CHAPTER 474: CHAPTER 474: TRULY INTERESTING

Starrk had only come along because Lilinette wanted to.

Otherwise, given his personality, he would’ve preferred to stay in his room and nap rather than make this long trip.

Lilinette, however, seemed to really enjoy Seireitei and had been dragging Masatsuki Aozaki around, excitedly exploring the place.

Ulquiorra spent his time shuttling between Seireitei and Rukongai, aimlessly wandering with his so-called "childhood friend." Sometimes, they’d stumble upon something—or someone—interesting. Whether Ulquiorra actually found it interesting was anyone’s guess, but he’d quietly observe and occasionally make a brief comment.

Yammy, surprisingly, had mellowed out a bit. Though he complained constantly, he still tagged along everywhere. As long as there was good food, this simple-minded guy would light up with joy.

Grimmjow and the other male Arrancars, as expected, made their way to the 11th Division, where they quickly bonded with fellow combat fanatics. Once they hit it off, it didn’t take long for fists to start flying as they reveled in testing their strength. And when the fights were over, both sides would burst into hearty laughter, as if it had all just been a game.

For these battle-hungry types, this place was practically paradise.

Even Shunsui Kyōraku came out to welcome the visitors, so it was only natural that Masatsuki Aozaki’s other senior wouldn’t sit back idly. Jūshirō Ukitake warmly invited the Pícaros to visit the 13th Division. Everyone in the Gotei 13 knew how fond he was of children—even his Zanpakutō Spirits took the form of two adorable kids.

So no one was surprised by how well he got along with the Piccolos.

...

But good times always pass in the blink of an eye. Before long, it was time to part ways.

In the Captain-Commander’s office, Masatsuki Aozaki sat in the main seat, smiling as he addressed everyone.

"I’ll grant you access to the Senkaimon. From now on, you’re free to use the Gotei 13’s Senkaimon whenever you need."

He paused, as if something had just come to mind, then added:

"Actually, there’s still some time. Something interesting came up today—Aizen asked me to help him with something. Would any of you be interested in tagging along?"

At those words, Starrk glanced over, unable to hide his reaction.

He remembered clearly—back in Las Noches, Aizen had said something almost identical.

Back then, Starrk had been more naïve, and his curiosity had been piqued far too easily.

The result?

That guy had led him into a dark room and... turned on a video game console.

He still remembered it vividly. Sure, the game’s story was interesting, and the visuals had an epic, grand feel. But the so-called protagonist couldn’t even perform the most basic jump.

If it weren’t for the rolling and running mechanics, Starrk would’ve seriously suspected that the so-called "Immortal" species didn’t even have knees.

Seeing the doubtful looks on everyone’s faces, Masatsuki Aozaki didn’t scold his skeptical subordinates. Instead, he slowly rose from his seat.

"You’ve seen plenty of Hollows gaining Shinigami powers, but I bet you’ve never witnessed the process of Hollowfication itself, have you?"

Masatsuki Aozaki said with a smile.

"Hollowfication?"

At the mention of that familiar yet foreign term, everyone perked up, curiosity lighting up their faces.

They had all heard of it, but none had ever seen it firsthand. Even Harribel and Nelliel had only encountered something vaguely similar.

"That’s right. Just like how Hollows gain Shinigami powers, Hollowfication lets Shinigami break the boundary between Shinigami and Hollow—except it’s the Shinigami who acquire Hollow abilities."

Masatsuki Aozaki explained.

The power of Hollows...

Harribel opened her mouth, and her mind involuntarily drifted to the ambitious man who had died by her hand. She had indeed faced Shinigami who possessed Hollow powers—she had even fought one. But that couldn’t really be called Hollowfication. And she honestly had no idea how the process actually worked.

Everyone was intrigued and quickly voiced their interest in seeing it. After all, two races that had once been mortal enemies now trying to integrate with each other—what could be more fascinating?

"Come on. I’ll show you."

A breeze stirred his white haori as Masatsuki Aozaki waved them along and headed toward the Shinigami Research and Development Institute.

...

Aizen hadn’t expected this sudden whim from Masatsuki Aozaki. He frowned, feeling a headache coming on, and rubbed his temples with a sigh.

Couldn’t this guy ever stay still for once?

"Captain-Commander-sama, you know who the subject of this Hollowfication is. It might stir up trouble."

Aizen deliberately emphasized the honorific, his tone carrying a clear note of disapproval.

But Masatsuki Aozaki remained unfazed. Smiling, he replied,

"Lieutenant Aizen, no need to get so worked up. I may not know his full strength, but you certainly do, don’t you?"

Aizen sighed in resignation. He knew there was no changing Masatsuki Aozaki’s mind.

This wasn’t some kind of stage play—why did he have to get involved in every spectacle?

While showing off in front of the others, Masatsuki Aozaki suddenly noticed the figure in the center whose Reiatsu was growing increasingly unstable.

"Has that Zaraki kid started yet?" he asked.

"Yeah, he’s already drawn out the Hollow within. The mask is about to form."

Aizen removed his glasses and wiped them with a handkerchief, watching the figure with a slight smirk.

This underground training ground beneath the Shinigami Research and Development Institute was a far cry from the sleek, high-tech buildings on the other side of the metal door. Here, it was nothing but rock and dust.

Kisuke Urahara was something of an excavation master, and building an underground training arena like this had been no big deal for him.

The tall man kneeling at the center of the arena stared blankly ahead, while surging Reiatsu—dense and liquid-like—poured out from his body, quickly covering his fierce face.

"This level of Reiatsu... Before I merged with the Hōgyoku, that was about as far as I could go,"

Nelliel remarked in admiration, stroking her chin thoughtfully.

"But if this is the limit, it’s still not as strong as a full Arrancar transformation, right?!"

No sooner had she spoken than the man’s Reiatsu flared again—golden spiritual pressure erupting like a blazing sun, radiant and overwhelming.

As it surged, his body began to change. His skin roughened, muscles bulged, bones jutted out—he was transforming into a monstrous figure.

"Whoa! So this is Hollowfication? He’s practically turned into a Primal Hollow!"

Lilynette shouted, brimming with excitement.

The others were equally stunned, though they didn’t get as worked up as Lilynette.

At last, the transformation completed.

A terrifying white mask now covered the man’s head, lined with sharp horns and jagged teeth, like a demon that had clawed its way out of hell. Behind the mask, blood-red eyes gleamed with ferocity. The cold, oppressive Reiatsu radiating from him was just like that of a true Hollow—wild and fearsome, sending chills down everyone’s spine.

"So this is Hollowfication..."

Ulquiorra murmured.

"A complete soul, yet still trying to peer into the void within... How fascinating."

His gaze never left the transformed man, a flicker of curiosity and anticipation dancing in his eyes.