Chapter 307: Threat

H'el's expression remained calm as he looked at Gin Ichimaru and Rangiku Matsumoto, both impaled by Aizen's Zanpakutō.

From the beginning of his Shikai, H'el had discreetly absorbed Gin and Rangiku into his Shikai universe, placing them in a specific spatial layer to avoid collateral damage.

He hadn't expected Aizen to find them.

"Ah!"

Rangiku groggily awoke, opening her eyes to a startling sight.

She found herself high in the air, her clothes pulled tight around her neck, choking her and making her gasp for breath. Her slender body was in pain from the pressure, and the shock of awakening in mid-air left her pale and flailing, terrified she might fall if her clothes didn't hold.

"No need to panic. Just wait quietly for H'el to handle this," Gin, weak from severe injuries, said with his eyes half-closed.

Rangiku turned to see Gin beside her, also hoisted by the back of his clothes on Aizen's Zanpakutō. Unlike her, Gin's clothes were bloodstained.

Hearing Gin's words, Rangiku's face, initially pale with fear, calmed down. She noticed H'el sitting calmly on his dark steel throne, which reassured her.

Though she didn't understand the situation, H'el's presence gave her some comfort.

She tightly closed her mouth, fighting her fear of the ground far below, and waited for H'el to act.

In the sky, the Gates of Hell had mostly opened, emitting an ominous aura, as if something inside was ready to capture those who disrupted the balance.

Captain-level spiritual pressures from the Soul Society were also approaching from a distance.

This battle was reaching its conclusion. H'el and Aizen had no time left.

"It was inside the Black Coffin, using Bakudō #77, Tenteikūra, which not only locked onto my position but also the locations where I placed Gin and Rangiku." H'el remained calm, speaking with a faint hint of regret.

If Aizen intended to use Gin and Rangiku as leverage, it would be a disappointing tactic.

"I didn't expect this battle to reach a stalemate where neither of us can do anything to the other," Aizen said, shaking his head with a helpless smile.

H'el had far exceeded his expectations, yet Aizen felt a sense of anticipation and delight, smiling as he saw H'el's disappointment.

"The Gates of Hell are almost fully open, and the Soul Society's captains are approaching. We have no time to continue this battle. It seems we must temporarily end this fight.

But, don't misunderstand. I am not using them to threaten you. I need this girl. Her soul contains something I require."

Aizen explained with a smile.

He held H'el in equal regard and offered a brief explanation.

While Aizen wasn't above using any means necessary, he disdained using threats against H'el. Aizen preferred to face H'el directly and saw underhanded tactics as beneath them.

Despite this, H'el viewed Aizen's actions as a threat.

Using Gin Ichimaru and Rangiku Matsumoto as leverage.

"Then there's no need for you to leave," H'el said, sitting on his dark steel throne. He looked at Gin and Rangiku and spoke to them:

"Gin, Rangiku, I am under Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu, with my five senses manipulated. Everything I see is uncertain, but it won't hinder my actions.

If you see me attacking you mercilessly, it's not my intention. In my eyes, you are Aizen.

If he dares to harm you, I will kill him, even if it means mistakenly killing you!

If you are killed by me, hold onto your hatred and resent me."

Hearing H'el's words, Aizen's smiling expression faltered for a moment.

Was this really necessary?

Wasn't your goal to save these two children?

Cutting ties so decisively?

The friendship of children is indeed fragile.

"Is that so? Then it can't be helped. But I'm quite reasonable, H'el. You wouldn't want to kill me and Rangiku. If I am indeed killed by you, I think I'll find a way to direct my hatred."

Gin, impaled on the Zanpakutō, replied to H'el with a pale face and eyes half-closed, resigned to the possibility of being killed by H'el in the upcoming battle.

H'el wouldn't hesitate due to a blade of grass, a tree, or any person in his way.

Gin couldn't say he trusted H'el completely but followed him nonetheless. H'el's decisive nature and balance between compassion and ruthlessness always offered a clear sense of reassurance.

For Gin Ichimaru, this way of interacting was quite favorable.

Just like now, if H'el said he would kill them, there was a real possibility they might die in the crossfire.

Rangiku Matsumoto clearly understood as well. Tears welled up in her eyes.

Had she finally just started to live a full life, only to face death again so soon?

"If I die, bury me where I first met you, H'el. Make sure to offer roasted chicken and duck, and plenty of fruits. Desserts from big cities are a must, and burn some beautiful clothes for me too. I want to spend more time with you..."

Rangiku's tears flowed uncontrollably as she spoke. She mumbled about wanting to experience more time with H'el. The few days they had were not enough.

Fearing her breakdown might affect H'el, she finally closed her eyes tightly and covered her mouth to stifle her sobs, trying not to distract him.

When she opened her eyes again, it might be the last time she ever saw H'el.

Even Aizen couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration.

The trust and friendship among these young individuals were truly remarkable. Despite being the most frightened, her body trembling in fear, Rangiku overcame her instincts. She understood H'el's intentions without hesitation, covering her mouth and closing her eyes, bracing herself for possible death.

Aizen looked up at the increasingly thickening atmosphere within the Gates of Hell, then glanced toward the direction of the approaching Captain-class spiritual pressures.

If the battle resumed, all his plans and resources in Soul Society would be at risk.

Now was not the time to abandon those resources.

He chuckled and shook his head, saying, "You are truly strong-willed. I'll return this boy to you, H'el. I need something from the girl's soul. She might not necessarily die."

°°°

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