Beneath the shadow of the fifth tower, in the ruins they had chosen as a "safe" refuge, Inoue Orihime and the others lifted their eyes to the sky, unable to look away from the clash above. The air quaked with every impact, waves of spiritual pressure rolling down and striking them in constant bursts.
"Gulp…" The sound of dry throats swallowing betrayed the tension they all carried.
As if to lighten the suffocating atmosphere, Orihime suddenly turned toward Nilu, hesitated, and then asked softly, almost awkwardly, "Um… how did you meet Su Li-san?"
Ishida Uryū, curiosity piqued, cast a glance toward the small Arrancar.
"Hmph! Su Li-chan is the god we summoned!" Nilu declared proudly.
"Eh?" Orihime blinked in surprise.
"Su Li-san is our savior!" Pesche's tone brimmed with zeal. "He didn't just save us once, he helped us take back what was stolen, answered our prayers when no one else could!"
"Yes, yes!" Dondochakka's voice trembled, eyes glistening with tears. "Su Li-san rescued us over and over again, even avenged us! He truly is too much! Woohoo…"
The three of them, overcome by emotion, began recalling those moments with a fervor that bordered on worship.
"He never asked for anything in return," Nilu's voice quavered. "He even protected me with his own body! Su Li-chan is the kindest, most gentle god…"
"Yes! The best god ever!" Pesche and Dondochakka howled, clinging to each other as all three burst into tears.
Watching them huddle together, Orihime and Uryū fell silent. Gratitude alone did not explain this level of devotion. To them, Su Li had become more than savior—he was faith itself.
"Su Li-san…" Orihime whispered, eyes softening. She understood. That overwhelming security she felt when Su Li appeared—that was the same conviction shining in their eyes.
"Well, he is a Shinigami," Uryū spoke cautiously. "But you are Hollows. Isn't it strange to worship him as though he were a god?"
"Shinigami aren't gods?!" Pesche exploded.
"That four-eyes always twists words!" Dondochakka barked, pointing furiously. "Scheming and alienating others! Bad-hearted!"
"You're terrible! Su Li-chan shouldn't have saved you!" Nilu cried, stamping her foot in anger.
Uryū stiffened. He hadn't expected such fierce protectiveness. Three Hollows, treating a Shinigami as their absolute belief—it overturned everything he knew.
"Ah—sorry!" Orihime panicked, bowing her head in apology. "Ishida-kun didn't mean it like that!"
At that moment, footsteps echoed behind them. Everyone stiffened instantly, their weakened state leaving no room for defense if enemies appeared now. They turned sharply—two figures emerged from the dust.
"Rukia…" Orihime exhaled with relief at the familiar face. Rukia and Renji stepped into view, though their eyes immediately shifted in surprise to Nilu's group.
Steel rasped free. Renji's hand shot to his Zanpakutō, blade flashing as he glared. "Tch. Arrancar? Holding Orihime hostage, huh?"
"Waaahhh!" The trio of Nilu shrieked, flailing in panic.
"Wait! Renji-san! They're not enemies!" Orihime rushed in front of them, spreading her arms.
"Don't be ridiculous! They're Hollows!" Renji's tone was sharp, his steps measured, blade rising. "Step aside. I'll cut them down!"
"I knew it! You're all bad guys!" Nilu squealed, face pale.
"Why did Su Li-san save these people?!" Pesche wailed.
"We're finished! We'll die!" Dondochakka sobbed, trembling violently.
Renji froze when the name left their lips. "Su Li…?"
"They're his friends!" Orihime insisted desperately.
"Yes! We're Su Li-chan's best friends!" Nilu shouted from behind her.
"Touch us and you'll regret it! Su Li will punish you!" Pesche added, voice shrill.
"God himself will tear you apart!" Dondochakka shrieked.
Renji faltered, stunned, while even Rukia blinked in disbelief.
"Captain Su Li truly is remarkable…" Rukia murmured. "He makes friends everywhere…"
Her gentle words were interrupted by a calm, soothing voice. "Indeed. Captain Su Li does have a way with people."
Three figures approached—their captain's haori unmistakable. Unohana Retsu walked at the front, serene as ever, while Mayuri Kurotsuchi followed with a scowl.
"Che. That fool, fraternizing with strays… I'll report this to Head Captain when we return," Mayuri sneered.
"I advise against it," Unohana replied with a smile that sent chills through the air. "Unless you wish to be on the receiving end of Captain Su Li's temper."
Mayuri's face twisted. He knew Yamamoto's shield might not be enough if Su Li chose to strike him down.
"Gulp…" Nilu, Pesche, and Dondochakka stiffened at the sight of captains. Their instincts screamed danger, especially from the smiling woman whose reiatsu pressed like a blade against their necks. For once, the trio dared not utter a sound, shrinking back quietly, their usual antics smothered by fear.
Unohana and the others, however, offered no hostility. Their eyes were drawn skyward.
"Ah…" Unohana's voice carried gentle surprise. "This is the first time I have seen Captain Su Li at a disadvantage."
The words cut through the group, snapping every gaze upward.
Above, amidst fire and smoke, Su Li was forced into defense, Ichigo's Hollowfied frenzy pressing him back blow after blow. The monstrous reiatsu rolling off Ichigo tilted the battle, suppressing the boy who had never known defeat.
"Captain Su Li…" Renji's eyes wavered, disbelief and unease flickering across his face.
"Su Li…" Rukia's voice trembled with worry.
Orihime's hands tightened against her chest, Nilu and the others watching wide-eyed. The youth they all believed invincible—for the first time, he was being overwhelmed.
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