Chapter 175: The Struggle (I)

Chapter 175: The Struggle (I)

Meanwhile, Kazuya’s dearest black cat, Yoruichi, observed the four beings emanating the dual-natured Reiatsu of Shinigami and Hollow. She had anticipated trouble from Hollows, but an ambush by high-level Arrancars, especially those aligned with Aizen, was beyond anyone's predictions. The evidence was clear in the intricate high-class barrier spell shrouding the power plant zone — a Kidō spell so precisely timed with the Garganta’s opening that it almost escaped her notice.

Everyone focused on the Garganta rather than the real threat.

As long as the barrier stood, nobody from the Gotei 13 would sense these Arrancars. And Kazuya, the Senior-Captain equivalent, wouldn’t sense them either. She needed him here as the Vice-Captains, under the effect of their seals, wouldn’t be a match for the Espada.

Her concern grew as she glanced at Nanao, who appeared visibly shaken, her body trembling as if overwhelmed by the intensity of the Reiatsu — a surprising reaction for a Vice-Captain who should have some resistance to such power.

‘Captain Kyoraku is protective of her.’

At least Rangiku acted reliably in shielding Toshiro and Renji from Arrancars. Her face lacked any playfulness, only a somber expression that reflected the dire circumstances.

‘She might buy enough time. I’ll go and dismantle the barrier quickly.’

She patted Toshiro’s head intently. “Shiro, use your Shikai and support the Vice-Captains from afar.”

Toshiro could barely nod when Yoruichi leaped off of him and darted to Nanao. She slapped the shaken Vice-Captain’s face with her paw. Her soft slap snapped the Vice-Captain back to the present.

Nanao rubbed her face with wide eyes, unable to believe that a cat just slapped her like a human and escaped. “Yoruichi...” She shook off the distracting thoughts and looked up at Loly. “You must be the leader of the group.”

Loly crossed her arms arrogantly. “Will a bottom feeder make a grand declaration of war?”

Renji cracked his knuckles and pulled out his Zanpakutō from his back. “Yeah, I agree with you on this.”

Their banter infuriated Loly, rightfully so. She looked venomous. “I’ll kill you bastards.”

“Not if I’ll kill you first.” Renji chuckled and leaped over Rangiku. He raced towards Loly, creating platforms of Reishi beneath his feet. “Here I come.”

“You idiot, come back!” Toshiro yelled, but his warning fell on deaf ears. Gripping his blade, he whispered the chant to release his Shikai, “Sit Upon—I won’t make it in time. Rangiku, help him.”

Finding his Shikai chant too long, he yelled at Rangiku to stop Renji from dying foolishly.

Loly’s lips curled into a smirk. She vanished — followed by the explosive sound of Sonído — and arrived before Renji in the blink of an eye. Caught off-guard by her high-speed technique, Renji couldn’t react to the curved dagger swinging down at his face.

Just as the blade touched his forehead, Rangiku flashstepped to his side and parried the dagger with her katana.

“Too reckless, Renji!” Rangiku grabbed Renji by the collar and yanked him back to safety. Her eyes locked onto Loly, a fierce determination burning within. “No one will hurt these students on my watch.”

“This is a war, dimwit. We don’t take hostages or spare enemy soldiers.” Loly gestured to Ggio Vega, the Arrancar with a saber-tooth helmet. “Kill the rest of the students.”

Ggio shrugged. “I’m not interested in tainting my claws with the blood of weaklings. Menoly, why don’t you please your friend by doing her dirty work?”

Menoly, though hesitant, drew her katana. “Fine, if I must.”