Chapter 68: Nell and Ichigo's Initially encounter
"Wait? Are these intruders attempting to rescue her? They look so weak."
Espada No.5 Nnoitra leaned back in his chair, speaking derisively.
"Did you not hear Master Aizen's warning? "
"Do not underestimate them."
Hurribell glanced at Nnoitra with her deep green eyes.
"I'm not underestimating them. Why are you afraid? "
Nnoitra, who had a consistent disdain for female Arrancars, retorted.
As the two quarreled, Grimmjow, who had been quietly seated at the round table, could no longer contain himself and slammed the table as he stood up.
He strode toward the exit.
"Where do you think you're going, Grimmjow? "
"The meeting isn't finished yet! "
Tousen Kaname who had been by Aizen's side and quickly confronted Grimmjow when he noticed his insubordination.
"Do I really need to explain this? Naturally, I'm going to kill them. It's best to eliminate the intruders as quickly as possible. "
Grimmjow turned slightly and responded with an irritated expression.
It was clear that Tousen Kaname was displeased with this answer. He pointed to Grimmjow's previous seat, admonishing him.
"Master Aizen hasn't given any orders yet, so return immediately."
"I'm going to defeat them in honor of Master Aizen. " Grimmjow didn't consider Tousen Kaname's authority and shouted in frustration, attempting to leave again.
"Grimmjow."
Suddenly, Aizen's voice resonated.
At the sound of his superior calling, Grimmjow paused.
"I appreciate your initiative, However, I have yet to finish my statement, could you please return to your seat now? "
Once Aizen spoke, Grimmjow merely turned his head sideways, aiming a blank stare at him, still refusing to move.
Despite being in the presence of Aizen, Grimmjow's usual arrogance remained unyielding.
Noticing the lack of action from Grimmjow, Aizen smiled suddenly and inquired, "What's the matter? "
"I haven't received your answer yet, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez! "
At that moment, Aizen's Reiatsu surged powerfully, while the others present remained unaffected. It seemed like Grimmjow was subjected to more than ten times the weight of gravity.
His eyes widened in fear, cold sweat trickled down, and then he found himself kneeling, his whole body quaking.
Huff-huff—
Abruptly, the Reiatsu enveloping Grimmjow receded like a tidal wave, and he collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath.
Throughout this ordeal, he dared not utter a single extra word.
Watching Grimmjow's humiliation, Aizen stood up and said, "It seems you're starting to understand? "
"In that case, as you can see, there are three enemies. Their presence is integral to my strategy, and each of you should return to your respective palaces right away.
Don't let pride get to you, nor should you rush; simply await their arrival."
———
Kurosaki Ichigo and his companions have been sprinting towards the Night Palace for the past hour.
Despite their efforts, they realized that the distance to the Night Palace had not lessened.
It was as if they were treading in place; no matter how fast they ran, they couldn't arrive at their location.
Consequently, exhausted they settled onto the sand and began talking about their predicament.
"This doesn't sit right; after maintaining our speed for so long, how could we have covered only such a small distance? "
Kurosaki Ichigo grumbled while lying back in the soft sand with his limbs spread out.
Responding to Kurosaki Ichigo, Sado extended a finger and made gestures.
"What are you doing, Sado? "
Observing Sado's aimless gesturing, Ishida Uryu questioned curiously.
"I was merely calculating the distance we've traveled; don't look at me like that," Sado replied.
"I taught myself architectural surveying. "
As Sado spoke, a massive sandworm suddenly emerged from the sand nearby.
"Bawa Bawa! ! "
"Haha ha ha----"
Underneath the sandworm, two Arrancars were laughing while chasing a little girl in a blue dress and a green hood.
"Is that. . . a human? "
"Is it even possible? Are there other humans in Hueco Mundo besides us? "
Upon witnessing this scene, Kurosaki Ichigo immediately stood up and observed intently.
He noticed the little girl running faster, approaching them.
"Help. . . woo woo woo! ! "
"Nell is about to be eaten! "
Nell cried out in distress, begging for assistance.
"Let's attack together! ! "
Kurosaki Ichigo swiftly swung the back of Zangetsu's blade, knocking Pesche aside.
In a flash, Sado and Ishida subdued Dondachaka and Bawa Bawa.
As Nell saw the three figures suddenly emerge and overpower Pesche, she cried out dejectedly .
"Stop! Stop it! "
"Nell hasn't done anything to you! Please don't bully us!"
With tears in her eyes, she removed her hood, revealing the skull mask above her head.
Upon seeing the girl's true appearance, Kurosaki Ichigo was taken aback but refrained from making any sudden moves. He rested his Zanpakutō on his shoulder and expressed his apologies.
"I'm sorry; I didn't realize you were not what you seemed. We simply heard your cries for help, compelling us to take action. "
Kurosaki Ichigo's words caused Nell to rub her head and smile sheepishly, saying, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause you any trouble. "
Nell never thought that playing a game of tag would lead to so much chaos for you.
"It's fine; we are the ones who owe an apology,"
"The attire you have on resembles the clothes from earth."
Ishida Uryu watched Nell intently.
"This one? "
Nell smiled sweetly as she patted the child-like dress she wore. "This is what Fiander brought me. What do you think? It's nice right?! "
As she spoke, Nell extended her arms and twirled around.
"Fiander? "
Upon hearing Nell's words, Kurosaki Ichigo responded with particular interest. "Which Fiander are you referring to? "
"Naturally, it's Lord Fiander Moros; he is the most powerful in Espada! "
DondaChaka stated with pride, oblivious to the fact that Kurosaki Ichigo's expression had turned grim in an instant.
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