Tier Harribel stood on guard, her gaze fixed sharply on the Shinigami before her. She gripped her Zanpakutō, Tiburón, tightly as her spiritual pressure surged.
Her bronze skin bore numerous wounds—large and small—and her pale expression revealed clear exhaustion.
Even so, she remained standing in front of her Fracción, shielding them as she faced the enemy head-on.
Opposite her, Ikkaku Madarame and the others stood ready for battle.
Because they had previously been deployed to Hueco Mundo, the so-called "combat division," the Eleventh Division, was ironically in the best condition among all squads. That only made the battle-hungry warriors even more restless.
Now that they finally had a chance to fight again, there was no way they would give it up easily.
Even if it meant risking death.
The injured Tres Espada, Harribel, might appear weakened—but killing a few lieutenant-level opponents would still be no challenge for her.
At this point, the only sensible option was to leave the main battle to the captains… while the Eleventh Division took on her subordinates.
Just then, Shimo's voice sounded from behind Ikkaku.
Without turning around, Ikkaku gripped Hōzukimaru and said:
"Shimo, you take care of the Espada.
Leave the rest to me!"
He raised his spear, wind swirling around him as he prepared to charge—
—but before he could take a single step, a powerful force yanked him backward.
"Hold it."
Shimo's tone carried a hint of exasperation.
"What are you rushing for? If you want to fight that badly, wait until this is over. I'll come find you at the Eleventh Division."
He added with a faint smirk:
"We can fight three times a day. Eight hours each time. I'll make sure you fully experience the joy of battle."
Ikkaku froze instantly.
A bead of cold sweat slid down his bald head.
"...Ahem."
He coughed awkwardly, trying to cover his embarrassment.
"On second thought… battle might not be what I truly seek.
Sometimes… peace and quiet can help one grow stronger."
Shimo sighed.
"Then step aside."
He knew Ikkaku far too well.
Battle was his entire life, just like most of the Eleventh Division, all influenced by their captain, Kenpachi Zaraki.
But there was a difference between loving battle… and getting utterly crushed.
Ikkaku might be reckless, but he wasn't stupid.
After seeing the devastation Shimo had caused across the battlefield, he wisely chose to back down.
...
Shimo stepped forward, his gaze settling on the stubborn female Arrancar.
"Tier Harribel… Tres Espada."
He spoke her name calmly.
"Aizen has been completely sealed."
He paused deliberately, giving her time to process his words.
As expected, disbelief immediately appeared on Harribel's face.
"…Impossible."
She had witnessed this man fighting Aizen among the ruins.
But she had never imagined the battle would end so quickly.
That Aizen, the one who once ruled Hueco Mundo from the pinnacle—had truly been defeated by this Shinigami.
Shimo observed her reaction, then continued:
"What do you think?"
Harribel remained visibly shaken.
"My thoughts…"
Her mind raced.
What exactly was this man, Kyoraku Shimo—trying to do?
Aizen had never mentioned anything about his personality.
She clenched her teeth, the faint grinding sound betraying her tension.
After a brief silence, she finally spoke:
"Hollows and Shinigami are natural enemies.
Whether in Hueco Mundo, the World of the Living, or the Soul Society… when they meet, one side must fall or flee."
"So," Shimo cut in with a faint smile, "you're planning to kill me? Or run?"
His voice turned colder.
"Let me be clear, Harribel. Even if all the Espada stood before me together… none of you would have any chance of getting away."
His words struck like icy blades, piercing straight into her heart.
A chilling pressure gripped her chest.
Harribel recalled everything she had seen—Hueco Mundo, the World of the Living…
And came to a terrifying realization:
No matter the situation, this Shinigami had never once looked cornered.
Even against Aizen, he had remained calm and composed.
That realization shattered any lingering thought of resistance.
Fighting him was meaningless.
It would only lead her subordinates to certain death.
And so, Harribel made a decision that stunned everyone present.
She lowered herself onto one knee.
In a gesture of absolute respect, she bowed her head.
"Lord Shimo… I offer my loyalty in exchange for the lives of the remaining Arrancar."
"I ask that you grant them mercy."
Her subordinates were shocked.
"Lady Harribel, you don't have to do this!"
"We'll fight to the end with you!"
"We still have a chance!"
Harribel's expression hardened, anger flashing in her eyes.
"Silence!"
"At this point, do you still intend to struggle blindly?!"
Her voice was sharp, decisive.
"Offering our loyalty… is the only way to survive!"
Yet despite her words, a trace of pain flickered in her emerald eyes.
If not for her subordinates… she would have chosen to fight to the very end.
Seeing this, Shimo smiled faintly.
"Good."
"You made the right decision."
He looked down at her.
"I accept your loyalty, Harribel."
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