Insect Hollow

"Rather than trying to find that Las Noches place first, it'd be better to regroup with the captains."

Renji Abarai said.

"After all, this place isn't like the Soul Devouring World—here, we're practically enemies with everyone."

Kira Izuru nodded in deep agreement. The Shinigami's Spiritual Pressure stood out here like a crane among chickens; one careless move would invite a swarm of Hollows.

"Hold on."

Kira Izuru suddenly looked down at the sandy ground beneath his feet, his ears twitching slightly as if catching some faint sound.

Then his expression shifted.

"There's something under us!"

Ever since gaining a body made from Yang Release, Kira Izuru's five senses had become incomparably sharper than before.

"What?!"

Renji Abarai's expression also turned serious. In this unfamiliar territory, caution was essential.

The sand around them began to flow slowly.

Gradually, the sound of shifting sand grew louder, and a massive whirlpool formed in the center of the desert.

Suddenly, a Hollow with a Masked face and a long insect-like body burst up from beneath the sand. Its body, dozens of meters long, was imposing and threatening.

From behind its mask, the Insect-Type Hollow let out a greedy growl, then unhesitatingly attacked Renji and Kira.

"Howl! Zabimaru!"

Renji Abarai released his Zanpakutō without a moment's hesitation.

The Zabimaru in his hand stretched dozens of meters, carrying immense force as it slashed into the sluggish Insect-Type Hollow.

"Shrrrk..."

The sharp blade easily cut through the Hollow's Steel Skin. Under Zabimaru's extended blade, the heavy creature was nearly split cleanly in two from the middle.

With a pained roar, the Hollow halted its attack, writhing in agony on the ground, thrashing through the sand.

Dust flew everywhere, but the Insect-Type Hollow clearly lacked High-Speed Regeneration.

After squirming for a while, its mask was shattered by Renji's