Back at our old base — a half-collapsed cave full of random bones, broken thrones, and a suspicious pile of mystery meat Yammy swore wasn't human — I was still desperately trying to figure out how to reverse Grimmjow's "feminization."
Problem was… I still believed Grimmjow was a female.
A very angry female.
She — I mean he — was sitting at the edge of the cave, tail flicking dangerously, glaring at me like a predator who hadn't eaten in days. Aizen, meanwhile, was lurking behind a rock, eyes locked on Grimmjow with the thirstiest look a dog could possibly have without speaking.
The other guys were hanging around being their usual idiot selves. Shawlong was tinkering with a broken pocket watch, probably plotting another hypnosis scam. Yammy was eating what looked like a chair. Edrad was flexing at his reflection in a cracked bone mirror. Nakeem, Yylfordt, and Di Roy were arguing over who could punch a wall the hardest. Kukkapūro was just digging holes in the corner.
Classic day.
I sighed and approached Grimmjow carefully, holding up my hands in peace.
"Hey, listen," I began, choosing my words wisely because one wrong syllable and my face was getting rearranged. "I've been thinking about it… and maybe… maybe you should just, y'know, embrace this whole 'panther queen' vibe."
Grimmjow's eyes narrowed to death slits. "What. Did. You. Say?"
I cleared my throat. "I mean—look, you look good, okay? Real good. Fierce. Deadly. Very… uh… 'unstoppable warrior princess of Hueco Mundo' kind of vibe. It's working for you."
Behind me, Yammy muttered, "Yeah bro, you kinda do."
Grimmjow let out a feral growl, sharp fangs glinting in the dim cave light.
I pressed on like an idiot because stopping now would be cowardly. "And hey — think about it, you'll be the only female panther adjuchas around. Total alpha move. Dominating the scene, trendsetting, you'll have your pick of… uh… admirers."
Aizen, from his hiding spot, let out an enthusiastic woof.
Grimmjow's brow twitched. "Why does it sound like you've got some other plan going on here?"
"Pshhh, no, no, no… no plan," I lied terribly.
Truth was, I was desperately hoping Aizen's mating season would hit soon. If it did, maybe then Grimmjow would realize his new role in the circle of life, and I wouldn't have to undo the transformation at all.
Problem solved.
"Well," I coughed, "until I figure out how to turn you back — if I can — maybe you should just… you know… live your best life."
Grimmjow cracked his knuckles.
"Better figure it out soon, or I'm turning you into a chew toy."
I forced a nervous laugh, waving as I slowly backed away toward Shawlong. "Haha, no problem! Gonna… work on that… right now…"
Aizen, tail wagging, crept closer to Grimmjow with hearts in his eyes.