Another chapter thrown your way!
I needed to review my plans before Tatsuki brought Nelliel back. First and foremost, I needed to send a few Arrancars to the World of the Living to draw the Soul Reapers' attention. Since they already had an inkling of what we were up to, they wouldn't be caught completely off guard.
‘Just like the original plot, I’ll send a few scouting Arrancars, then follow up with Ulquiorra and Yammy. That will naturally draw Is’s gaze toward Orihime.’
Sticking to a path that didn't stray too far from the original story I knew was the only way to react quickly to changes. As for Arisawa Tatsuki, her role in the original was merely being Ichigo’s childhood friend; she didn't even know Soul Reapers existed back then. Abducting her wouldn't shatter the core timeline. Sure, the World of the Living would be in an absolute frenzy over her disappearance, but that wasn't a problem. If anything, her absence only increased the likelihood of Orihime being drawn into our orbit.
‘The rest will probably flow like the original after that.’
I had to manage things based on how the situation unfolded. My primary goal was to preserve as many Espadas as possible while grinding down the Gotei 13’s combat power. For that to happen, I needed Ichigo’s group to march into Hueco Mundo on their own, and Orihime was the essential bait for that hook. Plus, I needed to add Nelliel to my own military strength.
“Hmph. It looks like you struggled quite a bit.”
Tatsuki had indeed brought Nelliel back, but she hadn’t returned unscathed. Her Shihakusho was reduced to tattered rags. Upon closer inspection, her left arm and left leg looked far from normal. The only part of her that remained relatively intact was her face, and even that was a stretch compared to her usual self.
“I brought her... just like you said!”
True to her word, despite the bloody mess she was in, Nelliel was here. Furthermore, she had successfully brought back Nelliel’s Fracción alive, just as I’d ordered. Seeing such results, I didn't regret the effort of turning her into a Fracción one bit.
“Good. Well done! I might just have to give you a reward for this.”
“A reward?”
Tatsuki’s ears perked up at the word, though treating her injuries took priority.
“Treat those wounds first.”
At my command, a white light flickered from Tatsuki’s palm. As she brushed her hand over her injuries, the flesh began to knit back together—slowly, but surely. It was a healing Kidō.
“Hoh, so you learned Kidō.”
“Well, that woman taught me a lot, but my talent for healing is pretty pathetic.”
It made sense. Even among Kidō practitioners, everyone has their specialties. There’s a reason why the Soul Society has fewer medical-type Soul Reapers than combat-types. I’d told Is to handle it, and it seemed she was teaching the girl diligently.
“I see. Fine. Once you're done patching yourself up, come to your room.”
“W-Wait, let’s go together.”
As I stood up, Tatsuki scurried after me like a little chick. I’d already prepared her reward, so I didn't care if she followed or not. When we arrived at the room assigned to her, I threw open the door.
“Here’s your reward. Wear this from now on.”
What I handed to Tatsuki was a set of clothes to replace her shredded Shihakusho. Just as Soul Reapers wear black, we Espadas wear distinctive white uniforms. I hadn't given the garment a specific name yet, so I just referred to it as ‘the clothes.’
“This is the reward?”
“Of course. But there’s another part to it. I’m raising your status. You’re no longer just a test subject. You are now my Fracción and my blade.”
Despite the promotion, Tatsuki didn’t look particularly thrilled.
“What even is a Fracción? And didn't you already introduce me as one to that woman before?”
“Hmm, no. Back then it was just a label. Now, I’m truly acknowledging you as one. A Fracción is a subordinate member of an Espada's household. In short, it means you’re my direct underling.”
“An underling? Sigh...”
Pat, pat.
“I don't know what you were expecting, but you haven't earned my full trust yet. Work harder.”
When I patted the head of the sighing girl, her face turned as bright red as her hair. I turned to leave the room, but remembered one last thing.
“And think of a new name by tomorrow. Not Arisawa Tatsuki, but a name befitting a Fracción of Lucifer La El.”
Giving her a name had two meanings. One was to cast aside her identity as a human and a Soul Reaper. The other was to signify that her soul had truly become a comrade of the Espadas. Either way, as far as being my Fracción was concerned, Arisawa Tatsuki had passed the test.
Throwing this out! Throwing! Throwing!
As some of you mentioned, one of the two weaknesses of the MC is that his Hierro is weak. Among the Espadas, the protagonist has the lowest Hierro durability. I think you can guess the second weakness from that hint... if you think about it, it's very simple. I was posting late to see if anyone would guess both, but only the Hierro one came up.
Also, some people frequently say Aizen or Tatsuki will betray the MC. That’s not going to happen. Rather than a betrayal, I'm currently thinking of situations to tie Tatsuki even closer to him. Heh.
Also, please suggest some names for Tatsuki!
If nobody has ideas, I might just go with 'Matilda' something. I haven't decided on a surname. Just give me some name suggestions~ They don't need a meaning, but it's fine if they do.
Asmond: He's not exactly a 'King of Carelessness' (Gilgamesh-style), his personality just fluctuates wildly. Kekeke.
Kkwak-Kkwak: That was a perfect answer, but unfortunately not the right one. Kekeke.
Freedom Knights: Ichigo’s raw power stays true to the original. It’s just that Tatsuki has way more actual combat experience and techniques specifically tailored against Hollows and Arrancars. Kekeke.
Shinigami Saga Comment: Sin-Nara-nim, you said he’s not the strongest because he’s not omniscient or perfect, but unfortunately, in my novel, that guy is the strongest. Sora’s talent would vanish if he weren't around. There's a saying from 'The World God Only Knows'... something like 'Perfect because it’s imperfect, and imperfect because it’s perfect?' I don't remember exactly.
Well, it's not hard to explain. Simply put: 'Ah, I'm so perfect that living is just boring and tedious. I hate it.' His mind is perfect, but that's exactly why he finds it repulsive. Being too perfect is a curse... that's the setting.
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