Nozomi explained,
"That's right. My Zanpakutō doesn't absorb abilities, it absorbs spiritual pressure. As long as the opponent's attacks are formed from reiatsu, I can absorb them!"
But that wasn't all.
If her Crimson Rain Retreat made direct contact with the enemy's weapon—or even their body—it could also drain their spiritual pressure!
Unfortunately, due to her current level of control, she could only absorb a limited amount of power before needing to release it to continue absorbing more.
Still, this ability was utterly broken.
It was essentially the Soul Reaper version of the Northern Dark Divine Art!
Upon realizing how her Zanpakutō worked, Uryū Ishida suddenly had an idea.
All the vice-captains and allies quickly gathered around Nozomi.
"Everyone, listen! Let's channel all of our spiritual pressure into Nozomi's blade. Once she absorbs it all, she can launch a combined attack and wipe out the Reigai in one strike!" Uryū shouted.
Although many still harbored doubts about Nozomi, her ability had already proven itself.
And realistically, against captain-class Reigai, this was the only option.
Even Rukia and Senna agreed, despite knowing their Bankai were too indiscriminate to be used in a large-scale team battle without risking their allies.
Everyone encircled Nozomi and began channeling their power into her Zanpakutō.
"Getsuga Tenshō!"
"Giant's Strike!"
"Rain of Light!"
"Second Dance: White Ripple!"
"Fiend Bone Cannon!"
One after another, they poured their reiatsu into Crimson Rain Retreat.
As the spiritual energy accumulated, her Zanpakutō underwent yet another transformation.
The cross-shaped blade expanded to the size of a basin, and its form shifted into something resembling a ceremonial emblem.
The pink aura around her intensified.
Then—Nozomi swung her blade, unleashing a massive violet slash that tore through the sky itself!
This collective blow instantly obliterated the Reigai Kenpachi and Komamura!
Only Reigai Byakuya barely managed to survive by invoking Bakudō #81: Dankū at full power—but it drained him completely.
Now, aside from Ichigo and Nozomi, everyone else had exhausted most of their spiritual power.
Hovering in the air, Reigai Byakuya glared down at the battlefield and cast another spell.
"Hadō #73: Sōren Sōkatsui!"
A barrage of blue fire crashed down, knocking out the remaining vice-captains.
Only Ichigo, Nozomi, Rukia, and Senna remained standing.
Just as Reigai Byakuya prepared to strike again—a sword flash cut him clean in half!
"Hmph. You dare lay a hand on Ichigo?" came a voice from above—Unohana Yachiru.
Not just her. The real Yamamoto Genryūsai had also arrived.
Ichigo's eyes lit up. "Yachiru!"
But before they could say more, Reigai Kyōraku and Ukitake descended into the Human World.
This time, they weren't interested in confronting Yamamoto directly.
While Ichigo and Unohana briefly exchanged glances, Nozomi took the initiative and charged straight at Reigai Kyōraku!
Ichigo's heart skipped—he dashed forward to intercept Ukitake and prevent him from interfering.
Unohana glanced sideways, watching Nozomi engage Kyōraku.
So this is Ichigo's new girl, huh? she thought.
Yamamoto observed the skirmish from above, clearly amused.
But suddenly, Reigai Unohana launched a surprise attack!
"Bakudō #61: Rikujōkōrō!"
Six golden rods of light trapped Yamamoto instantly!
But it didn't faze him.
He turned and saw Reigai Unohana already casting again.
"Bakudō #62: Hyapporankan!"
"Hadō #63: Raikōhō!"
"Bakudō #75: Gochūtekkan!"
Columns of purple light crashed down, followed by a blinding thunderbolt and five massive iron pillars that slammed into Yamamoto's body.
The Reigai's plan had clearly been to keep Yamamoto occupied using Kyōraku and Ukitake—then have Reigai Unohana go in for the kill.
But now that Kyōraku and Ukitake were tied up by Ichigo and Nozomi, Reigai Unohana was on her own.
And no one—not even the original Unohana—could restrain Yamamoto like this.
The real Unohana cracked a cold smile.
Shunk!
With a single strike, she eviscerated her impostor like she was slicing through a bug.
"Hmph. Trying to impersonate me? Planning to use my body to seduce Ichigo? Keep dreaming."
As her clone disintegrated into ash, Yamamoto flexed once—and broke free of all the restraints.
"I swear, I just came to spectate," he grumbled.
Seeing the Reigai Unohana fall, Kyōraku and Ukitake immediately abandoned their fights and stood before Yamamoto, tense and ready.
Yamamoto eyed them and said,
"It was Unohana who killed your comrade, not me. So don't come crying to me."
Before they could respond, Inaba Kagerōza appeared.
"That's enough. You two return for now—I'll handle the rest."
The Reigai retreated as ordered.
Kagerōza's arrival made Nozomi flinch.
Ichigo noticed and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry. I'll protect you."
Kagerōza walked straight through Yamamoto's wall of flame using his own spiritual pressure.
"Sorry, Head Captain. But I'll be taking Nozomi back now."
Yamamoto didn't care.
"I told you—I'm not here to fight. But she is."
He gestured behind Kagerōza.
The scientist turned—and found himself face-to-face with Unohana Yachiru.
Her smile was anything but kind.
"Alone, are you? Then let's get started, Inaba Kagerōza."
Yamamoto stepped aside, folding his arms and getting ready to enjoy the show.
Kagerōza's eyes flickered nervously.
He had recently learned her true identity:
The First Kenpachi.
Unohana Yachiru.
With a shout, he charged forward, striking with Raikū.
But—
Clang!
Unohana batted him away with a single swing!
The power behind it left Kagerōza stunned.
Just how strong is this woman?!
On the ground, Nozomi looked on with awe.
"If only I had that kind of power…"
Ichigo smiled and ruffled her hair.
"You will, someday. Yachiru didn't start out that strong either. She trained to get there. So can you."
That comforted Nozomi more than she expected.
Meanwhile, Kagerōza found himself cornered.
Unohana had already dissected his Zanpakutō's abilities. Her relentless attacks gave him no chance to spin Raikū and use his space manipulation.
"Yachiru's Secret Art—Flash Sheath!"
He tried to mimic her, but—
Shing!
Unohana's blade transformed into a fish.
Kagerōza's copied attack also turned into a fish. Useless.
Then she abandoned chanting and cast directly:
"Bakudō #61: Rikujōkōrō!"
Kagerōza scoffed—
Until he realized it wasn't aimed at him, but his Zanpakutō!
The six rods pinned Raikū and sealed his right hand!
In the next moment, Unohana retracted her blade, flash-stepped behind him, and whispered:
"Yachiru's Final Art—Shunhissatsu!"
Blood exploded from Kagerōza's body as he fell from the sky.
Ichigo descended with Nozomi in his arms. Unohana landed beside them.
No one relaxed.
With a scientist like Kagerōza, caution was always warranted.
Ichigo looked at the downed Kagerōza and asked,
"Why? Why do you want Nozomi so badly?"
Kagerōza, coughing blood, actually looked surprised.
"…Why? You should be asking yourself that, Kurosaki Ichigo. Why are you stopping me from reclaiming her?"
Ichigo answered without hesitation.
"Because she doesn't want to go with you."
Kagerōza chuckled bitterly.
"Hahaha… Ichigo, do you really understand her? I created her. I'm practically her father. No one knows Nozomi better than I do!"
Nozomi didn't argue.
It was true.
Kagerōza continued,
"She and I… were born from the same Shinigami's spiritual particles. We are two halves of one being. I only seek to reunite."
Now the truth made sense.
Why he never hurt her—
And why she ran away regardless.
Who would want to merge with someone else?
"No! I don't want to be one with you!" Nozomi shouted.
"You're Ichigo's enemy—and I'll never become one!"
Tears welled up in her eyes as the weight of her identity fully surfaced.
Ichigo's expression darkened.
"Bastard…"
"Bankai. Tensa Zangetsu."
"Getsuga… Tenshō!!"
(End of Chapter)
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