For instance, Aizen's assurance that Harribel could develop strength without sacrifice was technically fulfilled—through the Hōgyoku's transformation into Arrancar. This genuinely liberated Hollows from perpetual slaughter and predation.

But did this actually reduce sacrifice? Fundamentally, no!

Refraining from forced self-sacrifice didn't equate to preventing all sacrifice. These represented entirely distinct concepts.

Aizen's rhetoric overflowed with righteousness, never explicitly stating exploitative intent.

Superficially, he fulfilled promises of reduced sacrifice and improved Hueco Mundo prospects.

In reality, Aizen's perception of Arrancar could be distilled to two concepts: instruments and expendable assets.

Following Aizen's operation, virtually all Vasto Lorde-level Hollows in Hueco Mundo were eliminated.

That constituted massive sacrifice.

The Hollows were deceived and comprehensively manipulated by Aizen. They represented nothing beyond puppetry.

Aizen merely articulated desires, and these Arrancar willingly marched toward destruction.

These Arrancar maintained excessive naiveté.

"Impossible!" Harribel rejected the notion of deception and declared firmly:

"Hueco Mundo surpasses its previous state. We have reduced sacrifices. Lord Aizen's promise maintains validity."

She harbored inevitable doubts.

But Aizen had undeniably assisted her and Apache.

For this benevolence, she felt obligated to maintain loyalty.

As an "honorable individual," Harribel preserved her dedication.

Shiroha's assertions resembled "whispers of ancient deities."

Though seemingly rational, she refused reception—she wouldn't acknowledge them!

"Then we shall await confirmation," Shiroha anticipated the moment her defenses would finally collapse.

Subsequently, Harribel would comprehend the adage that "honest individuals must exercise caution against eloquent manipulators."

Self-deception proved ultimately futile, as eventually all dreams conclude.

At that juncture, everything would achieve clarity.

In another battlefield sector, Starrk's Cero Metralleta failed to achieve intended outcome.

The Cero Metralleta demonstrated extraordinary potency, yet ultimately failed to compel Kyōraku's Bankai release.

This resulted from intervention by Kyōraku's longtime associate, Captain Jūshirō Ukitake.

Observing Kyōraku surrounded by Cero Metralleta, the ground-based "observer" Ukitake finally exceeded tolerance threshold.

He advanced wielding his Shikai [Sōgyo no Kotowari], immediately activating its capacity to redirect Starrk's relentless Cero barrage.

Sōgyo no Kotowari comprised dual short blades connected via slender black chain.

Five wooden talismans suspended from the metallic connection.

Compared to conventional armaments, Sōgyo no Kotowari more closely resembled ceremonial implement than aggressive weaponry.

However, upon contacting enemy Ceros, Ukitake adjusted the chain and dual blade positioning.

Starrk's discharged Ceros vanished instantly, but this didn't conclude the exchange.

"BOOM!"

Magnificent azure Cero erupted from Ukitake's blade tip, projected toward Starrk.

Following Resurrección, Starrk's capabilities had improved comprehensively.

Consequently, he rapidly evaded this extraordinary attack.

"Merely redirected Cero?! How was this accomplished?" Starrk experienced shock after unexpected targeting.

However, he reestablished composure immediately.

His translucent gray pupils reflected Ukitake wielding dual blades.

Previously, Starrk hadn't regarded this "white-haired captain" with serious consideration.

But instantaneously, his impression profoundly deepened.

Evidently, this captain transcended ordinary classification and possessed exceptional capabilities.

"Curious?" Kyōraku regarded Ukitake, who had abruptly joined combat, with puzzlement.

This longtime friend differed fundamentally from himself. Ukitake rarely intervened in others' conflicts and avoided numerical advantage engagements.

Essentially, Ukitake maintained fairness principles, whereas he did not.

Ukitake explained:

"They similarly represent dual individuals, thus my intervention maintains fairness. Given your reluctance to employ Bankai, alternative assistance became necessary."

From his perspective, the current Primera Espada Starrk and Lilynette engaged as partnership.

Of course, this didn't constitute primary intervention justification.

He understood Kyōraku intimately, recognizing his friend's willingness to employ any necessary means for victory, including surprise Bankai deployment.

However, Kyōraku had refrained from utilizing his most powerful technique.

The reason stemmed from Katen Kyōkotsu's Bankai possessing excessive area effect, potentially endangering allies—prompting Bankai abandonment.

A man ostensibly without principles nonetheless maintained principles, fears, and vulnerabilities because of comrade considerations.

Given this understanding, Ukitake willingly compromised his own principles marginally.

Kyōraku added with feigned distress:

"Without your arrival, my Bankai activation would have proven inevitable! This opponent's formidability left no alternatives!"

This, naturally, represented mere pretense.

Kyōraku genuinely couldn't employ Bankai under present circumstances.