Aizen's eye twitched slightly.
The way Masatsuki Aozaki spoke carried a hint of mischief. Was this what people called "concern from a friend"?
If so, Aizen wanted no part of it.
...But then again.
If Masatsuki insisted on being his friend, perhaps it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
Masatsuki Aozaki cleared his throat, stood up, and cast a firm gaze over the gathered audience before speaking.
"For millions of years, the Shinigami have been our greatest enemies. But Soul Society is powerful, filled with warriors of immense strength. We cannot afford to be reckless."
"Our top priority is to strengthen ourselves."
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"Hueco Mundo has been suppressed by Soul Society for countless generations. And in my view, there are three primary reasons for this."
"First, a lack of structure. Second, unclear responsibilities. Third, weak enforcement."
"All of this... is the result of Baraggan's failure as King of Hueco Mundo."
"Hueco Mundo has suffered under Baraggan's rule for far too long!"
At this point, Masatsuki Aozaki let out a deep sigh, as if truly lamenting the injustices endured by the Hollows.
"And now, thanks to your trust in me, I stand here as the new ruler of Hueco Mundo. It is my duty to change this."
In short, he was going to overhaul the entire system.
Previously, the hierarchy of Las Noches had been simple—almost laughably so.
Baraggan sat atop it all, reigning supreme.
Szayelaporro, Oswell, and that one Vasto Lorde who had invaded Soul Society only to be cut down by Kenpachi Kuruyashiki had served as his trusted lieutenants, leading bands of Adjuchas under them.
As for the weaker Adjuchas, those with no real potential?
They were lumped in with ordinary Hollows and left to be ruled by the stronger ones.
Calling this a monarchy would be generous—it was more like a glorified gang of bandits.
Masatsuki Aozaki turned his head toward an old acquaintance—someone who had once ruled Hueco Mundo and still carried considerable influence.
"Come, Sōsuke. You'll be the one to announce Las Noches' new system."
Under Aizen's wary and skeptical gaze, Masatsuki Aozaki handed him a list with a bright smile.
Aizen frowned.
That smile...
It was far too enthusiastic.
Was this really something to be so happy about?
After a brief hesitation, Aizen extended his hand and took the list, carefully scanning its contents.
"Las Noches Queen: Harribel."
"Head of the Science Department, Head of the Urban Development Department, Chief of Staff, and Head of Internal Affairs: Sōsuke Aizen."
"Head of the Public Security Department: Nelliel, overseeing both the Espada Force and the Public Security Force."
"Espada members: Starrk, Ulquiorra, Grimmjow, Zommari, Cirucci, Pícaro, Shawlong, Luppi, Dordonii, and Gantenbainne."
"The Public Security Force consists of all Arrancars who are not part of the above departments."
"Additionally, aside from the Public Security Force, members of all other departments may be assigned a certain number of Fraccións."
Aizen stroked his chin, lost in thought.
At first glance, the department titles seemed somewhat peculiar, and the structure overly complicated.
More importantly, why was he assigned four different roles? Was this some elaborate plan to work him to death?
That aside, the proposal did provide a more structured and detailed division of responsibilities.
However, something was off...
Nowhere in these positions did Masatsuki Aozaki's name appear.
Logically speaking, wasn't he the one currently ruling Hueco Mundo?
Shouldn't there be a title like "King of Las Noches" for him?
Where was he?
Aizen narrowed his eyes, sensing something amiss. He carefully searched through the list for any mention of Masatsuki Aozaki.
After a bit of effort, he finally found his name—on the back of the document.
"King of Hueco Mundo, Husband, and Director of the Female Arrancar Physiological Health Research Office—Masatsuki Aozaki."
Aizen stared at the title.
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