Louise

As Fujimiya Makoto and his team were rushing to develop new types of poison, the war between the Shinigami and the Quincy escalated rapidly, reaching a fever pitch from the very first clash.

"Light Arrow!"

Blinding arrows rained down from afar, precisely targeting every Shinigami charging towards the dimensional portal.

The lack of long-range weapons left the Shinigami at a severe disadvantage, forcing them to endure the relentless barrage of arrows. Many low-ranking Shinigami were cut down before they could inflict any damage, their bodies pierced by the dense arrow rain.

Even with Kidō defenses, multiple Shinigami had to work together to intercept the hundreds of arrows streaming towards them.

Ayasegawa Hachiman, a veteran who had survived the Seireitei battle and now held a low-ranking officer position, was among the more skilled Shinigami. Yet, in this vast battlefield, he felt like a fish struggling in a net, constantly dodging the swift arrows with his proficient Shunpo.

Despite his best efforts, his body bore several new wounds.

By the time he closed the distance to within fifty meters of the Quincy, the squad that had followed him was reduced to just a few survivors.

However, as a former student of the Shino Academy, Ayasegawa Hachiman showed no signs of retreat, even in such dire circumstances. He charged into the enemy ranks without hesitation, activating his Shikai.

"Shake the heavens! Narabimaru!"

His Zanpakutō, more resembling a tuning fork than a sword, appeared in his hand.

With a gentle swing, a piercing sonic wave erupted, tearing through the brains of the Quincy soldiers. The intense sound waves created intricate vibration arcs in the air, causing many Quincy to fall in agony.

Ayasegawa Hachiman continued his charge, determined to break through the enemy lines.

However, he didn't notice that the reinforcements behind him were gradually being overwhelmed by the surrounding Quincy, their numbers dwindling.

As he relied on his Zanpakutō to push through the Quincy ranks, he became increasingly isolated.

"Hmm—"

Just as he swung his tuning fork, a faint arrow whistle sounded beside him.

Instinctively, Ayasegawa Hachiman ducked and rolled forward, narrowly avoiding the attack. He then leaped back with Shunpo, holding his tuning fork to block another arrow coming from the front, creating a sharp 'ding' sound.

But before he could react further, a long, straight light sword silently tore through the space, aiming for his back.

"Swoosh!"

With a single strike, it effortlessly sliced open his back, leaving a long gash.

Ayasegawa Hachiman struggled to kick away the Quincy in front of him, his face contorted in pain as he turned to block the second strike coming from above.

However, he didn't notice the Quincy's disdainful smile.

"Squeak—"

Ayasegawa's eyes widened in shock.

The moment the light sword fell, his Zanpakutō offered no resistance, shattering into pieces as if it had encountered no obstacle.

The sword's edge sliced through, and crimson blood gushed from his shoulder wound.

"This weapon is called 'Soul Cutter.'"

The Quincy, believing victory was assured, explained with a light laugh, "It vibrates three million times per second, capable of cutting through anything in this world—including souls."

"It's also one of the rare blade-type weapons among the Quincy."

"Die by this weapon, and consider it an honor, Shinigami."

"Huff... huff..."

Ayasegawa Hachiman's gaze remained steadfast.

Though he knew his chances of survival were slim, he showed no fear.

As a disciple of Yamamoto Genryūsai... how could he disgrace his master with a cowardly death?!

He silently raised the broken shard of his Zanpakutō.

"Hmph, stubborn."

The Quincy chuckled lowly.

But before his voice faded,

"Boom—"

A thunderous explosion erupted behind him, engulfing the entire Quincy line in an instant.

The flames illuminated the shadows behind the Quincy, casting a glow on Ayasegawa.

The Quincy's body was pinned in place.

"Is that so?"

"Capable of cutting through anything in this world, huh?"

A casual male voice echoed from behind him.

A tall figure strolled out of the flames, a burning grass stalk dangling from his mouth. His disheveled hair was loosely tied with grass leaves, hanging down his back.

Unohana Yachiru, with half-closed eyelids, casually walked up behind the Quincy, his height surpassing the Quincy by half a head.

He placed his hands in his pockets and nudged the Quincy with his hip.

"Come on."

"Try cutting me."

Almost as soon as the words left his mouth,

The Quincy's eyes widened in shock, and the 'Soul Cutter' in his hand erupted with a dazzling light, driven by a massive surge of Reishi. It instantly extended by nearly half its length, slashing a semicircle towards Unohana Yachiru.

The Quincy let out a desperate roar:

"Die—!"

"Pervert!!"

At the same time, Unohana Yachiru swung his short blade in unison.

"Melting Iron and Stone, Explosive Flame Inch Steel!"

Accompanied by an intense burning sound, the short blade in Unohana Yachiru's hand seemed to be born from fire, melting and fusing with his fist in the scorching flame flow, forming a crimson gauntlet that completely covered his fist and wrist.

He threw the punch!

The moment the light sword and the gauntlet collided,

The Quincy's face first showed a moment of surprise, followed by a rapid disappearance of expression, his face turning pale and bloodless, then filled with disbelief and fear.

As if some belief in his heart had been shattered.

"Hmm!"