Chapter Summaries

Ross tested a calico cat fruit on a Monkey Hollow, which transformed into a stronger humanoid Arrancar-like being. After Harribel subdued it, Sun-Sun volunteered to become Ross’s next test subject and swallowed her fruit, beginning her own transformation.

• Ross gave the Monkey Hollow a calico cat fruit, and it transformed into a humanoid monster whose strength rose from A- to A-Class as its mask shattered.
• Harribel pinned the newly transformed Monkey Hollow to the ground, and Ross considered keeping it as a pet for one of his subordinates.
• Sun-Sun asked Ross to perform Arrancar transformation on her first so she could suppress the Monkey Hollow.
• Ross gave Sun-Sun her white fruit, which she swallowed before her body began to change.
• Ross sealed the Monkey Hollow inside a curtain of water so it could not see or sense Sun-Sun’s transformation.

Sun-Sun became an Arrancar through Ross's transformation, gaining a human form and greatly increased abilities. Mira and Apache transformed next, while Harribel learned how Ross's method differed from Aizen's and witnessed the power of Sun-Sun's Cero.

• Sun-Sun completed her transformation, and Ross helped her steady herself and gave her a black robe.
• Ross explained Sun-Sun's new strength and potential, and she thanked him before joining his side.
• Mira and Apache swallowed Mythical Zoan fruits and transformed into Arrancar.
• Harribel noticed the three Arrancars' Hollow holes had disappeared, and Ross explained that his method differed from Aizen's.
• Sun-Sun described her new abilities and fired a Cero that Harribel judged to be as powerful as a Vastod's.

Ross transformed Harribel into an Arrancar, greatly increasing her strength and granting her the Sacrifice ability. As Harribel pledged herself to Ross, Sun-Sun and the others began testing their new abilities on Monkey Hollow.

• Sun-Sun explained that she could eventually gain a unique ability after using Resurrección, while Harribel reflected on the power of special abilities.
• Harribel knelt before Ross and asked him to grant her Arrancar power, and Ross gave her a special fruit.
• Harribel transformed into an Arrancar, and Ross dressed her in a black robe bearing Jaygarcia.
• Harribel discovered that her basic abilities and water powers had increased more than fivefold and that her Resurrección granted her the Sacrifice ability.
• Harribel accepted Ross's warning to use Sacrifice carefully and vowed to fight for him.
• Ross removed the barrier around Monkey Hollow, and Sun-Sun and the others practiced their new abilities on him while Harribel watched.

After six months of training and gathering information, Ross led Harribel, Sun-Sun, Mira, Apache, and their Arrancar forces out of the Forest of Menos to challenge Barragan. They set off for the center of Hueco Mundo, intent on making Ross its new king.

• Ross learned that Barragan and Szayelaporro were allied, Nel Tu wandered Hueco Mundo, and two forbidden zones were suspected to contain Vastod-class Menos Grandes.
• Mira and Sun-Sun prepared to leave the Forest of Menos after Ross ordered them to stand above Hueco Mundo.
• Harribel had mastered her special power of rules and joined Ross after their private encounter.
• Apache arrived with Parachi, Geronimo, and several dozen Adjuchas, who bowed to Ross and Harribel.
• Ross led the Arrancar squad out of the Forest of Menos toward Barragan's territory, deciding to challenge Hueco Mundo's strongest opponent.

Barragan learned that Harribel and Ross’s group had arrived at Las Noches after destroying his Arrancar legion. He sent Ggio to punish Sun-Sun for mocking his palace, and she met his charge with a Cero.

• Ggio told Barragan that Nel Tu and a mantis Adjuchas were moving through his territory, while Nirgge reported that nearly a hundred Arrancar soldiers had been created.
• A messenger reported that Harribel had arrived with a Vastod Hollow, and Abilama revealed that the Arrancar legion had been wiped out by stronger, more human-looking Arrancar.
• Barragan dismissed the threat and waited for the attackers, then Ross led Harribel and the others before his throne.
• Sun-Sun mocked Las Noches, so Barragan ordered Ggio to slap her; she used Sonido to confront him and fired a Cero from her sleeve.

Sun-Sun defeated Ggio and Nirgge with her Resurrección before Barragan entered the fight against Harribel. Harribel’s Scorching Current clashed with Barragan’s Death Aura, leaving their battle unresolved.

• Ggio was caught in Ross’s white Cero and fell, while Barragan chose not to enter the battle yet.
• Sun-Sun released her Resurrección, bewitched Nirgge, and killed him with a close-range Cero.
• Aizen and Ichimaru Gin watched Sun-Sun’s transformation, and Aizen admired Ross as a powerful rival.
• Barragan rose from his throne to fight, and Ross sent Harribel to face him.
• Harribel and Barragan collided with Scorching Current and Death Aura, which began consuming each other.

Barragan’s battle with Harribel turned against him as she gained the advantage and prepared to use Resurrección. Aizen entered the battlefield to ask Ross for a favor, but Harribel released her full power and attacked him, leaving the two clashing as the chapter ended.

• Barragan used Respira against Harribel, but her Scorching Current held back his Death Aura.
• Aizen explained that Barragan was nearing defeat and told Ichimaru Gin and Tosen Kaname that they would enter the battlefield.
• Barragan rushed into close combat, but Harribel outmatched him and knocked him away.
• As Harribel prepared to release Resurrección, Aizen appeared before her and asked Ross for a favor.
• Harribel released her Resurrección, Conquer him, Empress Shark, and attacked Aizen, who blocked her strike with his blade.

Harribel fought Aizen using a costly boost to her Spiritual Pressure, but Aizen endured her attacks until Ross told her to stop. Aizen then asked Ross to discuss a transaction, and Ross invited him to state its terms.

• Aizen used Illusion against Harribel, but she relied on Ross's presence and attacked him without depending on her senses.
• Harribel raised her Spiritual Pressure by paying a price and fought Aizen at close range, while he countered her attacks with skill and minor tricks.
• After nearly five minutes of battle, Aizen observed Harribel's power declining, and Ross told her she had done well and ordered her to stop.
• Harribel released her Resurrección and stood behind Ross as Aizen asked to complete a transaction with him.
• Ross neither accepted nor rejected Aizen's request and told him to explain the terms.

Ross defeated Barragan, became the King of Hueco Mundo, and began gathering companions for his Espada. Two months later, his new palace was complete, and Neliel arrived as more powerful Hollows answered his call.

• Aizen left Hueco Mundo after making a deal with Ross, while Barragan followed him after accepting defeat.
• Ross shattered Barragan’s throne and was acclaimed King of Hueco Mundo by Harribel, Sun-Sun, and the other Arrancar.
• Ross announced that he was recruiting companions and establishing the Espada, prompting Stark and Lilynette to set out to meet him while Ulquiorra dismissed the news.
• Ross built the True King’s Palace on the former site of Las Noches, with Aizen providing its barriers.
• Neliel arrived at the palace with Pesche and Dondochakka, and Sun-Sun greeted her at the eastern gate.

Neliel and Pesche visited True King's Palace to judge whether Ross’s group offered a better life for Hollows. After hearing about Ross’s ideals and meeting his companions, Neliel agreed to join, though she planned to see how things went.

• Sun-Sun led Neliel and Pesche through True King's Palace and explained that Ross hoped to create a world where Hollows could live beneath the sunlight.
• Neliel entered the conference room and met Ross, Harribel, Lilynette, Stark, and Grimmjow, while Pesche waited outside.
• Lilynette teased Grimmjow by calling him “Blue Hair” and told Neliel that Ross could turn Hollows into Arrancar.
• Harribel welcomed Neliel, and Neliel agreed to join Ross’s group.

Neliel became an Arrancar and joined True King's Palace as its 30th Espada after Ross explained the rules for earning Arrancar transformations and promised to protect Hollows from slaughtering one another. Ten days later, Ross confronted Ulquiorra in his forest, and Ulquiorra recognized him as Hueco Mundo’s new king.

• Neliel explored her new Arrancar body and asked Ross whether her companions could also become Arrancar; Ross explained the available slots and contribution system.
• Ross told Neliel he would prevent Hollows in True King's Palace from slaughtering one another but would not stop them from devouring other Hollows, and Neliel accepted his approach.
• Ross welcomed Neliel as the 30th Espada, and she vowed to protect True King's Palace.
• Ten days later, Ross took Harribel and Stark to Ulquiorra’s forest while Neliel and Sun-Sun stayed behind to guard the palace.
• Ulquiorra appeared and threatened Ross’s group, but Ross swiftly dispersed his Cero; Lilynette identified Ross as Hueco Mundo’s king, and Ulquiorra recognized him as the new ruler.

Ross recruited Ulquiorra into his ranks and assigned the Espada positions at True King's Palace. After several months, Ross left Hueco Mundo and met Aizen again.

• Ross invited Ulquiorra to join him, and Ulquiorra agreed after Ross defeated him in a single blow.
• Ross assigned Harribel as No. 1, Stark and Lilynette as No. 2, Neliel as No. 3, Ulquiorra as No. 4, Sun-Sun as No. 5, Grimmjow as No. 6, and Tier as No. 7 Espada.
• The Espada rankings spread through True King's Palace, where their black robes with gold trim distinguished them from ordinary Arrancar.
• After several months, Ross left True King's Palace to seek the abilities of Soul Society and met Aizen in Hueco Mundo.
• Aizen welcomed Ross with his followers, while Ross noticed Szayelaporro among the Arrancar and decided against recruiting him.

Aizen gave Ross a fabricated noble identity in the Soul Society and an Asauchi, which Ross effortlessly transformed into the Zanpakuto Tihua. Aizen explained the Soul Society’s hierarchy and Captain selection methods, leaving Ross with the option to pursue a position in the Gotei 13.

• Aizen told Ross he had fabricated a noble background for him in District 78, East, and recorded the story in the Great Spirit Library Corridor.
• Aizen gave Ross an Asauchi and explained how Shinigami turned one into a personal Zanpakuto.
• Ross transformed the Asauchi into Tihua, a water-type Zanpakuto that could control and heal with water.
• Aizen regarded Ross as a fusion of Hollow and Shinigami and grew more excited about pursuing their shared path.
• Aizen explained the Soul Society’s government and the three ways to become a Captain, offering to recommend Ross for the Tenth Division’s assessment.

Ross chose to join the Tenth Division and traveled with Aizen from Hueco Mundo to Soul Society to receive his Captain appointment. After sensing Rangiku Matsumoto investigating traces of Isshin Shiba, Ross headed toward her, while Rangiku sensed a powerful Captain-level presence approaching.

• Ross chose the Tenth Division over the 11th Division, and Aizen opened a Garganta for them to travel to Soul Society.
• Ross told Aizen that he had once visited the Human World and heard of Yhwach, and Aizen explained that the Captain-General had defeated the Quincy king.
• Aizen gave Ross an invitation from the Central 46 Chambers to become a Captain and left for Seireitei with Ichimaru Gin and Tosen Kaname.
• Ross sensed Rangiku Matsumoto in District 78, East, and vanished toward her after Aizen and the others departed.
• Rangiku searched the forest for traces of Isshin Shiba's spiritual pressure and sensed a powerful Captain-level presence approaching from the west.

Ross showed Rangiku Matsumoto the Central 46 Chambers’ invitation ordering him to become a Captain of the Tenth Division and asked her what the job involved. After Rangiku described a Captain’s duties, Ross pretended the position sounded too troublesome and said he would refuse.

• Ross approached Rangiku Matsumoto, introduced himself as Ross, and gave her the invitation from the Central 46 Chambers.
• Rangiku read the letter and discovered that Ross had been chosen to become the Captain of her division.
• Rangiku considered how Ross’s appointment might leave him handling the division’s paperwork and explained a Captain’s responsibilities.
• Ross said the job sounded troublesome and claimed he would not accept the position.

Rangiku Matsumoto persuaded Ross to accept the vacant Captain position in the Tenth Division by describing its benefits and hearing his ideas for earning extra money. Ross agreed on the condition that Rangiku show him around Seireitei and treat him to meals for half a month, leaving her optimistic about the division’s future.

• Rangiku Matsumoto tried to convince Ross to become Captain by touting the salary, but Ross questioned why the division relied on nobles for money.
• Ross suggested that the Tenth Division open shops and have Shinigami sell snacks while patrolling, and Rangiku warmed to the plan.
• Rangiku Matsumoto formally invited Ross to become Captain and praised the authority and privileges the position offered.
• Ross warned Rangiku not to mention his family, and she hurriedly apologized.
• Rangiku Matsumoto persuaded Ross to accept, and he asked her to show him around Seireitei and buy him meals for half a month.
• Rangiku walked back to Seireitei alongside Ross, thinking the Tenth Division would be fine without Isshin Shiba.

Ross used a lavish distribution of money to win over most of the Tenth Division, then defeated Toshiro Hitsugaya almost instantly when Toshiro challenged him. Captain-General Yamamoto assigned Shunsui Kyoraku to oversee Ross's Captain examination the next day, signaling that Ross would likely join the Gotei 13.

• Ross moved into the Tenth Division barracks and distributed about fifteen million kan among its members, earning most of their approval.
• Toshiro Hitsugaya challenged Ross to a fight so he could judge Ross's strength before accepting him as Captain.
• Ross appeared behind Toshiro with sheer speed, and Toshiro revealed his Bankai, Daiguren Hyōrinmaru, in the division's Little Garden.
• Ross released overwhelming Spiritual Pressure and defeated Toshiro nearly instantly, drawing the attention of Yamamoto, Shunsui Kyoraku, and Jushiro Ukitake.
• Yamamoto assigned Kyoraku to oversee Ross's Captain examination the following day.

Ross effortlessly defeated Toshiro in a brief exhibition match, then spent the evening drinking with the Tenth Division and arranging for Rangiku Matsumoto to support him if he passed the captain assessment. He left the celebration carrying the unconscious Rangiku, while Toshiro remained shut in his room recovering from the defeat.

• Ross used Tihua to heal Toshiro after defeating him with a single ordinary slash, despite Toshiro having activated Bankai.
• Ross told Toshiro to train his Spiritual Pressure and asked Rangiku Matsumoto to make sure he did not do anything foolish.
• Rangiku Matsumoto told Ross that Toshiro had locked himself in his room, then drank with him during the division’s celebration.
• Ross asked Rangiku Matsumoto to support him if he passed the captain assessment, and she agreed in exchange for daily alcohol.
• Ross carried the passed-out Rangiku away and told Kino, Fourth Seat, to let the division members continue celebrating.

Ross took care of Rangiku Matsumoto after she pretended to be drunk, while she reconsidered her feelings for Ichimaru Gin and her attraction to Ross. The next morning, Ross arrived with Rangiku Matsumoto for the Tenth Division Captain examination as several Captains gathered to watch.

• Ross carried Rangiku Matsumoto to her room, changed her into sleeping clothes, teased her, and left without taking things further.
• After Ross left, Rangiku Matsumoto revealed that she had been conscious and thought about her attraction to Ross and her childhood feelings for Ichimaru Gin.
• The Gotei 13 learned that the vacant Tenth Division Captain position would be examined that day, with a noble from the Rukon District as the candidate.
• Shunsui Kyoraku noticed that Ichimaru Gin, Unohana Retsu, Aizen, and Tosen Kaname had joined the expected exam witnesses.
• Ross approached the examination grounds alongside Rangiku Matsumoto, and the Captains turned to look at him.

Ross took the examination to become Captain of the Tenth Division, sparring with Shunsui Kyoraku before the assembled Captains. As the fight continued, Ichimaru Gin concealed his concern for Rangiku Matsumoto, while she watched Ross with growing pride.

• Rangiku Matsumoto introduced Ross to the Captains, signaling that the Tenth Division had accepted him.
• Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni began the examination, and Shunsui Kyoraku stepped forward as Ross's examiner.
• Ross and Shunsui Kyoraku traded rapid sword strikes in the Dojo as the Captains watched.
• Chōjirō Sasakibe reassured Rangiku Matsumoto that the fight was only a warm-up and explained that Ross ranked among the stronger Captains.
• Rangiku Matsumoto glared at Ichimaru Gin and privately compared Ross favorably to him, while Gin hid his lingering concern for her.