Chapter 17

"Shinji, Shinji... Nilu is so hungry."

In Karakura Town, the stronghold of the Shinigami, Nilu clutched her stomach, hugged Shinji's leg, and looked up at him pitifully.

"You've already eaten five Hollows, and you're still hungry?"

Shinji scratched his head, sighing.

This appetite was just too much!

Even though Karakura Town was a spiritually rich land where strange things frequently appeared, this was still the human world. It wasn't like Hueco Mundo, where Hollows were everywhere, ready to be caught.

"But Shinji, Nilu is still very hungry."

Nilu nimbly climbed onto Shinji's back, rubbing against him like a kitten.

"...There's really nothing I can do about you."

Shinji could understand Nilu's current state.

Being seriously injured and in a degenerated state, she instinctively needed to eat continuously to accumulate Reiatsu and return to the Vasto Lorde level.

However, eating too much was also a problem.

After thinking for a few seconds, Shinji asked, "Can you try absorbing my Reiatsu?"

"Eh?" Nilu was startled, shaking her head rapidly with an expression of reluctance. "Nilu doesn't want to eat Shinji's Reiatsu."

"It's fine. My Reiatsu regenerates quickly, so it won't be a problem."

Shinji ruffled her hair.

As someone about to enter the Hōgyoku Fusion State, his regeneration was already at a monstrous level. Trying to drain his Reiatsu dry? That was impossible.

"...Then okay, but if Shinji feels uncomfortable, Nilu will stop immediately."

Nilu hesitated for a few seconds but ultimately opened her mouth under Shinji's insistence.

Then—

A steady stream of Reiatsu flowed out of Shinji's body and was swallowed by Nilu.

A terrifying energy fluctuation filled the room. If released, it could easily wipe out Karakura Town.

Yet, that overwhelming power was completely absorbed by Nilu.

"As expected, feeding her my Reiatsu works too."

Shinji glanced at Nilu, who had fallen into a deep sleep, and smiled.

Even with the depletion of Reiatsu, his Hōgyoku Fusion State body quickly recovered, to the point where he didn't even feel tired.

If just the Hōgyoku Fusion State was this powerful, then once he reached the Complete Fusion State, where he could crush the Soul King's Palace, one could only imagine how terrifying that Reiatsu would be.

—Knock, knock.

There was a knock at the door.

Matsumoto Rangiku walked in, her eyes full of worry.

Because of the Hollowfication Incident, Matsumoto Rangiku was temporarily stationed in the human world.

Not only that, but under persistent requests from Shiba Isshin, he would also be returning as reinforcements soon.

"Shinji, you do realize what you're doing, right?"

Matsumoto Rangiku stood beside him, watching him intently. "Even if you're the future head of the Kuchiki Clan, one of the Four Noble Houses, taking in an Adjuchas-level Arrancar..."

If the Soul Society found out, it would cause an uproar.

At worst, even Shinji himself could be punished.

"Vice-Captain Rangiku, of course, I know what I'm doing."

Shinji glanced at the sleeping Nilu and smiled.

Adjuchas-level Arrancar?

She had no idea.

Once Nilu accumulated enough Reiatsu, she would revert to Vasto Lorde-class Arrancar, one of the strongest beings!

And she would be completely loyal to him.

That day was not far off.

Shinji had already decided—he wouldn't waste time feeding her with Hollows anymore. Instead, he would directly use his own Reiatsu and the Hōgyoku to help her regain her Vasto Lorde form.

At that point, Nilu would become an elite combat force surpassing captain-level!

"Don't worry. I have a way to make the Soul Society accept her."

Shinji stroked Nilu's cheek and smiled confidently.

"...As long as you know what you're doing."

Although still a bit uneasy, since Shinji spoke so assuredly, Matsumoto Rangiku chose not to press further.

She stretched lazily, sat down beside Shinji, kicked off her shoes, and buried her face in her knees like a sleepy cat.

"Hey, Shinji, do you think we'll die here?"

"That's a Vasto Lorde-class Arrancar, you know."

Shinji paused for a moment before casually running his fingers through her golden hair.

"What are you thinking? Even if it's a Vasto Lorde-level Arrancar, I'm not weak, okay?"

Matsumoto Rangiku's wavy blond hair had a different charm compared to Rukia's unruly bedhead and Shihōin Yoruichi's silky smooth locks.

Don't ask why—he just wanted to keep stroking it.

Even in the worst-case scenario, he was already about to enter the Second Fusion State.

Did she really think some "pretend" Vasto Lorde-class Arrancar could turn the tables on him?

An irrational husk of an existence? Completely meaningless.

"...I thought you'd comfort me, but this is what I get?"

Matsumoto Rangiku giggled and swatted Shinji's hand away playfully, then shot him a sidelong glance.

"But before the Captain arrives, I'll have to rely on you, Shinji-kun."

She exuded the aura of a mature older sister, even playfully ruffling Shinji's hair as if he were her little brother.

"Wuhu! Your most handsome Captain is back! Did you miss me while I was gone?"

At that moment, the door slammed open.

Shiba Isshin burst in, striking a confident pose.

But the moment he saw the two sitting together in the room—

His face froze.

He silently closed the door.

Then, he opened it again.

Rubbing his eyes, he stared in disbelief.

His fingers trembled. His lips quivered.

"You... You two..."

His gaze darted back and forth—from the shoes on the floor to Matsumoto Rangiku's slightly messy hair and unbuttoned shihakushō, and finally to their suspiciously close posture.

His mouth fell open.

Then, he silently began backing toward the door.

"Sorry for disturbing you."

"...Also, remember to, uh, 'stay safe,' okay? That's very important. Otherwise, if something happens... huh???"

"Hey, Rangiku, what are you doing? If you have something to say, put the sword down! I was just offering my insights!"

"...Wait, why are you standing up?"

"Hold on—Rangiku, why are you releasing Shikai?!"

"WAIT! RANGIKU, I'M SORRY! PUT THE SWORD DOWN!"

"GO TO HELL, YOU IDIOT CAPTAIN!!!"

---

"Hiss...I'm your captain. Aren't you being too ruthless?"

Inside the room.

Shiba Isshin squatted on the ground with a bruised nose and a swollen face, a cigarette dangling from his mouth, blowing out smoke rings one after another.

Through the smog, he sucked in a sharp breath, grinning as he rubbed his cheek—he had just taken a brutal roundhouse kick from Matsumoto Rangiku.

It really hurt like hell!

"Heh, so you're the captain, huh? If you say any more nonsense to smear Shinji's reputation, I'll kill you next time."

Matsumoto Rangiku casually picked her Zanpakutō, shooting a sidelong glance at Isshin.

Shiba Isshin shuddered instinctively.

Terrifying. Is this really a woman?

Wiping the cold sweat off his forehead—only to accidentally touch his wound—Isshin winced.

Damn it, my handsome face... How am I supposed to show it off to the cute girls now?

"By the way, that Hollow—Adjuchas or Arrancar?"

Isshin tilted his head slightly, squinting at Nilu, who was sleeping peacefully on the bed.

"Ah... Captain, that's..."

Matsumoto Rangiku panicked slightly, trying to come up with an excuse, but Shinji cut her off with a wave of his hand.

"Her name is Nilu, and I've adopted her."

Under Matsumoto Rangiku's surprised gaze, Shinji admitted it outright.

"Adopt... You really don't think things through, do you?" Isshin scratched his head. "Even as a member of the Four Noble Clans, you'll still have a lot of trouble coming your way. You realize that, right?"

"Of course, I know exactly what I'm doing."

Shinji nodded.

Once Nilu returns to her original form, everyone will understand just how right he was.

"Well, as long as you understand."

After taking a deep look at Shinji, Isshin sat down on the floor.

"About that Vasto Lorde-class Menos Grande that appeared in Karakura Town, any new information?"

"Not much for now. 'He' hasn't shown up these past few days, so we haven't found anything yet."

Matsumoto Rangiku glanced at Shinji and shook her head.

"I see."

Isshin nodded—but then saw Shinji suddenly slam his hand down on the table gently.

"Let me correct you: it's not just a Vasto Lorde-class Menos Grande. It's a Vasto Lorde-class Arrancar."

Shinji spoke slowly.

"...What?"

With a bang, Isshin stood up, his expression turning serious. "Are you sure? A Vasto Lorde-class Menos Grande after Arrancar transformation?"

Arrancar and non-Arrancar were two completely different concepts!

An Adjuchas-class Hollow that has undergone Arrancarization can rival a natural-born Vasto Lorde.

A true Vasto Lorde that has turned into an Arrancar... The level of strength is on an entirely different scale!

To put it simply—most captain-class Shinigami wouldn't even have a high chance of winning against one.

"Absolutely sure."

Shinji nodded.

That kind of Reiatsu—there's no mistaking it. It's definitely White.

"This is bad... I need to request reinforcements."

Isshin sighed, running a hand through his hair.

Against a Vasto Lorde-class Hollow, most captains would at best manage a draw.

Against a Vasto Lorde Arrancar? At least two captain-level Shinigami would be needed to stand a solid chance.

Yeah... Looks like I need to call for backup—

Wait!

Isshin suddenly smacked his forehead and turned to look at Shinji.

A captain-level fighter... isn't there one sitting right here in front of me?

"...What kind of look is that?"

Shinji shivered and took a step back. "Stay away from me. You're acting weird."

Isshin: "..."

What kind of reaction is that, you little punk?

Don't act like I did something weird to you!

I like women, damn it—hot women!

Twitching at the corners of his mouth, Isshin forced out his best "charming" and "reliable" smile.

"Shinji, let's discuss something..."

"I refuse."

"...Huh?"

Isshin's smile cracked. "At least let me finish my sentence—"

"There's no need."

Shinji flatly interrupted. "No matter what you say next, I already know it's nothing good, so I refuse."

...

You think you can trick me into fighting that thing with you?

Dream on, idiot!

You're literally built to be cannon fodder—I'll just watch from the sidelines and maybe throw in a little assist.

Charging in?

That's your job as a captain.

I'm just a humble Shinigami stationed in the World of the Living. That's not in my job description.

"...And also, your fake-ass smiling face is seriously disgusting. Knock it off."

Shinji added expressionlessly.

"He's right, Captain. Your stupid grin was so creepy."

Matsumoto Rangiku shivered.

For a moment, she even felt like her captain overlapped with certain perverted characters from some stories.

That lewd expression—it was way too realistic.

"...S-Stupid grin???"

Isshin froze. His whole body went stiff.

But then—something dawned on him.

"Wait—'the little girl hates me'?"

Isshin narrowed his eyes and locked onto Matsumoto Rangiku.

"...How do you know that?"

Look me in the eyes, damn it!

Isshin squinted, his sharp gaze piercing straight through Rangiku.

"Ah... Well... That is..."

Matsumoto Rangiku averted her gaze, stammering, her eyes darting toward Shinji.

Shinji understood her silent plea—and picked up the conversation smoothly.

"She was curious about your... suspicious behavior, so she followed you around."

"...Matsumoto Rangiku!"

"Shinji, you heartless bastard, you betrayed me!!!"

Two simultaneous shouts rang out.

Shinji rubbed his face, staring blankly at the two idiots in front of him.

After a long silence, Isshin, now sporting an extra black eye, coughed lightly and sat cross-legged on the wooden floor.

"Ahem... Anyway, let's get back to our conversation."

Shinji: "..."

Dude, if it hurts that much, just say so.

You're not fooling anyone with your fake composure. You've lost all dignity at this point.

Stop pretending to be some dignified captain—you're just a complete clown now.

"By the way, while I was back in the Soul Society these past few days, I had some time to do something interesting."

Isshin grinned.

Shinji looked up at him.

"I told the Captain-Commander that you've mastered Bankai."

Isshin smirked. "He didn't say much, but I could tell—deep down, he was really happy."

Shinji's face stiffened.

"...Huh? Shinji, what's with that look?"

Shinji: "???"

...

You goddamn idiot—!!!

Shinji screamed in his mind.

Why do you think I look like this?!

Who the hell told you to report that to the Captain-Commander?!

I came to the World of the Living to take it easy!

You absolute bastard!

"...No more talking. Just die, Shiba Isshin."

"Eh? W-Wait, what are you doing? Why did you draw your sword?!"

"You talk too much, bastard. Only one of us is walking out of here today. Say your last words quickly—I don't think you have much time left."

"N-No way! I can still live for at least a few hundred years—"

"You're still resisting? Bankai!!!!"