its performance was slightly superior.
“Then I'll return this to you.”
I pulled my half of the Hogyoku from my pocket. Is’s expression shifted to one of surprise, followed by a mysterious smile. The power of the Hogyoku was undeniably immense—it rivaled the power of a god, granting eternal life and immortality. Renouncing such power was difficult even for me, walking the path of a King. However, I chose to use that fact to my advantage.
“Are you sure? I could use this to kill you.”
Holding both Hogyoku in her hands, Is spoke with a chilling smile, her eyes freezing over. She had dropped the affectionate nickname, addressing me with the distance one uses for a stranger. I didn't let the sudden shift faze me. Giving the Hogyoku to Is was certainly a dangerous gamble. This woman—Is, or rather Sosuke Aizen—was someone who wouldn't hesitate to stab me in the back at any moment. Even so, I had my reasons for handing it over.
“Because I believe you when you say you love me. If my lover has a wish they want to fulfill, I'm the type who will see it through regardless of what happens to me. Of course... if you truly try to kill me, I won't hesitate to kill you either.”
Vrooooooooom.
If Sosuke Aizen ever drew her blade against me as an enemy, I would exert every ounce of my strength to end her. To be fair, once she merged with the completed Hogyoku, even I would find it difficult to win. I certainly had weaknesses, and death could still claim me. I simply possessed power great enough to withstand those risks.
Heh.
Is suddenly pulled me into a tight embrace.
“There is no way I could kill you, Ruel. Not when I love you this much.”
She whispered her love without hesitation as she leaned into my chest. She was vastly different from Tibel, but unfortunately, I didn't truly believe in the concept of love. Perhaps I once did, but having taken on an Aspect of Death, I could no longer feel love in any significant way. To be precise, my emotions were dead. It was only the memories of my life before reincarnation that prevented my heart from completely rotting away, allowing me to speak these words of affection now.
“Yeah, I love you too.”
Chu.
It was our first kiss in five years. Even while whispering such sweet nothings, I never lowered my guard or showed an opening. I might "love" her, but I didn't trust her. Because I didn't trust her, I couldn't truly love her. It was a complete contradiction. Even when I said I liked her or loved her, I couldn't tell if it was my current heart speaking or the lingering echoes of my past life. For now, I simply decided that being together wasn't a bad feeling. After all, love is just another facet of death...
Throwing it out there! Throwing it! Throwing it!
This is the scene of the reunion and conversation with Aizen after five years.
The protagonist’s emotions are dying out due to his Aspect of Death; his past life's memories are the only thing barely keeping them from vanishing entirely. Because of that, rather than an emotional shift, we're likely to see a shift in his personality.
He loves Halibel and Aizen, but he doesn't trust them. Since he doesn't trust them, he doesn't truly love them. It’s a thought that just popped into my head, but I used it to express how twisted and incomprehensible the protagonist's feelings are.
Some people commit suicide because of love, but strictly speaking, I think people commit suicide because of the solitude of being left alone or the shock of betrayal by a loved one. Thus, love is similar to death, but I set it so he can't truly feel it. I'm saying this now in case someone points it out later.
Anyway, Aizen will consume the Hogyoku as planned and become a cheat-tier character. If Aizen targets the protagonist's back, he might die, but he'll definitely land a massive blow before he goes.
Anyway, Aizen is very interested in Tatsuki, and Tatsuki's setting is quite broken (OP). However, no one knows how long it will take for her to reach that peak. Only I know. Heheh. Because settings are just settings. Whether she uses her skills once or many times ultimately depends on whether this Hollow Chronicle goes long or short.
However... since the Soul Reaper Chronicle concluded today, I've firmly decided on the ending for this Hollow Chronicle as well. I expect it will end before reaching 100 chapters. If I put in the effort, I could fill up 400kb... but I'm aiming for about 300kb. If I were at home, I might have written 500kb worth, but since I'm writing this casually and there isn't much filler, 300kb is my goal. Just letting you know!
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