XX-level Hokage

The other person was shorter, with pink hair, and dressed in a clown-like costume; he was Yammy.

"Ulquiorra?!" Kisuke Urahara's expression instantly turned even more serious upon seeing the newcomer, his folding fan gripping tightly. Ulquiorra's spiritual pressure was several times stronger than Grimmjow's; he was a true monster.

"Lord Aizen ordered us to come and bring back Grimmjow." Ulquiorra's voice was calm and cold, devoid of any emotion. His gaze swept over Ichigo the wolf and the ravaged Karakura Town without any fluctuation, as if everything was within his calculations.

"Damn it...!" Grimmjow growled in frustration. He turned to Ichigo, his eyes filled with provocation and disdain. "Shinigami, you're lucky. Next time, I'll tear you apart with my own hands."

Cracks began to appear on Ichigo's Hollowfication mask, and the Hollow power within him was gradually weakening. He was panting heavily, but his eyes remained firm as he stared intently at Grimmjow.

“Let’s go, Grimm.” Ulquiorra said calmly, making no further movements, simply looking at Grimm indifferently.

Grimmjow reluctantly withdrew his gaze, but he gave Ichigo a deep look, as if trying to imprint his image in his heart. Then, he followed Ulquiorra and Yammy, turning and entering the dark rift.

As the Arrancar departed, the cracks in the sky gradually closed, and the night sky returned to calm. However, the ruins of Karakura Town silently testified to the cruelty of the fierce battle that had just taken place.

Ichigo's Hollowfication mask shattered completely with a "crack," and his body went limp as he plummeted from the sky.

"Ichigo!" Kisuke Urahara flashed into the air and caught the unconscious Ichigo. He looked at the fading Hollowfication marks on Ichigo's face and his tired, wolf-like body, his eyes filled with worry.

Mashiro was still in the Fourth Division barracks of the Seireitei, sitting opposite Retsu Unohana, enjoying tea.

"It seems there's quite a commotion in Karakura Town," Mashiro said with a smile. Although she hadn't been there in person, she was very familiar with the spiritual pressure fluctuations in the present world.

Unohana Retsu took a sip of tea, her gaze calm and unwavering: "Indeed, an unusually powerful spiritual pressure appeared, then quickly vanished." She was referring to...

Ulquiorra's spiritual pressure.

Mashiro chuckled softly, a meaningful glint in her eyes: "Everything... has only just begun."

Her gaze pierced through layers of space, as if she could see Aizen's plans deep within Hueco Mundo, and the many more possibilities that Ichigo was about to unleash. She was even more interested in the fusion of the three powers within Ichigo, which was enough to shake the foundation of the Soul King's rule.

Chapter 177: The Hollows (Part 3)

After Grimmjow, Ulquiorra, and the others left, the night sky over Karakura Town returned to a state of apparent calm.

However, the shattered tranquility and the shocking ruins on the ground silently reminded everyone that an unprecedented crisis had already arrived.

Kisuke Urahara carried the unconscious Ichigo back to Urahara Store and settled him in the underground training grounds. He carefully examined Ichigo's injuries, his brow furrowed. Although the physical wounds healed rapidly thanks to the Shinigami's powerful regenerative abilities and Urahara's treatment, the Hollow energy within Ichigo remained a concern.

The backlash, however, is far more dangerous than it appears on the surface.

Hollowfication… it was actually activated under those circumstances. “Urahara Kisuke muttered to himself. He reached out and felt the remaining Hollow power within Ichigo’s body. Although the power was weak, it still carried an unstable and violent quality.

He knew about Mashiro's special training for Ichigo and understood that its purpose was to unleash Ichigo's potential, but such rapid Hollowfication was beyond his expectations.

"This guy... he's a monster." Urahara Kisuke sighed softly, a mixture of admiration and worry.

He understood that Ichigo's power growth rate had exceeded the common sense of the Seireitei. While this potential was astonishing, the risk of it getting out of control was equally enormous.

Aizen's Arrancar transformation technique, along with the fusion of Ichigo's three powers, has made this war even more complex. Kisuke Urahara's eyes were deep; he realized that the true battle between the Seireitei and Hueco Mundo had only just begun.

Meanwhile, within the Seireitei, the unusual spiritual pressure fluctuations in Karakura Town, followed by the appearance and disappearance of powerful Arrancar spiritual pressure, had already attracted the attention of all the divisions.

Especially Retsu Unohana, who was far away in the Fourth Division barracks, had a keen sense of spiritual pressure. The immense spiritual pressure that surpassed that of the sixth Espada made a certain premonition in her heart even stronger.

Mashiro remained calmly seated opposite Retsu Unohana, slowly sipping her tea. A barely perceptible smile played on her lips, while her eyes held unfathomable depths of thought. Grimmjow's appearance, Ichigo's Hollowfication, Ulquiorra's intervention… everything was unfolding as she had hoped.

Aizen is accelerating, and Ichigo is accelerating too; these are the "variables" and "pieces" she desires.

"Look, Hueco Mundo's actions are faster than we anticipated." Retsuko Tamagotaki broke the silence, her voice calm yet tinged with seriousness.

Mashiro responded casually, "Yeah, Aizen always likes to create surprises." Her tone was as if she were talking about something trivial, as if everything was under her control.

"Did you sense that last spiritual pressure?" Unohana Retsu asked, her gaze fixed on Mashiro, as if trying to get more information from her.

Mashiro picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and savored the aroma. A playful glint flashed in her eyes, then she shook her head: "It's indistinct, it seems to be some kind of..."

It was a unique method of concealment, but judging from its sheer scale, it was probably carried by one of Aizen's top Arrancar. "She wasn't incapable of sensing it; she just didn't want to reveal her abilities and purpose too early."

Retsu Unohana didn't press for details. She knew Mashiro wouldn't easily reveal all information. She simply nodded, a thoughtful look flashing in her eyes. Soon, the crisis report from Karakura Town reached Captain-Commander Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto.

Upon learning that multiple Hollows and Arrancars had appeared in the human world, and that Ichigo Kurosaki had unleashed an unusual amount of Hollow power during the battle, Yamamoto's expression became extremely grave. He realized that Aizen's actions were no longer just a simple defection, but a direct threat to the balance of the human world.

The Captain-Commander convened an emergency meeting with all the captains of the Gotei 13 at the First Division barracks.

At the meeting, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni said in a deep voice, "The Karakura Town of the human world has been attacked by Arrancars, and the situation is critical. In order to deal with Aizen's next move and to ensure the safety of the human world, I have decided to send an advance team to Karakura Town to guard it and raise the alert level of the local Shinigami!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the captains present, finally settling on Hitsugaya Toshiro: "Captain Hitsugaya, you will lead the advance team to the mortal realm."

Toshiro Hitsugaya immediately accepted the order: "Yes, Captain-Commander!"

Then, Yamamoto looked at the other captains and continued to issue orders: "The advance team members include: Captain of the 10th Division, Toshiro Hitsugaya, and Vice-Captain Matsumoto..."

Rangiku; 6th Division Vice-Captain Renji Abarai; 11th Division 3rd Seat Madara Ikkaku, 5th Seat Yumichika Ayakawa.

Your mission is to establish a defensive line in Karakura Town and stop the Arrancar's further invasion. At the same time, closely monitor Ichigo Kurosaki's movements.

Mashiro, as the newly appointed captain of the Third Division, also attended the meeting. She listened calmly to Captain-Commander Yamamoto's orders, her face expressionless.

Her gaze would occasionally sweep over Toshiro Hitsugaya, the young captain who carried Yamamoto's hopes and would be an important part of her observation of the situation.

After the meeting, Mashiro returned to the Third Division barracks, where Kira Izuru was anxiously waiting for her. "Captain, the Commander-in-Chief has issued new orders," Kira Izuru reported.

“I already know,” Mashiro said calmly. “You don’t need to worry. Just handle the team’s affairs as usual. If necessary, I will personally take action.” She once again placed herself in a detached position, as if the title of Captain of the Third Division was merely an ornament to facilitate her actions.

Kira Izuru was puzzled, but could only respectfully agree. As evening fell, the night sky over Karakura Town was once again torn apart by ominous spiritual pressure.

This time, more Arrancar emerged from the rift, their auras even more malevolent; they were the second wave of invaders sent by Aizen.

"Hmph, as expected of the real world." A tall Arrancar, wearing a white helmet and wielding a huge axe, said gruffly. He was D-Roy, the Arrancar.

"It seems Lord Aizen has high expectations for us." Another Arrancar with long hair and black markings on his face said with a light laugh. He was Shoron Cullon, an officer under Grimmjow, one of the Espada.

Following closely behind were two other Arrancar: the slender, face-skinned Nikim, and the burly, fierce-looking Edora Deionis.

Carrying Aizen's orders, they recklessly unleashed their spiritual pressure, preparing to utterly destroy Karakura Town.

However, just as they were about to begin their destruction, several powerful spiritual pressure fluctuations rose rapidly from the ground of Karakura Town. "Just in time!" A clear, cold voice rang out in the night sky.

Hitsugaya Toshiro, dressed in a captain's haori and wielding Hyōrinmaru, appeared first before the Arrancar, radiating a chilling spiritual pressure. Closely following him was the sexy and lazy Matsumoto Rangiku.

And there's the tough-looking Renji, always ready for battle, wielding the Zabimaru.

There's also the hot-tempered Madarame Ikkaku, and the beauty-obsessed Ayasegawa Yumichika, each wielding their respective Shikai forms, Hozukimaru and Fujikojutsu.

Hitsugaya Toshiro's cold gaze swept over the Arrancars before him, and he said in a deep voice, "The First Division of the Gotei 13, ordered by the Captain-Commander, has come to stop you!"

Shonon Kufon surveyed the Grim Reapers before him with interest, then smiled dismissively: "Oh? So these are the reinforcements from the Seireitei? They don't look very impressive."

Before he could finish speaking, D-Roy couldn't hold back any longer and charged towards the nearest corner of the enemy's territory. His huge axe whistled through the air as it slashed down fiercely.

"Hahaha! Well done!" Madarame Ikkaku roared excitedly, wielding Hozukimaru in his hand as he fearlessly charged forward. The second Arrancar invasion of the human world had officially begun.

Chapter 178: The Hollows (Part 4)

Under the night sky of Karakura Town, the second clash between the Shinigami vanguard and the Arrancar officially began with a fierce collision between Ikkaku Madarame and D-Roy.

The surge of spiritual pressure swept out like a tsunami, instantly tearing apart the surrounding buildings and turning them into scattered debris.

"Hahaha! Well done!" Madarame Ikkaku roared with fervor. He loved fighting, and D-Roy's rough and powerful attack undoubtedly ignited the flames in his heart.

The Hozuki Maru in his hand transformed into a three-section staff, whistling through the air, and clashed repeatedly with D-Roy's massive axe. "Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Each collision was accompanied by a tremendous roar and sparks flying. With astonishing agility and strength, Ikkaku Madarame contended with D-Roy's massive body. Although D-Roy's strength was immense, Ikkaku, through his superb hand-to-hand combat skills and skillful use of Hozukimaru, repeatedly averted the crisis.

He was looking for an opportunity to retaliate; sweat was beading on his forehead, but his eyes were growing increasingly excited.

"Damn, what a nuisance!" D-Roy cursed, not expecting this Grim Reaper to be so troublesome. He suddenly slammed his axe into the ground, his arms...

The muscles swelled up, and the bones and armor throughout the body made a "crackling" sound.

"Drink!" D-Roy roared, his body suddenly expanding, more bone spurs emerging from his skin, making him even more muscular and twisted. His spiritual pressure also surged, becoming incredibly oppressive.

Upon seeing this, Ikkaku Madarame's lips curled into a bloodthirsty smile.

"Oh? So you have this kind of trick up your sleeve!" He didn't back down at all; instead, he became even more excited.

He knew that the stronger the opponent, the more meaningful the battle would be. Hozukimaru spun in his hand, emitting a deep hum. At the same time, other battles quickly unfolded.

Renji Abarai rushed towards Shonon Kufon without hesitation.

As Grimmjow's subordinate, Shonon Cuffon possessed spiritual pressure far exceeding that of ordinary Hollows, exuding a cold and sharp aura.

"Zhaweimaru!" Renji roared, his Zanpakuto extending rapidly, the blade bending nimbly like a snake's bone, whistling as it hurtled towards Xiaolong. Xiaolong Kufang nimbly dodged Renji's attack, a mocking smile on his face.

"Oh dear, Shinigami, your attack is too slow and full of openings." He flipped his hand, and a ghostly green flash of light condensed in his palm, shooting towards Renji's face.

Renji's pupils contracted sharply, and he quickly dodged to the side. The blast grazed his cheek and blasted a large hole in the building behind him. He felt a scorching heat brush past him, and alarm bells rang in his mind.

This broken mask is stronger than he expected.

"Don't underestimate me!" Renji brandished Zabimaru again, attempting to overwhelm his opponent with speed and range. On the other side, Matsumoto Rangiku faced off against the slender Nikim.

Nikem was incredibly fast and moved with unpredictable movements, like a nimble ghost flitting around Rangiku, searching for an opportunity to attack.

"What an annoying guy!" Rangiku snorted, and the gray cat in her hand turned into smoke, spreading outwards like quicksand, trying to catch Nikem's trace.

Although she was usually lazy, she displayed a uniquely feminine delicacy and precision in battle. Ayasegawa Yumichika, on the other hand, faced the burly Edrad Liones.

Edorad Riones was incredibly strong; every punch he threw carried immense force, causing the ground to crack under his weight.

"What a rude fellow." Yumichika said with some disdain. The vine peacock in his hand transformed into a row of sharp blades, engaging Edorad Riones in a graceful yet deadly battle. He pursued "beauty," striving to make every move pleasing to the eye while also being lethal, even in combat.

As the captain of the advance team, his cold gaze swept across the entire battlefield. He knew that these Arrancar were just Aizen's appetizer; the real threat was yet to come.

With Hyōrinmaru gripped tightly in his hand, Hitsugaya Tōshirō was ready to support his teammates in distress at any moment. "Release! Daiguren Hyōrinmaru!"

With a clear, crisp call, Toshiro Hitsugaya's body was enveloped by a massive frost dragon, its wings made of ice and snow, and a gigantic dragon extending from its back.

A large ice flower appeared, and his spiritual pressure instantly reached its peak. The icy chill swept across the entire battlefield, attempting to suppress the Arrancar's arrogance.

But he did not act immediately. Instead, he hovered in the air, observing the battle. He knew that the captain's responsibility was to grasp the overall situation and deliver a fatal blow at the most critical moment.

In the basement of Urahara Store, Ichigo remained unconscious.

Kisuke Urahara sat beside him, gently waving his folding fan, his eyes deep. He could feel the intense spiritual pressure fluctuations above Karakura Town, knowing that the Shinigami were engaged in a fierce battle with the Arrancar.

"Wake up soon, Ichigo," Kisuke Urahara murmured to himself. He knew that although Hitsugaya and the others were powerful, their strength was ultimately limited when facing Aizen's Arrancar.

The real hope still lies with Ichigo. His gaze fell once again on the faint Hollowfication marks on Ichigo's face. That potential was what he valued most and was also most worried about.

Meanwhile, in the distant Seireitei, at the Fourth Division barracks.

Mashiro and Luna no Hana Retsu still sat facing each other, enjoying tea. The aroma of the tea seemed to isolate them from all the noise of the world.

However, their senses never stopped, and they were aware of the intense spiritual pressure fluctuations coming from Karakura Town.

"It's quite lively," Mashiro said with a light laugh, a hint of satisfaction in her voice. She could clearly sense Toshiro Hitsugaya's Reiatsu and also feel the evil and powerful aura of the Arrancar.