Chapter 109: Harry and Kisuke take on some Arrancars
The white sands of Hueco Mundo shimmered under the pale glow of its eternal moon. Harry and Urahara, their lighthearted singing now a distant memory, stood atop a tall dune, staring at the imposing sight of Las Noches. The palace dominated the horizon, its vast dome and towering spires giving off an aura of unchallenged authority. The silence was deafening, as if the very air held its breath at the sight of Aizen's stronghold.
"Quite the fixer-upper," Urahara quipped, breaking the tension. He adjusted his hat, though his grin faltered as he turned to Harry. "So, what's the plan? More singing? A dance-off, perhaps?"
Harry didn't answer immediately. Instead, he placed a hand on Urahara's shoulder, and with a faint pop of displaced air, the duo disappeared, reappearing directly before the gates of Las Noches.
"Teleportation?!" Urahara exclaimed, stumbling slightly as he regained his footing. "A little warning next time, mate."
Harry smirked, brushing off some imaginary dust from his coat. "You seemed like you could use the cardio break."
Before either could say more, a sudden rumble shook the ground. From the shadows of the massive gates, the Exequias emerged—a squad of Arrancar clad in skeletal armor, their leader Rudbornn Chelute at the forefront. The executioners moved with precise coordination, their expressions cold and merciless.
"Uninvited guests," Rudbornn announced, his voice echoing with authority. "Lord Aizen anticipated your arrival. As the leader of the Exequias, I shall ensure you proceed no further."
Harry raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "I don't recall sending an RSVP."
The Exequias moved to encircle them, their spiritual pressures attempting to stifle the air. Urahara scratched the back of his head, unfolding his fan. "This is why I never skip leg day. You?"
Harry didn't answer. Instead, he raised his hand, his palm glowing faintly as the Hōgyoku pulsed within his chest. The air grew heavy—oppressive even—and in an instant, the weaker Arrancar faltered. One by one, they dropped to their knees, unable to bear the overwhelming spiritual pressure radiating from Harry.
Rudbornn stood firm, though his confidence wavered as Harry casually unsheathed his Zanpakuto. "Kagami," Harry murmured, the mirror-like blade reflecting the faint light of the desert. "Let's get started."
Rudbornn raised his arm, and the Exequias sprang into action. However, their precision was met with overwhelming dominance. Harry's blade shimmered, transitioning through elemental forms as he dismantled his opponents.
"Flood, Mirror of the Abyss!" Harry intoned, the blade transforming into a torrent of water that surged forward, washing away a dozen Exequias in one devastating strike.
"Save a few for me, will you?" Urahara complained, drawing his own Zanpakuto. With a lazy flick, he dispatched another cluster of Arrancar, their forms dissolving into spirit particles. "You're hogging all the fun."
Harry chuckled but didn't slow down. His blade switched seamlessly to fire, then to wind, each strike a masterful display of control and devastation. As the battle raged, Harry felt the Hōgyoku stir within him. It called out, its voice like a soft hum resonating in his mind.
With a practiced ease, Harry closed one eye, entering a meditative state even as his body continued fighting. In his inner world, a vast, serene landscape greeted him—his creation as the Primordial God of Death.
Before him stood Kagami, regal and beautiful, her mirror-like blade resting at her side. Beside her, the Hōgyoku shimmered, its energy coalescing into a humanoid form. The figure bore an uncanny resemblance to a fusion of S-Snake and Sode no Shirayuki, her ethereal beauty matched only by the gratitude in her smile.
"You've made me strong," the Hōgyoku said, her voice melodic. "And I will ensure you ascend even further."
Kagami nodded, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "She's quite fond of you, Harry. Try not to let it go to your head."
Harry chuckled. "No promises."
The brief conversation ended as Harry opened his eyes, his hand now gripping a second Zanpakuto that had materialized beside Kagami. The energy radiating from the blade was palpable, its presence like a second heartbeat in his palm.
With his dual blades, Harry made short work of the remaining Arrancar. Only a handful survived, left incapacitated but intact for Urahara to study later. As silence fell over the battlefield, Urahara approached, dusting off his robes.
"Well, that was easy," he said, peering at the ruins of the Exequias. "Efficient, too. You know, for someone who looks like they stepped out of a high-class tea party."
Harry shrugged, sheathing his blades. "What can I say? I aim to impress."
As they approached the gates of Las Noches, Urahara smirked. "You think Aizen's got snacks in there? I could really go for a cup of tea and maybe some biscuits."
Harry grinned. "If not, we'll take over the kitchen."
They shared a laugh as they entered the palace, the ominous halls of Las Noches stretching out before them.
Meanwhile, in Karakura Town, Ichigo stood amidst the ruins of his battle with the Bounts. His body was not really battered, but clearly showing signs of battle, his Zanpakuto still glowing faintly in his hand.
The air grew heavy as a sudden surge of Hollow energy filled the area. Dozens of black shapes descended, each one stronger and more menacing than the last.
Ichigo narrowed his eyes, gripping his blade tightly. His Blut Vene activated, a faint blue pattern glowing across his skin as his Hierro reinforced his body. Closing his eyes briefly, he focused on the spiritual ribbons of his enemies with Reiraku and activated Pesquisa, pinpointing the strongest foes.
Unsheathing his blade, he spoke calmly, yet with determination.
"Zangetsu," he intoned, his voice steady as he raised the weapon. "Let's end this."
The chapter ended as Ichigo charged forward, ready to face the storm ahead.