After our little Hakama-and-Kosode-stealing adventure, me and Aizen headed back to the castle — Baraggan's old bone fortress, which had basically become our Bone Circle headquarters now.
The place was half ruined, bones sticking out of the ground like jagged teeth, walls crumbling from age, but it was home. And it was ours.
Aizen trotted beside me, his new Kosode scarf flapping like a noble idiot. I still had the too-small Hakama slung over my shoulder, proud of my loot.
The night sky above Hueco Mundo stretched on, endless and empty, as usual.
When we reached the castle gates, Spike o Sensei was there. Ten meters of towering, unmoving cactus. His spiky arms didn't wave. His face didn't exist. But I knew he was loyal. I gave him a pat as I walked past.
"GRUHH."
[Translation: Good work, soldier.]
Inside, the Bone Circle members were already gathered.
Shawlong sat at one corner, leaning against a bone pillar with his arms crossed, giving me that usual 'why am I stuck with these lunatics' face.
The 4 idiots — Edrad, Yylfordt, Di Roy, and Nakeem — were arguing over who had the biggest reiatsu, flexing and roaring like morons.
Grimmjow was lying on his back across a broken throne, one leg hanging off the side, lazily tossing pebbles at them.
Baraggan sat on his throne like a fossil, pretending not to sleep but definitely dozing off.
I stomped into the middle of the room and let out a mighty guttural roar.
"GRAAAH!"
[Translation: Bone Circle meeting, now!]
They all paused. Even Aizen gave a surprised woof, his Kosode scarf fluttering.
Baraggan opened one eye, gave a long sigh, and translated.
"He says it's time for a meeting, idiots."
The 4 idiots grumbled and sat down.
Grimmjow rolled over.
Shawlong just stayed leaning where he was.
I threw the stolen Hakama down in front of them.
"GRUUUHH!"
[Translation: Look what I got.]
Baraggan translated, then added with a lazy smirk, "He stole this from a Shinigami who got lost here."
The room was silent for a second. Then Di Roy burst out laughing.
"BAHAHA! You stole his pants?!"
Yylfordt cracked his knuckles. "Should've taken his sword too."
Aizen gave a single proud woof.
Shawlong rubbed his face. "Why… why do I stay here…"
I ignored him.
"GRURRRRNN."
[Translation: Next raid soon. Another prank. Bigger one.]
Baraggan translated again.
Grimmjow's ears perked up.
"Another prank, huh? Better not screw it up this time, boss."
I shot him a look.
"HRAAUGH!"
[Translation: I always win.]
The Bone Circle laughed.
Even Baraggan's old skull-face cracked a grin.
Spike o Sensei didn't move.
Loyal as ever.
I dropped down onto a pile of broken bones and crossed my arms, satisfied.
The Bone Circle was in place. My plan was coming together.
And my EP meter still climbed.
Quietly. Steadily.
Soon, I'd hit my mark.
And no one — not even Aizen with his smug woofs — would stop me.
Bone Circle meeting adjourned.