Nnoitra Gilga.

Among the Espada, he symbolized despair.

His name represented a battle fought for no reason—pure instinct.

He was once described by Nel Tu as a mindless beast, unworthy of being called a warrior.

A creature driven solely by instinct, growing stronger through endless combat, and yearning to die at the hands of a true powerhouse.

Up to now—he was the strongest enemy Shimo had ever faced.

"So, they sent you out? They must really think highly of me."

Shimo's voice carried a mocking edge, his tone dripping with sarcasm—he clearly didn't return the sentiment.

Nnoitra froze for a moment, then grinned, baring rows of jagged teeth.

"I've got no idea what you're talking about, Shinigami."

He dropped his Zanpakutō to the ground.

The massive crescent blade embedded deep into the sand, the chained hilt still wrapped around his waist.

"All I know is… you're my target this time.

I hope you can satisfy my urge to kill! Hahahahaha!"

That sick, manic laugh echoed through the desolate wasteland.

"Nel… you and Dondechakka, back away from here."

Shimo gently set Nel down onto the sand.

But to his surprise, her small hand clutched tightly to his sleeve.

"S-Shimo... please… don't fight."

Her innocent eyes shimmered with a mist of tears.

"It's okay."

Shimo patted her head, comforting her softly.

"This big mantis won't be able to beat me."

"This time… I'll avenge you."

Nnoitra's lone, exposed eye widened in shock.

"So it was you who brought them here!"

"Nel!"

Hearing Nnoitra call her name, Nel's body instantly trembled uncontrollably.

"Shut it, fucker."

Shimo pulled Nel into his arms again, shielding her from the fear.

"You're nothing more than a coward who relies on ambushes."

"Aside from barking like a dog, what else can you actually do?"

"Dondechakka!"

At Shimo's call, Dondechakka rushed over from behind.

"Protect Nel. Leave this guy to me."

Gone was Dondechakka's usual lighthearted silliness—his face was now solemn and grim.

He had already picked up on a lot from their brief conversation.

This Shinigami… knew things—deep secrets.

Though he felt powerless, there was no choice but to place his hopes on him.

Because with the strength they currently possessed, none of them could stand up to Nnoitra Gilga.

With Shimo's reassurance, Nel stopped trembling. Though her eyes still showed fear, she was now safely shielded behind Dondechakka.

"Come on then. Let's begin."

Shimo stood up, flexing his wrist.

Nnoitra looked at the Shinigami before him with a strange glint in his eye, grinning maliciously.

"Looks like you know quite a bit…"

"All the more reason to kill you completely!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Nnoitra vanished from view.

That tall, mantis-like figure appeared midair, raising his massive crescent scythe and bringing it down from above in a deadly slash.

"Still relying on cheap tricks as always…"

Shimo wasn't careless. He drew his Zanpakutō in reverse and parried the attack head-on.

Clang!

The clash of steel rang out through the Forest of Menos.

"Hmm?!"

Nnoitra's face lit up in joy.

"You're pretty strong, Shinigami!"

"Finally… a worthy opponent."

"This is exhilarating!"

His massive weapon rained down blow after blow, each strike heavier than the last—as though he had the upper hand.

The sound was like a grand symphony echoing through the hollow forest.

The surrounding battles between Shinigami and Hollows ground to a halt.

All eyes turned toward Shimo and Nnoitra—shock painted across every face.

"Is… is that Shimo-sama's true strength?"

"Who the hell is that man, to fight him so evenly?"

"What terrifying pressure… it's no less than a Captain's Reiatsu."

The Shinigami grew more and more grim, their nerves stretched taut.

The sudden arrival of this monster, combined with the terrifying battle unfolding before them, had cast a shadow across their hearts.

Shimo held his blade in one hand, his expression calm as he weathered the storm of savage strikes.

"Die, die, DIE!"

Nnoitra howled maniacally, his expression becoming increasingly deranged.

"What's the matter? Are you hesitating?"

"Is that all the strength you've got?"

With a single upward swing, Shimo knocked the massive scythe aside and said coldly:

"Will you die if you fucking tape your mouth?"

"That number on your tongue actually makes sense now."

Secret Sword: Light Snow.

In that moment, fine snow began to drift down over the Forest of Menos—where it had been forever still, unchanging.

Nnoitra's expression turned blank.

"What the hell… is this?"

Slice.

A flake of snow brushed across his cheek.

A streak of blood suddenly appeared.

"W-What?!"

Nnoitra's lone eye bulged wide—his face twisted in horror.

"It… it broke through my Hierro in a single blow?!"

Shimo calmly slid his Zanpakutō back into its sheath, lowering his stance slightly.

He stared down at Nnoitra, with empty eyes.

And in that instant—his overwhelming spiritual pressure surged like a tidal wave across the Forest of Menos.

That suffocating weight bore down on every Shinigami and Hollow present.

"Limitless Sword: Swallow Return."

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