DxD: Chapter 239/240

Chapter 239: Encounter With Shinigami

Shuren opened the Sanzu River and personally sent a new soul into Hell.

Then he looked at the contribution points displayed on his wooden nameplate, which had just increased again, a look of satisfaction crossing his face.

If this kept up, maybe a promotion and raise were just around the corner.

Suddenly, Shuren raised an eyebrow and turned to look ahead.

A spiritual pressure was moving rapidly in his direction.

He narrowed his eyes slightly and muttered, "After so many days, I finally ran into one…"

A Shinigami? Or a Quincy?

With this doubt in mind, Shuren stood quietly in place.

He didn't have to wait long.

A figure in a black kimono soon came into view.

When Shuren saw the attire, a flash of understanding passed through his eyes.

"Oh, a Shinigami…"

But…

Just some nobodies.

Not seeing a captain's haori, Shuren curled his lip in disinterest.

"Murakumo, I'll leave this to you."

He waved his hand lazily.

On the other side.

When Kuchiki Rukia and Ise Nanao spotted Shuren and the others in the distance, their expressions grew serious.

Ise Nanao said solemnly, "It's confirmed. The entire aura has disappeared in this area."

"It seems…"

"This must be related to them."

Rukia paused, then said, "Vice-Captain Ise, let's try negotiating first."

Ise Nanao nodded. "It's our best option for now."

Her gaze passed over Taikon and the others and landed on Shuren.

This man…

He gave her a very dangerous feeling.

Someone at captain level?

Ise Nanao frowned slightly, realizing the situation was more complicated than expected.

She quietly pulled out a Hell Butterfly and sent it flying toward Soul Society.

Before long, Rukia and Nanao arrived before Taikon and the others.

Ise Nanao looked around and asked bluntly, "The souls and Hollows that have disappeared in Karakura Town recently—are you responsible?"

Adjusting her glasses, her tone left no room for doubt, despite phrasing it as a question.

After all…

This group looked suspicious no matter how you viewed them.

"Mind telling us what you've been doing?"

Murakumo and the others exchanged glances, then replied flatly, "Just doing our jobs. Isn't that something the Shinigami wouldn't be bothered by?"

As expected.

A glint flashed behind Ise Nanao's glasses.

The fact they could identify her as a Shinigami meant these people weren't ignorant.

But…

"Your job?"

Ise Nanao frowned. "You mean destroying both souls and Hollows?"

"What exactly are you purifying?"

Taikon shot back, "The same thing you Shinigami do."

"?"

Ise Nanao was momentarily puzzled.

What did the Shinigami do?

Rukia furrowed her brows. Was this really the job of a Shinigami?

In reality…

She was stunned. "Soul Burial."

"Congratulations, you got it right. Unfortunately, there's no reward."

Shuren crossed his arms, calm and composed.

As for Hell, there had been no orders to conceal anything.

So, Shuren's actions were fully aboveboard.

Now that he had an official position, he felt more confident.

After all, he was now a regular soldier of Hell, with Hell backing him. He didn't need to fear Soul Society alone.

Hearing Shuren's confirmation, Rukia and Nanao exchanged surprised glances.

It really was Soul Burial?

But no!

If they were doing the job of the Shinigami, what was left for the Shinigami to do?

Also…

Where were the souls and Hollows being buried?

Rukia was about to argue, but Ise Nanao stopped her.

Rukia: "?"

Ise Nanao shook her head. They were here to investigate, not engage in battle.

Besides…

As a vice-captain, she wasn't confident in facing a captain-level opponent.

Ise Nanao committed the faces of Shuren and the others to memory, then pulled Rukia back with her.

Shuren: "?"

He watched the retreating figures of the Shinigami and fell into silence.

Seriously…

They're leaving already?

Weren't they supposed to clash with the Shinigami?

He had even braced for a life-and-death battle.

But…

That's it?

Shuren narrowed his eyes slightly, thinking about the bespectacled woman's repeated glances at him, then muttered, "She's sharp…"

After realizing the gap in power and understanding the situation, they chose to withdraw.

A very smart move.

Beside him, Murakumo hesitated and asked, "Master Shuren, should we pursue them?"

Shuren paused for a moment, then frowned and said, "Report it to Hell first."

Right now, it was unclear how Hell viewed the Shinigami, so…

Better to file a report first.

On the other side.

As Rukia was pulled away by Ise Nanao, she looked puzzled. "Vice-Captain Ise?"

Ise Nanao explained, "That tall man is very strong. I'm not sure I could handle him."

"!"

Rukia's eyes widened.

"He's stronger than you, Vice-Captain?!"

Ise Nanao nodded with a serious expression. "He should be someone at captain level."

Hearing this, Rukia's pupils shrank sharply.

Captain level?!

Only now did Rukia realize the gravity of the situation.

In the shadows.

Kuchiki Byakuya stood quietly.

"This world…"

"It's becoming dangerous."

He was debating whether to pull Rukia from the mission.

Although only Shuren and his group had appeared so far…

The presence of someone at captain level implied far deeper forces behind them.

And…

Compared to Rukia and Nanao's investigation pace, Byakuya had already used Shunpo to scan the entire Karakura Town.

All he could say was…

A lot of unexpected individuals had shown up.

And most notably…

He couldn't sense any spiritual pressure from them.

But…

His intuition told him they were very powerful.

Also…

They really were doing the job of soul burial.

Just like the Shinigami.

But…

Their destination wasn't Soul Society.

This would undoubtedly disrupt the balance between the three realms.

After confirming Rukia had safely left…

Byakuya looked into the distance and locked his gaze onto a humanoid figure with a dog-like face.

If he wanted information, the easiest way would be to capture one of them and interrogate him.

But…

That would only alert the enemy.

Besides…

It wasn't his jurisdiction.

As a noble, Byakuya couldn't easily interfere with another squad's mission.

As for why he came to this world?

Well…

He just wanted to relax a little.

Running into Rukia was just a coincidence.

Yes, that was it.

Meanwhile.

Soul Society.

Kyoraku Shunsui raised his finger, and a pitch-black butterfly floated down.

The next second.

Ise Nanao's serious voice came through.

"Captain, after a preliminary investigation, it seems a captain-level figure is involved!"

Hearing this.

Kyoraku Shunsui, who had been lounging lazily, paused, deep in thought. "Captain-level…"

Looks like…

This is more troublesome than I expected.

Thinking that, he scratched his messy hair helplessly.

Now…

He had to go himself.

Since his adorable Nanao-chan said so, if he didn't go, he might end up collecting her body.

Still…

"If I had known, I would've taken that Hell mission last time…"

Kyoraku Shunsui felt a tinge of regret.

Soi Fon had returned from Hell in just one night and seemed in a great mood. The mission must have been a breeze.

He missed out…

But…

Kyoraku Shunsui stood up from the wooden floor, gripping his Zanpakutō, adjusted the brim of his hat, and said playfully, "Time to fulfill my duties as captain."

…

Hueco Mundo.

Lynn rested his chin on his hand, glancing over the intel Ai Enma had sent.

"They've met the Shinigami…"

Lynn wasn't surprised.

In fact…

The Shinigami's reaction was a bit slow.

It had been days, and they only now noticed something was off in this world?

After glancing over the report.

Lynn dismissed it.

"Have Yoruichi keep an eye on them. She's familiar with Shinigami matters."

"?"

When Yoruichi received the assignment, a question mark flickered across her face.

But…

It was just what she wanted.

At the same time.

Hueco Mundo.

"Woo woo~ Lady Nelliel!"

Pesche Guatiche was crying tears of joy.

"I finally found you!!"

Nelliel blinked awkwardly.

She'd been having so much fun, she completely forgot about them.

Pesche sobbed for a while, then glared at Midoriko and the others. "You dare hold Lady Nelliel hostage?!"

"Roar—!"

He let out a roar, gathering a black Cero in his mouth.

Damn it!!

I must rescue Lady Nelliel from these humans!

"Wait!"

Nelliel's eyes widened, and she quickly waved her hands to stop him.

But…

Bang!

Before Pesche could release the Cero, he was sent flying by Midoriko.

With a thud, he slammed into the ground.

The black flash dispersed before it could be released.

Pesche: "?"

What just happened?

Midoriko looked speechlessly at the strange creature that suddenly jumped out, then asked Nelliel, "Is this guy your friend?"

Nelliel nodded instinctively.

Midoriko understood and gave up the idea of killing him.

But…

He's an Arrancar too…

Why is there such a huge difference?

Nelliel's so cute.

Tsk…

Weaklings like this should be sent to Hell to do hard labor.

But…

Midoriko looked up at the sky and asked, "Is that guy your friend too?"

Nelliel: "?"

She turned her gaze from the flattened Pesche to the sky.

Suddenly.

A man with short, dark yellow hair and a black eyepatch appeared in her view.

He stared directly at Nelliel, the corners of his mouth curling into a wide grin.

"Found you..."

"!"

(To be continued.)

Chapter 240: Soul Pearl

Nelliel tilted her head and looked up at the sky, her round eyes widening.

She subconsciously clutched Midoriko's pant leg and said in a trembling voice, "Midoriko, that's the bad guy!"

Hearing this, Midoriko raised her brows, a glint of realization flashing in her eyes.

No wonder...

This guy gave her such an unpleasant feeling.

On the white sand, Pesche Guatiche slowly pulled his face out of the ground, his mind still spinning.

Clearly, the slap from Midoriko had rattled him.

But...

He shook his head forcefully to snap out of it, then looked up.

A yellow-haired figure entered his vision.

That figure...

It was one of Nnoitra's subordinates, the one who had been searching for Lady Nelliel.

Pesche's pupils shrank sharply. "Tesra Lindocruz!"

He stiffened, staring warily at Tesra. "How did you get here?!"

Tesra glanced at him with his single eye and sneered. "How did I come?"

"Obviously..."

"You brought me here."

Pesche's eyes widened. "Impossible!"

If Tesra had followed him here, why hadn't he sensed any spiritual pressure?

But now wasn't the time to dwell on that.

If Tesra reported to Nnoitra that Lady Nelliel was here...

Just thinking about that bloodthirsty lunatic made Pesche tremble.

He couldn't let Lady Nelliel fall into Nnoitra's hands.

Resolving himself, Pesche shouted, "Lady Nelliel, I'll hold him off! Go meet up with Dondechakka!"

With that, he charged straight at Tesra without hesitation.

Bang!

Tesra calmly caught Pesche's punch. His gaze remained indifferent, completely unfazed as he kept his eye locked on Nelliel.

"To think the former Number 3 would end up like this. No wonder Master Nnoitra couldn't find her."

A sharp light flashed in his eye. "Perfect. This is my chance to earn some merit."

"Damn it!" Pesche growled. "Even if I die, I won't let you take Lady Nelliel!"

Without retreating, Pesche charged again.

Tesra looked down on him with disdain. "You couldn't beat me before. Now that you've left Las Noches, the gap has only grown wider."

Buzz—

A purple Cero gathered at Tesra's chest, larger and brighter than Pesche's.

In the blink of an eye, the blast collided with Pesche's own Cero.

Boom!!

A sharp explosion echoed through the air.

Tesra's Cero completely overwhelmed Pesche's, pushing it back inch by inch.

Pesche gritted his teeth and refused to back down, pouring all his spiritual pressure into maintaining it.

Behind him... was Lady Nelliel.

"Nelliel..."

She stared blankly at Pesche's back, her body trembling slightly.

"Hmm..."

Suddenly, she groaned and clutched her head, as if hit by a wave of dizziness.

Flickers of blurry images began to flash through her mind.

Midoriko gently patted her head, then turned to look at Pesche and muttered, "Didn't expect that..."

"He's pretty loyal."

Still—

"There's no need to be that heroic."

She could tell Pesche intended to sacrifice himself.

"Leave it to me."

Kikyo stepped forward, drew her bow, and aimed it directly at Tesra.

Buzz—

A burst of holy light surged along the arrow.

"Demon-Breaking Arrow," she whispered.

The arrow shot forward in an instant, slicing through the sky with a sound that drowned out even the Cero.

The fierce cyclone burst through the purple beam and struck head-on.

Buzz—

In a flash, the holy light consumed the entire Cero and turned it bright white.

Tesra's casual expression froze. His eye widened in alarm.

Chi chi—

A burning sensation filled his chest.

The next second—

The sacred arrow blasted into his chest with a thud.

"Gaaaaah!!"

Tesra's eye bulged. Purifying power surged through him, causing his body to spasm violently.

Moments later—

His mouth hung open, drool spilling from the corners. His gaze turned lifeless.

Then he fell backward onto the sand with a thud, unmoving.

Kikyo calmly lowered her bow. "Doesn't seem very strong."

This was the first humanoid Hollow they had encountered besides Nelliel.

They had expected it to be more troublesome.

But...

He wasn't much different from the others they'd fought.

Midoriko stroked her chin and casually guessed, "He probably had the strength of a High-Class Devil."

Beside her, Nelliel blinked, clearly confused.

The bad guy...

Was defeated by Kikyo?

Amazing.

Nelliel's eyes sparkled as she looked at Kikyo, the shrine maiden in red and white, with awe.

Overhead, Pesche scratched his head.

Wait...

What just happened?

He had been prepared to die buying time for Lady Nelliel...

But...

Did he survive?

What exactly had that human woman done?

Just one arrow...

Pesche glanced at Kikyo with lingering fear. Recalling the earlier confrontation, he began to tremble.

He'd been to the gates of death and come back.

Thankfully...

It seemed Lady Nelliel had a good relationship with these people?

Pesche's heart grew uneasy.

Nearby, Miko poked Tesra's limp body with a stick. "He seems alive. Should we turn him into a Soul Pearl?"

A High-Class Devil-level soul would provide a solid stat boost.

Thinking of this, Miko looked at Kikyo expectantly.

Kikyo smiled. "Up to you."

"Then I won't hold back!"

Miko beamed, then extended her hand. "Spirit Devour!"

Buzz—

A vortex began to form in her palm.

The next second, Tesra's body started to contort.

The sharp pain yanked him back from unconsciousness.

"Gahhhh—!"

He gritted his teeth in agony, his body twisting violently.

"What... what are you doing?!"

His voice trembled. He struggled to speak, trying to resist. But...

The Demon-Breaking Arrow that had struck him was infused with the purest purification power. His strength had been completely drained.

Miko's face remained blank as she continued the technique.

She was already very practiced.

At first, she had felt uncomfortable using Spirit Devour.

But now...

She was used to it.

Amid Tesra's screams.

Soon, a purple Soul Pearl formed in Miko's palm.

She took a deep breath, then absorbed it.

"...Whew."

After a while.

Having fully absorbed Tesra's soul, a glint shone in Miko's golden eyes.

Ever since coming to Hueco Mundo, she had been feasting on delicious spiritual energy every day.

Her growth in ability had been tremendous.

She wondered...

Should she ask Lynn to update her status?

Not far away.

Watching Tesra be reduced to a Soul Pearl, Pesche gulped hard.

These people...

Were they really human?

Midoriko glanced around, and after confirming there were no more threats, turned her attention to Pesche.

Seeing this, Pesche's entire body stiffened.

What... what now?

"Tell me about Nelliel."

(To be continued.)