"What is that? "
Grimmjow stared at Ichigo, who had been his opponent for some time, now appearing as though he had transformed entirely. The Reiatsu within him started to surge uncontrollably, and his aura felt off.
Boom! !
With a tremendous blast, Grimmjow's Cero was thwarted by Ichigo, who had momentarily switched to a Hollow state and began to tear away the unusual mask on his face.
"Tsk. . . go away, this is my body! ! "
As he yanked off the mask along with streaks of blood, Ichigo reverted to his earlier feeble form.
"What the. . . ? "
Grimmjow found Ichigo's unusual actions perplexing. Though Ichigo could have harnessed the power of the mask to combat him, he relinquished it, stirring slight irritation within Grimmjow.
"You think you can take me on alone? "
As Grimmjow drew his Zanpakutō, a dark void appeared behind him, and a figure suddenly materialized near Grimmjow, instructing, "Put the Zanpakutō away, Grimmjow. "
"Tousen? "
"Why are you here? "
It was Kaname Tousen who had manifested the dark void, speaking with a tranquil, emotionless tone, "Why? Isn't it clear? "
"You defied commands, assaulted the human realm without permission, and deployed five Arrancars, resulting in four fatalities. "
"Master Aizen is furious; your punishment will be administered in Hueco Mundo, return now."
After delivering his message, he disregarded Grimmjow and stepped through the black void to Hueco Mundo.
Frustrated, Grimmjow cursed under his breath and followed Tousen into the portal. Just as he crossed the threshold, Ichigo called out in bewilderment: "Bastards! You attack me, and now you wish to retreat? "
"Our fight isn't over yet! Do you intend to flee? "
Though Ichigo had been severely beaten moments ago, his unexpected courage surged forth.
"Oh? You're quite intriguing, Shinigami,"
"The next time we cross paths, it will be for your demise. "
With that, the black void gradually closed, and Grimmjow accompanied Tousen back to Hueco Mundo. Ichigo, feeling depleted as if he might collapse, sank down slightly to one knee on the ground.
The aftermath of the skirmish had roused Karin inside the house. Upon noticing the stillness outside, she rushed out, relief flooding over her as she spotted her brother unharmed. Rushing to his side, she helped him up.
"Ichigo? Are you alright? "
"Karin, I'm sorry, I almost couldn't protect you."
"Let's head back, Ichigo. "
"Okay. "
Observing that Kurosaki Ichigo had returned home safe and sound, Zaraki, who had just arrived, took note of the battleground's destruction below. Without uttering a word, he turned and made his way toward Urahara's store.
Meanwhile, Tousen Kaname's mention of the four Arrancars who perished in battle was due to Koufang, Edrad Leonis, and Nakeem attempting to assault Rukia and the others, who had been gravely injured by Fiander during the day.
However, they confronted Yoruichi and Tōshirō directly. Despite sustaining some wounds from their clash with Fiander, Urahara Kisuke assisted in their treatment, which was mostly completed by nightfall. This gives an idea of the fate that befell Koufang and the others.
Edrad Leonis and Nakeem, two Arrancars, engaged in battle with two captain-tier fighters, Yoruichi and Tōshirō. Following their demise in the confrontation, the only survivor, Koufang, sought to flee but unexpectedly encountered Byakuya Kuchiki, who had arrived to provide reinforcements.
Having entirely surrendered his resolve to fight, Koufang found himself no match for Byakuya Kuchiki. Just as he faced death under Byakuya's zanpakutō, a dark void materialized, and Fiander emerged from it, halting the lethal strike.
"Lord. . . Fiander! "
Upon seeing Fiander, Koufang felt a spark of life return to his once-numb heart. As an exceptional and perceptive Arrancar, he understood well the significance of Fiander's role within Hueco Mundo.
"Though I had no particular desire to rescue you, Lord Aizen commanded me to retrieve this group of Arrancars who ventured here without permission,"
Fiander remarked.
"It appears I've arrived too late, and you are the last one remaining. "
While Fiander still gripped Byakuya's Zanpakutō, his expression was notably grim, revealing his foul mood.
Indeed, if your boss disturbed your sleep at night to add more work to your plate, you would likely feel frustrated too! Having labored all day, is it fair to expect you to toil during the night as well? Fiander silently protested within himself.
"Where is Lord Grimmjow? "
Koufang sought to inquire about Grimmjow's status, but Fiander impatiently interjected, "Return first! Your punishment awaits you over there! "
"Yes! "
With that, Koufang activated his black void and headed back to Hueco Mundo.
As soon as he departed, Tōshirō, Yoruichi, and Rangiku swiftly converged on Fiander, surrounding him in an instant.
"Hey, everyone looks really worn out, right? Why not all just head back to rest? "
Fiander greeted them casually.
Yet, Byakuya Kuchiki, who had been disregarded by Fiander until now, interjected coldly, "How long do you plan to hold onto my Zanpakutō? "
"Scatter, Senbonzakura! "
In an instant, the weapon in Fiander's grasp transformed into petals, scattering through the air and encircling him. The petals created an intimidating aura, threatening to slice him apart with the slightest movement.
"Fiander Moros! ! "
Clenching his teeth, Tōshirō glared at the man responsible for injuring one of his reinforcements, seething with hatred. "You arrived just in time! "
"The conflict from earlier, let's resolve it now! "
As Tōshirō prepared to draw his Zanpakutō, Yoruichi intervened.
"Hold on, Captain Hitsugaya, let's take a moment to calm down; this isn't the right place for a fight. "
Exactly, this incident is occurring above Urahara's shop, where several Shinigami are receiving care below. Should a confrontation arise here, given that man's power, I fear the surroundings will be impacted.
"As expected from you, Ms. Yoruichi, unlike these two suspicious individuals who engage in combat and violence at every opportunity. "
Fiander grinned at Yoruichi and added, "Honestly, I have no desire to battle you; it's merely that our interests diverge. "
"Since you don't wish to humiliate me, Captain Kuchiki, why not allow me to leave, and we can return to our own places? "
As he spoke, Fiander glanced at Byakuya Kuchiki, a smile appearing on his lips.
"Hmph! You're fortunate! "
"Next time we cross paths, I shall take revenge for Rukia and the others! "
Yoruichi's comments were valid; this was their territory, and any conflict in the city would be harmful to the Soul Society's interests.
Noticing Byakuya Kuchiki retract Senbonzakura, Fiander remarked with a smile, "Then farewell, captains,"