Szayel smirked haughtily at Even's assessment of Hojo. He wasn't wrong, Szayel would admit it. In Shinra it had probably been that no one would dare; Hojo had near legendary status there and the fear of reprisals would be present. He also had access to high security containment units, and most likely, any number of drugs and disposable lackeys to administer them.

"Shinra used Orbo," he said, thinking, "it negates chakra, makes you weak as a kitten. I imagine any unwilling participants were under its effects."

Which raised the question of whether Hojo had such a thing here. Szayel looked very, very thoughtful. If he did, he'd become very quickly unpopular; no one in the Palace would be content to be confined with someone who had that at their disposal.

"Of course, there's a reason he's still alive despite everything," he said. "Perhaps Hojo knows who wants him alive, and why, and is counting on that to make him untouchable." Szayel's smile grew bright and nasty. "Although I think I'll draft my request to take over the labs he inhabits now, rather than waiting."