An Unexpected Move

At the throne in the center of Las Noches, Aizen Sōsuke watched the surveillance footage with great interest...

Led by Tier, Chiba Makoto's group quickly headed toward the palace belonging to Espada No. 5.

Although Tier was merely an Arrancar ranked beyond the hundredth, and Las Noches covered an area no smaller than the Seireitei, her long life had given her ample time to distinguish the locations of the Espadas' palaces.

However, Aizen Sōsuke showed no intention of stopping them. He simply remained seated upon his throne, watching every move Chiba Makoto's group made on the surveillance screen with interest.

Ichimaru Gin could only stand to one side, his foxlike expression making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.

Just then, Tōsen Kaname flashed into view beneath the throne steps and reported.

"Lord Aizen, we have just received an urgent report. Espada No. 8, Luppi Antenor, was attacked by an unknown force and killed on the spot."

"Mm."

Aizen Sōsuke responded blandly. His utter lack of surprise or concern made Tōsen Kaname pause slightly.

After all, not long ago, Aizen Sōsuke's order to him had been to consolidate all of Las Noches' forces as much as possible in preparation for the final battle.

Yet now that Espada No. 8, one of their key combat forces, had died, Aizen Sōsuke's reaction was actually so indifferent?

"Lord Aizen, could it be that you personally disciplined Luppi?" Tōsen Kaname guessed.

"Of course not. Even if I needed to make an example of someone, I would not waste my effort on something so meaningless as Luppi..."

After a pause, Aizen Sōsuke's lips curled slightly as he said,

"That person is making an example of himself to me, reminding me that he possesses the ability to slaughter every Arrancar in Las Noches from beyond