The Espada and the Soul Society defector captain-class officers had assembled in the great hall. For Bleach fans, this was one of the series' most iconic stylish scenes.
Having recovered my spirits significantly from the screw-up funk, I quietly retreat to an inconspicuous corner so as not to tarnish this famous scene that looks just like that meeting spread. It's a reincarnator dilemma at this point, but joining in creates an unbearable sense of being out of place. I'm perfectly satisfied with just adding a little flair to the tea.
But there's someone who won't let me casually stay in attendant mode beside Gin.
It happened after the original meeting's eleven members took their seats and caught their breath.
"—Oh my, we're one seat short."
Yon-sama deliberately surveys the table's surroundings and voices his dissatisfaction. Then, after a stylish finger snap, a twelfth chair smoothly rises from the floor between Yammy and Aaroniero at the back of the table.
...Wait, what's with that special treatment?
"Come, Momo. That's your seat—
join our meeting."
Just as I feared—as expected, Yon-sama summons me to the table with his signature suggestive manner. Damn, even though I prepared this conference table myself, embedding such staging to make everyone present aware of my participation in the meeting. Is this another surprise OPB test in daily life's colors?
...Hmph, but if that's how it is, I have my own ideas. Inadvertently this has become a counterattack against his stylish dominance move, but as you said... first, I want you to drink the tea I brewed.
Time for Momo-chan's trivia corner.
It's well-known that Hueco Mundo and Hollows use Spanish motifs, but the teacup depicted in the original was a Turkish-style chai glass unrelated to Spanish. I tilted my head wondering "why?" at first, but this is probably Kubo-sensei's stylish twist connecting Spain and Turkey through their shared Islamic cultural sphere. Las Noches looks mosque-like too.
The Middle East's tea culture isn't as refined and celebrity-chic as Europe's, but with religion prohibiting many recreational beverages and geography making it a transit point for tea transport routes from China and India to Europe, it's actually the region where tea has been historically most beloved worldwide.
That original Yon-sama served tea to the Arrancars at the Espada meeting wasn't for some shallow, lame reason like "European celebrity-style composure." It was a parallel of the complex power struggle history between Christian Spanish Kingdom forces and Islamic Al-Andalus forces to the current Hueco Mundo situation—a mockery of Shinigami dominating Hollows, a provocation to the Espada.
Yon-sama deliberately avoiding coffee and wine, especially favored in Spanish-speaking Hueco Mundo motif regions, might also be because they symbolize the colonial policy swagger era of the Spanish Empire at its height.
A man who makes you feel such depth in that single line "First, shall we brew some tea?"—truly the ultimate style master unrivaled in the series.
...Now then. What happens if you just casually brain-dead interpret Yon-sama's line as "yeah yeah, tea means classy British brands" and smugly brew some Fortnum & Mason or other famous living world British brand? Needless to say, my OSR value would drop significantly.
So here I selected Rize-produced tea, matching the original's Turkish-style teacup. The brewing method is of course the stacked double-pot çaydanlık boil, adjusting strength with hot water from the lower pot. Add two sweet sugar cubes to the saucer at the end—perfect Islamic-style chai.
Rize tea's calm aroma with robust astringency, and above all the beautiful deep red mahogany liquor. Taking a sip, Yon-sama raised his eyebrows by millimeters and sent me a sidelong glance that seemed impressed. Momo-chan coolly smiles back.
Heh, I won (at what?).
"—Kaname, the footage."
Now then, with me at one win and one loss, the meeting begins. At DJ's operation, a hologram appears at the table's center, and seeing those three intruders, Grimmjow gasps.
"Kurosaki... Ichigo!"
"Heh, so this guy's still alive."
Several people including Grimmjow glance my way. Is this that thing—are they thinking he's a favorite I let escape twice?
"Legion Commander. Didn't ye eliminate that brat?"
As expected, Baraggan-jii sarcastically probes. Answering this frantically seems like making excuses and looks lame, but if I create one cushion by meaningfully glancing at Yon-sama first, it suddenly gives off a "there's a reason" vibe and OSR points skyrocket. A valid OPB skill.
"...Disposing of Kurosaki Ichigo was assigned to Ulquiorra at the previous briefing, as Lord Aizen decided. My defeating him would be overstepping authority."
"Hmph, then it can't be helped."
My high OSR value makes Baraggan back down—debate victory. This excuse is also groundwork to make Grimmjow, who dislikes Ulquiorra, rebel and head toward Ichigo as in the original. Sorry Gnununu-jo, but please work hard as Ul-kun's opening act.
"...Tch, he's just trash kept alive by Lord Aizen anyway. Ulquiorra alone is plenty."
"Not intriguing at all."
"Hyahaha, hilarious! What can three human brats possibly do?"
Some Espada diligently constructing magnificent flags. This too is the fate of enemy characters.
One of those flag craftsmen, Szayelaporro, sends me a strange eye contact while cleverly setting up a reversal OSR flag. It's fine—the demon gate is Mayuri-sama, so there's still about half a day to erase traces of the lab relocation.
"Underestimation is forbidden."
Yon-sama converting his subordinates' OSR value negatives into his own OSR value positives. Appealing that he's not complacent by praising the four's battle history. What an infinite OSR engine—unfair.
"Four? We're one short. Where's the remaining one?"
Zommari-san's rare original line. At that question, Yon-sama deepens his smile, and Ulquiorra... huh, he's not saying anything.
Can't be helped, so I answer "Inoue Orihime."
"Heh, so they came to rescue their comrade? Not bad, though they look weak."
"...Didn't you hear? Lord Aizen said not to underestimate them."
Harribel admonishing Nnoitra, still a first-class death flag architect. This alone would give off loyal retainer vibes and be stylish, but...
"Hah? I didn't mean it that way. You scared?"
"...What?"
Ugh, there... that lame comeback is why you have bad battle records in the original, Harribel! Even with Yon-sama right nearby, what have you been observing? He would've earned high points with a chuckle and counter-provocation like "Sorry, but my answer can't become a forest to hide your true feelings."
As I'm confirming Shiro-chan's good fight in the Harribel battle even in this world, Grimmjow slams the table and stands without waiting for the meeting to end. A hot-blooded impatient rival?
"Where are you going, Grimmjow? Lord Aizen's orders haven't been given yet."
"I'm going to kill him for Lord Aizen's sake!"
GJ arguing with DJ. It's a good flow as in the original, so I secretly make the great hall's surveillance device focus on Yon-sama's face. Ehehehe, is it almost time for that famous intimidation scene? The line after that is also super stylish.
Alright, ready whenever, Captain Aizen!
"Momo."
...Hm? What is it, Captain? Recording's already started though. Suddenly called by name, I look up.
But Yon-sama just leisurely drinks his tea, and in the back Grimmjow toddles toward the exit. Eh, wai—Y-Yon-sama? By "Momo," you mean I should stop him?!
Ah, ah, w-wait, Gri—
"Grimmjow."
Thanks to daily acting practice, my usual Hinamori voice somehow comes out unchanged. G-good, I didn't stutter... wait, that's not the point!
"...Yes."
GJJJ clicks his tongue while turning toward me. Uh, wh-what do I do...? Do I really have to do this? Because I'm Legion Commander? You're telling me to hold my subordinates' reins?!
Bad. Grimmjow's getting irritated at my silence.
U-um, the line after this is, I think...
"...Your loyalty in thinking of Lord Aizen is admirable. But we're still mid-meeting. Please sit down."
Not enough! OSR value! Not enough OSR value to say Yon-sama's line coolly!
But Grimmjow glares at me as if this is the critical moment. No good—the stage is completely set.
Ugh, fine!
"...What's wrong?"
At this point, I can only boost it with [Tone Change] and [Spiritual Pressure Intimidation: All]OSR bonuses. Sorry everyone, I'm pulling spiritual pressure from the Hogyoku currently buried in the manure pile, so just endure it a bit!
Come on! Release amazing spiritual power! (poke poke)
'—Stop bullying me!'
Alright, here I go!
"I can't hear your answer—
Grimmjow Jaegerjaques."
'Gah—?!'
A ridiculously intense rumbling echoes through the great hall. Come to think of it, this is the first time releasing spiritual pressure after the Hogyoku stabilized. Even so, with the Hogyoku's instinctive sense, I discerned the transcendent realm and scattered it around while holding back one step so everyone could feel it.
Instantly Grimmjow drops to his knees... no, prostrates on the floor, and the seated Espada collapse on the table, trembling violently. As teacups shatter to pieces and red tea becomes a disaster, I frantically pull back my spiritual pressure.
P-please have mercy, Yon-sama! The last line—only your OSR value can deliver the last line! Baton pass, please!
When I direct such pleading eyes at Yon-sama, the only one still enjoying chai from an intact cup...
"—That's right. It seems you understand."
With a look that seems to say "good grief," Yon-sama addresses Grimmjow—now sitting collapsed behind him—over his shoulder.
Haaaaah, Yon-sama's so cool! Stylish! As expected, he's on another level. Thank you so much, you saved me...
You get it, right? The stylish point of this line. When ordered to sit and listen, anyone imagines sitting in a chair, but Yon-sama gave the OK and resumed the discussion acknowledging the act of sittingitself. With the opponent still displaying a pathetically humiliating prostrated posture.
This kind of wordplay is highly instructive, so everyone should learn from it. Thanks, Yon-sama!
...Wait, but if he'd just reprimanded Grimmjow himself to begin with, wouldn't I not have suffered through this surprise OPB?
...Curse you, Decade!
"—Espada."
Ignoring me internally puffing my cheeks, Yon-sama moves to close the meeting.
"As you can see, there are three enemies."
'...'
"Underestimation is unnecessary, but neither is making a fuss. Return to your palaces and act as usual."
Despite their cold sweat, all the Arrancars looked up at his face. Captivating everyone's attention and fascination with a single word, no matter what happens.
"Don't be arrogant, don't be hasty—just sit and wait for the enemy."
This is the king's charisma that only a conqueror possesses—something I, a reader-cheat cultivated stylish character, could never have.
The white porcelain at his seat is the only thing shining mysteriously amid the table scattered with broken cups and tea. That scene looks almost like a meaningful metaphor—the dangerous insanity of Hinamori Momo with the embedded Hogyoku, and the master who alone controls it.
...Could it be Yon-sama made me scold Grimmjow because he wanted to create this scene?
With my OPB-obsessed brain, I inadvertently think something so foolish while forgetting my earlier indignation, moved alone by Aizen Sosuke's charisma.
"Don't be afraid. No matter what happens, as long as you walk with me—
there is no enemy before us."
***
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