Ginjō Kūgo narrowed his eyes, his mind racing with thoughts.
A long time had passed since he first met Aozaki Reiji, long enough for most normal humans to live out their lives.
As time went on, he saw Aozaki Reiji act less and less, and his understanding of Aozaki Reiji's power became increasingly vague.
It was precisely due to the ignorance of the fearless that he had the inexplicable courage to dare to resist Aozaki Reiji at this moment.
However, what he never expected was that two of Aozaki Reiji's subordinates also possessed such astonishing strength.
So, how strong must Aozaki Reiji's current power be?
...Should he really consider surrendering?
After all, if Aozaki Reiji also possessed First Class Spiritual Pressure, coupled with this woman's assistance, he would likely be doomed.
But, it was impossible!
He knew very well that once that ruthless fellow learned of his betrayal, he would never let him off lightly.
Since that was the case, he had to take action to weaken the opponent's strength, or... find a way to enhance his own strength.
"Book of the End!"
Just then, Tsukishima Shūkurō seemed to sense his inner thoughts.
He unhesitatingly poured his spiritual pressure continuously into the bookmark of the book in his hand.
In a blink of an eye, a katana with a chain attached to its hilt appeared in his hand.
This was Tsukishima Shūkurō's Fullbring—Book of the End!
Tsukishima Shūkurō had been adopted by Ginjō Kūgo since childhood and, under his tutelage, learned how to use Fullbring and combat techniques.
For Tsukishima Shūkurō, Ginjō Kūgo was not only like a father but also the most important and reliable person in his life.
Therefore, no matter what, he had to become a valuable person to Ginjō-sama!
Without the slightest hesitation, the moment Tsukishima Shūkurō gripped the katana, he mercilessly slashed down at Harribel.
But the next second, a sharp pain shot through his wrist, as if his bones were being crushed.
Tsukishima Shūkurō's face changed drastically as he looked down, only to see a slender, fair hand tightly gripping his wrist.
The strength in that hand was so immense that Tsukishima Shūkurō felt his wrist could be snapped at any moment.
"To be able to insert one's existence into the past of the person who is cut, and change their memories, is truly a disgusting ability."
Nelliel's eyes were cold, and her voice carried a hint of disgust.
Her gaze was as sharp as a blade, as if it could pierce through Tsukishima Shūkurō's Souls.
"Ah..."
Tsukishima Shūkurō groaned in pain, trying to break free from the hand's grip.
However, no matter how he struggled, that hand held his wrist like an iron clamp, rendering him immobile.
"Damn it..."
Tsukishima Shūkurō's eyes widened, veins bulging on his forehead, as he glared at Nelliel through gritted teeth.
"To easily steal others' bonds without paying any price, such methods are utterly despicable; he is simply a shameless scoundrel who deserves to die."
Nelliel's tone was full of disdain and anger, and her expression grew increasingly cold.
She knew that Tsukishima Shūkurō's ability was very dangerous to her; if she were accidentally cut by him, the consequences would be unimaginable.
In Nelliel's view, the past and future were equivalent, a part of her as Nelliel.
She would never allow her past to be defiled by such scum.
"But even if this ability is dangerous, it's meaningless if you can't land a hit, isn't it?"
Nelliel said disdainfully.
A hint of confidence shone in her eyes, as if she had already seen through Tsukishima Shūkurō's thoughts.
Their current situation was somewhat similar to the battle between Yamamoto and Yhwach (Royd) earlier.
There was a clear disparity in their spiritual pressure and other superficial strengths.
Yet, Tsukishima Shūkurō, the weaker party, had the ability to pose a threat to Nelliel, the stronger one.
A slight misstep could lead him into her trap.
But unfortunately, Tsukishima Shūkurō did not possess the powerful defensive capabilities of Zanka no Tachi, North: Tenchi Kaijin.
So...
When Nelliel's beautiful foot connected with Tsukishima Shūkurō's abdomen.
Tsukishima Shūkurō's face instantly turned pale, his body trembled violently, and an indescribable pain surged through his heart.
Intense pain emanated from his abdomen, and Tsukishima Shūkurō's eyes nearly bulged out.
His mouth opened but no sound came out, only a trickle of blood flowed from the corner of his lips.
Then he was mercilessly kicked away.
Boom!
Tsukishima Shūkurō's body slammed into the wall like a cannonball, embedding him within it, and cracks spread from the point of impact.
As Tsukishima Shūkurō's body passed through one wall after another, he finally disappeared from everyone's sight.
That kick was enough to completely incapacitate him.
Then, Nelliel also took out a white glove from her person, put it on, and flew towards Tsukishima Shūkurō's direction.
"Useless fellow, and you two damned women!"
Ginjō Kūgo stared coldly at the two women before him, his heart filled with anger and killing intent.
He gritted his teeth and said, "Do you think this will make me surrender? How naive!"
If it weren't for this woman stopping him, he would have definitely gone to support Tsukishima Shūkurō just now.
Although Tsukishima Shūkurō's own strength was insufficient, his ability was very strong and could ignore the disparity in spiritual pressure.
If the Book of the End was used well, perhaps he could bring these two exceptionally powerful women under his control.
At that time, with the three of them united, why would they fear Aozaki Reiji?
Ginjō Kūgo felt a hint of apprehension as he watched Nelliel's retreating figure.
"Given your strength, why do you still obey Aozaki Reiji? Perhaps we can cooperate!"
Ginjō Kūgo's gaze was wary as he stared at Harribel standing on the distant ruins, his words filled with doubt and provocation.
What abilities did Aozaki Reiji possess to be able to subdue these two Vasto Lorde Arrancar?
He noticed Harribel's eyes suddenly soften when she heard Aozaki Reiji's name.
Ginjō Kūgo had no doubt that there must be some unknown relationship between the two of them.
If he dared to slander Aozaki Reiji in front of her right now, this woman would undoubtedly rush forward and fight him to the death.
Being skilled at concealing himself and manipulating people's hearts, he was deeply convinced of this.
Considering this, Ginjō Kūgo had already made plans to escape.
One Arrancar queen who could fiercely contend with him, and one Valkyrie whose speed was too fast to discern.
Both opponents were so powerful that Ginjō Kūgo had no desire to continue fighting.
He knew that without resorting to his ultimate trump card, he probably couldn't defeat them.
He couldn't win, simply couldn't win.
Facing such strong enemies, he understood that if he continued to entangle himself, he would only die a terrible death.
At this moment, Ginjō Kūgo had already made up his mind to retreat immediately once he found a suitable opportunity.
He clearly realized that if he delayed any longer, and Aozaki Reiji arrived, he would never be able to escape.
As for Tsukishima Shūkurō...
Don't be ridiculous!
Ginjō Kūgo knew very well in his heart.
Although Tsukishima Shūkurō possessed special abilities, to him, he was merely a tool to help him collect Reio's fragments.
For the sake of such a tool, Ginjō Kūgo would absolutely not risk his own life to rescue him.
In his opinion, those without utilitarian value had no need to exist.
☰