Right. I'm not saying this trio of nobodies are gods in their own right, either. The numbers aren't something that magically appeared on their bodies like their own personal DBZ scouters. I think early on, I remember reference of some prior Espada being ousted in rank by someone that achieved a higher power level. Whatever routines they go through to measure this, we don't know. Combined with Aizen's influence, and the whole "King" thing, it just strikes me as one big pecking order and not an order of absolutes. I mean, if we want to go solely on things like that, Ichigo should've been killed trying to rescue Rukia because he was just a nobody ryoka wannabe shinigami that wasn't recognized as a captain, let alone a lieutenant.except it's been said that they are numbered according to their strength.
And yeah, knowing Ul's number probably didn't help perception.
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