Bleach: Starting as a Vasto Lorde

Chapter 41-42: Quincy Lessons

The moment Izumi departed, Kazuya's gaze was drawn to the maid known as Lisa. Her calm, almost cold beauty effortlessly showcased the innate elegance and charm of her frilled maid dress. However, her Reiatsu proved to be disappointingly below an average human.

'Wait a minute... A black-haired girl with glasses named Lisa...'

A flicker of recognition ignited, as memories of a powerful group hiding in Karakura Town surfaced. If his recollection was accurate, Lisa was one of the Visored — a small group of Shinigami who could don Hollow masks to augment their powers. Her involvement with Quincy matters certainly piqued his interest.

Lisa adjusted her glasses, the lenses momentarily gleaming. "Do you prefer cold water or hot water?"

"Hmmm?"

"Cold or hot?" she repeated in a cold voice. "I don't have time, Guest-dono. Shake your head if you prefer to bathe in cold water. Nod if you believe a hot water bath is better."

With a cheeky smile, he responded, "You rekindled my love for cold things."

Lisa was momentarily disarmed by the soothing nature of his voice. It was as if it held a mystical power, one she had never encountered during her time in Soul Society. "Cold water it is then. Clearly, the superior choice."

Lisa departed to prepare his bath. To kill some time, he rose from the bed and stretched his muscles before getting down to do some pushups. As he worked his body, he reflected on what just transpired.

'Lisa and Izumi.'

His dream had all but exposed the full extent of his Reiryoku. Fortunately, Izumi refrained from prying further, attributing the surge in his Reiatsu to his dream. Only because she could not detect the true depth of his Reiatsu, as her Reiryoku level matched that of a seated officer in the Soul Society. The vast difference didn't allow her to properly feel his strength.

Then again, a Quincy's might was not measured by their Reiryoku level, but rather their ability to gather Reishi from their surroundings and forge spirit weapons.

In stark contrast, Lisa must have recognized his Reiryoku level, being a former Vice-Captain of the Squad led by Shunshui Kyoraku. As both Shinigami and Hollow were mere souls, Lisa evidently depended on a Gigai to assume a physical form and conceal her Reiatsu.

'Urahara must be behind her Gigai. On second thought, I can make some use of her.'

He could use her to approach Kisuke Urahara. As a master inventor, Urahara undoubtedly possessed items capable of concealing a Hollow's Reiatsu, which would enable his companions to live in the Living World without worrying about Shinigami.

Lisa's appearance was a blessing in disguise.

'Or I can move to some island that's outside of Soul Society's jurisdictions.'

He was conflicted between the two choices: one allowed more fun with his group and a clear path in acquiring Hōgyoku from Kisuke. The other choice led to more relaxed days for his group and far less risky.

'I can't keep avoiding risks.'

Mila Rose risked her life to protect him, Harribel was ready to sacrifice her life to save them, and Apacci almost died protecting something that belonged to him. Sung-Sun had yet to demonstrate her loyalty but she would undoubtedly go to great lengths for him. It would only be fair to take some risks to secure an Arrancar powerup for them. A powerup they would undoubtedly need in taking down Baraggan once and for all.

'Hōgyoku will be mine.'

He came to find shelter for his allies and ended up vying for the most powerful item in this world. Laughing at the absurdity, he got up and looked out of the window. The ludicrous situation reminded him of a certain quote from his world.