Tier Harribel looked at Midoriko's gesture with a subtle expression.
Why…
Why do I always get a bad feeling around her?
She recalled that unsettling, heart-pounding sensation Midoriko gave her.
Tch…
Did I choose the wrong opponent?
Tier hesitated slightly and glanced toward Coyote Starrk, thinking of switching opponents.
But…
Katerea Leviathan, now in full combat mode, had a slightly crazed expression. In the end, she said nothing.
She really couldn't deal with someone like that.
With that thought, Tier looked toward Barragan Luisenbarn again.
Hmm…
Maybe she could swap with him?
But…
Ingvild Leviathan's fragile appearance made her hesitate.
Not to mention…
Ingvild looked weak, but even Barragan—who ranked higher than her—didn't fare well against her. Tier doubted she would either.
And…
After carefully observing their battle, Tier had already picked up on something.
Ingvild's ability…
Was most likely tied to ocean manipulation.
Basically…
Imperial Shark Empress was her natural counter.
Realizing this, Tier gripped her Imperial Shark Empress tightly, took a deep breath, and her eyes turned serious.
Alright.
After evaluating everything, she had to admit…
The woman in front of her might actually be the most suitable opponent.
Midoriko noticed the change in Tier's aura and smiled.
"Are you ready?"
"Yeah…" Tier warned quietly, "Be careful."
At this point,
She actually felt a sense of appreciation toward this woman.
But their positions were different. She had her own reasons for fighting…
So…
Just like Midoriko had warned her, she returned the favor with a warning of her own.
Even if Midoriko gave off a dangerous vibe…
Tier wasn't just anyone!
Being ranked third among the Espada was already proof enough of her strength!
Tier narrowed her eyes, and a powerful gust of spiritual pressure exploded beneath her feet.
The next moment.
A tall figure appeared behind Midoriko, swinging a massive sword engraved with shark gill patterns down toward her with no hesitation.
The strike came so fast, even the smile on Midoriko's face hadn't faded yet.
But—
Duang!
A crisp sound echoed in the air.
Tier's greatsword halted ten centimeters in front of Midoriko, unable to move an inch forward.
Her eyes narrowed. She looked at the invisible wall between them and said in a deep voice,
"This is…"
"Boundary." Midoriko's voice rang out.
Barrier…
Tier squinted, gripping her sword tighter as her spiritual pressure surged violently.
Screeeech—
A grinding sound echoed out.
But…
No matter how much force she applied, the barrier wouldn't budge.
Seeing this, Tier decisively retreated and distanced herself from Midoriko, frowning as she stared at the wall that protected her.
Breaking it with brute strength alone was going to be tough.
But…
She didn't have any finesse-based techniques.
So...
Tier held the Imperial Shark Empress with both hands and took a deep breath.
Then she had no choice...
Hard work overcomes all!!
Buzz—
Tier pointed the tip of her sword toward Midoriko, and a yellow light flashed.
Then she slowly raised the weapon.
Midoriko's expression remained unchanged. She asked casually,
"Wanna make a bet?"
"?"
Hearing that, Tier paused and frowned, looking confused.
Midoriko continued, "After the fight, if I win, how about joining our side?"
"???"
Tier blinked. The spiritual pressure on Imperial Shark Empress nearly slipped out of control.
Was… was she being recruited?
She was being poached?!
This…
Tier's face twisted into a strange expression. She was silent for a moment, then hesitantly asked, "Aren't we… enemies?"
Midoriko nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Yeah. So?"
Tier: "…"
Is that really okay…?
She genuinely couldn't follow Midoriko's logic.
But…
"If you defeat me, I'll let you do whatever you want."
Tier's eyes turned serious.
If she lost, she'd be the spoils of war…
"Very good."
Midoriko nodded with satisfaction.
"Then please, continue."
"Well…"
Tier glanced at the flickering spiritual pressure on Imperial Shark Empress, a bit embarrassed.
She stayed silent for a moment, then decided not to change her technique. Instead, she silently increased her spiritual output.
The next second.
Three mist-like slashes tore through the space and came slashing toward Midoriko!
Bang!!
The first mist slash hit the barrier with a crisp sound!
Buzz—
The barrier let out a low hum and began to tremble slightly!
Then the second and third followed!
BANG!!
The barrier couldn't hold on any longer. It cracked all over and finally exploded in midair like shattered glass!
Tier exhaled in relief.
Finally broke open that turtle shell.
And—
The mist slashes didn't stop. They continued on with full force, flying straight at Midoriko!
Will she dodge?
Tier watched Midoriko closely, trying to anticipate her next move.
But…
Midoriko didn't move at all.
She simply raised her hand slowly, opened her palm, and whispered,
"Wild Soul."
Boom!!
An overwhelming aura burst out from her!
Waves of radiant energy wrapped around her, and her shrine maiden outfit billowed in the wind!
A terrifying power erupted from within, as if all her hidden strength had been unleashed at once!
Boom!
The mist slash struck Midoriko's palm squarely.
But—
It didn't go as Tier expected.
The slash stopped as if it had hit an immovable mountain, completely failing to move her hand.
It didn't even leave a scratch!
Midoriko glanced at the mist slash in her hand and praised, "Nice slash."
"Hmm…"
"I think Saeko would like it a lot."
With that…
Midoriko closed her palm slightly and applied pressure.
Crack—
A brittle sound rang out.
The mist slash twisted and deformed under Midoriko's power, then with a final bang, scattered into pale yellow particles and vanished into the air.
(To be continued.)