Chapter 216: I Have Arrived!
Looking at Harribel kneeling before him on one knee, Satoru tilted his head.
He pointed to Aizen beside him:
"You're pledging to the wrong leader. I just came to rob... ahem, I just came to hunt for treasure."
"This gentleman here is the one who aims to become the King of Hueco Mundo."
Harribel was slightly taken aback and turned to look at Aizen.
She saw Aizen wearing an expression of amused interest.
He chuckled lightly: "No, from beginning to end, I've merely been acting according to his instructions."
"Whether it's expanding our influence in Hueco Mundo, establishing secret bases here, poaching Baraggan's subordinates, or this operation to seize the Tsunayashiro Clan's treasured sword... these were all Lord Satoru's commands."
"Rest assured, Lady Harribel, your pledge of allegiance is not mistaken."
Hearing this, Satoru scratched his head.
So he was such an impressive person?
Even Aizen, who stands in heaven, sincerely submitted to him?
Looking at Aizen standing beside him, he showed a touched expression.
"Sōsuke, I have truly felt your loyalty."
"Rest assured, this authority shall not remain in my grasp forever... Your talents far surpass my son Seinosuke's by tenfold. After my passing, I shall take that incompetent Seinosuke with me, and the throne shall be yours to claim!"
As he spoke, he reached out and grasped Aizen's hand, his face filled with earnest sincerity.
Aizen: "..."
His blood pressure spiked.
He replied indifferently, "The yet-to-be-crowned 'Your Majesty' Satoru, this one here is still awaiting your response."
Only then did Satoru snap back to reality and turned to look at Tier Harribel kneeling beside him.
"Hmm... You wish to repay me, is it?"
"No need to rush. We shall speak of this after your next breakthrough."
Only after becoming an Arrancar could Harribel shed her bone armor, revealing supple, warm skin.
When that time comes, he would surely offer her proper comfort.
Hearing this, Harribel was momentarily taken aback before understanding dawned.
Indeed, with her current strength, she was still far from being able to truly assist her lord.
She lowered her head and declared earnestly, "I understand, Lord Satoru. I will strive diligently to become stronger!"
Not far behind them, Sung-Sun and the other two promptly followed suit, bowing deeply.
At that moment, Szayelaporro flashed into existence beside the group.
Seeing Harribel kneeling on one knee, he raised an eyebrow.
"As expected of the boss~ Baraggan expended countless schemes and methods yet failed to make Lady Harribel submit, while you've so effortlessly won her loyalty!"
Praising Satoru in a melodramatic, chanting tone, he too approached and knelt on one knee.
Watching Szayelaporro, Aizen narrowed his eyes.
Unlike Harribel, this guy was no easy customer.
A single misstep, and he could end up like Baraggan—seemingly subdued, only to be viciously betrayed at a critical moment, torn apart in the process.
But before he could voice his warning, Satoru snorted.
"Of course! With Chancellor Aizen by my side, achieving such feats is only natural, isn't it?"
"Szayelaporro, since you've followed us here, I take it you're willing to join my Hueco Mundo Research Institute?"
"Precisely!"
Szayelaporro raised his head with a smile. "Allow me to offer you my strength!"
"Mhm." Satoru nodded. "I know a thing or two about your abilities."
"Tricks like planting bombs in organs or leaving poisons in the body mean nothing to you."
"After all, with your skills, clearing such things out would be child's play."
Aizen gave an almost imperceptible nod.
Without sufficient means of deterrence, cooperating with someone as powerful and cunning as Szayelaporro would invite endless trouble.
"But!" Satoru suddenly raised his voice.
"Though I can't threaten you, I can tempt you with benefits."
"You're currently working hard on some research, aren't you?"
"By my side, there are three researchers whose skills are no less than mine—true giants in the field."
"If you cooperate properly, I'll arrange for them to engage in technical exchanges with you from time to time. They'll help advance your research and teach you techniques from the Soul Society."
"Of course, in return, you must share the technologies you've mastered."
"On the other hand, if you harbor ill intentions, not only will all cooperation cease, but once I've mastered my ultimate power, I'll hunt you down across all of Hueco Mundo."
"You can rest assured about my growth rate. With Sōsuke here, it won't be long before I become an invincible powerhouse."
"By then, those who submit will prosper, and those who resist will p—... those who resist will perish!"
Watching Satoru's haughty demeanor, Aizen couldn't help but twitch the corner of his eye.
What kind of nonsense was this?
Using power he hadn't even obtained yet to threaten others.
He'd heard of bluffing to deceive people, but this was the first time he'd seen someone bluff to threaten them.
Besides, was it really okay to outright say something like "I'll tempt you with benefits"?
What in the world had this guy learned from Yamamoto…? Had he never studied negotiation tactics at all?
Szayelaporro was stunned for a few seconds.
Then, he couldn't help but grin.
Remaining in his kneeling position, he bowed his head deeply.
"Set your mind at ease, my lord."
"Before you lose your radiance and become ordinary, I will demonstrate absolute loyalty to you."
"At this moment, my anticipation to witness you become that shining existence has only grown stronger."
Satoru laughed heartily and pulled Szayelaporro to his feet.
Watching the two converse so amiably, Aizen fell into deep thought.
The persuasion had been baffling.
The surrender lacked any sincerity.
Was it really safe to let these two into his laboratory?
...
...
Whoosh!
The Senkaimon slid open on both sides, and Satoru and Aizen leaped out.
They emerged in a secret laboratory within the Technical Bureau.
A room even Kisuke and Mayuri knew nothing about.
Casually taking off Enrakyōten and tossing it aside, Satoru pushed the door open and stepped out.
Aizen headed toward the laboratory; he had some items to store.
Satoru, meanwhile, made his way toward the main entrance, intending to take a bath.
From a distance, he spotted Kisuke leaning against the entrance of the Technical Bureau, anxiously looking outside.
"Hey, Kisuke, who are you waiting for?"
Satoru walked over and patted Kisuke on the shoulder.
The latter jumped in surprise and quickly turned around.
Upon recognizing Satoru, his eyes widened.
"Mr. Mikami? Where did you come back from?"
Then, without waiting for Satoru to respond, he hurriedly said anxiously:
"Never mind that for now... You need to get ready quickly—Captain-Commander is looking for you!"
"Huh?"
Satoru was slightly taken aback.
"Then I need to hurry and take a bath, change clothes... If anyone sees me like this, it'll be trouble."
Having just finished a fight in Hueco Mundo, he was still in tattered clothes.
However, as soon as he finished speaking, an aged yet vigorous voice rang out.
"No need."
"I'm already here!"