Battle Against the Arrancar (Part One)

The first to notice the anomaly was Tōshirō Hitsugaya. He was resting in Orihime Inoue's apartment when he suddenly opened his eyes, abruptly stood up, and his gaze shot out the window like lightning. In his perception, somewhere above Karakura Town, space was violently distorted, and powerful and evil Reiatsu was seeping outward from the center of that distortion.

"What's wrong, Captain?" Rangiku Matsumoto was startled by his sudden movement and quickly asked.

Tōshirō Hitsugaya didn't answer, but stared intently in that direction. His expression turned serious—those Reiatsu weren't from ordinary Hollows, but... Arrancars.

At the same moment, in the Visored's base, everyone who was training also stopped what they were doing. Shinji Hirako raised his head and looked up, his lazy expression vanishing, replaced by a deep solemnity.

"They're here," he said softly.

Ichigo Kurosaki gripped his Zanpakuto tightly. He could feel the immense Reiatsu —far greater than any Hollow he had ever encountered before. His heart pounded involuntarily, not out of fear, but out of an overwhelming fighting spirit.

Above Karakura Town, a dark rift silently tore open, like a giant eye opening in the sky. The edges of the rift writhed irregularly, radiating a suffocating sense of oppression. From the depths of the rift, several figures slowly emerged, their forms remarkably clear in the sunlight—

Leading the way was an Arrancar who looked like a boy with green eyes and short, black hair. Two tear-like marks remained on his face, and his expression was cold and empty, as if nothing in the world could stir any ripples in his heart. He was Ulquiorra Cifer, one of Aizen's strongest warriors and the Espada.

Following closely behind was a handsome male Arrancar with long purple hair. A frivolous smile played on his lips, and his eyes held a hint of cynicism. He was the Sixth Espada— Luppi Antenor, an Arrancar known for his cruelty and cunning.

Behind them stood a man with light blue hair and beast-like eyes. He exuded a wild and violent aura, like a ferocious beast poised to pounce on its prey. He was the former Sixth Espada— Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, a madman who lived by fighting.

At the rear of the group was a colossal, mountain-like giant with a ferocious face, and a small Arrancar who appeared to be only a child but exuded an eerie aura. The former was the Espada Yammy Rialgo, and the latter was a special Arrancar without a number— Wonderweiss Margera.

Five figures hovered above Karakura Town, releasing five incredibly powerful Reiatsu simultaneously, like five mountains pressing down on the hearts of every observer.

The instant these Arrancar appeared, all the Soul Reaper in Karakura Town sprang into action.

Tōshirō Hitsugaya, along with Rangiku Matsumoto, Ikkaku Madarame, Yumichika Ayasegawa, and others, rushed to the location where the Arrancar had appeared. Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki also set off from Urahara Shop, with Yasutora Sado close behind. Everyone's face was filled with solemnity—they all knew that this would be a tough battle.

Meanwhile, at the Visored's base, Ichigo Kurosaki was ready to strike. He gripped his Zanpakuto tightly, his gaze fixed intently on Shinji Hirako.

"Go," Shinji Hirako nodded. "Remember, don't be reckless. If you can't win, retreat."

Ichigo Kurosaki responded, his figure transforming into a streak of light as he rushed out of the base.

At the same time, Liu Ziyun in the Martial Arts Hall also sensed the Reiatsu of those Arrancar. His brows furrowed slightly, and his gaze became profound—in his perception, one Reiatsu was particularly eye-catching. That Reiatsu was cold, profound, and like a bottomless abyss; it was Ulquiorra Cifer.

"Something's not right," Liu Ziyun muttered to himself. In his memory, Ulquiorra shouldn't have been involved in this operation. According to the original trajectory, the Fourth Espada wasn't among the Arrancar who attacked this time. His appearance was definitely not accidental.

"It seems Aizen sent him specifically to deal with me." Liu Ziyun understood. Aizen knew his strength, knew that ordinary Arrancar were nothing but chickens and dogs in front of him, so he sent Ulquiorra Espada. This was a move, a move specifically aimed at him.

He took a deep breath, turned to Isane Kotetsu who was organizing medical supplies, and said, "Isane, go to Urahara Shop right now and notify Soul Society that Orihime Inoue must not be allowed to return to the World of the Living under any circumstances. Go now!"

Although Isane Kotetsu didn't understand what had happened, seeing Liu Ziyun's solemn expression, she immediately put down what she was holding and quickly walked towards the door.

After watching Isane Kotetsu leave, Liu Ziyun also set off. He vanished from the Martial Arts Hall in a flash, heading towards the location where the Arrancar had appeared at top speed.

When Liu Ziyun arrived at the scene, the battle had already begun. He stood on the roof of a tall building, observing the situation on the battlefield from above.

Tōshirō Hitsugaya is engaged in a fierce battle with Luppi Antenor. Tōshirō Hitsugaya Hyōrinmaru Luppi countless tentacles, attacking from all angles. The two are evenly matched, and for the time being, it is difficult to determine who is superior.

On the other side of the battlefield, Ikkaku Madarame, Yumichika Ayasegawa, and Rangiku Matsumoto were fighting against Yammy Rialgo. The giant's strength was astonishing, and every attack he made carried a devastating force. Even with the three of them working together, they could only barely hold him back and were unable to gain the upper hand.

As for Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, he was nowhere to be seen. Liu Ziyun frowned slightly—that warlike beast had probably gone to find a more powerful opponent.

Ulquiorra Cifer stood quietly at the edge of the battlefield, his green eyes coldly scanning the entire area, as if waiting for something.

The moment Liu Ziyun appeared on the rooftop, Ulquiorra's gaze instantly locked onto him. A flicker of emotion finally appeared in those empty eyes—the seriousness that only appears when facing a worthy opponent.

Ulquiorra moved swiftly, instantly blocking Liu Ziyun's path. The two were only a few meters apart, their eyes locked, and an invisible pressure filled the air.

"Liu Ziyun." Ulquiorra's voice was calm and flat, like a cold machine. "With your strength, the others are probably no match for you. That's why Lord Aizen arranged for me to come with them."