The talisman at Midoriko's fingertips flashed with a green purifying light. She looked solemnly at Tier Harribel and whispered, "Give up. Your Zanpakutō won't be able to withstand the next strike."
Tier wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth. The deep cracks on the Imperial Shark Empress's blade were terrifying. She took a deep breath and suddenly stabbed the massive sword into the ground. "Do you think… this is the end?"
An immense spiritual pressure erupted from her body, violently boiling the surrounding seawater. Midoriko narrowed her eyes and quickly erected a triple-layered barrier in front of herself.
Tier gripped the hilt with both hands. A golden beam of light surged out from the tip of the sword, distorting space wherever it passed. Midoriko calmly flicked her wrist, releasing seven spells that formed the Big Dipper pattern in midair.
The green and golden lights collided in the sky, erupting into a blinding flash. Taking the chance, Tier activated her ring and instantly appeared behind Midoriko. The Imperial Shark Empress struck toward her back!
However, the tip of the blade stopped abruptly, just three inches away—caught by a massive hand formed from pure purifying energy.
"Sorry…"
Midoriko turned her head to look at Tier Harribel and said softly, "My ability really is unfair to you."
But…
Despite her words, Midoriko showed no mercy in her actions.
She snapped her fingers, and hundreds of talismans shot from her sleeves. They wove together in the air, forming a giant net that enveloped Tier. A purifying downpour rained down, making Tier groan in pain as she dropped to one knee.
Chi chi——
The sound of searing burns echoed from her body, and even her Zanpakutō wasn't spared.
Already badly damaged, the Zanpakutō began to tremble violently from the assault.
Tier immediately clutched the Imperial Shark Empress tightly. She bit her lip and murmured, "Imperial Shark Empress… following such an incompetent master like me… it must be suffering…"
She was unwilling to surrender.
Yet, she still raised her eyes and stared at Midoriko seriously. "There's no such thing as unfairness. It's just that my skills are lacking."
No matter how powerful the opponent's abilities were, if she had enough strength, she wouldn't have been overwhelmed so easily.
The truth was…
She simply wasn't strong enough.
Midoriko looked at Tier Harribel with a hint of surprise. She's quite the martial type, isn't she?
But…
A crafty glint flickered in her eyes. "Don't forget your promise~"
Promise…
Tier's face froze.
As the loser… she had to accept her fate as the victor's spoil.
Was she really going to resign herself to this?
Tier gripped the Imperial Shark Empress tightly and struggled slightly.
But…
Seeing the damaged Imperial Shark Empress in her hands, a wave of guilt washed over her. In the end, she lowered her head and stayed silent.
Midoriko leaned down with a smile. "If you don't say anything, I'll take it as your agreement~"
Still not speaking?
Tier continued to glare at Midoriko, but her gaze dropped for a moment as she looked at her broken sword.
Noticing this, Midoriko also caught sight of the miserable state of the blade in Tier's hand and…
With her innate ability to sense souls, she could clearly hear the faint moaning coming from the sword.
Midoriko blinked, then smiled awkwardly.
As enemies, it didn't matter.
But…
If Tier really joined her Peerage and became an ally—
Wouldn't destroying her precious weapon on their first meeting be a bit awkward?
That being said…
Was this what a Zanpakutō truly was?
Midoriko stroked her chin, her gaze fixed on the Imperial Shark Empress in Tier's hand.
A weapon with a soul…
It felt strangely familiar to her own weapon-crafting methods.
But…
Each Zanpakutō had a unique ability?
It felt like…
She was missing a vital piece of technology?
The more she thought about it, the more curious Midoriko became.
If she could master this technique, wouldn't she be able to solve the equipment shortage among her Peerage?
Hoo…
She exhaled deeply, her eyes glowing with interest.
She'd heard that…
The Soul Society was the origin of the Zanpakutō.
It seemed…
A visit there was absolutely necessary.
---
Meanwhile.
Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez looked at the defeated Tier Harribel and exclaimed in disbelief, "Second Seat… she was defeated just like that?"
They'd always been dominant in Hueco Mundo, yet today, they'd suffered defeat after defeat.
He could accept Nelliel joining the fight. After all, she used to be one of the top three Espada.
It was a bit of a stretch to see the Fifth and Eighth Seats fall so easily, but still within reason.
But…
Who were these people that suddenly appeared?
It'd be one thing if they were on par with the First Seat.
But even the Second Seat had been taken down by an unknown witch?
Gulp!!
Grimmjow's throat moved as unease settled in his heart.
He had a terrible feeling…
The Espada might suffer huge losses today.
On the side.
Ulquiorra Cifer was silent for a moment. Then he placed a hand on his sword hilt, stepped forward, and said calmly, "It's time to stop spectating."
Normally, interfering in someone else's fight would be shameful.
But…
At this rate, they'd all be picked off one by one.
He didn't care for himself, but…
Lord Aizen's territory must not fall!!
Moreover…
The existence of the Espada was crucial to Lord Aizen's future plans!
They absolutely couldn't be disrupted!
With that in mind, Ulquiorra's green eyes deepened, and his spiritual pressure began to rise!
"Ah…"
Grimmjow was stunned at first, then quickly nodded, "Got it!"
Yammy chuckled, "If that's how it is, guess I can't sit this one out either!"
Ulquiorra shot a brief glance at the towering man beside him but said nothing.
He just…
Didn't hold any hope for him.
Before stepping into the battlefield, Ulquiorra paused to give an order. "Just in case, send someone to inform Lord Aizen."
He didn't believe anything could go wrong with all ten Espada moving.
But…
He couldn't shake the unease in his chest.
So…
It was best to inform Aizen.
If it were Aizen…
Then any problem could be resolved…
That was what Ulquiorra believed.
(To be continued.)
***
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