"Gwah!!"
After observing the group for a moment, the Hollow‑fied Kenpachi Kuruyashiki–Szayelaporro's fusion form—glows with red light in his mouth. He has no intention of engaging Azashiro in a blade clash. To be honest, he still doesn't understand how he was kicked away earlier.
"Fascinating! He's mine—don't all of you interfere!"
Azashiro eyes the Hollow with breathtaking reiatsu, his excitement barely contained. It's been ages since he's faced someone this intriguing.
"Lord Azashiro…"
Heribelle starts to speak, but before she can, Azashiro steps in front of the hollow form of Kenpachi Kuruyashiki.
"Hmm?"
The fused Kenpachi freezes when Azashiro suddenly appears before him—and immediately unleashes a Hollow Flash.
"Hmph~"
Azashiro responds to the Flash by calmly raising a hand. In front of Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, he crushes the Hollow Flash with a single palm.
"BOOM!"
Spiritual particles burst from Azashiro palm in all directions at the same moment his fist strikes Kenpachi's cheek.
"Smack~"
Not even the transformed Kenpachi can withstand Azashiro blow—he's flung into the air, tumbling uncontrollably away.
"Hadō #88: Hyōryū Gekizetsu Raiden Hō!"
Azashiro raises his right hand, summoning a thunderous surge of spiritual energy—far more exaggerated than even a standard Hollow Flash from someone like a Vasto Lorde. A lightning‑dragon plasma bolt rockets toward the transformed Kenpachi.
"Whoosh!"
"BOOM!!"
A mushroom cloud erupts from the ground in an instant. The shockwave rips at the clothing of Lilinet, Heribelle, and Szayelaporro, making them squeak and flutter.
"That's… over the top!"
Heribelle stares in awe, cold sweat beading on her brow. That level of power completely eclipses any Hollow Flash she's ever seen.
"As expected of Lord Azashiro! What overwhelming strength!"
Szayelaporro adjusts his glasses and shakes his head in admiration. Every time Azashiro strikes, it rattles their souls—his power resides on a different plane entirely.
"Azashiro is so sly～playing solo like that～"
Only Lilinet remains unshocked; she watches as if this were child's play.
"Oops! Got a bit carried away, didn't I～"
Azashiro grins. "Finally found an opponent worth the effort—it won't end like this. I'm just too strong!"
Floating above the scorched ground, Azashirobrushes his forehead, adopting the smug posture of a villain showing off his might.
"Gwah!!!"
Just as Azashiro revels in his triumph, the fused Kenpachi roars and suddenly appears behind him, Zanpakutō raised to strike.
"Azashiro‑sama!"
Heribelle gasps and springs forward to help.
"Calm down, little Heribelle! Azashiro won't fall that easily."
But before she moves, Lilinet gently restrains her with a palm.
"Hmph~"
True to Lilinet's assessment, Azashiro barely flinches as the attack comes from behind. A faint smile plays at the corner of his mouth.
In the next moment, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki arm holding the Zanpakutō is cleaved away—blade and all—flung into the sky.
"Puh…"
Blood spills from the severed limb.
"Gwah!!!"
Kenpachi screams in pain and retreats with a Hollow Flash, increasing the distance between himself and Azashiro. Astonishingly, the severed arm instantly regenerates.
"Super‑speed regeneration!"
All three—Szayelaporro, Heribelle, and Lilinet—utter in unison. Super‑speed regeneration is typically a basic Hollow ability, often lost as they evolve. It's common in average Hollows, but rare—even unheard‑of—among the elite Vasto Lorde like Kenpachi Kuruyashiki.
"Could any of you regenerate like that?"
Szayelaporro asks the others.
"Limbs sort of—slowly. Not other parts."
Lilinet shakes her head lightly.
"About the same for me."
Heribelle echoes.
"As for me, I discarded self‑regeneration entirely and developed superspeed‑regeneration via machines and alchemical serums instead."
Szayelaporro—ever the scientist—explains that his body now depends entirely on external devices and potions for regeneration.
"Super‑speed regeneration?!"
"If I'd known you had that ability, I wouldn't have held back!"
Above them, Azashiro's eyes gleam at Kuruyashiki ability—now he can unleash his full power.
Azashiro blurs into motion and descends upon Kenpachi with a barrage of Ola—a relentless flurry of punches raining down on the regenerating hollow form.
Day after day, for an entire week, Azashiro pounds him—nonstop—save for eating and sleeping.
Occasionally, Lilinet and Heribelle join in, lending their own punches and sharpening their skills in the process.
Then, after that week of barrage, a startling change occurs. The pale, Hollow‑like mass that covered Kenpachi's chest recedes like an ocean tide, revealing a tall man with flowing hair, beast‑like eyes, and tattered clothing.
"Hello?"
"Where am I...? Who are you… and who am I?"
The towering figure looks at Azashiro, Lilinet, and Heribelle, bewildered. He's… amnesiac.