Part 5: Hueco Mundo Vol.1, 1-8

Looks like we have intruders.

How do you know that?

The 22nd Underground Passageway has just collapsed.

The 22nd? That's not much of a threat. It's pretty far from here.

It's too bad, really. It would have been more interesting if they'd broken into the throne room instead.

Hahahaha! That would have been cool!

Oh, shut up. I'm tired as hell, let's have some peace and quiet around here.

Good morning, my dear Espada.

It seems we're under attack.

Before we talk about that, let's have some tea first.

So, does everybody have a cup of tea now? Good. Please listen carefully to what I have to say.

There are three intruders trying to break in.

Uryu Ishida, Yasutora Sado, and Ichigo Kurosaki.

Ridiculous! When you said we were under attack, I assumed it was some kind of army! These are just a bunch of kids!

I don't see what the fuss is all about. Where's the danger?

Hmph...

I wouldn't underestimate these so called kids.

Others have made the same mistake. They're humans who were once labeled Ryoka. Some time ago, four of them broke into the Soul Society and successfully took on the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.

Is that so? That means one of them is missing.

Where's the fourth warrior?

That would be Orihime Inoue.

Aww, so they've come to save their friend, have they?

Why not let them try? They look weak as hell.

Have you been listening at all? Lord Aizen just told us not to underestimate them.

If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were worried about these little brats.

Are you scared?

What's that?

............

Where are you going, Grimmjow?

I'm going to go kill them.

You have to exterminate pests as soon as they start infesting your home.

Lord Aizen hasn't given such an order yet. Sit back down.

Hey, it's perfectly clear what he wants done. I'm going to remove these intruders!

Grimmjow.

Yes?

I appreciate your intentions and your enthusiasm, but I'm not finished speaking yet. Could you return to your seat for now?

............

Well?

I can't make out your answer, Grimmjow Jeagerjaques.

Gah!

Ugh!

Good. I see you understand.

Members of the Espada, as I pointed out to you, we have three enemies.

It's unwise to underestimate them, but there's no need to become overwrought, either.

All of you are to return to your quarters and behave as if everything were normal.

Don't be impatient. Just sit and wait for the enemy to come to us.

And don't be concerned. Regardless of the situation, as long as you remain calm and stay with me, they are no match for us.

We're unstoppable.

............

(I was told to stay quiet here, but there's nothing for me to do.)

(I'm so hungry.)

(I can't help but wonder if it was really a good idea for me to come here.)

(I wonder if the battle got worse because I healed those people.)

(No. But right now, I have to make them think that I'm of use to them, no matter what.)

(At least...At least until everyone is prepared for battle.)