High above Karakura Town, in the human world—
A fierce battle had broken out between the Shinigami and the Arrancar Menos Grande.
Spells like Kidō, sword techniques like Zanjutsu, powerful blasts like Cero, and various other abilities were being unleashed one after another by both sides. The fight was intense and chaotic.
But even though the battlefield was raging, the strongest warriors on both sides hadn't yet made their move.
Most of the fighting was being handled by vice-captains and lower-ranked Arrancar under the Espada.
Even so, it was clear that the Arrancar from Hueco Mundo were at a disadvantage.
Watching this unfold, Baraggan, seated on his throne of bones, let out a cold snort. He struck the throne with his right hand and spoke in a deep voice:
"Since Aizen is trapped by the flames... then let a god bring this war to an end."
With that, he crushed the skull-shaped ornament on the throne. As he slowly stood up, his powerful Reiatsu burst forth, shaking the air.
His two subordinates immediately knelt down, their faces serious.
"We deserve punishment, Lord Baraggan."
"Please allow us to handle the enemy. We promise to bring you victory. Just give us a little time."
Hearing this, Sui-Feng glanced at Baraggan and smirked.
"You talk big for someone so ridiculous."
Baraggan looked at his subordinates, then at Sui-Feng and Omaeda standing behind her. Slowly sitting back down, he said calmly:
"Don't let even a single ant escape. Anyone who fails to return... will be considered a disgrace. Don't disappoint me."
Then, raising his right hand, he ordered coldly:
"I want our blades soaked in the enemy's blood as we march forward!"
With those words, Baraggan's killing intent surged. He roared:
"Tell me—whose subordinates are you!?"
The two Arrancar instantly shouted in unison:
"We serve His Majesty, the Great Baraggan Louisenbairn!"
"We'll crush every enemy in our path!"
"You shall enjoy the sight of blood and flesh flying across the battlefield, dyeing it red!"
A cruel smile formed at the corner of Sui-Feng's lips.
Elsewhere—
Kyoraku Shunsui and Jūshirō Ukitake had tracked down Coyote Starrk, the First Espada.
Starrk scratched his head lazily and placed his right hand on the hilt of his sword.
"I'm not really into fighting," he said, bored. "I've just always been like this."
Looking at the two captains standing across from him, he added:
"So… how about we just pretend to fight? We swing our swords a bit, act distracted, and wait until the real battle ends?"
Ukitake frowned. "What are you even talking abou—"
"Perfect!" Kyoraku interrupted, hiding half his face beneath his hat and clapping softly. "I like that idea. I've been worn out lately anyway."
"You probably don't know this, but a little human kid recently turned the entire Soul Society upside down. Caused a huge mess."
"Because of that brat, I not only got hurt, but I haven't had a moment to rest since."
Then Kyoraku's tone shifted. He looked up, his expression turning sharp and serious.
"But... this time, we can't afford to take it easy. Not now. At least, not from our side."
This battle wasn't just a skirmish. It was a full-scale war.
And it wasn't just about victory or defeat—it was about the survival of two, maybe even three, entire worlds.
Even someone as easygoing as Kyoraku had to take it seriously.
"Seriously?" Starrk sighed. With a look of reluctant annoyance, he slowly drew the Zanpakutō at his waist.
"This is going to be such a pain…"
"What the hell!? Why is my opponent just a little brat!? Isn't there anyone stronger in the Seireitei!?"
Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, the Sixth Espada, floated in the sky with his hands in his pockets, leaning forward and glaring at the two people in front of him with clear annoyance.
Facing him were Hitsugaya Tōshirō and his lieutenant, Matsumoto Rangiku.
Tōshirō snorted and replied calmly, "I heard you were defeated by Nanaya. With that kind of power, what are you bragging about?"
At the mention of Nanaya's name, Grimmjow's eyes filled with rage. He stared at Tōshirō with eyes like a hunting cat and growled, "Tch... kid, I hope your strength matches that big mouth of yours."
Back in Hueco Mundo...
In the ruined palace, Byakuya Kuchiki sat quietly on a chunk of meteorite. His expression was cold, but his eyes showed a hint of unease as he stared up at the sky.
Hueco Mundo's sky was different from the Soul Society's. Even during the day, it felt heavy and oppressive.
Just as he was thinking about that, Zaraki Kenpachi stood nearby, his chest bandaged, but he didn't look concerned at all. With his usual careless tone, he said, "What's there to worry about? Once I'm healed, I'm going to tear those bastards apart."
As he spoke, his fighting spirit flared. His gaze turned eagerly toward Nanaya.
"I really want to fight that guy!"
At this point, Nanaya had already fully transformed into a tailed beast. His appearance resembled a giant, elegant moth flying through the air. Every time he flapped his wings, clouds of glowing powder spread around him.
Because of that powder, the three Arrancar Menos Grande fighting him were having a hard time. Nanaya struck fast and hard, often hitting them so violently they coughed up blood. All they could do was struggle back to their feet and try to hold him off.
But they knew they couldn't run. His speed in that form was unbelievable.
"Don't go charging in. Do you want to get yourself seriously injured?" Byakuya said coldly.
"Tch."
Kenpachi clicked his tongue and pointed to the other side with irritation. "If you've got time to scold me, why not check on those two women over there?"
Byakuya, always composed, twitched slightly at the mouth when he followed Kenpachi's gesture.
He turned his head—and sighed in helplessness.
In the distance, Rukia Kuchiki and Unohana Retsu were facing off.
Rukia looked furious, practically grinding her teeth, while Unohana remained calm and composed.
"Rukia... what's going on with you?"
Unohana smiled and pointed toward the Four-Beast Gate in the distance. "That's a little gift from Nanaya. He's so thoughtful."
"He knew that man was your enemy and sealed him inside that barrier just for you."
"I'm a little jealous," she added with a wistful sigh. "Nanaya's never been that gentle with me. Every time we meet, I end up injured."
She rubbed her shoulder and said with a sad tone, "Last time, he bit my shoulder. It still hurts a little…"
(tln-fkn dog)
Rukia's eyes flared with rage. When she saw the mark on Unohana's shoulder, she clenched her teeth and snapped, "Don't lie! If I go off to fight, you'll definitely try to steal Nanaya from me, won't you!?"
"Nanaya is mine! When he's done with this war and comes to the Soul Society, we're getting married!"
"Huh!?" Unohana chuckled. "What if I marry him before he dies?"
"NO WAY!!!"
Rukia shouted in fury, glaring at Unohana with burning eyes.
Byakuya could only shake his head and sigh again.
Captain Unohana had lived for hundreds of years and had a crafty nature. How could his naïve little sister possibly win against someone like that?
(tln- win in terms of size)
Still, it wasn't something he could interfere in—not when it involved a love rivalry between a man and a woman...
That damn human boy...
As expected—
A moment later, Rukia couldn't hold back her hatred for Aronil any longer.
She glanced toward Nanaya and muttered a prayer in her heart:
"Nanaya, please… keep your Hollow form active just a little longer. Don't let that wicked woman get close to you…"
After praying, her eyes turned sharp and cold. She drew her Zanpakutō and walked firmly toward the Blue Dragon Gate of the Four Beasts.
Unohana's gaze followed her calmly. She stopped teasing and said gently, "Little Kuchiki girl, this kind of battlefield doesn't suit you. Be careful."
"If you can't win, just pull back. I can teach you how to reach Bankai."
"With your current spiritual pressure, if given the chance, your Sode no Shirayuki might awaken and master Bankai."
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