Obviously, he was not so sad when he heard the news of Kenpachi's death before, but when he mentioned the comrades who died in Hueco Mundo, in Asido's words, there was a deep sense of sorrow.
After hearing these words, Yoruichi couldn't help being moved.
Gosuke Shigure said again, "Although you've said you chose to stay here for the sake of the teammates who died in Hueco Mundo, I still want to ask you—are you willing to return to the Soul Society?"
"I'm asking you this as the Ninth Kenpachi, Captain of the 11th Division. Although you have been away for many years, as long as you are willing to go back, there will always be a place for you in the 11th Division."
"…"
Asido fell silent.
For a moment, he didn't know how to answer. Gosuke Shigure already knew from earlier that Asido had survived, yet had not returned to Soul Society. He remained here to honor the dead—Shinigami who had ventured into Hueco Mundo to maintain the balance of souls, fought in the Forest of Menos Grande, and perished.
He survived by chance, and felt it was his duty to finish the battle his comrades could not.
However, after fighting for many years, Asido discovered the truth: it was impossible to cleanse the Hollows in the Menos Forest alone. They appeared endlessly, and the rate at which he struck them down could never match the rate of their birth.
As long as human malice and desire existed, Hollows would continue to be born.
At times, he had despaired and thought of returning to Soul Society. But having been away for so long, he did not know what state it was in, nor if there was still a place for him. So, he stayed.
Now, standing before him, the current Kenpachi—the living embodiment of the 11th Division's pride—was offering him a way back.
To remain here, endlessly fighting Hollows?
Or return to Soul Society with a new Kenpachi?
Gosuke Shigure, sensing his hesitation, said softly, "You don't need to answer right away. We will remain in Hueco Mundo for a while. Use that time to think it over."
Asido nodded.
From that moment on, Gosuke Shigure and Yoruichi's group had one more member.
After speaking with Asido, Yoruichi's gaze shifted to a figure lying wounded nearby—a Menos Grande with a deep head wound.
It was Nelliel.
If Asido had been an ordinary Shinigami, she might have ignored it. But a Menos Grande of this level, encountered in such a state, could not be overlooked.
Asido noticed Yoruichi's eyes on the injured Hollow.
After a pause, he asked, "Can you let her go?"
"Huh?" Yoruichi looked at him in surprise. "Do you know what you're saying?"
"I do," Asido replied firmly. "I've lived in Hueco Mundo for many years. I understand Hollows better than you. Most are mindless devourers who harm all souls they encounter. But… some are different."
He met Yoruichi's eyes. "Whether you accept this or not, she once helped me. For that, I cannot allow you to kill her."
"Teacher, this…" Yoruichi faltered. She had always believed Hollows to be inherently evil, their only salvation being purification through a Zanpakutō. Yet here was a Shinigami protecting one.
Unsure how to respond, she turned to Gosuke Shigure.
"Since Asido says she is good, then let her go," Gosuke said.
In a blur, he appeared before Nelliel. He had recognized her immediately. Even without Asido's request, he would have spared her; Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck was no ordinary Hollow—she was a kind and noble Arrancar.
But Asido's words gave him a reason to voice his mercy aloud.
"You must have heard Asido. For his sake, I will let you go. But mark this: live as a Hollow of honor. If you commit evil and cross my path again, I will not spare you."
After this warning, Gosuke Shigure returned to Asido and Yoruichi.
Yoruichi gave him a strange look. Sparing her was understandable—but "a kind and righteous Hollow"? Hollows and righteousness didn't exactly go together. She stifled the comment.
With Nelliel left behind, the three departed. The earlier Cero, along with the immense Reiatsu released during the battle between Gosuke Shigure and Tsunayashiro Tokinada, had already driven the surrounding Hollows away—including Tokinada's subordinates.
Those who had followed Tokinada had done so out of fear, not loyalty. With him gone, they had no reason to remain.
Leaving the Forest of Menos Grande, the group stepped into the open sands and saw the blazing Hueco Mundo sun. Though harsh, it was still light. Gosuke Shigure and Yoruichi both felt a quiet relief.
Asido, now part of their group, carried Tokinada's corpse without complaint. Years in Hueco Mundo had hardened him.
"I don't know where Grandpa and the others are now," Yoruichi said, meaning Shihouin Kongchan. "We need to find them quickly."
Gosuke Shigure caught the unspoken meaning: she wanted to tell Kongchan that Tsunayashiro Tokinada had been slain—by her own hand.
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