32 A Dance Between Power and Affection

The cabin fell into silence as Riruka processed his words. She blinked, her playful demeanor slowly replaced by a serious one. She nodded her understanding, a determined fire burning in her eyes. Esteban's cautioning words resonated within her, reminding her that this was not just a mission for revenge but a crucial step towards their growth.

Esteban gazed out into the distance, his mind racing with thoughts and calculations. His successful achievement of Resurrección had refined his spiritual pressure so intensely that he was now able to sense the entirety of spiritual occurrences in Karakura town without them detecting his presence.

He had been aware of every step in the unfolding drama: the moment Ichigo Kurosaki had awoken his powers, the arrival of Byakuya and Renji to seize Rukia, and Kisuke Urahara opening the portal for Ichigo and his friends to rescue her. And now, he had ventured into Soul Society to catch the peak of the chaos and strike when they least expected it.

He didn't know whether his presence was detectable to anyone in Soul Society. But at this point, he didn't care. His Resurrección had given him a newfound sense of confidence, a drive for revenge that overshadowed the fear of being discovered.

Upon reflection, he realized his Resurrección wasn't related to a sword, contrary to what he had initially believed. Now he understood that it wasn't a mandatory attribute for the transformation; rather, it was only applicable to the Espada under the influence of Aizen's Hōgyoku because of Aizen's wishes as he probably didn't know any better.

His Resurrección was more about conserving his constantly leaking powers over time for a significant burst when facing formidable enemies.

Moreover, his physical body had also grown stronger, enduring constant small pressure from his entropy quakes that prepared him to receive all that Resurrección power.

Yet, even with all these revelations, Esteban didn't fully comprehend his current power limit. He was sailing in uncharted waters, the potential of his abilities an enigma even to him.

Esteban's newly attained Resurrección not only provided him with extraordinary power, but it also gave his body a certain equilibrium. This balance allowed him to start absorbing more power, and consume more souls without the fear of his physical body breaking under the strain once more after some time. It was one of the key reasons he had ventured into Soul Society.

For a while now, the number of spiritually strong beings appearing in Karakura town had been increasing. Yet, he hadn't initiated a confrontation with any of them. His reason was twofold.

First, he understood that they would serve to create the chaos in Soul Society that he needed to execute his plan. Their actions and movements would stir the pot, create a distraction, and provide the perfect opportunity for him to make his move.

Secondly, Esteban didn't want to interfere with the unfolding storyline of the original series. It was essential for him that the plot remained intact, and that the sequence of events proceeded as planned.

After all, it was this precise series of events that he had calculated would give rise to the chaos he needed to stage his attack.

And so, Esteban was content to observe and wait, biding his time until the perfect moment to strike. His Resurrección had given him more than just power; it gave him the patience and foresight needed to execute his revenge and his newfound plans for the fate of the entire universe meticulously. He knew that the so-called 'balance' and the 'order' must be broken!

"You're thinking too much again!", Riruka said, playfully kicking her feet. She was lounging against one of the cabin's wooden walls, her bright eyes fixed on Esteban.

She liked observing him and found his deep concentration and powerful aura alluring. It was like watching a predator, alert and ready, at the top of its food chain. A sight that was both intimidating and exhilarating.

Esteban was a large guy, his tall frame, and broad shoulders contrasting sharply with her petite form. Yet, Riruka found this disparity electrifying, even thrilling. His muscular physique was a testament to his physical strength, a feature she found exceedingly attractive.

"I-I meant, aren't you done yet...?", Riruka blurted out next, after becoming aware of the outburst that she experienced, interrupting the silence that had filled their hideout.

She looked at Esteban with a confident playful smirk, trying to hide the blush that had spread across her cheeks. She wasn't one to admit it, but his prolonged silence and intense gaze were making her slightly nervous.

Their relationship had seen substantial growth over the past two months. Riruka, an impatient and hot-tempered young woman, had found herself surprisingly at ease around Esteban. Despite her usual assertiveness and love for irrelevant chatter, she found herself often captivated by his composed silence.

"I have to.", Esteban said, his voice deep and calm, "This is a crucial time for us, Riruka."

"I know, I know.", Riruka replied dismissively, rolling her eyes, "But you could do with a little bit of distraction. You've been too serious lately."

"We've grown stronger over these two months, Esteban. I believe in us.", Riruka asserted, her voice filled with determination.

She was right, of course. Esteban found that his mind was clearer, his thoughts more focused when he allowed himself to relax. It was one of the many things he'd come to appreciate about Riruka. Her presence brought a sense of balance.

She was fiery and vibrant, constantly buzzing with energy, her temperament a stark contrast to his calm demeanor. He found himself getting more and more serious and analytical now that he acquired the perfect Resurrection, almost like he was the shadow of his former self.

He also had to deal with his Hollow instincts less and less. Only when he released his Resureccion did his old personality from the Hueco Mundo return to him completely.

Over the past two months, they had spent a significant amount of time together. Esteban had found himself growing protective of Riruka, her small frame and constant attention eliciting a protective instinct within him.

Despite his nature as a Hollow predator, Riruka's persistent affection had managed to carve a place in his current life. He even agreed to bring her with him this time because of her pestering, showing that he really softened up for her quite a bit.

"Alright...", Esteban said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, "What do you suggest we do to kill time while we wait?"

A playful grin spread across Riruka's face, "I've got a few ideas...", She said, her voice filled with mischief.

As their conversation continued, the tension in the cabin lightened. Esteban found himself appreciating the distraction. It was a pleasant change of pace amidst all the strategic planning and waiting. He enjoyed the simple pleasure of Riruka's company.

After all, she was the first woman in this world to openly show affection towards him despite him being a Hollow and her being a fully human teenage girl. It was a bond he enjoyed and found intriguing.