[Bleach: The Invincible Slacker] Chapter 201 - 205

Chapter 201

In the past, Yoruichi only felt truly safe when she was with Uehara Shiroha. Now, everyone was on edge because of Aizen's threat. His pressure was overwhelming, and they struggled to find a solution. What made matters worse was that Aizen now possessed the Hōgyoku—a weapon of unimaginable power.

Because of this, she, Urahara Kisuke, and many captains were anxious. Unlike ordinary people who might give up when faced with such pressure, they would persevere and even exceed their normal capabilities. But their determination still couldn't compare to Uehara Shiroha's absolute confidence that everything was under control.

"It doesn't matter. You'll take action anyway," Uehara Shiroha remarked with casual confidence, leaning back with an almost bored expression on his face.

He wasn't concerned. Not only did he have exceptional talents like Kurosaki Ichigo and Urahara Kisuke fighting on his side, but with his Infinite Shunkyō, even Aizen after fusing with the Hōgyoku wouldn't pose a serious threat.

To others, Aizen after hollowfication was a world-ending boss—unstoppable and invincible. In Uehara Shiroha's eyes, Hōgyoku Aizen was still a boss-level entity, but more like the kind of boss that "drops legendary gear when defeated." Of course he wasn't worried; he actually welcomed the challenge.

For Uehara Shiroha, everything remained firmly under control.

Looking at the confident light in Uehara Shiroha's dark eyes, Shihōin Yoruichi felt her heart stir. Such a man was undeniably charming. What had conquered her wasn't only Uehara Shiroha's overwhelming strength, but also his unshakable confidence that seemed to bend reality itself to his will.

After a moment, Yoruichi changed the subject: "How do you plan to deal with those who've opposed you?" Her golden eyes studied him carefully, trying to read beyond his composed exterior.

Before all this, she and Urahara had suspected that Uehara Shiroha was hiding an extremely powerful trump card. That would explain his fearlessness in the face of every challenge.

Although the power Uehara Shiroha had displayed was already terrifying—making them feel inferior and leaving them in disbelief—they suspected there was more to it. Considering his character, the strength he'd shown might be merely the tip of the iceberg.

This suspicion seemed incredible, almost unbelievable. But it was likely true; nothing else could explain why someone as intelligent as Uehara Shiroha would allow Aizen to continue his plans. He couldn't have been unaware of how dangerous Aizen would become after obtaining the Hōgyoku.

At the time, Uehara Shiroha had the ability to prevent Aizen from getting the Hōgyoku, yet he did nothing. This could only mean that the strongest genius in Soul Society's history had unparalleled confidence and hidden abilities.

Now, seeing Uehara Shiroha's calm demeanor, Shihōin Yoruichi was certain he was concealing something powerful. It seemed unbelievable that his god-like powers weren't even his full strength.

She was curious about what kind of trump card would make him so confident. In the face of war, what ability could make someone feel so invincible? However, Yoruichi only probed lightly and didn't push the issue further.

She was more concerned about Uehara Shiroha's attitude toward the nobles. To some extent, this also related to the direction of the current conflict.

"Urahara Kisuke even thought of this? Impressive," Uehara Shiroha mused, surprised that with the situation so tense, Urahara Kisuke still had time to worry about those useless nobles. He wasn't sure whether to call it naivety or wisdom.

Perhaps Urahara feared he would become a rebel like Aizen. He had many concerns, but they were pointless. No matter how much Urahara Kisuke worried, it wouldn't change anything. When those foolish nobles chose to become his enemies, their fate was sealed.

Shihōin Yoruichi sighed helplessly: "I admit those people are foolish. However, they pose no real threat to you. You don't need to eliminate them all." Her voice carried a hint of pleading, though she knew how stubborn he could be once his mind was set.

If possible, she really didn't want to concern herself with the lives of the nobles. It was just that over thousands of years, the Shihōin family and other noble houses had formed a unified aristocracy. All noble families were interconnected to some degree.

It would be one thing if Uehara Shiroha dealt with just one or two families. But he obviously wasn't willing to show leniency, and many families would suffer the consequences. Many noble members were Yoruichi's relatives.

Besides, the lives of nobles were still lives. Therefore, she felt compelled to speak up for them, even though they had expelled her from their ranks.

On his throne of ice, Uehara Shiroha stood resolute, spiritual pressure radiating from him in cold waves: "Their fate is not decided by you, nor by themselves... I have the final say." His voice, though quiet, carried a weight that made the very air tremble.

He had already made arrangements for those nobles. Simply put, Soul Society didn't need so many undisciplined and idle parasites. No one except him had the right to enjoy such privilege.

"Why do you hate these nobles so intensely? They've behaved this way for thousands of years," Yoruichi asked, genuinely puzzled, a frown creasing her brow.

Besides traditional nobles, high-ranking Shinigami were also nobility. Uehara Shiroha's strength and status fully qualified him to join the ruling class of Soul Society. It seemed counterproductive for him to eliminate them all—essentially opposing his own position.

Uehara Shiroha replied calmly: "I never forgive, and I never forget. Don't forget how these people plotted against me before. For thousands of years, the nobles' rule has indeed been deeply entrenched. But they have no real power—what maintains their rule is bloodline. Ability and strength are secondary. Is this normal? No, it's not. Is the sword in your hand fake? Even if yours is, mine certainly isn't."

The reckoning must come, and no one would escape it. When those nobles had relied on their status to give him orders and tried to seize power from him, they should have anticipated this day.

Urahara Kisuke and Shihōin Yoruichi feared sacrifice and bloodshed, but he did not. Even if it created a river of blood, he wouldn't hesitate.

Shihōin Yoruichi said resignedly: "Urahara knows you won't let them go. He just doesn't know how you plan to deal with them, and I'm curious about that as well." She crossed her arms, preparing herself for whatever ruthless plan he might reveal.

She was certain Uehara Shiroha wouldn't conduct any massive purges. If that had been his intention, he would have done it long ago. Those who had directly offended him were already dead; those remaining had committed lesser offenses. But even so, these people would not escape punishment.

"I will send them where they belong," Uehara Shiroha stated, having already made arrangements. "Exile to Hueco Mundo is the fate awaiting them. Garbage should be thrown into the garbage dump. Purifying Soul Society is everyone's responsibility. Don't they enjoy fighting for power and killing innocent people?"

Chapter 202

Back then, these nobles forced ordinary people into arenas to fight Hollows. They thought it was entertainment.

In this case, Uehara Shiroha didn't mind fulfilling their wish and giving them a chance to have close contact with Hollows. This was exactly what they deserved.

"You really are a domineering man," Yoruichi observed, noting how much Shiroha despised these nobles. A faint smile played at the corners of her lips, acknowledging his ruthless justice.

His will had become the rule now. Being disliked by this man meant death for those people. Before this, only those nobles had the right to decide others' fates according to their preferences.

The Soul Society was about to change.

Of course, deep down, she didn't care about any of this. While she wouldn't celebrate when these people met misfortune, she certainly wouldn't feel sad either. If it weren't for her family obligations, she would've never followed Soul Society's rules.

In fact, to save her companions, Yoruichi had broken those rules—a betrayal of her own aristocratic class, in a way.

Shiroha continued, "If you really care about whether those people live or die... then from now on, you don't have to concern yourself with it. Because this matter is over." His tone was final, brooking no further discussion on the subject.

Among his several lovers, Yoruichi was the free-spirited one. The other beauties had been conquered by Shiroha's charm. Of course, Yoruichi was no different in that regard.

It's just that initially, she had schemes against him. Later, she became addicted to his company.

Yoruichi felt helpless about the situation. On one hand, she had no choice; on the other, facing a man like Shiroha made it difficult not to be tempted. For those who pursued power, strength itself was incredibly attractive. What's more, this man's confidence provided a unique sense of security.

Next, Yoruichi didn't rush to leave Hueco Mundo but instead accompanied Shiroha to watch the final battle between Ichigo and Ulquiorra.

Of course, Shiroha could simultaneously use his Observation Haki to monitor the situation on Sokyoku Hill.

Yoruichi's spiritual perception wasn't that strong, making it difficult for her to sense Ichigo's battle situation from afar.

...

Meanwhile, in the laboratory of the Eighth Espada Szayelaporro, Mayuri Kurotsuchi sensed the violent Reiatsu fluctuations in the distance and the occasional thunderous roars. He complained unhappily:

"What barbarians. They only know how to fight with brute force. I can't even concentrate on thinking." His painted face contorted with annoyance as he hunched over various instruments.

These Arrancars in Hueco Mundo were indeed unique in their ability to manipulate space and create Garganta.

For the moment, Mayuri had no immediate way to break the spatial blockade and create a new Garganta.

Standing next to him were Unohana and Isane Kotetsu, who had just arrived.

"Captain Kurotsuchi, how long will it take to break the blockade?" Unohana asked while watching the place where Zaraki and Yammy were fighting.

Sure enough, after being overpowered by Shiroha, Zaraki had indeed become stronger. And she had become stronger too.

The once boring world had become lively again. The road she thought had reached its end actually stretched out further. Her world had changed.

Mayuri looked up at Unohana, his pupils shrinking beneath his mask. He explained honestly, contrary to his usual behavior:

"Although this laboratory contains the information I need about spatial channels, such as how to reopen the Garganta, there are simply too many materials on spatial research. Moreover, their research is somewhat more advanced than I anticipated."

In truth, it wasn't just "somewhat" more advanced.

Aizen and Szayelaporro had been desperately studying spatial power, as if something had frightened them into it.

On one hand, Mayuri needed time to find useful information; on the other, he genuinely needed some time to think before he could catch up to their progress.

He couldn't understand why these Hollows were obsessed with Garganta and spatial transmission research, as if they were terrified of something.

Thinking about this, an ordinary-looking face flashed through Mayuri's mind.

Could it be Shiroha?

He was certain that Shiroha had caused significant damage to Hueco Mundo. These powerful Hollows having PTSD seemed normal under the circumstances.

Just like Captain Unohana standing before him—after merely meeting Shiroha, her aura and Reiatsu had become awe-inspiring. That hidden coldness made him cautious, afraid to act recklessly.

He knew something of this woman's history. Though specific details were scarce, she was clearly not someone to provoke.

From the looks of it, she had been irritated by Shiroha and probably taught a severe lesson.

Shiroha was that kind of person. Before him, all beings were equal—being a captain meant nothing.

Mayuri could only sigh inwardly: "This Shiroha is truly a disaster! Nothing good happens to anyone who gets involved with him. Fortunately, I haven't offended him yet."

Isane also looked at her captain with concern.

For some reason, after returning from her mission, her captain had been injured. The injury wasn't serious, but Captain Unohana seemed strangely satisfied with it.

Because of this satisfaction, the coldness hidden deep in her captain's heart had awakened. The current Captain Unohana was simply terrifying!

No wonder even the arrogant Captain Kurotsuchi was cautious when facing her, behaving less haughtily than usual.

At this moment, after some subtle adjustments, Unohana regained her usual dignified and calm appearance, and continued to ask:

"How long will it take to open the passage? The captain needs our support!"

The battle with Shiroha was far from over.

But now wasn't the time to dwell on such things. She was deeply concerned about Karakura Town.

Even with the Gotei 13's targeted arrangements, it wasn't safe. Aizen's scheming and his Kyōka Suigetsu made everything extremely difficult.

However, remembering the oath she'd made in the past, Unohana suppressed her killing intent and abandoned the idea of taking action personally. She needed to conserve her energy and Reiatsu for healing.

As the captain of the Fourth Division, saving lives was her duty.

"It can't be done quickly. Hueco Mundo's spatial seal is exceedingly complex," Mayuri said seriously. "I have to reopen the Garganta to connect to Karakura Town. But the Hollow's Garganta is very different from the Shinigami's Senkaimon. It took Urahara more than ten years to complete the reconstruction of the Garganta. Moreover, Aizen sealed Hueco Mundo's space with a special seal, adding something unique to it."

Chapter 203

He was helpless about this.

This was not his specialty. The research on spatial manipulation in Hueco Mundo was incredibly complex, which greatly delayed his analysis progress. He had no better solution and could only solve it gradually.

"Ten years?" Unohana frowned. "We don't have ten years. Can't we hurry this up?" Her voice remained calm, but her eyes betrayed her growing concern.

Mayuri replied proudly, "With Urahara's talent, it would take more than ten years to complete this research. But I don't need that long. My talent exceeds his, so I can complete it much faster." He straightened his posture, his golden teeth gleaming as he smirked.

With these materials as reference, he truly didn't need ten years to open a new Garganta to Karakura Town. The challenge was that it would be somewhat unstable with limited capacity. He estimated only one or two people could pass through.

"So, how long will it take you?" Unohana's expression remained unchanged, but in her heart, she already had a bad feeling.

Mayuri said confidently, "Three days!"

"No, we don't have that much time to waste!" Unohana replied decisively. "I'll give you three hours!"

"Impossible, absolutely impossible! Unless..." Mayuri was left speechless, his painted face contorting with frustration.

Isane, who stood beside them, asked curiously, "Unless what?"

"Only that guy Shiroha could do this," Mayuri admitted helplessly.

Though he didn't want to acknowledge it, the facts proved that even in terms of technological research and development, Shiroha was far superior to him, the captain of the Twelfth Division.

It was one thing that Shiroha could overpower them in combat, but his spatial technology was equally impressive, which left Mayuri completely frustrated. After all, Shiroha could enter and exit Hueco Mundo at will without attracting anyone's attention. The combined resources of the Department of Research and Development couldn't accomplish this. They could only admit defeat.

After hearing Mayuri's words, Isane was shocked. Unohana showed an expression of "as expected" and nodded.

"Captain Kurotsuchi, please continue your research! I will contact Commander Uehara."

Meanwhile, in the fake Karakura Town!

Three Espada-level Hollows emerged from the Garganta with their subordinates, releasing powerful Reiatsu that seemed to distort the very air around them.

Facing three Espada-level Arrancars and the Aizen trio simultaneously, the Shinigami present, including the captains, felt immense pressure.

"This is trouble," Kyōraku observed, quickly assessing the situation. "Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu is perfectly suited for this battlefield. Every Arrancar is formidable and poses a significant threat. With Kyōka Suigetsu controlling our five senses, that threat increases exponentially. We must neutralize it, or we have no chance of victory." He adjusted his straw hat, his usual playful demeanor replaced by serious focus.

However, the most unsolvable aspect of Kyōka Suigetsu was that once affected, you could never escape its influence.

The other Shinigami realized this too, worry evident in their eyes. With Aizen present, none dared act hastily. Since everyone had been exposed to Kyōka Suigetsu, they risked striking their own allies. Worse, they wouldn't know if they were about to be ambushed.

In close-quarter combat, Kyōka Suigetsu was virtually invincible. At this critical moment, they needed the strongest Shinigami—Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni.

Facing Aizen and his group of Espada-level Arrancar, Captain-Commander Yamamoto said nothing. He simply gripped the cane in his hand and declared:

"Reduce all creation to ash, Ryūjin Jakka!"

Scorching flames erupted with terrifying heat and overwhelming Reiatsu. In an instant, the wooden cane shattered into pieces and turned to ash, revealing the zanpakutō hidden within—Ryūjin Jakka, the god of flame!

The moment the zanpakutō was revealed, it had already released its Shikai. The terrifying power of the strongest and oldest fire-type zanpakutō was fully unleashed. Within seconds, all moisture in the air evaporated. The horrifying high-temperature flames danced wildly, consuming and destroying everything in their path.

Heat waves rippled outward, incinerating everything they touched.

Faced with these sudden, terrifying flames, everyone present tensed, thinking to themselves: "He released his Shikai immediately. The strongest Shinigami isn't holding back."

But this wasn't the end. Yamamoto swung Ryūjin Jakka and commanded, "Jōkaku Enjō!"

BOOM!

With a deafening explosion, several pillars of flame shot skyward, surrounding Aizen and his two companions, forming an impenetrable fiery cage.

The blazing walls acted as a barrier, dividing the battlefield in two and trapping Aizen's group inside. Every Shinigami and Arrancar present felt the deadly threat emanating from those flames.

Even the Hierro of an Espada-level Arrancar couldn't withstand such heat. Attempting to break through would result in being reduced to charcoal at best—or ashes for the weaker ones.

In terms of raw destructive power, Ryūjin Jakka was simply overwhelming—much like Kyōka Suigetsu, both were unmatched in their domains.

Seeing this development, even Aizen's pupils contracted momentarily before he regained his composure. Everything was proceeding according to plan. As long as Shiroha didn't join the battle, all would be well.

Therefore, facing the blazing fire cage, Aizen smiled with characteristic calmness. Gin and Tōsen were already using their Reiatsu as shields.

Even though they were only indirectly affected, the blood in their bodies still reacted to the extreme heat. An uncontrollable burning sensation spread throughout their systems.

Both realized their Reiatsu and physical strength had decreased to varying degrees. This was merely from being indirectly affected by Ryūjin Jakka.

The strongest fire-type zanpakutō truly lived up to its reputation.

"Lord Aizen, it seems we cannot break through this wall of fire," Gin observed, glancing at the fiery barrier surrounding them and shaking his head helplessly. "Ryūjin Jakka is terrifying. What should we do now?" His fox-like smile remained, but sweat beaded on his forehead from the intense heat.

The temperature of these flames was absurdly high. Even captains like themselves would be incinerated instantly if they attempted to breach the fiery wall.

It was his first time witnessing Yamamoto unleash Ryūjin Jakka's full Shikai power. Everyone knew Ryūjin Jakka was formidable, but they hadn't expected this level of strength.

Its Shikai alone surpassed many captains' Bankai. He couldn't imagine how powerful Ryūjin Jakka's Bankai might be—likely capable of reducing all captains to ash with a single strike.

Only monsters like Shiroha and Aizen could contend with Ryūjin Jakka's Bankai. Aizen's chances were questionable, but Shiroha would definitely prevail.

Aizen responded calmly, "These flames are difficult to extinguish through ordinary means. They're quite troublesome to encounter. Although forcing our way through is possible, it would consume significant Reiatsu and physical strength. For now, we should wait and observe. Have faith in the Espada!"

Chapter 204

Yamamoto ignored the trapped Aizen and his companions, turning his attention to the Arrancars instead.

"Then, I will deal with you first." His voice was calm but carried ancient power, resonating across the battlefield.

Facing the threat of the strongest Shinigami, the Primera Espada Starrk, the Segunda Espada Barragan, and the Tercera Espada Harribel all maintained outward calm without showing the slightest fear.

But their hearts told a different story. Even at such a distance, they still felt the scorching heat, their lips already becoming chapped.

The leader of the Gotei 13 was indeed formidable.

However, they would not surrender.

Barragan, who resembled an elderly man, stepped forward and declared, "Since our leader cannot act for the time being, I will give the orders." His voice carried the weight of millennia, filled with arrogance born from his long reign.

After he spoke, he gave a command, and the five Fracción behind him immediately unfurled a scroll, manifesting a bone throne as they shouted:

"Long live His Majesty Barragan! His Majesty Barragan, the God of Hueco Mundo!"

"I've finished speaking. Do you have any objections?" Sitting upon the bone throne, Barragan projected dominance, showing no intention of rescuing Aizen.

In his heart, he wished Aizen would die. If it weren't for Aizen, he would still be happily lounging in the halls of Las Noches, enjoying the simple life of a king.

Who would have thought that while he was listening to music, drinking wine, and watching his subordinates fight in Las Noches, Aizen would crush him so directly? This was a disgrace! Aizen deserved to die.

Besides, as the former king of Hueco Mundo, it was natural for him to lead the Arrancar in battle. Although he hadn't been in charge for many years, the kingly aura in his bones remained undiminished.

He would bow to no one, determined to remain invincible and maintain his royal dignity.

Of course, before taking action, Barragan had already confirmed that Shiroha wasn't present. If there was anyone he truly feared, it was definitely not the Shinigami before him.

If facing Shiroha, he would certainly avoid that opponent. This was the true king's style! Greatness needs no words!

"Barragan, you show too much disrespect to Lord Aizen," Harribel said coldly, her mouth and nose covered by her high collar. Her sea-green eyes narrowed with disapproval.

Behind her, three female Fracción stood proudly, looking at Barragan's five subordinates with disdain.

"I don't have any objection," Starrk replied casually, only to be immediately punched and kicked by Lilynette, his Fracción.

While beating him, Lilynette berated Starrk for his lack of motivation and passivity. Despite being the Primera Espada, he displayed no leadership abilities, allowing his position to be usurped by a mere Segunda Espada. He was truly pathetic.

Starrk responded helplessly, "I don't care about leadership at all. If Barragan wants it, he can have it. He's an old senior after all." He yawned, seemingly more interested in finding a place to nap than engaging in battle.

Ignoring the two and their antics, Barragan turned to Yamamoto and declared confidently, "Your barrier is quite impressive. Unfortunately, you just revealed that this barrier needs pillars at the four corners to maintain it. Then what I must do is very simple. As long as the pillars at the four corners are destroyed, the barrier will fail. When that happens, Karakura Town, which now sits on the outskirts of Rukongai, will return."

After saying this, he waved his right hand, and several new Gargantas appeared in the sky.

As soon as multiple Arrancar with skull-like heads emerged, they immediately attacked the four barrier pillars, trying desperately to destroy the structures maintaining the barrier.

Seeing this, Omaeda covered his face with his hands and shouted, "NO! If the pillars of the Tenkai Kecchu are destroyed, Karakura Town will return to the human world from Rukongai! Then everything will be over. What should we do?" Sweat poured down his face as he panicked.

As soon as his voice faded, several Reiatsus burst forth, and four lieutenant-level Shinigami appeared at the pillars, easily dispatching the attacking low-level Arrancar.

The 3rd Seat of the 11th Division, Ikkaku Madarame, and 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa, along with Lieutenant of the 3rd Division, Izuru Kira, and Lieutenant of the 9th Division, Shūhei Hisagi, each guarded a pillar at the four corners.

Renji Abarai had also joined this battle to prove himself. As for Momo Hinamori, she had obeyed Shiroha's orders and remained at Teigun headquarters, "hanging out" with Nanao Ise.

Seeing this, Omaeda was stunned. Several captains and lieutenants revealed they had known about these hidden defenders all along.

Omaeda complained, "Am I the only one who didn't know about their presence? I thought I didn't see these lieutenants because my status had improved and they weren't worthy of fighting alongside me. So, I was the one not qualified to know the strategic arrangements?"

"What else?" Suì-Fēng replied ruthlessly, her zanpakutō on her back, not even bothering to turn her head. Her dismissive tone cut deeper than any blade could.

As expected of the commander of the stealth division, her finishing blow was precise and fatal.

With the initial attack failed, Barragan spoke disdainfully, "Don't celebrate too soon. Although you've made arrangements, they are futile. Since you've stationed ants to guard the pillars, I will send dragons to crush both the ants and pillars together."

After that declaration, he ordered the four Fracción behind him to launch attacks against the four Shinigami guarding the pillars.

These match-ups were quite fitting.

Ikkaku faced the massive Poww; the narcissistic Yumichika confronted the flamboyant Charlotte Chuhlhourne; the somber Kira battled the "hot-blooded" Abirama Redder; and Hisagi faced the calculating Findorr Calius.

Shiroha had no interest in this battle between "rookies."

The results unfolded much as expected. Yumichika, Hisagi, and Kira all defeated their opponents and protected their Tenkai Kecchu pillars. Ikkaku, who believed himself quite powerful but feared being appointed captain if he revealed his Bankai, remained overconfident and refused to use it.

Consequently, the bald fighter became the only one among the four who failed to defeat his opponent.

If it weren't for the timely intervention of Captain Komamura, who activated his Bankai to save him, the battle might have collapsed because Madarame was "too proud."

It could only be said that self-confidence was good, but novices needed more practice.

After the surprise attack plan failed, Barragan and the other Espada engaged in battle with the group of captains.

However, Yamamoto remained motionless, sitting firmly at the rear, constantly monitoring Aizen's movements. The ancient flames of Ryūjin Jakka danced around him, responding to his slightest thought.

With his restraint, the Aizen trio couldn't make significant moves.

Aizen simply wanted to use this opportunity to test the combat capabilities of his top three Espada. So he wasn't in a hurry to break through the fire cage surrounding him.

He had invested considerable effort and time creating the Espada, so naturally, he wanted to witness their quality in battle.

Chapter 205

According to his original intention, the Espada should be able to win this war for him.

As for Yamamoto, Aizen had his own method to deal with him. Ryūjin Jakka was incredibly powerful, and its direct attack capability might even surpass his own. Because of this, Aizen had made special preparations.

So far, everything remained under control. Therefore, he wasn't panicked at all as he sat in his position, observing. His calm brown eyes studied the battlefield, calculating each move with precision.

On the battlefield, the Arrancars faced off against the Shinigami. The leaders of both sides remained stationary while their subordinates sought out appropriate opponents—fish finding fish, shrimp finding shrimp.

The lieutenants confronted the Fracción. The Captain of the Tenth Division, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, faced Tercera Espada Harribel and was clearly at a disadvantage. Even with his elemental advantage, Tōshirō still couldn't overcome the difference in raw power. Ice crystals formed and shattered around him as he struggled against her overwhelming strength.

The Captain of the Second Division, Suì-Fēng, squared off against Segunda Espada Barragan.

The current Barragan was no longer the proud king of Hueco Mundo. Since being "taken in" by Aizen, Barragan's spirit and resolve had been broken, and his strength had diminished considerably. He typified someone who worked without true effort—saving his strength to eventually betray Aizen. In a body weighing 100 pounds, 90 pounds was pure rebellious intent.

Additionally, these Arrancar remained wary of the extraordinarily powerful Shiroha. This made them more cautious in battle. Because of this, Suì-Fēng could barely withstand Barragan's aging powers.

Captain of the 8th Division, Shunsui Kyōraku, confronted Primera Espada Starrk.

These two represented both ace fighters and lazy individuals who preferred watching over participating. After exchanging names, they began a typical "round-based" battle characteristic of Bleach.

You hit me with a sword, I hit you with a cero. If you didn't know better, you might think they were performing an exhibition match, each feeding the other techniques.

After several exchanges, Starrk realized he had met someone similar to himself.

Similar! So damn similar!

That relaxed expression, lazy tone, and unhurried attack rhythm—the Shinigami opposite him mirrored him perfectly. He was practically his spiritual twin!

Sensing his opponent's curiosity, Kyōraku smiled and said, "Why are you holding back? Do you have concerns? Don't worry, Old Man Yama won't intervene—you're not important enough for his attention." He adjusted his straw hat casually, as if they were having a friendly conversation rather than a battle.

Though his words seemed casual, Kyōraku remained inwardly cautious. Honestly, even facing Yamamoto's Shikai would frighten him. The fact that this Arrancar remained so relaxed during battle suggested exceptional ability.

Kyōraku's seemingly teasing tone actually served to probe his opponent's background.

Starrk hadn't expected that his opponent was actually a "fake slacker." While Starrk merely wanted to coast through the battle and gain experience with little real fighting intent, Kyōraku genuinely sought his life. This difference in mindset would determine their fates.

Facing Kyōraku's provocation, Starrk replied casually, "Your leader has a terrible temper—quite scary. But that's not my concern. By the way, who's stronger, your leader or Shiroha?" He scratched his head lazily, blue-gray eyes revealing a genuine curiosity.

Despite his own strength, Starrk had to admit that the Shinigami named Shiroha was overwhelmingly powerful. Though none of the Espada mentioned it openly, they all felt fortunate not to face that man on the battlefield. Shiroha's shocking attack in Hueco Mundo had shattered their arrogance and self-esteem.

"I don't know," Kyōraku replied lazily. "Maybe you should try fighting both and make your own comparison."

Earlier, the Department of Research and Development had detected several captain-level Reiatsu spikes in Hueco Mundo that matched Shiroha's signature. It seemed that before the war officially began, Shiroha had already delivered a "greeting" to the Espada.

This greeting had evidently been terrifying enough to make the Arrancar more restrained in battle. Such was the deterrent power of a true apex fighter. Even without Shiroha physically present, his influence remained palpable, as if he existed everywhere at once.

"If Shiroha were here, you'd definitely be much more relaxed," Starrk observed with curiosity. "What kind of person is he?"

His curiosity stemmed from personal experience. Because his Reiatsu had been too overwhelming, he couldn't find companions and endured loneliness for ages. That experience was unbearable to recall.

Unlike other Hollows, as a naturally-evolved Arrancar, Starrk didn't desire greater power—he wanted companions. He even wished his strength could diminish.

But Shiroha possessed power far exceeding his own. Starrk wondered if that person experienced the same loneliness he did.

"That guy isn't the same species as us," Kyōraku replied, a hint of awe in his voice despite his casual demeanor.

In truth, nobody resembled Shiroha. Kyōraku suspected he might be some kind of monster wearing a Shinigami's skin. Whatever he was, he certainly wasn't the same as them.

"Could it be that he's extremely diligent? Truly enviable," Starrk remarked, maintaining his disinterested appearance despite facing a powerful enemy.

"No, quite the opposite—that guy is even lazier than I am," Kyōraku continued. "But his talent is extraordinary, which makes all the difference."

While speaking, Kyōraku assessed his opponent carefully. Thus far, Starrk's Reiatsu hadn't fluctuated at all—suggesting he was holding back considerably. This was to be expected of the Primera Espada. Kyōraku needed to observe more carefully.

Starrk sighed, "He sounds like an amazing genius! I'm fortunate to avoid fighting such a person."

Although joining the Espada had solved his loneliness problem, Starrk still hadn't found a true sense of belonging among them. Because of this, he lacked motivation in battle. He fought merely because he had to.

Shiroha's talent and strength had genuinely shocked him, leaving him grateful that he didn't need to face such a formidable opponent.

"Genius?" Kyōraku shook his head. "'Genius' doesn't begin to describe Shiroha's talent. I know you've enhanced your abilities through the Hōgyoku. Your talents even surpass those of Vasto Lorde-class Hollows. But even so, you can't compare to Shiroha. His talent doesn't fall within the category of Shinigami, or Arrancar, or even mortals."

Kyōraku had been the first captain to recognize Shiroha's true strength. Simultaneously, he was the first to realize how abnormal Shiroha's talent truly was. In his mind, even Yamamoto didn't possess Shiroha's dominance and control.

He believed in Shiroha completely. He knew and trusted this old friend well.

Kyōraku remained optimistic about this war. The worst outcome would be that they all lost—but that wouldn't be the end of the world. Because Shiroha would ultimately settle everything.

It was truly wonderful to have an invincible person backing you up.