Hisashi actually took his time completing the mission rather than his usual rushing. It would be better not to return too soon after killing Szayelaporro.
Whether it was just from an alibi standpoint or in case there was some way for Aizen to detect any traces on him from what he had done. The more time he spent away from Las Noches and killing and consuming other Hollows the less likely any suspicion let alone detection would be.
He didn't return until over a week later after taking the "scenic route" and consuming as many Gillian and Adjuchas as were unfortunate enough to come across his path. None were spared.
The first to notice his return was Nelliel who didn't hesitate to get the attention she wanted from him. However for once surprisingly Harribel followed not far behind her.
He gently patted Nelliel's head to her satisfaction. "You were gone too long," she mumbled.
Harribel hesitated for a moment, but eventually came forwards and hugged him despite her hesitation. 'Thank you," she said. Though it was only two words he could tell the amount of feelings she was trying to convey in them.
He smiled. "Anytime," he said.
She nodded shyly and quickly broke away. She coughed awkwardly. "How was your mission?" She asked to change the subject.
"It wasn't too bad. You know how it goes. They were arrogant at first. Nothing killing a few of the most arrogant couldn't solve," he said.
She nodded.
"More importantly, how have you been feeling since your transformation?" He asked.
"Much better. I feel more powerful, yet more in control of both my power and urges," she said.
"That makes sense. You are effectively less a Hollow now. Though your urges will likely never be completely gone becoming an Arrancar should have had a significant effect on your mind and instincts even more so than your body itself," he said.
His gaze hardened a little. "Have there been any problems while I was gone?" He asked.
She shook her head. "Since the transformation it has been quiet," she said.
Sung-Sun came out to greet him too. "Too quiet... Welcome back 'Jack'," she said teasingly.
"Ok as much as I appreciate all the attention let's get out of the hallway," he said.
Nelliel and Harribel actually blushed. Nelliel actually refused to let go.
Sung-Sun giggled. "Well aren't you proud of yourself?" She asked.
He smirked. "Are you saying I shouldn't be?" He asked.
She rolled her eyes. "You're being no fun," she said. She turned and headed back towards their living room.
The three of them followed after her. Nelliel kept clinging to his side as if he would abandon her the moment she let go of him. He shook his head with a smile.
They found Apacci, Mila Rose, Dondochakka and Pesche were already relaxing in the living room.
Apacci was sprawled out on the couch.
She looked over at Hisashi, but didn't get up. "Oh, you're finally back?" She asked.
He lifted his foot and pushed her off the couch with it.
"Hey, you bastard! I'll kick your ass," She shouted while rubbing her sore ass.
He deadpanned at her. "Oh, have you gotten stronger than me yet?" He asked.
She frowned. "Just wait until I become an Arrancar. I dare you to fight me then," she said.
Sung-Sun hid her giggle behind her sleeve. "Can you get anymore shameless Apacci-chan?" She asked.
Apacci turned even redder from embarrassment.
He sat down on a couch and Nelliel hopped onto the couch beside him with an excited smile. Meanwhile the others found a place to sit.
"So what has been going on while I was gone?" He asked.
Nelliel smiled. "I'll go first!" She said excitedly.
Hisashi looked at her curiously.
Rather than answering though she looked over to Pesche. After a while of silence she said: "Well tell them what's been going on..."
Hisashi sighed. "As the Espada leading us aren't you supposed to be the one that knows what's going on?" He asked.
She giggled awkwardly in response. "But I'm not good at it. Pesche is much better at it," she said.
Pesche stood up. He looked serious, but if you paid closer attention you could see his legs shaking. Due to Nnoitra crippling them they were rather weak compared to the rest even though some of them weren't even Arrancar yet.
"We've gotten our faction established. Having another Arrancar they have to take serious has helped cement Nelliel's position. We are currently getting approved for the next one of us to use the Hōgyoku will take a little longer as there is a waiting list. It also seems some of the other factions might be intentionally working to delay us on that though I wasn't able to find out exactly which ones as they have made sure to hide their tracks," he said.
Hisashi nodded. "Well once we get out allotment let's have Apacci use our next slot," he said.
Apacci's eyes widened in surprise. "A-are you sure?" She asked nervously.
He smirked. "Yeah I've got to kick you ass while I'm still a Vasto Lorde so you can understand I'm better than you," he said.
She crossed her arms and looked away with a miffed expression. She didn't turn down the offer though. She might be easily agitated, but she wasn't that stupid.
Sung-Sun smiled pressing her breasts together between her arms as she leaned forward. "Aww... how could you pass me up? She asked with an exaggerated pout.
Mila Rose pushed her. "I'm calling second," She said.
Sung-Sun turned to glare at her. "Hey that's not allowed!" She said.
Hisashi chuckled. "Well glad that you managed to settle that with each other," he said.
Mila Rose nodded.
"Who said it was settled?" Sung-Sun asked indignantly.
He shrugged. "If you can't figure it out between each other," he said.
Mila Rose glared at Sung-Sun as if daring her to.
Pesche wasn't sure what to do while the rest of them just ignored the three girls. They would figure it out eventually.
-X-X-X-
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Writing Soundtrack: Fame On Fire - Various Tracks