The attack came suddenly, without warning.
Gernal Lee sensed it the moment the cold appeared.
However, the attack's range was too wide and it was aimed directly at him, making it impossible to evade.
Fortunately, as a Quincy, even a fantasy creature created by others, he possessed the ability to absorb reishi for defense.
After a second of stalemate with the surging cold, Gernal Lee used Shunpo to instantly disappear from his original spot, and incidentally erased his existence from others' memories.
Rukia stood at the edge of a park, holding her Zanpakuto, feeling a strange moment of disorientation.
She looked around, wondering why she was there.
She had been patrolling the city after the incident, searching for suspicious individuals while preventing further accidents...
"...Is it an illusion?"
Rukia murmured to herself.
She looked at the "empty" scene before her, feeling the release of spiritual pressure, her brows furrowed, and then she stopped releasing her ability.
However, the next second.
"Tsk... Little girl, you're really impolite."
Gernal Lee's voice slowly echoed in Rukia's ear.
The moment Rukia heard it, her expression changed abruptly, and she looked warily in the direction of the voice.
But what met her eyes was an empty forest; there was nothing there.
No... Someone was there, but she couldn't see them. Who could it be...
Huh, did someone just speak?
Rukia's thoughts fell into confusion; she once again forgot Gernal Lee's existence, and her vigilance dissipated with it.
Only the cold reishi lingering in the air could indicate that she had just released an ability there.
—Why did she release it?
Rukia couldn't understand; she felt she had forgotten something.
Helpless, she could only materialize Sode no Shirayuki, attempting to gather some information.
Just then, Gernal Lee was hesitating whether to eliminate Rukia.
Logically, he should leave here as soon as possible, but the problem was that Shinigami and Sternritter were enemies.
Eliminating one opponent would reduce resistance when attacking Soul Society in the future.
Anyway, he was confident that even if he killed Rukia, no one would discover that it was done by a Quincy...
Because his methods of killing enemies were completely different from those of ordinary Quincy.
Thinking this, Gernal Lee slowly pulled out his weapon.
...
"Rukia's spiritual pressure!!"
In Kanzaki City, Renji had just arrived, full of courage, when he suddenly sensed an anomaly.
Tens of kilometers away, Rukia's spiritual pressure erupted once.
That spiritual pressure was very fierce and cold; it should be Sode no Shirayuki's Shikai state.
Although he didn't know what Rukia had encountered, she was clearly in battle.
He immediately changed direction and rushed towards that location.
"Is it a Hollow?"
"No, it can't be a Hollow; there's no display on the Soul Pager..."
"But if it's not a Hollow, who else could it be?"
Renji's heart was filled with doubt and worry.
He knew very little about Quincy.
Rukia's sudden use of Shikai at this moment was like a giant stone thrown into a lake, stirring up ripples in his heart and slightly stimulating him.
He was somewhat worried whether Rukia had encountered danger...
Although he knew Rukia was stronger than him, possessing the strength of a High Seat Officer, generally no one in the Human World could harm her.
But the precedent of the Quincy was there.
Even individuals comparable to Captains could get injured...
Seat Officer...
"Damn it."
Renji cursed under his breath, instinctively quickening his pace.
His figure transformed into a fleeting afterimage in mid-air; he used Shunpo to its extreme, completely disregarding his physical exhaustion.
Soon, he approached Rukia's location.
At this moment, inside the park.
Rukia was holding her Zanpakuto, slightly panting, with a few drops of dark red blood slowly flowing from her shoulder.
Her wary gaze swept around.
Sode no Shirayuki stood beside her, releasing cold air and creating ice walls, seemingly defending against someone.
Her injuries didn't look very severe.
However, even so, it caused Renji's pupils to constrict slightly, because to injure Rukia, the enemy must be extremely powerful.
But the key was... where was the enemy?
He stood in the air, overlooking the entire park, searching carefully, but found nothing.
"!"
Rukia noticed Renji's arrival at this moment; her expression changed slightly, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, but immediately after, that surprise was replaced by worry.
She desperately wanted to tell Renji to quickly leave this place, that there was an invisible enemy nearby, and that she needed to find her brother...
But as soon as she looked up, she suddenly forgot Gernal Lee's existence again.
"Hiss..."
The pain from her wound made her involuntarily gasp, and this pain also brought her back to her senses.
She clutched her wound, again wondering why and how she got injured.
Renji... why was Renji here?
Numerous doubts filled her mind; Sode no Shirayuki, seeing her master's expression, knew that a new round of memory loss had begun.
"Miss Rukia! You are in battle, please focus!"
Sode no Shirayuki urgently reminded her, while spreading cold air around, trying to force Gernal Lee out.
"That enemy seems to be able to turn invisible and erase your memories of him during battle, using this to ambush us!"
"...What?!" Rukia's expression instantly returned to its original vigilance.
At this moment, Renji in the air also heard Sode no Shirayuki's words.
Invisible enemy?
A sense of déjà vu surged in his heart; Renji's mind instantly tensed, and without the slightest hesitation, he immediately released his Zanpakuto:
"Roar, Zabimaru!"
Rumble!
With the sound of shattering rocks, he quickly destroyed the surrounding ground.
—Since it was an ambush, the enemy must be near Rukia.
As long as he attacked a large area, he would surely force the hidden enemy out.
Hearing the commotion, Gernal Lee looked up.
Instantly.
Anger appeared on his face.
"Annoying brat."
He had let him go once before, but he didn't expect this guy to be so persistent; he really should have killed him then...
The previous ambush almost finished off Rukia; if it weren't for that woman who suddenly appeared, why would it have dragged on for so long, a full minute...
He usually killed people in less than five seconds.
Damn it.
But fortunately, these two Shinigami weren't strong.
Gernal Lee was confident he could end this battle completely within two minutes.
With this somewhat blind confidence, Gernal Lee decided to deal with the troublesome Abarai Renji first.
He used Shunpo to propel himself high into the sky, dagger in hand, his face full of killing intent, and stabbed directly towards Renji's heart.
If this stab connected, Renji would undoubtedly die, because at this moment, Renji's attention was entirely on Rukia's side.
However.
"Clink."
Just as the dagger was about to pierce Renji's chest, at the critical moment, a crisp striking sound suddenly rang out.
The sound was very piercing, as if something had hit jade, causing Renji to instinctively lower his gaze...
—What met his eyes was a gleaming sharp blade.
The dangerous blade tip shimmered with reishi, pressed against his heart, only an inch away from his skin.
Just one glance, and a bone-chilling coldness surged throughout his body, making his breath hitch, his hairs stand on end, and even his heart pound uncontrollably.
His constricted pupils trembled slightly.
—I... almost got killed?
"Gulp~"
Renji swallowed, unable to comprehend what was happening before his eyes.
Because there was no one behind the dagger, and blocking the dagger was a pale blue reishi shield.
This shield seemed to appear out of nowhere, too suddenly; he had no memory of it at all.
It looked like Bakudo Number Eight: Repulse.
But...
...
"Was it triggered?"
At the same time the shield blocked the attack, not far away, Yoriichi Tsugikuni sensed Abarai Renji's spiritual pressure and was moving towards that direction.
That shield was something he had left behind earlier, its purpose being to protect Renji.
Of course, Rukia also had one, but it would only appear when she suffered a fatal injury.
For example, when an enemy's attack reached vital areas like the heart, brain, or liver...
Once it appeared, it could immediately protect the entire body from any harm.
The shield's strength was average, only able to block Yamamoto Genryusai's attacks about three times before disappearing.
However, if the enemy was relatively weaker, its duration would be appropriately extended.
And this extended time was the time for Yoriichi to arrive as support.
He originally thought it wouldn't be needed, as the Human World had been relatively safe before, and leaving these protective measures in advance was just a precaution.
Unexpectedly, within just a few months, Renji encountered a life-threatening danger.
"Rukia is there too... Is it a Quincy?"
Yoriichi Tsugikuni's gaze instinctively cast over, and as soon as the thought settled, he appeared above the park.
Although he didn't see Gernal Lee, his eyes were calm.
However.
When Gernal Lee sensed his appearance, an indescribable feeling of dread surged within him.
This fear was indescribable; if he had to describe it, it was like being submerged by millions of tons of seawater.
Even wanting to wave his hand to save himself was completely impossible.
Just like facing his creator—Gremmy Thoumeaux.
This was a difference in life level.
This guy...
Gernal Lee gritted his teeth, his body trembling uncontrollably.
At this moment, he couldn't care about attacking Renji and Rukia; only one thought remained in his mind.
—Escape!
—The farther, the better!
This guy was definitely a strong Shinigami, an existence far more terrifying than those true Sternritter members!
He had completely lost the will to fight, because he knew he would be instantly killed.
Such a monster should be left to his master to deal with...
Gernal Lee trembled as he descended from the sky, not daring to use any reishi.
Having pushed his ability to the limit, he only wanted to leave this place as quickly as possible...
Unfortunately, when he attacked Renji, the dagger that appeared due to the reishi shield was noticed by Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
The moment he landed.
"Is he there?"
Yoriichi Tsugikuni extended his palm and chanted, "Bakudo Number Sixty-Two: Hundred-Step Fence."
Swish, swish, swish!
In an instant, countless light rods shot out from his palm like brilliant meteors.
The scene was like a grand meteor shower descending upon the Human World, seemingly intending to completely destroy everything in front of it.
Although this was only a sixty-something Kido, its power shouldn't have been that exaggerated in theory.
But with Yoriichi, amplified by his spiritual pressure, it displayed an astonishing appearance, like a forbidden technique.
The originally somewhat dim sky, illuminated by the dense, gleaming light rods, was instantly lit up as bright as day.
Gernal Lee, facing this Bakudo capable of instantly killing even a Captain, had no power to resist and was immediately defeated.
"Cough..."
He was impaled with light rods, like a hedgehog covered in colorful lights, pinned to the ground, unable to move.
Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, his face filled with unwillingness.
This is truly outrageous.
Is this still a Shinigami?
A simple Kido turned into a rain of light, an enhanced version, a thousand shots per second...
Who the hell can block that?
Damn it!
"Gulp~"
Renji swallowed again, Yoriichi Tsugikuni's casual feat truly shocked him deeply.
That dazzling meteor shower, like etched deep into his mind, replayed over and over again.
He seemed to see an illusion, otherwise, there was no reason for it to be so absurd.
Is this Bakudo Number Sixty-Two?
Bakudo Number Six Hundred Two would be more like it!
Are all Captains this strong?
That's truly unimaginable...
He probably wouldn't be able to reproduce even a tenth of it after hundreds of years of effort...
Subconsciously, Renji's gaze fell upon Rukia on the ground.
The latter, thanks to Yoriichi Tsugikuni's appearance, finally regained some strength.
Under the application of Kaido, the bleeding slowly stopped.
Rukia puffed out her chest, trying her best to steady her breathing, then raised her head, just about to say something.
Suddenly, she noticed Renji's gaze.
So, Rukia looked at Yoriichi, asking with a mix of confusion and gratitude:
"Brother, may I ask about just now...?"
Despite the chaos, she had once again forgotten Gernal Lee.
But the lingering pain from her injuries constantly reminded her of the dangerous attack she had just endured.
Her elder brother had saved her.
The shield on Renji's body was still there, it was probably given to him by her elder brother...
Rukia's heart was a mix of emotions; she had graduated with extremely excellent grades.
She hadn't expected that after just one real combat situation, she would be beaten into such a state...
Ah... how embarrassing, Rukia was extremely ashamed, she felt unworthy of her elder brother's guidance.
Yoriichi seemed to sense her emotions, his calm gaze swept over her, and he casually said:
"It's nothing, just caught a guy who can turn invisible, that's not your fault, after all, he's a member of the Sternritter."
"Every one of them is a master of Vice-Captain level or higher."
"You currently only possess the strength of a High-ranking Seat Officer, so losing is normal."
"After all, you are still young."
Saying that, he looked at Renji, waved his hand, the shield dissipated, and after reapplying a new one, he said again:
"Also, Renji, you too, I appreciate your willingness to risk your life to protect Rukia, but it was too reckless."
"When you don't have enough strength yourself, don't try to play the hero, otherwise, you'll only end up with both of you dying."
"This time it was because I released Bakudo Number Eight: Repel in advance that I barely saved your lives, but what about next time?"
Renji was left speechless, he hung his head, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
His identity, status, and even past experiences made it impossible for him to refute Yoriichi's words.
He knew he had made a mistake because he had indeed faced mortal danger and almost died.
But if he hadn't acted to protect Rukia at that critical moment, he would also be unworthy of being a man.
"Being reckless is not responsibility."
Yoriichi continued:
"In that situation, impulsiveness wasn't the only option. I hope you remember today's lesson."
"If you die, everything is gone."
There is, after all, a difference between bravery and recklessness.
Wisdom and mindset are the main reasons for this difference.
Renji currently lacks these, and Rukia also has some shortcomings.
This is also why Yoriichi transferred them to the Thirteenth Division.
Renji lowered his head and said nothing, and Rukia, hearing this, also remained silent, as she was the main reason for Renji being criticized.
Shame and gratitude intertwined, deepening her impression of Renji even further.
Having no more words to instruct, Yoriichi Tsugikuni slowly descended from the sky.
Upon arriving in the area where he had previously released Hundred Steps Fences, he paused slightly, as if sensing something, and suddenly reached out.
In an instant, he accurately grabbed an "invisible" guy who seemed to be one with the air.
Due to the difference in spiritual pressure, the opponent's Sternritter was shattered, and Gernal Lee's figure was revealed, his face full of despair.
"Damn it!"
Gernal Lee knew he couldn't escape, and the urge to commit suicide surged in his heart.
He was a product of imagination; even if he died, he could be recreated by Gremmy Thoumeaux.
But once he fell into the hands of the Shinigami, to extract information, it would probably be difficult for him even to die.
It was a pity that, apart from the Sternritter and the abilities inherent to a Quincy, he was just a powerless old man.
How much strength could an old man have?
Let alone committing suicide.
Even trying to pry open Yoriichi Tsugikuni's little finger was an impossible task for him.
Unwilling shouts echoed madly in his heart.
However, reality would not change in the slightest because of his utter unwillingness and anger.
Snap.
After struggling for a while, like a light going out, the world before his eyes instantly plunged into darkness.
...
At the same time, within the Wandenreich.
Haschwalth lowered his gaze, quietly staring at the blood-red wine in his hand.
He gently swirled it, waiting for the two to return and report the news.
Suddenly, a flicker.
Crack.
Due to his trembling hand, the wine glass accidentally fell, shards scattered everywhere, and the liquid stained the carpet red.
The wine was not precious; as a reishi product, some Sternritter could easily produce thousands of cups.
What worried him was the inexplicable sense of dread that had surged in his heart just a moment ago.
Haschwalth slowly rose and walked to the window.
Looking through the window at the thick, inky darkness outside, his calm gaze seemed to be contemplating something.
A moment later, he gently exhaled and hurried towards where Yhwach was slumbering.
After exchanging power with Yhwach, Haschwalth gained control over the Sternritter.
The next second.
As if capturing crucial information, his thick eyelashes trembled slightly.
"So that's it..."
"Were they captured by a Shinigami?"
Haschwalth slowly raised his eyes, his clear blue eyes seemingly able to penetrate the buildings and see the other side of the Wandenreich.
Sternritter S and Sternritter V were there.
Their mission had failed, otherwise, there was no reason for them to be in Shinigami territory.
"Who did it?"
"Yamamoto Genryusai?"
In Haschwalth's view, to capture two Sternritter alive in such a short time, especially two Sternritter with extremely strong life-saving and evasion abilities.
At least six Captains would have to be dispatched together.
And six Captains already occupied half of the Seireitei, and according to the Shinigami's style of action, it was unlikely they would directly deploy so many people.
Therefore...
Haschwalth immediately reported this matter to Yhwach.
Yhwach had regained some consciousness, so he could clearly hear Haschwalth's words.
"...That old man Yamamoto Genryusai? Hmph, after a thousand years, he's still as cautious as ever."
Yhwach's voice directly echoed in Haschwalth's mind, cold and resolute,
"No need to worry, Haschwalth, my dear son."
"Useless people, just kill them."
"Use my power, failures are not worthy of following me."
The power Yhwach lost a thousand years ago was The Almighty.
Aside from The Almighty, Haschwalth could use all the abilities Yhwach once possessed.
This included Seeleschneider.
Haschwalth responded in a low voice, then activated Seeleschneider.
As the two powers returned to his body, he could clearly feel his own strength growing.
Logically, gaining strength should be a cause for joy.
But Haschwalth's face remained as still as stagnant water, without any expression.
Soon after, he received another order from Yhwach, which was to conduct a limited investigation into the matter.
Yhwach knew Yamamoto Genryusai's style of action; he didn't seem like someone who would capture Quincy alive, and two at that...
If it wasn't him, then who was it? Was the Wandenreich's location exposed?
The former question was not that important, but the latter was crucial.
The reason Yhwach could maintain such a composed attitude, as if everything was under control, was because he was extremely well hidden.
However, if one day the Wandenreich were exposed and besieged by the Shinigami, leading to the thousand-year plan being ruined because his power had not recovered...
At that time, even the calmest person would not be able to remain unperturbed.
Yhwach's words also made Haschwalth connect to this point.
After considering the situation in his mind, he decided that he would personally investigate this time.
Firstly, he did not want his subordinates to take risks.
Secondly, even if he encountered Yamamoto Genryusai, he was confident that he could retreat safely.
...
"Huh?"
The moment Haschwalth activated Seeleschneider,
Bazz-B, a male Quincy and fellow member of the Sternritter with the epithet [The Heat], felt a strange disturbance.
He instinctively looked up at the sky, only to see two meteors falling from the sky, directly plunging into Yhwach's majestic and solemn palace.
One was rather dim, the other quite bright.
The meteors disappeared very quickly; if he didn't have the habit of looking up at the sky, he might have overlooked them.
Although he had never seen Seeleschneider, he felt a familiar power within those two meteors.
That was, Sternritter...
Someone died?
What happened?
Bazz-B's expression became serious.
He instinctively rose and hurried towards the palace.
But before he could reach the palace, he met Haschwalth halfway, who had a long sword at his waist and an expression as cold as winter ice.
With just one glance, Bazz-B knew that Haschwalth was hiding something from him.
They had been friends for a thousand years...
Bazz-B stopped Haschwalth, wanting to ask about the truth of the incident just now.
Whether a Sternritter had been killed.
Hearing this question.
Haschwalth gave him a faint look: "No comment."
After speaking, he walked past him as if nothing had happened.
The cold voice continued:
"Do what you're supposed to do."
"Bazz-B."
He didn't want Bazz-B to get involved, as this matter carried considerable risk.
[The Heat] is strong, releasing temperatures even higher than Yamamoto Genryusai's Shikai.
But pure offensive power is useless against strong enemies.
Mechanisms are the most important.
The [Balance] he possessed should be considered the strongest ability after [The Almighty].
Let's go to the Human World first and see.