Oh man...
Nnoitra didn't even want to imagine what Aizen would do when he found out.
"Hmmph."
A cold snort suddenly cut through the tension.
Starrk raised an eyebrow and turned toward the voice.
A large, hulking figure stood theredressed in a white coat trimmed with black fur, looking for all the world like a grumpy old man.
Baraggan Louisenbairn.
"This guy again? What now?"
Starrk felt another headache coming on.
Sure enough, Baraggan let out a low chuckle and sneered, "Aizen's really trained you mutts well. Didn't think he could break you this bad."
That wide-shot insult instantly drew the attention of all the other Espada.
Baraggan, completely unfazed by their glares, crossed his arms. The flame-like glow in his hollowed eyes swept across them all.
"What? Tell me I'm wrong."
Starrk: ""
He felt drained just standing here.
He had just managed to stop Grimmjow and Nnoitra from killing each other, and now here comes Baraggan stirring the pot.
But then again this wasn't new. Baraggan had always looked down on themeven though he was technically one of them.
Same Espada rank, same status, but always acting like he was above it all.
Always running his mouth with crap like "I'm ashamed to even be grouped with you."
Tier Harribel frowned, her voice icy. "Baraggan. Don't forgetyou're working for Lord Aizen, too."
"Don't lump me in with you." Baraggan growled. His hand curled into a tight fist, bony knuckles creaking.
"One day, I'll take back everything I lost. I'll rip it right out of Aizen's hands!"
"Cool. Best of luck with that." Starrk replied dryly. Then added, "But for now, how about we all deal with the enemy first, dear former king of Hueco Mundo?"
Baraggan shot him a glance, his eyes flashing.
This bastard didn't even respect him!
He wanted so badly to make Starrk rot in placeto show him what true death tasted like.
But Baraggan's gaze flickered again.
Even if Aizen hadn't said it out loud, they all knew the truth.
The Espada rankings were based on strength.
So the fact that he, the former king of Hueco Mundo, was ranked only Second said everything.
Starrk was strong. Really strong.
Baraggan didn't like Aizen. Not one bit. But there was one thing that smug bastard had said that he completely agreed with:
In a fight between Soul Reapers, it all comes down to Reiatsu.
Baraggan's aging ability was terrifying. Nearly impossible to counter.
But when faced with someone like Starrk, whose Reiatsu far outclassed his it just didn't work the same.
Tch.
Where the hell did Aizen find monsters like that?
With that thought, Baraggan fell silent.
Power speaks louder than words.
Baraggan believed in the law of the junglethe strong rule, the weak follow.
He wasn't like Nnoitra, who barked at those stronger than him just to feel tough.
No, Baraggan held real contempt for Espada like Nnoitra. Weaklings who didn't know their place.
Seeing that Baraggan had finally shut up, Starrk let out a sigh of relief.
Yeah, he was technically in charge as the First Espada.
But he had zero interest in actually managing them.
Too much hassle.
All of themevery single Espadawere a pain in the ass.
And Starrk was lazy as hell.
Thankfully, as long as Aizen gave the orders, they'd all obey.
Even Baragganwho was just itching for the day he could overthrow Aizenwould behave, at least for now.
The other Espada, seeing that Baraggan had gone quiet, also relaxed slightly, although their expressions were still tense.
For now, Starrk had managed to suppress the growing powder keg between them.
Their attention turned toward the direction Nnoitra had flown from earlier.
From there, a massive Reiatsu was charging toward themfast.
Before anyone could speak, Nnoitrastill perched on the rubblesuddenly jerked his head up.
His eyes were bloodshot, and his face twisted with rage.
"Damn you, Nelliel!!"
Tier Harribel's eyes widened in surprise. She quickly turned to Nnoitra Gilga and asked with a frown, "You're sure?"
Nnoitra's face twisted with rage. "She's the one who kicked my ass and sent me flying back here!"
"...Huh?"
"Hehehe"
Baraggan Louisenbairn suddenly chuckled. "Now this is getting interesting."
Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez and the others turned to look at Nnoitra and Szayelaporro Granz with amused expressions.
Clearly, the whole mess between them and Nelliel was old news at this point.
Grimmjow grinned, clearly enjoying himself. "Looks like that woman's finally back for payback!"
"Tsk tsk."
"Some people better watch their backs~"
Grimmjow's voice boomed like he wanted the whole Hueco Mundo to hear it. "I wonder if those cowards who only know how to gang up on others have the guts to face the wrath of the former Tres Espada head-on?"
"You bastard!" Nnoitra snapped, glaring at him.
But, the more agitated he got, the more obvious it becamehe was scared.
Deep down, Nnoitra knew full well the gap between him and Nelliel.
Just like how he never considered Grimmjow, the Sexta Espada, a threat
The difference between Nellielthe original Tres Espadaand him was just as massive if not more.
Damn it!!
She really got her powers back?!
Nowait her Reiatsu? It's even stronger than it used to be!!
He shuddered as Nelliel's cold eyes flashed through his mind.
Even worse off was Szayelaporro Granz, who had also been part of that sneak attack on Nelliel.
Szayelaporro's hands clenched into fists, his face pale and stiff. A flicker of regret crossed his heart.
What now?
Even someone like Nnoitrawho's way stronger than himhad to team up just to ambush Nelliel successfully.
If it came to a straight-up fight what could someone ranked Octava even do?
Ulquiorra Cifer, on the other hand, showed no amusement.
Or rather, he just didn't care.
He calmly asked, "So the intruder was a former Espada?"
Starrk and Harribel exchanged a glance, then after a brief pause, Harribel said seriously, "Probably"
"Only one of them."
There were others behind herbeings they couldn't even sense.
And that attack earlier? That wasn't even one of the abilities Nelliel used to have.
As they spokeWHOOOSH
A powerful gust of wind blasted through the area.
Sensing something, both Starrk and Harribel suddenly looked up into the distance.
In the next instant, a blur of green appeared on the horizon, growing larger by the second. A terrifying surge of Reiatsu crashed down over them like a tidal wave.
ThenNelliel appeared before them.
She was icy cold, and her amber eyes swept over Starrk and the rest before finally locking onto Nnoitra.
"!!!!"
The moment the gaze fell on him, Nnoitra's entire body tensed. His muscles coiled tight, his instincts screaming danger.
I'm going to die!
Hell, here I'm coming.
That was the horrifying conclusion his mind reached in just one second.
She really was stronger now!
Damn it!
Nnoitra gritted his teeth.
How?!
Nelliel should've lost all her power after their ambush. So how in the hell did she not only recoverbut grow even stronger?!
He couldn't beat her before.
Now?
He probably couldn't even run.
.
.
.
The Battle begins
Starrk narrowed his eyes and greeted her in his usual laid-back tone. "Yo long time no see."
Nelliel gave him a glance but didn't respond. Instead, she turned to Harribel. "Congrats."
Harribel shook her head. "You say it like I just picked up your leftovers and became the new Tres."
Well she kinda did.
Harribel's expression was complicated.
If Nelliel hadn't disappeared, that spot never would've gone to her.
She hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "You've become stronger than before."
Anyone could feel the pressure pouring off Nelliel now.
Honestly, at this point, she could probably be called the new Segunda Espada.
What the hell had she gone through during all that time away?
Nelliel responded calmly, "Yeah went through a lot."
On the side
Starrk: ""
Lilynette: "Wow, she totally ignored you~"
Starrk shook his head. "You talk too much."
He didn't seem too bothered about being ignored, but it was clear this Nelliel wasn't here to play nice.
If it were just a personal grudge against Nnoitra and Szayelaporro, that'd be one thing.
But she wasn't alone.
And worse? She'd already attacked Las Noches.
That tidal wave from earlier? That was her declaration of war.
Still, just to be safe, Starrk casually asked, "So, Nelliel you thinking of rejoining our happy little Espada 'family'?"
If she wasn't planning anything crazy, he might be able to go back to slacking off again.
But the second he said "family," even he felt awkward.
I mean, come on.
The Espada? A family?
With all the backstabbing, ambushes, petty rivalries, and complete lack of trust?
Even Harribel gave him a weird look.
A family? This toxic mess of betrayal and bitterness?
How the hell did you say that with a straight face?
Nelliel actually let out a laughcold and sharp. "Oh, absolutely"
"I came back to give this so-called family a little warmth."
Starrk: ""
Uh-oh.
That might've made things worse?
"Hey, um"
He tried to negotiate. "Can we not do that?"
Nelliel didn't even blink. "No."
As soon as the word left her lipsBOOM!!!
A storm of green Reiatsu exploded from her body!
It was so intense, it felt like it could tear the sky apart!
WOOOOOOM
Under that pressure, the entire dimension seemed to tremble!
GULP!
Nnoitra and Szayelaporro stared in horror, feeling their mouths go dry.
This... was way beyond what they could handle.
"Ah"
Starrk scratched his head with a sigh. "So in the end, we're really doing this, huh."
There was no helping it. He was honestly kind of annoyedit all felt like such a hassle.
But as the strongest Espada in Las Noches right now, he couldn't just stand by and do nothing.
Otherwise, knowing Aizen, that scheming bastard would definitely mark him down in his little black book.
The thought alone sent a chill down his spine. Even someone like him didn't want to be on Aizen's bad side.
Sigh
So gotta protect the place, huh
The laziness in Starrk's eyes slowly faded, replaced with a rare seriousness as he looked at Nelliel.
"Just you showing up isn't going to sway the Espada. Why don't you bring out whoever you've got hiding behind you?"
It wasn't that Starrk was being arrogant or anything. He just didn't like the idea of someone lurking in the shadowsit made him feel like he had to stay on edge, watching for a sneak attack the entire time.
Hunting them down one by one would just be a pain in the ass.
That said, the people backing Nelliel didn't seem like they were trying all that hard to stay hidden, anyway.
Hearing Starrk's words, Nelliel finally shifted her gaze away from Nnoitra Gilga.
Nnoitra immediately felt the pressure lift. His whole body relaxed as he let out a breath he didn't even realize he'd been holding.
Then, just as quickly, he got pissed at himself for being so pathetic.
Damn it!!
He clenched his fists, cursing himself nonstop in his head.
She's just a woman I took out with a cheap sneak attack!
He kept trying to mentally tear Nelliel down just to vent his frustration over the fear she'd stirred in him.
He didn't dare make a sound. He was terrified of drawing her attention back.
Damn it all!!
Why?! Why the hell did she get even stronger?!
Meanwhile, Szayelaporro Granz was just as uneasy. He made sure to position himself at the very back of the Espada, standing stiff as a board and doing his best to disappear from everyone's notice.
He was silently praying Nelliel would just forget about him entirely.
But in truth
Now that she was back in Las Noches, Nelliel wasn't even thinking about Nnoitra or Szayelaporro.
To her, they were as good as dead alreadynothing worth worrying about.
What mattered right now was completing the first big mission assigned to her and the Familia.
She had to give it her all and make sure she left a lasting impression on Lynn!
Only then Would she have a shot at earning a place in his heart.
And besides, Nelliel had another ace up her sleeve.
Her released formCapricorn Knight!
If she played her cards right, maybe she could even become Lynn's personal mount?
Although, she wasn't sure how many people in the Familia already had that position.
If there was some sort of competition for it, then this battle might be the perfect opportunity to prove herself!
Her eyes sparkled with determination as she clenched her fists.
This time, she would show Lynn that riding her wasn't just fast and smooththe "seat" was soft and comfortable too!
Clearly, she was the ideal mount!
As that thought crossed her mind, a serious glint appeared in her amber eyes.
"Huh?"
Starrk gave Nelliel a strange look. She was acting weird again.
He scratched his head, and just like that, the seriousness he'd built up dissipated.
Back to being lazy.
Sensing his gaze, Nelliel snapped out of her thoughts and turned her attention back to him.
"Hmm"
She looked serious again.
"It's happening," Starrk thought, eyes sharpening.
Then Nelliel asked, "Wait, what were you saying again?"
She'd been so wrapped up thinking about Lynn that she hadn't caught a word.
"Seriously?" Starrk deadpanned.
He scratched the back of his head with a sigh. "If I say it again now, it'll totally kill the vibe"
Tier Harribel: ""
"Humph."
Baraggan Louisenbairn let out a cold snort.
This guy's the Primera Espada?
He didn't even sound intimidating!
Annoyed by how long this was dragging out, Baraggan stepped forward and barked, "Quit stalling and call out whoever you've got hiding. Let's get this over with!"
He was itching for a fight too.
Just Nelliel wouldn't be enough for all the Espada to have fun.
Nelliel blinked, then tilted her head with a strange look.
"Huh? But They're already here."
"???"
Starrk and the others exchanged confused glances, scanning their surroundings.
But there wasn't a single unfamiliar face in sight.
Were they being played?
The thought barely crossed their minds whenVmmm
A deep hum echoed overhead as a sea-blue magic circle flared into existence above them!
And in the next instant A group of powerful figures descended, led by none other than Katerea Leviathan!
