Chapter 112: Harry and Ichigo go Crazy in Hueco Mundo
The desolate expanse of Hueco Mundo's sands stretched infinitely, a stark contrast to the chaos about to unfold. Harry and Ichigo, having split off from the main group, carved a path of destruction through the endless horde of hollows. Their spiritual pressure was suffocating, a beacon that drew hollows by the hundreds, only for them to be obliterated moments later.
Ichigo was drenched in sweat, his grip on Zangetsu firm as he swung the massive blade in a graceful arc. His Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu, amplified his speed and precision, but it wasn't enough to keep up with Harry's sheer power.
"How the hell do you make it look so easy?!" Ichigo grunted, deflecting a hollow's claws before cleaving it in two.
Harry, standing a few feet away, chuckled. His Shikai wasn't even fully unleashed, yet every movement radiated dominance. With a flick of his wrist, his twin Zanpakutō cut through the air, releasing a black-and-silver wave of energy that disintegrated an entire swarm of hollows.
"You're overthinking it, Ichigo. Power isn't about the effort—it's about control." He glanced back, his emerald eyes glinting with mischief. "And maybe being naturally brilliant."
Ichigo scowled, sidestepping another attack before unleashing a volley of Getsuga Tenshō. "Shut up, Potter!"
The carnage didn't go unnoticed. Deep within Las Noches, Aizen watched the chaos unfold through a portal, a small smile tugging at his lips. Beside him, Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tōsen stood silently, their expressions unreadable.
"They're efficient," Aizen mused. "Perhaps too efficient."
"Efficient enough that you're sending the rest of the Arrancar after them," Gin quipped, his grin widening.
Aizen's gaze remained fixed on the screen. "Indeed. Let's see how they fare against the might of Hueco Mundo."
In an instant, a command was sent. Every available Arrancar who hadn't joined Aizen's mission to the Human World was summoned to intercept Harry and Ichigo. Coyote Starrk, Lilynette Gingerbuck, Ulquiorra Cifer, Yammy Llargo, Emilou Apacci, Franceska Mila Rose, Cyan Sung-Sun, Nnoitra Gilga, and his Fracción Tesra Lindocruz—a force capable of toppling armies.
As Ichigo landed a final blow on a particularly stubborn Adjuchas, he froze. A wave of immense spiritual pressure swept over the battlefield. Harry, who had been casually observing Ichigo's progress, straightened, a rare glint of seriousness crossing his features.
"They're here," Harry said, his voice low but calm. "And they brought company."
In the distance, figures materialized. Starrk and Lilynette strolled forward lazily, the Primera Espada yawning as if bored by the prospect of battle. Beside them, Ulquiorra stood stoically, his green eyes locked on Ichigo. Yammy's massive form towered over the rest, his brute strength radiating from every pore.
"Well, well," Starrk drawled, his tone lazy but sharp. "Looks like we've got a couple of troublemakers."
Ichigo's grip tightened on Zangetsu as Ulquiorra stepped forward. "Kurosaki Ichigo," he said, his voice monotone. "Your presence here is irrelevant. You will die."
"Oh, great. The emo one again," Ichigo muttered. "And here I thought this was going to be fun."
Harry smirked, stepping beside Ichigo. "Fun? You're about to get a lesson in humility, kid."
The tension snapped like a taut string. Yammy charged first, his massive fists slamming into the ground where Harry had been standing. Harry appeared above him in a blur, his Zanpakutō slicing downward. The impact created a shockwave that sent sand flying in all directions.
As the battle raged, Harry allowed himself to indulge. His inner world hummed with activity as his spiritual energy twisted and evolved. He felt the pull of Mimihagi, the hand of the Soul King, and the latent potential of his Schrift, the Almighty. Yet, he resisted. Now wasn't the time to disrupt the balance.
Instead, he focused on merging his Death Form with his Soul King Candidate abilities. His body glowed faintly, his form shifting to something otherworldly—taller, leaner, and radiating an aura that seemed to command existence itself. When the transformation settled, Harry looked like a being who could walk between life and death effortlessly.
"Nice trick," Starrk commented, drawing his pistols. "Let's see how it holds up."
Harry's smirk widened as he raised his blades. "Let's."
Meanwhile, Ichigo faced Ulquiorra in a duel that pushed him to his limits. Every strike of their blades sent shockwaves through the air. Ulquiorra's precision and overwhelming spiritual pressure forced Ichigo to dig deep.
"I can't let him outdo me," Ichigo muttered, glancing at Harry, who was decimating Yammy with minimal effort.
Drawing on his Quincy abilities, Ichigo infused his Getsuga Tenshō with spiritual arrows, creating a destructive volley that forced Ulquiorra to retreat momentarily. Ichigo's Bankai pulsed, his spiritual pressure surging as he pushed himself harder.
As the battle escalated, Harry and Ichigo found themselves surrounded. Nnoitra and his Fracción joined the fray, their combined spiritual pressures creating a maelstrom of chaos. Yet, neither Harry nor Ichigo faltered.
Harry's blades danced, each strike precise and devastating. With every hollow and Arrancar he defeated, his energy seemed to grow, his connection to the Hōgyoku deepening.
Ichigo, battered but unyielding, matched his enemies blow for blow. His determination to grow stronger fueled him, pushing him to new heights.
By the time the dust settled, the battlefield was littered with defeated Arrancar. Only Starrk, Ulquiorra, and a few others managed to retreat, their expressions grim.
Ichigo collapsed to one knee, breathing heavily. "That… was insane."
Harry, barely winded, extended a hand to him. "Welcome to the big leagues, kid."
Ichigo groaned but took the offered hand. "I'm going to catch up to you. Just wait."
Harry laughed, a sound both mocking and encouraging. "I'll be waiting."
Far away, in the depths of Las Noches, Aizen watched with interest. His smile widened as he leaned back in his chair.
"This Harry Potter… truly fascinating."