Chapter 258: Happiness
Hueco Mundo, Las Noches.
In this silent land, silvery moonlight draped over every corner like a delicate veil. Yet, the sight before him was impossible to ignore.
Countless collapsed and shattered walls stood as grim reminders of an intense and brutal war. Scorch marks left by the fire of the sun, along with the lingering impact of Cero and Kidō, were scattered throughout the ruins. These remnants bore witness to a battle that shook the very foundations of this palace and hinted at the trials it had endured.
Kaname Tōsen led a large number of Adjuchas and Arrancar, including Harribel and Ulquiorra, in the restoration of Las Noches. Their figures moved busily through the vast halls and courtyards, working tirelessly to return the once-glorious palace to its former splendor.
From a room in a damaged tower, Sōsuke Aizen stood in silence, his gaze fixed out the window. Below, Masatsuki Aozaki was openly flirting with a female Arrancar, drawing curious glances from those around them.
Watching the scene unfold, Aizen couldn't help but be overcome with complex emotions.
Just a few days ago, he had fought a life-and-death battle against that man. Now, not only had he relinquished the palace he had so briefly ruled, but he had also become Masatsuki Aozaki's so-called "companion."
Yet, Aizen did not feel particularly resentful about this arrangement. After all, they were the same kind. And Aizen had always been tolerant of his own kind.
However, Masatsuki Aozaki's theory of "the king and his mount" lingered in his mind, drawing an involuntary sigh from his lips. That analogy left him with an inexplicable sense of helplessness and frustration.
A relationship of dominance and submission—there was nothing unusual about that. He was the defeated, and Masatsuki Aozaki was the undisputed victor.
But still... to think that man had so quickly reached his level—no, surpassed him—it was difficult to accept.