Chapter 96 Arrancar No. 5 Nnoitra Gilga
"Is it really you? You're still alive? Your mask is actually. . . "
"It can't be, there's no way an arrancar could revert back after they regressed to an hollow."
The appearance of the man before Szayel Aporro transported his memories back several decades. At that time, the Espada's No. 3 was still known as Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck. Nell, still bearing the title of third Espada, had long, lake-green hair cascading down to her waist, striking taupe eyes, and horizontal rose-colored face tattoos. She donned a white combat uniform complemented by white gloves.
Having been a Vasto Lorde Menos Grande, her combat prowess was formidable, and as a female fighter, she had the capacity to overpower many lower-ranked male Arrancar. This reality bred resentment among them, particularly in Nnoitra Gilga, who held the title of Espada No. 8 at that time.
Despite his inferior power, Nnoitra Gilga had challenged Nell numerous times, only to face defeat each time. Yet, Nell spared his life, mocking him instead as a mere mindless beast, unworthy of the title warrior.
As Nell was an auto-evolving Arrancar, she didn't need to consume her own kind, which bred her disdain for pointless fighting.
She believed that Arrancars like him, having devolved from humans to hollows, having finally attained Arrancar status and regained rationality, should truly comprehend the essence of life.
However, Nell's remarks deepened Nnoitra's feelings of inadequacy. After facing continuous defeats, he started to contemplate alternative tactics.
Initially, Szayel Aporro, positioned at the bottom tier of the Espada, attacked Nell's two subordinates, Pesche and Dondachaka, forcibly removing their masks and driving them back to their hollow state.
The removal of their masks turned the Arrancar into a hollow, and generally, such a transformation precludes reverting to Arrancar status.
The duo subsequently discarded the remnants of Pesche and Dondachaka at Nell's doorstep, compelling her to confront Nnoitra. He used Szayel's creation to severely injure Nell.
Consequently, Nnoitra shattered Nell's mask into fragments, leading to the cracks now visible on the face of her childlike form.
Following the mask's destruction, Nell lost her memories and couldn't sustain her adult strength, resulting in her transformation into a child.
Abandoned in the desert by Nnoitra, they remained until Fiander returned from the human world and took them in. Aware of what transpired, he employed Reinhard to clandestinely train Pesche and Dondachaka, emphasizing that Nell's downfall was significantly impacted by their shortcomings.
The two quietly pledged to take retribution for Nell trained intensely. However, this struggle goes unnoticed by Nell, as safeguarding the current Lord Nell fulfills not only their desire but also embodies their own significance.
Nell,who appeared carefree and joyful each day, was under Fiander's protection, ensuring she would not suffer harm.
Pesche's thoughts returned to the present as he observed the astonished Szayel. He addressed the injured Ishida nearby: "Hey Ichigo, what are the odds, we meet again."
"How many times must I clarify? My name is Ishida Uryu, not Kurosaki Ichigo! "
Ishida was just as shocked as Szayel Aporro and struggled to grasp that the attractive person before him was Pesche, who had invited him to play games, enjoy snacks, and drink Coke mere ten hours ago.
"Ha! You seem to be in much higher spirits now, Ishida! "
After sharing a laugh, Pesche turned serious, saying, "It appears you got injured in the skirmish with Szayel Aporro. Nevertheless, you performed well. Hurting him effectively created an opportunity for me! "
Once Pesche finished speaking, Ishida quickly inquired, "Why are you here? Where is Dondachaka? Isn't he with you? "
Pesche chose not to look back at Ishida and slowly approached Szayel Aporro, stating, "Him? Have you forgotten your other ally? "
"He's not in a better situation than you, as—His adversary is that scoundrel Nnoitra! "
"Boom! ! "
On the opposite side of the Night Palace gate, Sado barely emerged victorious over the Arrancar that obstructed his path. During this confrontation, he awakened a new ability and gained a formidable arm—the arm of the devil.
Shortly after dispatching his foe, before he could even breathe easily, an Arrancar wielding a massive scythe and wearing a blindfold steadily approached him from behind the outer wall of the Night Palace, accompanied by another Arrancar with yellow hair.
The two reached Sado moments later.
Upon seeing Gantenbainne Mosqueda, who lay unconscious on the ground, Nnoitra remarked scornfully, "What a waste, Gangtenbainne. You were actually bested by a human, no wonder you got eliminated, ha ha! "
After finishing, Nnoitra turned his gaze to Sado, who had sharp features that made him appear vulnerable like prey.
"Hey, human, what's your name? I want to ensure I can call it out while I end your life. "
Nnoitra extended his tongue, his malicious grin sending a shiver down Sado's spine.
"My name? "
Sado faced Nnoitra with a composed demeanor before activating his newfound ability – the left arm of the devil.
"That kind of stuff doesn't concern me at all; all I need to do is give it my all to defeat you! "
His white arm shimmered with blue energy, and aided by the momentum of a sprint, Sado unleashed his left fist with maximum force, landing a powerful blow directly to Nnoitra's abdomen.
Boom!
The immense shockwave generated cascaded through the air behind Nnoitra.
Yet despite his full force, Sado's strike failed to budge his opponent. Cold sweat dripped down Sado's brow as disbelief washed over him.
"Impossible! "
The power in his punch could not penetrate Nnoitra's body; it meant that his assault was essentially ineffective against him.
"Um? Is this your best shot? "
"Sure, the strength is adequate for a massage, but don't get disheartened. You are up against the strongest in defense among the Espadas , so just accept your fate peacefully.
"By the way, although you haven't revealed your name, allow me to introduce myself: I am Arrancar No.5 Nnoitra Gilga. When you find yourself in hell, be sure to mention my name! "
As he finished, under Sado's desperate gaze, the massive scythe descended upon him like a shadow eclipsing the sun.
Ping!
Just as Sado braced for his demise, a robust figure in a dark cloak appeared before him in an instant, wielding a gigantic iron axe to intercept Nnoitra Gilga's attack.
"Who is he. . . ? Another ally? "
Nnoitra curiously tilted his head and inquired of his subordinate officer, Tesra.
"Apologies, Master Nnoitra, but there is no information on this individual in our records! "
Tesra bowed before relaying this to Nnoitra.
"Well, it doesn't really matter; whether there is one or two insects to swat, it's all the same!
"Since they have come before me, let's finish them off together! "
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