His reaction isn’t something she didn’t expect, really.
"I am Byakuren Hijiri— but a simple monk. And as for you? What is your name?" She regards Grimmjow with her typical tone— light, friendly, and above all else, calm. Even with the uncertain gaze the hollow was giving her, she kept a passive expression as she awaited his answer with stoic eagerness.
It’s not often someone just says they respect him, especially someone he did not meet before. His suspicious doubt remained, assuming she must have seen or heard about him through the Hive. Confined here four months, he either did enough damage or had the reputation to get some people blabbering.
Even then, what reason did she have to say that? Then it made sense.
"So you’re only saying that bullshit because monks have to think positive or something." One of the few words he learned coming to the human world, discovering the cultural district. "Grimmjow."
She offered a brief chuckle at the hollow's reply-- shaking her head casually before while stating, "Keeping positive is a small part of what most monks strive for I suppose-- but that's not why I said what I said."
Grimmjow... yes, she has recalled hearing that name every-so-often-- be it out of fear or what say you. And in truth, she had seen the hollow once before as well. Back during prom.
While she had combated against that other hollow, this one opted to, instead of instill more fear, counteract it. Granted it seemed to be mostly out of amusement, but that's where she knew the other had some form of control. He could have easily gone and helped add fuel to the fire, but instead, he challenged the fire with a fire of his own... in a way, it was admirable.
"It's because it's true, is it not? You're not a monster in the slightest. Besides, the term 'monster' is rather opinionated, when it comes down to it. Those with strange powers, those whom kill, those whom seem just outright different... the example of a monster varies, but it's always based on opinion... normally, the bad kind." The judging kind. The fearful kind. The kind that doesn't understand or is quick to hate. To humans, anything that weren't like them was considered a monster, or outright evil... it was pitifully sad.
And yet, even sadder, it was just pathetically natural of people. Humans in particular.
"That aside, Grimmjow, was it? It's good to meet you then. I admit to having seen you but once before, but this is certainly the first we've met face to face. As such, it's an honor."
That was Byakuren's own formality kicking in there. It was evident that Grimmjow was the type who wouldn't care about that kind of thing, but she kept it up, for the time being.
