"That's right, Gin."
An assured smile remained in Aizen Sōsuke's eyes.
"Tōsen, your understanding of Yuta is still too shallow."
"Yuta's grasp of the essence is no less than my own."
Tōsen Kaname's blind eyes widened slightly as his voice carried his surprise. "How is that possible?"
Without hesitation, Aizen raised his hand and opened a Garganta. "Enough. Next, we head to Karakura Town and claim this world."
"Ulquiorra, after I leave, the defense of Hueco Mundo will be entrusted to you."
"As you command." Ulquiorra Schiffer pressed his palm to his chest in salute.
The Garganta spread wide and dark before them. Aizen entered with his steady steps, Gin Ichimaru and Tōsen Kaname following. Alongside them came the top three Espada: Coyote Starrk, Baraggan Louisenbairn, and Tier Harribel. Together, six figures descended toward Karakura Town.
"Come. Let us conquer this world," Aizen's voice carried as he stepped through first.
――――
Hideki Yuta drew his bow fully, his spirit string pulled taut until it curved like a full moon. His fingers released with ease.
Whoosh-whoosh-whoosh-!
Dozens of reishi arrows cut through the air and struck the walls of Las Noches' Kyōkoku Palace.
Boom-! Boom-! Boom-!
Explosions rippled one after another, shaking the palace dome until sections of its structure began to collapse in thunderous bursts of impact. The earth beneath trembled as though struck by an earthquake.
Yuta opened a Garganta without delay. "Let's move."
He stepped into the void, emerging the next moment in a room where Inoue Orihime was held.
Orihime, sitting on the ground, looked up at the opening Garganta and saw Yuta step through with Kuchiki Rukia, Matsumoto Rangiku, and Shihōin Yoruichi at his side.
"Yuta-san!" Orihime quickly rose to her feet, her face brightening with relief.
Yuta nodded once. "We're here to save you."
She instinctively moved closer. At a time she believed the entire world had abandoned her, the sudden arrival of allies-and especially Yuta-was overwhelming. Her chest tightened, her eyes softened, and heat rose in her cheeks as she lowered her gaze. Her heartbeat thrummed loudly in her ears to the point where she feared the others could hear it.
Without realizing it, her tears spilled and ran down her cheeks.
Matsumoto Rangiku stepped forward and wrapped her arms gently but firmly about Orihime's shoulders. "It's alright. We're here for you now."
She leaned closer and lifted Orihime by the waist, spinning her once in encouragement before setting her down.
"Ah!" Orihime's voice shook as her feet touched the ground again.
"Better?" Rangiku asked with a faint smile.
Orihime wiped at her eyes and nodded with a small laugh. The warmth of their care sank into her chest. Yet she hesitated to move closer to Yuta, torn by the sudden desire to thank him directly. She stood still, unsure of herself until Rangiku gave her a firm push between the shoulders.
"Ah!" Orihime stumbled forward into Yuta's arms, her arms circling his waist instinctively.
"Are you alright…?" Yuta's voice was low in her ear.
Her entire face flushed deep red as she felt her heart pound harder in her chest. She stammered quickly, wiping quickly at her mouth, "N-no… I'm fine!"
From the side, Rangiku hid behind a pillar, her eyes watching their exchange with an entertained smile that she quickly stilled when Yuta appeared beside her in a blur of speed. He tapped her forehead lightly.
"Rangiku, stop making trouble. If you keep this up, I'll deal with you by family discipline when we return."
She pressed a hand to her forehead with a slight pout as tears welled in her eyes from the tap. "I know… I went too far." Though her tone made it clear she did not fear the warning, if anything meeting it with a flicker of mischievous energy beneath her expression.
At that moment, the heavy weight of multiple spiritual pressures descended abruptly across the chamber.
"You didn't think you'd leave Las Noches so easily, did you?"
Nnoitra Gilga entered, holding his massive scythe. Twin crescent blades gleamed wickedly at its edge, shaped like a weapon meant for execution. His sharp smile deepened as his eyes caught them.
Ulquiorra, Nnoitra, and Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez surrounded Yuta quickly.
For once, Ulquiorra pulled his hands from his pockets. "Be cautious. This one is not to be underestimated."
Grimmjow barked a grin. "I don't need you to tell me that."
Though Nnoitra hadn't fought Yuta yet, he knew what this man was capable of. He had seen the collapse of Kyōkoku Palace with his own eyes.
From the shadows, Szayleaporro Granz adjusted his glasses, watching quietly with calculating eyes.
Elsewhere, Kuchiki Rukia stood ready to face Aaroniero Arruruerie, while Rangiku squared herself against Zommari Rureaux.
The battles were beginning to take shape.
――――
At the same time above Karakura Town, Aizen Sōsuke arrived with his group standing behind him.
"The plan is simple," Aizen said with calm clarity. "We destroy Karakura Town, then seize Soul Society." His eyes shifted upward as he sensed strong reiatsu in the distance. A faint smile crossed his lips. "It seems our welcome is well prepared."
――――
"Karakura Town-"
"All divisions assemble! Prepare to engage!" The voice of Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni carried across the air. He stood with his staff in both hands, centered among the captains with his presence anchoring them like stone. His haori's feather crests billowed with the wind as he stroked his long beard with calm resolve.
Beside him, the Captain of the Second Division, Soifon, tightened her stance. Her twin braids swayed behind her. "The traitors will be torn apart."
Unohana Retsu of the Fourth Division folded her hands calmly before her abdomen, her smile gentle but cool. "My, it has been some time since a sight like this appeared…"
Komamura Sajin of the Seventh Division removed his helmet, his beastlike eyes fixed directly upon Tōsen Kaname in the distance. His fists clenched and his broad chest swelled with resolve. "Tōsen, I will make you see the path you've chosen is wrong."
Kyoraku Shunsui of the Eighth Division pulled down the brim of his hat with one hand and yawned. "Ah… another battle already?" Yet his eyes beneath carried steady focus.
From the Tenth Division, Hitsugaya Tōshirō gripped Hyōrinmaru firmly across his back, his gaze fixed on Aizen and Gin. Behind him, Hinamori Momo held her Tobiume tightly with both hands. "Captain Aizen…" her low voice trembled slightly.
At the far line, Captain Ukitake Jūshirō stood beside Shunsui. The wind lifted strands of his white hair as he raised his eyes toward the battle to come.
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