Although Toshiro knew from Vargas's initial appearance that his speed was certainly not slow, he still didn't expect it to be this fast.
Clang!
Toshiro drew his Zanpakuto, looking solemnly at Vargas. Earlier, Toshiro was almost hit before he could even draw his sword.
"Dodged it? Your speed isn't slow either, Shinigami," Vargas said, somewhat surprised to see Toshiro evade his attack.
"Coincidentally, I'm also good at speed. Let's see who's faster," Toshiro said.
"Interesting. Come on, Shinigami!" Vargas shouted.
Sonído!
Shunkuho!
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Both instantly went full speed, leaving one afterimage after another across the battlefield.
Ultimately, Toshiro's speed was superior.
Swish!
Toshiro's figure appeared to Vargas's left, then slashed.
Facing this attack, Vargas met it with his right claw.
Clang!
Vargas's right claw directly struck Toshiro's Zanpakuto.
Toshiro immediately felt a powerful force transmitted through his sword. His entire body trembled, forced back several steps.
As Toshiro staggered, Vargas immediately fired a Bala at him.
Toshiro's pupils contracted. He hastily held his Zanpakuto horizontally in front.
Boom!
Vargas's Bala struck Toshiro's Zanpakuto.
Toshiro was blasted back, sword and all.
Thud!
Toshiro landed hard on the ground.
Thankfully, the ground was sandy, so it wasn't too painful.
"Cough."
A trace of blood appeared at the corner of Toshiro's mouth.
Although Vargas's Bala didn't directly hit Toshiro's body, striking his Zanpakuto instead, the impact still shook him considerably.
Brushing off the sand, Toshiro stood up again.
"Shinigami, you're too arrogant. Facing me, and not even releasing your Zanpakuto," Vargas taunted.
Toshiro nodded. "You're right. I was overconfident."
After all, Vargas was a Vasto Lorde, beyond Captain-level. His Reiatsu and strength naturally surpassed Toshiro, who was peak Captain-level, let alone Toshiro not having released his Zanpakuto.
"This time, let me show you my Bankai," Toshiro said, pointing his sword at Vargas.
"Bankai! Daiguren Hyorinmaru!"
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Pillars of ice-blue Reiatsu shot upwards.
Dark clouds gathered, shrouding the entire sky.
Rumble!
Lightning flashed and thunder roared in the sky.
The scale was extraordinary, like divine wrath, shaking people's hearts.
Simultaneously, Toshiro's appearance underwent a dramatic change.
His sword-wielding right arm was covered in ice crystals, resembling a dragon's limb. A pair of massive frost wings spread from his back, nearly enveloping his entire body.
Then, three sets of twelve-petaled crimson ice lotus petals appeared behind him.
Seeing this spectacle, Vargas couldn't help but be shocked.
Hyorinmaru's ability to alter weather… anyone seeing it for the first time couldn't remain indifferent.
Swish!
Toshiro flicked his Zanpakuto, then pointed it at Vargas. "Now, it's my turn to counterattack!"
Toshiro's ice wings vibrated, and his figure vanished instantly.
"So fast!" Vargas exclaimed in shock.
Compared to earlier, Toshiro's speed increased further! Before, Vargas could keep up. Now, he could barely see Toshiro's figure.
Sonído!
Vargas suddenly sensed a whooshing sound from behind and immediately used Sonído.
Schlick-
Although Vargas dodged in time, Toshiro still grazed him, leaving a wound.
Vargas touched the wound, then looked at the blood on his hand incredulously.
Although not deep, he was indeed injured.
Toshiro was only a Captain-level Shinigami, while he was a Vasto Lorde, beyond Captain-level. Yet, he was the first to get injured!
'After Bankai, his speed increased again. My speed can't compare anymore. Then, I'll focus on observing his movements and counterattack defensively,' Vargas thought, intently watching Toshiro.
Swish!
Toshiro vibrated his ice wings again, vanishing instantly.
'This way!'
Vargas suddenly looked to the left, then crossed his claws in front to block.
Clang!
Sparks flew, accompanied by a metallic clang.
Vargas's claws blocked Toshiro's Zanpakuto.
Then, both pushed against each other simultaneously.
Screech-
A metallic friction sound rang out, sparks scattering.
After a stalemate, Toshiro began steadily retreating.
In terms of strength, Toshiro was clearly at a disadvantage.
"Hah!"
Toshiro suddenly shouted, gathering Reiatsu throughout his body into his Zanpakuto.
Hyorinmaru glowed brightly with ice-blue light.
Schlick-
Vargas's tough claws were cut open by Toshiro's Zanpakuto.
Seeing this, Vargas's pupils contracted, and he instantly retreated.
"How is this possible?!" Vargas said, looking at the wound on his claws in disbelief.
Generally, a Hollow's claws were very sturdy, and they even used them as weapons.
"It seems you're quite strong. No choice. I'll use a weapon against you," Vargas said, drawing the black iron rod strapped to his back.
"What exactly is that rod?" Toshiro asked, puzzled.
Besides Arrancar, Toshiro rarely saw Hollows using weapons.
Usually, Hollows fought with their bodies.
"Hmph, nothing special. It's just a weapon condensed from my Reiatsu," Vargas replied.
"Quite fitting for you," Toshiro said, looking at Vargas, who resembled a monkey.
Vargas didn't waste words. He directly swung the rod at Toshiro.
Boom!
As Vargas's rod struck, an air explosion sound followed.
Toshiro's expression changed. Just from the sound, he knew the force behind this strike was extraordinary, not ordinary at all.
Toshiro immediately held his sword with both hands horizontally in front.
Clang!!
Toshiro's entire body shook. His feet involuntarily sank into the sandy ground.
"Hah!"
Toshiro shouted, using all his strength to deflect Vargas's iron rod, then rapidly retreated.