Chapter 114 : Murciélago!

In the Hidden Empire, Yhwach's visage underwent yet another transformation.

His countenance took on a younger appearance, and his eyes deepened in hue.

Simultaneously, he could sense a surge in his own power!

All of this was a consequence of the distinctive Quincy abilities inherent in Kurosaki Ichigo!

Initially, he remained oblivious to it all.

It wasn't until the ascension of power by Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni and Ichibei Hyōsube that he found it imperative to initiate Sanctification.

Upon the return of this newfound power, he detected an unfamiliar Quincy force within Kurosaki Ichigo of the Soul Society!

Strangely, this power bore the essence of both Quincy and Shinigami, making it wholly unique.

This peculiar blend of energies might be the reason Kurosaki Ichigo survived the reclaiming of all non-pure-blood Quincy powers!

Though he still found himself in a position of relative weakness, he harbored confidence in facing either Yamamoto or Ichibei alone. Even if he were to fall short in battle, he wouldn't be too far behind and might even emerge victorious!

As for Aizen, he harbored no immediate concerns.

The adversary's current capabilities were too enigmatic, rendering Aizen's omniscience and omnipotence naught but a jest once again.

Much like the revelation of a Shinigami named Suì-Fēng in Soul Society.

The Shikai's recorded ability was a double kill, yet in the face of formidable opponents, a triple strike failed to claim lives!

"Is this an evolution fueled by the Hōgyoku? It doesn't seem like it, and it shouldn't possess such strength."

Yhwach shut his eyes, contemplating his next move. In the midst of his musings, a screen materialized.

In the next instant, he discerned that Kurosaki Ichigo had graced the screen.

Even with an empty mask obscuring his face, his aura was unmistakable.

[The somber scene illuminates.]

(Within the shadowy corridor, colossal stone pillars stand in juxtaposition as two factions confront each other!)

[On one side, Ishida Uryu lurks in the rear, with Inoue Orihime and Kurosaki Ichigo positioned at the forefront.]

(On the opposing side stands the emotionless fourth Espada, Ulquiorra, with an expressionless face and eyes!)

Within the Las Noches, Aizen's interest was piqued.

If his deductions held true, this should be the future that was originally destined to unfold.

Viewing it now, there was a distinct sense of a parallel world, a divergence from what was expected!

Beneath the throne, the other Espada cast glances at Ulquiorra, surprised to find him featured in the video this time!

The identity of the final interloper remained unknown, but the rewards promised were exceptionally generous!

The first Espada, Starrk, appeared disinterested, indifferent to the identities on the list.

The sixth Espada, Grimmjow, possessed a fierce gaze. After countless videos, he yearned to showcase his strength in the final instance.

As for Ulquiorra himself, he remained impervious to the scrutiny of others, maintaining a calm and indifferent demeanor, as if the individuals featured held no relevance to him.

[Kurosaki Ichigo's face bore a proud expression, having endured so much that he almost lost control of his body (afah) for this moment!]

[The shame of being defeated instantly before Izuki!]

["Hollow!"]

[With one hand, Kurosaki wipes his face, and the black Reiatsu covers it, forming a grotesque face!!]

[Simultaneously, a giant Reiatsu bursts forth!]

Off-screen, Grimmjow is startled by the pressure that envelops him!

This Shinigami, once his defeat, now instills a great sense of crisis in him!!

He turns his head to look at Ulquiorra. The other party's calm expression remains unaffected, and sudden inexplicable anger boils up from the depths of his heart!

However, in the next moment, a creepy feeling grips his heart. It's as if a bucket of ice water has been poured on his head, sending goosebumps all over his body.

Grimmjow hastily lowers his head, ignoring the sweat in his eyes, not daring to move.

Seeing this, Aizen calmly raises his head and continues to watch the scene.

[The battle begins.]

[Kurosaki Ichigo's figure vanishes instantly, appearing in front of Ulquiorra the next second!]

[Tensa Zangetsu wraps around the black Reiatsu and sweeps away!]

[Clash!]

[Ulquiorra simply raises his sword and blocks this powerful blow!]

[However, with a roar from Kurosaki, Tensa Zangetsu steps forward, releasing more black Reiatsu, drowning Ulquiorra like a waterfall!]

[Boom!]

[The outer wall of Las Noches shatters, and Ulquiorra is blasted outside by this blow!]

[However, he bears no scars on his body, not even turning around in haste. He gazes coldly at Kurosaki Ichigo, who is chasing after him, and raises his hand lightly!]

[Suddenly, green Reiatsu surrounds his fingertips!]

[The next moment, a terrifying green torrent erupts from the tiny fingertips, roaring and submerging Kurosaki Ichigo!]

[As Cero fades away, Kurosaki Ichigo's figure reappears.]

[He raises his arms, holding Tensa Zangetsu in the air, completely resisting Cero. At this moment, a pair of golden eyes locks onto each other coldly!]

Off-screen, Inoue Orihime's eyes fill with tears.

If Izuki were still alive, he would undoubtedly be happy to witness this captivating scene.

Zaraki Kenpachi harbors no sadness in his heart but feels a twinge of regret, thinking it would be more enjoyable to cut the other party in this form.

[Seeing that Cero caused no damage.]

[Ulquiorra looks at Kurosaki Ichigo, choosing not to attack but swiftly flying upwards!]

[Kurosaki Ichigo gives chase, but he sees Ulquiorra slash in the opposite direction against the blue sky, and suddenly a black hole appears!]

[It is the zenith of Las Noches, and he follows without hesitation!]

[In an instant, from day to night, a thin crescent moon hangs in the sky!]

Off-screen, all Espada gaze at Ulquiorra!

To surpass the zenith signifies one thing – a return to the blade!

[Under the moonlight, Ulquiorra gazes down at Kurosaki Ichigo indifferently!]

["Block it! Murciélago!"]

[As the words echoed, the night sky plunged into complete darkness, concealing the moon from view.]

[Ulquiorra's menacing Reiatsu descended, accompanied by a green rain of spiritual particles falling from the sky.]

[Once the visions dissipated, Ulquiorra's blade vanished, and a pair of colossal wings unfurled behind him.]

In Soul Society, Urahara Kisuke contemplated,

"Arrancar is a virtual simulation of Shinigami, and the return blade seems to absorb this power back to its origin."

"Could this process lead to the evolution of Shinigami's Hollow into a new form of Shinigami?"

"It seems imperative to recall Hirako and the others to Soul Society in due time. Success would undoubtedly enhance our combat prowess significantly."

[Confronted with such overwhelming Reiatsu, Kurosaki felt a sense of unease.]

"I believed that my solution, combined with the increased strength from Hollow, would surely guarantee victory!"

"But the current manifestation of the opponent erodes my confidence slowly!"

[Although the terrifying Reiatsu had returned to Ulquiorra's body, it left a lasting impression on Kurosaki Ichigo.]

"As if fearing Kurosaki Ichigo's imminent demise, Ulquiorra cautioned slowly:"

"Don't waver, maintain your stance, keep your nerves taut at all times, and never let go for a second."

[Hearing these cautionary words, Kurosaki Ichigo's Hollow eyes flared with anger.]

"In the next moment, he witnessed a radiant green light emanating from the opponent's hand."

"In an instant, a trance overcame him, as if the opponent had teleported to his side."

"Blood sprayed, and excruciating pain ensued..."

[Kurosaki Ichigo finally realized it was not a hallucination!]

"The opponent genuinely bridged the gap in an instant and struck his body!"

Grimmjow, offscreen, wore eyes filled with astonishment.

What he prided himself on was the unparalleled speed upon returning to the blade!

Yet now, in comparison, his speed seemed utterly inadequate!

[Tick...]

"Scarlet blood dripped onto the ceiling."

"The next moment, Kurosaki Ichigo dropped to his knees."

"As the view shifted upward, only half of the blurred mask with red patterns remained on Kurosaki Ichigo's face!"

"And those golden pupils trembled even more, filled with shock and fear!"

[Had it not been for Kurosaki Ichigo's instinct to raise Tensa Zangetsu just in time, his head would have been severed!]

(And that was just a casual strike from Ulquiorra!)

Within the desolate night palace, the third Espada Tier Harribel narrowed her eyes.

At that moment, she sensed that his rank might be higher.

"It's highly likely it remained unfinished, and the hole was left unfilled, relying on imagination."

"In truth, Shinigami still has numerous gaps yet to be filled—a regrettable circumstance..."

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