Chapter 158: Arrancar
The increased Hollow activity had been noted, but under the 12th Division's watchful eye, it barely registered as a minor spike on their graphs. Like the tides, Hollow activity ebbs and flows, and this spike just happened to occur now.
Feeling uneasy, Naruto decided to investigate. After Mayuri Kurotsuchi explained the situation, it became clear that this wasn't an anomaly, and the "special Shinigami power" they were monitoring hadn't shown up. The rise in Hollow activity didn't seem directly related to Aizen's experiments.
"Hollows may not be very smart, but they have some brains," Mayuri said coldly, his tone indifferent as he stared at the squad members in the Imaging Hall. "In fact, some Hollows are smarter than foolish Shinigami."
"If something changes in Hueco Mundo, the Hollows will flee too."
"For example, if a Menos Grande or something even stronger dies, creating a new ecological niche, weaker Hollows will flee to avoid being devoured."
Mayuri's words carried a subtle implication.
Naruto nodded thoughtfully. Creatures stronger than Menos Grande? The Soul Society's textbooks mention Menos Grande, but the information is basic and not exhaustive, meant for ordinary Shinigami.
Menos Grande are actually divided into three levels. The type Naruto encountered before, the one described in textbooks, is called a "Gillian," the lowest class of Menos, akin to "foot soldiers." They are numerous and almost identical in appearance.
The Menos that ordinary Shinigami know about or encounter are usually this type. Above them is a class known as "Adjuchas," the middle-class Menos. Compared to Gillians, these Hollows are smaller and have more humanoid features. They command the Gillians, much like captains command their squads.