Chapter 80 Nell's Abilities
In an instant, a red Cero was unleashed, and Ichigo swiftly evaded it, while Koral let out a roar, his entire form starting to expand slightly.
The tendons on his back were taut, and the Zanpakutō in his grasp began to meld seamlessly with his right hand, resembling an Arrancar wielding a scythe.
The sound of the slicing wind from the speeding blade punctuated the air as Ichigo swung his Zanpakuto in defense, yet a cut on his cheek was unavoidable.
"This guy is incredibly powerful! "
Before Ichigo could lament further, his adversary struck again, as if the damage inflicted by White Ichigo previously had to be recompensed on the current Ichigo with even greater intensity.
Clank! !
The sharp sounds of colliding blades reverberated through the Menos Grande forest. The two combatants, having set aside their Zanpakutō abilities, now engaged each other like expert swordsmen.
The ongoing clash saw Ichigo's potential surge immensely through his time in the Menos Grande forest. In terms of Reiatsu strength, combat awareness, and Hollow mastery, his advancement was significant compared to his initial arrival in Hueco Mundo.
In his past altercations in the human world, the last opponent he faced was Espada No. 6 Grimmjow.
This made him reflect on his earlier days when he had just discovered his Hollow abilities, nearly losing his sanity.
After again fending off his opponent's blade, Ichigo clenched his teeth and seized Koral's weapon, trying to slash at his chest.
However, fatigue overwhelmed him, and he found he couldn't deliver a fatal strike. Koral's Arrancar form was evolving, illustrating the power of the steel-like skin that Arrancars possessed.
"How is this possible? "
Tensa Zangetsu's blade became lodged in the muscle of Koral's chest, unable to advance any further.
"You can die! "
Seizing the moment, Koral gripped Ichigo's hand, followed by a kick to his abdomen that sent Ichigo flying several meters, crashing violently against the trunk of a white tree.
"Aaahggg. "
Ichigo spat blood from his lips, already bruised, and even as he managed to rise, he trembled incessantly.
"This pathetic blade is utterly ridiculous. Do you believe you're the only one worthy of wielding Bankai? "
Koral grasped Tensa Zangetsu from his chest and tossed it aside. Ichigo could do nothing but watch as Tensa Zangetsu buried itself into the sand.
"haaaaa..."
Ichigo struggled to breathe heavily, his shinigami attire in tatters from the depletion of Reiatsu.
Ichigo raised his fist, aiming to strike, but how could he compete against Koral at that moment? His fist fell feebly against his opponent's shoulder.
Coral's blade acted like a candied hawthorn, hoisting Ichigo high before slamming him down, casting him aside like a wounded dog, curled up and incapacitated.
"You're finished! Traitor! "
As a Cero formed on Koral's forehead once more, a brilliant red light enveloped the entire area.
"Go to hell! "
"Ahhh Ichigo! ! "
At a critical moment, Nell dashed towards Ichigo, disregarding her own safety, and consumed Koral's Cero within her stomach.
Helch
After Nell let out a soft belch, a purple Cero erupted from her mouth and rebounded back towards Koral.
Boom! !
The shockwaves from the dual Cero explosions sent Ichigo and the petite Nell soaring over ten meters away, while Koral's half-frozen body became charred and blackened.
"You. . . you damn Arrancar! ! ! "
As Koral let out a furious roar, his injuries began to heal swiftly, shedding the remnants of his exterior in a mere ten seconds.
"Nell. . . are you okay! "
Honestly, Ichigo was stunned. Witnessing Nell leap forth and absorb the enemy's Cero made his heart race in fear.
"Hick."
Nell burped once more, releasing a cloud of black smoke, sheepishly touching her head and grinning, "I'm fine! I..."
"Watch out! ! "
Before Nell could finish her sentence, Koral's assault was upon them. Although unfamiliar with this Arrancar girl, Ichigo understood that her ability to consume Cero and counterattack indicated her strength was no trivial matter.
Instead of launching another Cero, Koral leapt into the air, his blade-arm descending ominously.
"Arrhhggg…"
The blade inflicted a deep gash on Ichigo's back. To shield Nell, Ichigo, already at a disadvantage, used his own body to absorb the lethal strike.
This time, Ichigo spat out blood but still forcefully grasped Nell and utilized Shunpo to reach his Zanpakutō, retrieving it.
"Hoo-hoo--"
Exhausted, Ichigo struggled to keep his eyes open but refused to surrender. He was aware that if he collapsed, the Arrancar before him would undoubtedly slay Nell.
Empowered by their bond, Ichigo summoned his inner strength, preparing to confront his foe.
Upon noticing both had once again evaded his attack, Koral approached Ichigo cautiously, questioning, "Why are you intent on safeguarding that Arrancar? I aimed only to kill her; I had no desire to harm you—you brought this on yourself! It's all your fault! ! "
Ichigo looked at Koral and slowly declared, "Because Nell is my friend! "
"Friend? That's preposterous. Why didn't you show up sooner? Damn Soul Society!
And Central 46, without them, how could 393 of our thirty-seven expedition team die in this realm! !
What brutal experiences we have endured, you cannot even begin to fathom. I simply want to end this Arrancar, yet you are so intent on shielding her.
Why did no one come to save us, why! ! "
Ichigo was taken aback by the man's admission, his gaze wavering slightly.
In that instant, Koral's blade hovered menacingly above Ichigo's head.
"I'm sorry, but I will kill all the Arrancars even if I have to kill you right now. "
At that critical moment, a powerful gust of black Reiatsu surged toward Koral.
BOOM— !
With a punch brimming with lethal intent, Koral was propelled backward for several meters.
A brawny individual with a robust physique stood before Ichigo, bare-chested.
"What shame, merely an imitation of an Arrancar. It's only because Master Fiander allowed you to live for his experiments, yet you dare act so brazenly!"
The newcomer bore the number 10 emblazoned on his chest.
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