[Bleach: The Invincible Slacker] Chapter 196 - 200

Chapter 196

The opponent's slashing technique was full of spirituality and threat—perfect for training his own skills. Uehara Shiroha felt the joy of fighting for the first time in a long time. This was why he didn't end the battle immediately after gaining the upper hand.

Compared to Kenpachi Zaraki's rough swordsmanship and rugged face, Unohana Retsu was much more elegant. She was strong and good-looking, making the battle both pleasing to the eye and thoroughly engaging.

This was a worthy opponent.

Kenpachi Zaraki? He was really unfamiliar with him!

Unohana Retsu was a typical berserker who kept her violent nature hidden beneath a gentle facade. There was nothing else in her mind but killing. She loved battle and bloodshed more than anything in her life—fighting was her faith.

Her strength was also first-class. It was a pity that she had to face him.

Uehara Shiroha was qualified, confident, and powerful enough to dominate the fight. But this first-generation Kenpachi, current captain of the Fourth Division, was helpless and powerless against him.

This was the gap. This was reality.

At this moment, Uehara Shiroha was like a boss who had entered his second phase, crushing all challengers with absolute invincibility. The power of his Infinite Slashing technique was truly unstoppable.

This was the hidden form of the Shunkyō world—the ultimate fusion and evolution of Unlimited Blade Works, the Mind Gem, and Shunkyō. It was a power that surpassed even the gods.

Infinite Shunkyō perfectly integrated all aspects of Uehara Shiroha's abilities. Currently, this was his strongest technique.

After lying dormant for nearly a hundred years, he had developed an ability that transcended divine limits. If the full potential of Infinite Shunkyō could be unleashed, not just Transcendents, but even Soul King Candidates and perhaps the Soul King himself couldn't withstand it.

The thousand-year captain Unohana Retsu now had a real understanding of this. She was the first to feel the terrifying power of Infinite Shunkyō.

At this moment in the Shunkyō world, the light of the sky had condensed and begun taking on a specific shape. What appeared before Unohana Retsu was a brilliant firmament.

In the sky, stars radiated dazzling brilliance. However, looking closer, one could see these weren't real stars but crystallizations of power. They were actually Zanpakutō of various shapes, each radiating extremely strong Reiatsu.

Each star represented a Zanpakutō. Unohana Retsu recognized Ryujin Jakka, Hyorinmaru, Senbonzakura, Kyoka Suigetsu, Suzumebachi... even her own Minazuki floated among them.

There were roughly 10,000 Zanpakutō there—seemingly every Shinigami's sword arrayed in the heavens. And these Zanpakutō were all in their Shikai forms.

This power was beyond comprehension. Just gazing upon it made one feel powerless and desperate. Ten thousand Zanpakutō in Shikai form, ready to strike—more terrifying than even Sōkyoku at full release.

Was this Uehara Shiroha's Bankai? It was too overwhelming!

Ryujin Jakka's Bankai was already devastating enough. If active long enough, it could burn the three realms and turn everything in the world to ash. But compared to these 10,000 Shikai Zanpakutō, even Zanka no Tachi didn't seem so frightening.

Unohana Retsu remembered her complaints from long ago. Those opponents were too weak and died at her first touch. Such battles couldn't really be called battles at all. All she had seen were weaklings—mere ants.

But facing such power as this, she was no different from an ant herself. In front of Uehara Shiroha, she too was insignificant.

Unohana Retsu muttered to herself: "It turns out I've been fighting monsters like this all along. Compared to such a Bankai, mine is just child's play."

Uehara Shiroha had no intention of using this technique to reduce Unohana Retsu to ashes. He simply wanted to let her see this new world and then continue "living."

It was like showing off money to impress someone, not to spend it.

The original Unlimited Blade Works wasn't this powerful on its own. The ability to materialize thousands of extraordinary weapons came from two sources: first, Uehara Shiroha had the support of the Mind Gem and his own indomitable will; second, the system's unreasonable strengthening ability enhanced it beyond normal limits.

In truth, Uehara Shiroha hadn't initially expected the EX Unlimited Blade Works to be so overwhelmingly strong. Although he was excited to obtain the EX ability, he had been somewhat confused after the initial thrill faded.

The Infinity Gems were only SR-rank, while this EX ability seemed to require Pangu Bloodline, Chaos Bell, Cosmic Drill, and other legendary artifacts. It turned out to be just a reality marble ability...

EX ability was just this? Infinite Blade System was worthy of such classification? Could a mere mind image touch cosmic power?

Then, Uehara Shiroha had experimented with developing the EX Infinite Blade System further.

And it was truly spectacular!

The reality was that the system had elevated Infinite Blade System to a level far beyond its original potential. An EX-rank upgrade could turn ordinary combat into divine art—how could it not be powerful?

Uehara Shiroha's Infinite Blade System could blast apart the entire Fate universe and reduce Cú Chulainn and Gilgamesh to slag in seconds. If EMIYA—the "Ally of Justice"—had possessed this EX Infinite Blade System, Gilgamesh would never have been able to overwhelm him with Gate of Babylon.

Therefore, it wasn't Infinite Blade System itself that was awesome, but the system that enhanced it. It could also be said that it wasn't Infinite Blade System that was strong, but Uehara Shiroha who wielded it through the system.

Most importantly, the Mind Gem and Infinite Blade System were natural counters to all kinds of powerful beings in the world of Shinigami.

The Mind Gem alone was formidable—its infinite power controlled all mental energy, the "innate foundation" of all spiritual life. It could also provide a continuous supply of power for Unlimited Blade Works. The simultaneous release of ten thousand swords would consume too much Reiatsu even for a Transcendent.

And Unlimited Blade Works was the origin of all weapons. Even the weapons it copied became stronger and more invincible than the originals.

The Mind Gem also served as a power source for Unlimited Blade Works. The combination made the duration and control ability of Unlimited Blade Works so potent that people couldn't comprehend it.

Uehara Shiroha was the true master of all weapons.

In the world of Bleach, the importance and power of weapons was beyond imagination. Beyond just the Zanpakutō of Shinigami and the spirit weapons of Quincy, even the gods had artifacts like the Hakkyōken, which could reflect divine power back at them. Even the Soul King could be wounded by weapons.

For weapons like these, Unlimited Blade Works could copy them all into the Infinite Slash and strengthen their abilities further.

Therefore, once Uehara Shiroha unleashed his Infinite Slash, he was invincible below the level of Soul King candidates.

Using such a move to deal with Unohana Retsu was like using a cannon to kill a mosquito. This was why Uehara Shiroha held back.

He had only slightly displayed the power of Infinite Severance, and already Unohana Retsu was shocked to the point where she could not move.

Chapter 197

Just as Unohana was sighing, Uehara Shiroha's figure suddenly disappeared. When he reappeared, he had already arrived in front of her, the ice blade in his hand piercing through her chest.

"How did you become so strong with your Zanpakutō?" Unohana Retsu looked down at the ice blade in her chest, still not planning to surrender.

She wanted to resist, but the countless Zanpakutō floating in the sky completely suppressed her power. In the face of this god-like ability, her Reiatsu, murderous aura, and will were all rendered powerless.

Only now did Unohana Retsu understand the feeling she'd had from the beginning. In duels between master swordsmen, one could feel the opponent's thoughts through their Reiatsu. When fighting with Uehara Shiroha, the emotion she sensed was pure calm. He seemed not to be fighting at all, but rather on a casual outing or a relaxed hunting trip.

Before, Unohana had been confused—why was he so confident? After all, in close combat, she feared no one and could threaten anyone. However, it was now proven that Uehara Shiroha had nothing to fear. His slashing technique was terrifying, displaying a kind of impeccable, flawless strength.

The Zanpakutō arsenal in the sky was the most powerful foundation anyone could possess.

She had lost her first battle after a thousand years. This time, she had lost more thoroughly, more quickly, and more helplessly than ever before.

She simply wondered how her opponent could be so overwhelmingly strong. This ability that surpassed Shinigami limits was definitely not something that could be explained by mere talent.

Uehara Shiroha released the ice sword and said calmly: "There is no woman in my heart who draws the sword naturally."

As his arm retreated, the ice sword quickly melted and disappeared. However, a lingering force of ice remained around the wound, freezing the blood. Because of this, Unohana Retsu did not collapse from her injury.

"Commander Uehara, are you still in need of a woman?" Unohana Retsu noticed that the place where the ice sword had struck was exactly where Kenpachi Zaraki had wounded her long ago. Only now, the old scar was covered by a fresh one. Her once unshakable faith and the meaning behind her old wounds began to waver.

"I just have women around me. That doesn't mean I have women in my heart." Uehara Shiroha had a clear mind. As the saying went, good women should not be let down, and bad women should not be wasted. He was simply enjoying life.

Before the two parted, Unohana Retsu left him with one sentence: "I will find you again!"

…

At the same time, in Karakura Town, Urahara Kisuke was making final preparations.

He first arranged a retreat plan for Kurosaki Ichigo, then made some special arrangements around the area where Uehara Shiroha would be positioned.

Ishida Ryūken, who stood nearby, was puzzled and asked with confusion: "Do we really have to go to this extent? Is it necessary?"

"Shiroha is very strong—there's no doubt about that. But regardless, one person alone cannot affect the outcome of the war. Moreover, Shiroha should be on the side of the Shinigami. There's no reason for him to sit back and watch Aizen fuse with the Hōgyoku and complete his final Hollowfication."

In Ryūken's opinion, Urahara Kisuke was being overly cautious. If he wasn't worried about his son Uryū's safety, he wouldn't even be helping.

Urahara Kisuke shook his head helplessly and replied: "Although I don't want to say this, the outcome of this war isn't decided by us. It's Ichigo Kurosaki and Uehara Shiroha who will determine everything."

On the surface, this was a battle between Shinigami and Arrancar. In reality, it was only a battle between the Shinigami and Aizen. However, these were just the first two levels.

The third level was the battle between Ichigo Kurosaki and the Hōgyoku. Among all available combat forces, only that extraordinary boy had any real possibility of defeating Aizen after he fused with the Hōgyoku.

Anyone with interest could see the first two levels. But very few people knew about the third level. Ichigo Kurosaki's potential was just a theory, not a confirmed fact. Only Aizen and Urahara had taken this variable into consideration. Aizen had even deliberately stimulated Ichigo's potential, obviously planning something specific.

But there were yet more layers to this conflict—a fourth level involving Uehara Shiroha and the Zero Squad. The Zero Squad was hiding something or had other plans. For the time being, they wouldn't be a threat, but potentially a help.

Uehara Shiroha was the real complication. This man didn't openly participate in the fight between any parties on the surface. Yet all of their plans had to revolve around him. Uehara Shiroha was the biggest variable.

Shiba Isshin, who had not fully recovered his Shinigami powers, looked confused. "Really? I think Commander Uehara is a decent person!"

Even after all this time, he still had a very deep impression of Uehara Shiroha. After all, that Zanpakutō that seemed able to freeze the world was truly amazing. But apparently, this wasn't even the full extent of Uehara Shiroha's strength—it might not even be his true Zanpakutō ability. After learning this information, Shiba Isshin was quite surprised.

Considering the relationship between Uehara and Rukia, though, Isshin felt that Uehara Shiroha couldn't be a bad person. After all, his son seemed to have received guidance from him. How could someone who helped his son be a bad person?

Looking at the somewhat puzzled expressions of Ishida Ryūken and Shiba Isshin, Urahara Kisuke felt a bit helpless. One of them underestimated Uehara Shiroha's strength, while the other underestimated his destructive potential.

He explained with resignation: "Uehara Shiroha is a destroyer. He has no respect for concepts of bloodline or rank. Even the Soul King isn't taken seriously by him. If the rules are in his favor, he won't take action. If the rules aren't in his favor, he won't bother changing them—he'll directly eliminate whoever made those rules. The most terrifying thing is that he has unparalleled strength. That is Uehara Shiroha."

In fact, compared to Aizen, Uehara Shiroha was far more terrifying. After all, Aizen at least recognized the existence of the Soul King. The throne of God that Aizen pursued was where the Soul King should rightfully sit.

But these matters were meaningless to Uehara Shiroha. This man had no special interest in the Soul King or the throne, and he wouldn't actively pursue power. However, if whoever sat on that throne dared to act against him, they would definitely be removed by Uehara Shiroha—chair and all.

All Urahara Kisuke wanted now was to minimize casualties and reduce variables. As long as he still aimed to maintain the overall balance, he couldn't ignore Uehara Shiroha. After all, to some extent, this man was the balance itself.

If Aizen was provoked, he wouldn't destroy the world outright. But if Uehara Shiroha was antagonized, the end of the world might arrive sooner than anyone expected.

Chapter 198

"So terrifying?" Shiba Isshin and Ishida Ryūken were startled.

They hadn't expected Soul Society's environment to be so fertile. Not only had it produced Aizen, but it had also raised someone even more terrifying than him. Was this Uehara Shiroha really so fearsome?

The nobles of Soul Society were truly blessed. Fortunately, these two were no longer in Soul Society.

The two old men had little concern for Soul Society or the position of the Soul King. These two men, both deeply in love and frustrated by past losses, just wanted to save their children. The days of having wives might be over for them, but at least their children had to be protected.

Meanwhile, in Karakura Town, a black crack suddenly opened in the sky. Aizen stepped forward through the garganta. Behind him were the ever-smiling Ichimaru Gin and the blindfolded Tōsen Kaname.

Aizen spoke in a calm tone: "The strongest point of the Gotei 13 is that they have thirteen captains who can each stand on their own. The combat power of each captain is impressive. But as I mentioned before, four captains are trapped in Hueco Mundo. Now the remaining combat power of the Gotei 13 is only half of what it should be. Moreover, they have no way to fight freely in Karakura Town. The advantage is mine! Losing is impossible. All we have to do is destroy Karakura Town and then capture Soul Society. This is too easy! They are truly vulnerable!"

In truth, he wasn't saying this to the Gotei 13 or the Espada. He was saying it to Ichigo Kurosaki in Hueco Mundo. While speaking, Tōsen Kaname had been using a specialized communication kidō to transmit the sound to Hueco Mundo, intending to further stimulate Ichigo Kurosaki's potential.

After all, Ichigo Kurosaki possessed the most perfect hollowfication. Aizen wouldn't let go of such a valuable "resource." As long as Ichigo's maximum potential was developed, Aizen planned to devour it and turn it into part of his own power.

...

In Hueco Mundo, upon hearing these words, Ishida Uryū, Sado Yasutora, and Kurosaki Ichigo all paled.

They hadn't expected that Aizen had already begun his invasion of Karakura Town. If war broke out, even if Aizen eventually lost, Karakura Town would be destroyed. The combined strength of the Espada and Aizen was too overwhelming, and the Shinigami captains would need to fight at full power.

For the Shinigami and Arrancar, this was just another battle. For the residents of Karakura Town, it would be a complete disaster. The Reiatsu emitted by the Shinigami and Espada alone would be enough to level the entire town.

Just as their anxiety peaked, Mayuri Kurotsuchi's voice echoed from above:

"You don't need to worry. We knew the battle of Karakura Town was inevitable. Before this, the Gotei 13 and Urahara Kisuke took countermeasures. If we used ordinary means, we could only send Shinigami captains to the battlefield, but they couldn't fight with their full strength. Their Reiatsu is too powerful and would destroy everything.

"So Urahara specially designed four pillars with a radius of one soul mile in Karakura Town. Each pillar occupies a corner, forming a space barrier connecting the real world and Soul Society. The technical level of this device is average with many defects, and it was very troublesome to set up.

"I made numerous improvements with the Research and Development Bureau, expending considerable effort to create a space barrier covering all of Karakura Town. Then we constructed an exact replica of Karakura Town on the outskirts of Rukongai. With the spatial power of the pillars, we exchanged the real Karakura Town with our replica in Rukongai.

"This way, the battlefield shifted from Karakura Town to Rukongai. Now, the Shinigami captains can fight with all their strength without affecting the residents of Karakura Town. This is the power of science."

Although Mayuri was slightly irritated about working with Urahara Kisuke, he had to admit the device was quite useful. Besides, this wasn't Kurotsuchi Mayuri's specialty, so he reluctantly used it as a reference.

"That shopkeeper actually cooperated with the Gotei 13?" Rukia, who was receiving treatment, was momentarily stunned. Then her anxious mood also relaxed. With Teacher Shiroha and Brother Byakuya fighting in Hueco Mundo, Rukia felt somewhat reassured.

After hearing Kurotsuchi Mayuri's explanation, Ichigo Kurosaki and the others finally calmed down temporarily. However, even if Karakura Town was safe for the moment, as long as Aizen remained at large, the threat would persist.

This time, Ichigo Kurosaki made up his mind: "Whether it means unleashing my instincts or changing myself, I have to protect my friends and Karakura Town no matter what! This is my duty."

...

At the same time, Aizen in the sky also discovered something unusual. Something seemed wrong with the concentration of Reishi in the surroundings.

At that moment, Head Captain Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni and a group of captains and vice-captains of the Gotei 13 appeared using shunpo, gathering together.

The Captain-Commander stood firm, his face as calm as still water: "Finally caught up!"

"Oh, Lord Aizen, it seems the plan has changed!" Gin Ichimaru looked slightly surprised. "What should we do now?"

"It doesn't matter. Everything is proceeding as planned." After saying this, Aizen looked down at Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni and said:

"Caught up? You think I don't know that you used the space barrier to relocate Karakura Town? But this doesn't affect my plan. I just need to eliminate you first, and then go to Soul Society to destroy the Ōken that requires Karakura Town to create. I've simply changed the order—your demise will come sooner rather than later. All you'll catch up with is your funeral."

He didn't take their resistance seriously. In his mind, all of this was part of his plan. He was fully prepared. Aizen intended to use the Gotei 13's trap to complete his own scheme.

To him, the Shinigami captains before him posed no threat at all. Apart from himself, he believed there were only one and a half beings who could challenge him—one was Uehara Shiroha, and the half was Urahara Kisuke.

Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, his white beard fluttering, slammed his cane down, intimidating without showing anger: "Traitor Aizen Sōsuke, surrender! You have no escape."

"No escape?" Aizen chuckled. "How ridiculous! I don't know why you harbor such an illusion. Your confidence is mere delusion. Come forth! Starrk, Baraggan, Harribel! And my palace is in your hands, Ulquiorra!"

As his words faded, several horizontal black cracks appeared in the sky. The top three Espada and their Fracción emerged from the torn sky. Their heavy, oppressive, and ominous Reiatsu enveloped the replicated Karakura Town like a dark cloud.

Chapter 199

Powerful Reiatsu swept across the battlefield like a violent storm, impacting heaven and earth.

The overwhelming pressure from the Vasto Lorde-class Arrancar was unmistakable, filling the air with despair. The faces of the Shinigami captains hardened, their expressions growing stern. Even Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni frowned.

According to intelligence reports, the top three Espada were all Vasto Lorde-class Arrancar who had mastered Resurrección. The power of a Vasto Lorde Hollow itself surpassed that of a captain, not to mention they had been further strengthened by the Hōgyoku and mastered their release forms.

This would be a tough battle!

Compared to the captains, the vice-captains' faces showed much more concern. This scene was far too intimidating for them. With their level of Reiatsu, they shouldn't have been facing such powerful enemies. Fighting against opponents of this caliber would be a severe test of their abilities.

The vice-captain of the Second Division, Ōmaeda, tried to shrink his body behind his captain, attempting to minimize his presence while muttering: "Their Reiatsu is monstrous... It's terrifying!"

Ōmaeda preferred fighting when the odds were in his favor. When advantaged, he dared to challenge even Aizen himself, shouting: "Back off, Aizen!" But when disadvantaged, he ran faster than a rabbit. Now was definitely a time of disadvantage.

The captain of the Second Division, Suì-Fēng, stared at Aizen and the Arrancar, saying coldly without turning her head: "If you dare run away, I will definitely kill you!"

Hearing his captain's ruthless words, Ōmaeda, with food residue still hanging on the corners of his mouth, began sweating profusely. He forced a smile and said: "Ha! Ha! Ha! Captain, you really know how to joke!"

"You'll find out whether this is a joke or not in a moment." Suì-Fēng drew her Zanpakutō—a great battle was about to begin.

Meanwhile, in Hueco Mundo, several columnar structures outside Las Noches had collapsed, leaving only ruins and black holes. Countless craters scarred the vast desert, and numerous sand dunes had been completely leveled.

Red blood spattered everywhere, black smoke curled into the sky, angry roars echoed endlessly, and powerful Reiatsu waves filled the air. In a short time, this place had become an incomparably tragic battlefield.

After another shock wave, two agile figures dashed across the sand, slashing at a towering giant.

Byakuya Kuchiki and Kenpachi Zaraki were attacking the enormous body of Yammy with all their strength. To them, although Yammy's attacks after entering Resurrección were formidable, he was essentially a sitting duck.

Yammy, who called himself the Zero Espada, had unleashed a terrifying burst of energy after entering Resurrección. His power, combined with his immense size, was like the arrival of a demon.

Faced with this amazing transformation, neither Byakuya Kuchiki nor Kenpachi Zaraki seemed affected at all. Both were among the strongest captains, and they weren't intimidated by the increasingly powerful and massive Yammy—they only felt excitement.

Their powerful slashes blew away the air, stirred up dust storms, and left wounds of varying sizes across Yammy's body.

After his Resurrección, Yammy became increasingly enraged. He had been beaten before his release, and he was being beaten again after it. Was his Resurrección meaningless?

Yammy's eyes glowed red, and the angrier he became, the more his bestial power strengthened. His body expanded rapidly like an inflated balloon, and in the blink of an eye, he transformed into a colossal demon that blotted out the sun.

An enormous shadow engulfed the battlefield, making the surrounding boulders seem tiny by comparison. His Reiatsu and destructive capabilities amplified simultaneously. Every move he made carried world-shattering power. His physical strength and regenerative abilities were also greatly enhanced.

However, Yammy had the misfortune of facing both Byakuya Kuchiki and Kenpachi Zaraki.

Confronted with an increasingly terrifying enemy, the two competing captains showed no fear. Their attacks only grew more ferocious, and when they attacked, they habitually covered for each other as well.

What had begun as a straightforward two-on-one battle threatened to turn into a three-way melee as the captains competed to land the killing blow.

Their strikes became stronger and more fierce. Such powerful attacks continued to penetrate Yammy's defenses, causing significant damage.

Boom!

Yammy punched fiercely, causing the sky and earth to tremble, emitting bursts of enormous energy.

Unfortunately, his lack of mobility made it impossible for him to dodge the swift attacks of Byakuya Kuchiki and Kenpachi Zaraki.

If there had been only one enemy, Yammy might have managed. But with two senior captains attacking simultaneously, the pressure was too intense, and he soon began to tire.

In truth, after his earlier battle with Uehara Shiroha, Kenpachi Zaraki had grown much stronger. Not only had he remembered the technique of holding his sword with both hands, but his Reiatsu had also greatly exceeded its normal state.

Uehara Shiroha had put so much pressure on him that many of Kenpachi's self-imposed seals had broken. Against an enemy like Uehara Shiroha, no amount of unlocked power would have been enough. But when he recovered, Uehara Shiroha had disappeared.

Now Kenpachi could only vent his frustration on Byakuya Kuchiki and the Arrancar before him. Though it seemed incredible, Yammy's defeat was only a matter of time.

...

In the Fifth Tower of Las Noches, Ulquiorra regarded Orihime Inoue and Ichigo Kurosaki with his emerald eyes: "It seems you've made up your mind. However, the result won't be different. You and your companions will die. So, are you ready to face despair?"

He had just received orders from Lord Aizen to kill Ichigo Kurosaki. He genuinely needed to understand this troublesome human Shinigami better.

Ulquiorra had to admit he had underestimated human resolve. But ultimately nothing had changed—the other's determination was about to be extinguished by him, just like a candle flame blown out by a strong wind.

He had complete confidence in this outcome.

Ichigo Kurosaki, who had chased after him to rescue Orihime Inoue, did indeed possess remarkable determination. On his way to the tower, he had been blocked by the Exequias.

Although Rudbornn, the leader of the Exequias, had been frightened by Uehara Shiroha and dared not appear personally, his endless subordinates proved troublesome obstacles.

Fortunately, Rukia, Sado Yasutora, and Ishida Uryū, who had recovered from their injuries, helped him fend off the endless Exequias, allowing him to reach Las Noches in time.

Now, Ichigo Kurosaki drew Zangetsu and aimed it at Ulquiorra, shouting: "Ulquiorra, stay away from Inoue!"

"Your eyes have changed," Ulquiorra's emerald green pupils contracted slightly. "Your resolve has become stronger. Was it Uehara Shiroha who gave you this confidence? He does have that quality, but now, Uehara Shiroha isn't here."

"That's not it," hearing this, Orihime Inoue stepped forward and retorted: "What we seek isn't victory and killing, but peace and harmony. This is where our hearts are connected."

Chapter 200

"Kurosaki-kun is not fighting alone," Orihime declared.

She would never forget Ichigo wearing his Hollow mask, looking just like her brother after he became a Hollow—so lonely and desperate. She would rather run away than let Ichigo get hurt and bleed. She would stand by his side and ensure he never fought alone.

"Telepathy?" Ulquiorra said disdainfully. "You talk about the soul constantly, as if you understand it perfectly. But for me, what I can't see with my own eyes doesn't exist. For example, what you call the 'soul'—if I tear your chest apart, will I see it? Or if I smash your head, will I find these 'beliefs' and 'ideas' you speak of? I will prove that none of these things exist."

After speaking, he took a step forward, drew the sword at his waist, pointed it at Ichigo, and continued: "Don't worry, I won't harm this woman. The order Lord Aizen gave me was to protect Las Noches, not to kill her. But you are different. As long as you're eliminated, Las Noches will remain secure."

"Are you drawing your sword against me as soon as we meet?" Ichigo deliberately provoked him. "Before, you didn't draw your sword when fighting me. Does that mean without your sword, you lack confidence in defeating me this time?"

"No. This is merely to prove that this time, I will truly understand you." Ulquiorra's expression remained hard, his pupils like dead water—without ripples. In his heart, he had resolved to end this here and now. This was not only to fulfill his duty but also to prove the meaning of his existence.

"If you can do it, then come on!" Ichigo swung Zangetsu and slashed at Ulquiorra. This attack finally carried genuine killing intent.

The blades intersected! Black Reiatsu collided with green Reiatsu, forming a terrifying shock wave!

The fateful duel had begun at the Fifth Tower...

Meanwhile, Uehara Shiroha encountered an old acquaintance, Shihōin Yoruichi. To be precise, she had sought him out.

In truth, he had already sensed Yoruichi's Reiatsu and tracked her movements with his observation Haki. Yoruichi had come to Hueco Mundo with Ichigo Kurosaki and the others.

Initially, this confused him. At this critical moment when the fate of worlds hung in the balance, why wasn't Yoruichi focused on Aizen? Why had she come to Hueco Mundo instead?

According to the original timeline, Shiba Isshin, Shihōin Yoruichi, and Urahara Kisuke would join the defense of Karakura Town, then pursue Aizen after he fused with the Hōgyoku.

What was the result? Similar to how Diavolo's "King Crimson" inadvertently helped Giorno's "Gold Experience Requiem" evolve, the trio's situation paralleled this. When feeling threatened, the Hōgyoku in Aizen's body would activate, triggering his transformation to a higher plane of existence. This was the evolution of a Shinigami to the level of a Transcendent Being—the evolution of mortals toward godhood.

The combined attack from Urahara Kisuke and the others would essentially help Aizen evolve. Yet this time, Shihōin Yoruichi hadn't stayed in Karakura Town but had come to Hueco Mundo instead.

This meant Urahara Kisuke and Shiba Isshin could only join forces with Ishida Ryūken to deal with Aizen—a significant deviation from the original timeline.

"Mr. Hat-and-Clogs" must be planning something.

When Shihōin Yoruichi approached him, Uehara Shiroha understood everything. Urahara Kisuke was being cautious about him. He feared Shiroha might join forces with Aizen or attempt to claim the Hōgyoku, so he had planned accordingly.

"Is this your new pet? It's quite cute!" Yoruichi looked at the soundly sleeping Nel and raised her eyebrows.

Inwardly, she felt exasperated. Aizen was about to "become a god," potentially dooming the Three Worlds. Yet these two seemed completely unconcerned—one traveling around playing with a pet Arrancar, the other snoring peacefully.

Uehara Shiroha's nonchalance wasn't surprising, as that was his nature. But why was this Arrancar so carefree?

While pondering this, Yoruichi extended her spiritual senses to analyze Nel's Reiatsu.

She frowned, puzzled. "This Arrancar's Reiatsu is strange. It appears weak, but seems to conceal great power. Is this some kind of unusual camouflage ability?"

Still, she wasn't particularly shocked. Anyone who stayed with Uehara Shiroha was unlikely to be ordinary. The man had high standards and wouldn't associate with anyone who wasn't exceptional. Consequently, the women around him were both talented and beautiful, each unique in her own way.

"Urahara Kisuke is quite cautious, sending you to watch over me," Uehara Shiroha remarked, somewhat impressed by Urahara's thoroughness. The "Batman of Karakura Town" was truly vigilant, suspicious of even the most trustworthy allies.

His defensive mindset was practically invincible. The man even guarded against himself, always fearing he might turn to evil, and thus never fully unleashing his scientific research potential. Normally, "Mr. Hat-and-Clogs" restrained himself, conducting targeted research only when absolutely necessary.

The limitations he placed on his own abilities were strict and methodical. Even so, at every critical moment, Urahara Kisuke could produce the perfect solution like Batman pulling a gadget from his utility belt.

His caution wasn't without reason. While ordinary villains might become ten times stronger if they turned evil, Batman would become a hundred times more dangerous. The "Batman of Karakura Town" followed the same principle. If Urahara Kisuke ever turned evil, his destructive potential could rival or even exceed Aizen's.

In many ways, Urahara Kisuke and Aizen were similar—both extremely rebellious and dismissive of authority. As soon as Kisuke became Director of the Research and Development Institute, he released the dangerous Kurotsuchi Mayuri from the Maggot's Nest. Later, he conducted research on Hollowfication and created the Hōgyoku.

Of course, Urahara Kisuke had no intention of turning evil now. The reason was simple—he was intelligent enough to know better. If he ever contemplated villainy, he'd first have to consider whether Uehara Shiroha would permit it. Without overcoming Shiroha, what would be the point of turning evil?

Uehara Shiroha understood why Urahara Kisuke was testing him now. The man had no choice. If Shiroha turned against them, no one could truly stop him. Urahara Kisuke, cautious enough to guard against himself, would certainly not be unprepared for this possibility.

On this point, Uehara Shiroha could only conclude that Urahara Kisuke remained too naive. The man's reasoning was sound, but even if he anticipated Shiroha's moves and took every precaution, it would ultimately prove futile. All of Urahara's calculations could be crushed by Shiroha's overwhelming strength. The path of absolute power was truly dominating.

Shihōin Yoruichi studied the confident Uehara Shiroha with a questioning gaze. "Are you truly not worried at all? Even if you possess that kind of power, Aizen could potentially reach your level after completing his Hollowfication."

To be honest, she hadn't been sleeping well lately.