In the World of the Living, Karakura Town —

The point where the Garganta opened was on the outskirts of Karakura Town.

Shimo had no desire to attract unnecessary attention, yet even so, he still spotted a few Hollows prowling nearby, ready to hunt.

"Hadō #4: Byakurai!"

The faint streak of lightning seemed almost unimpressive at first glance — yet it carried a crushing amount of spiritual pressure.

The moment it touched the Hollows, they were reduced to ash.

"Follow me."

After orienting himself, Shimo said,

"I've already prepared a suitable place for you to stay."

For Nel and her companions, this was their first time in the Human World. Their eyes darted about curiously — at the towering buildings, the bustling flow of people.

Shimo extended his senses for any traces of spiritual pressure in the vicinity. Any Plus souls he found, he performed Konsō immediately. Any Hollows, he purified on the spot.

Oddly enough, he hadn't encountered any Shinigami patrolling Karakura Town. Perhaps it was just a matter of luck.

---

Urahara Shop

Kisuke Urahara and Nel stared at each other, as if trying to read something hidden in the other's eyes.

Meanwhile, Dondochakka and Pesche knelt respectfully to the side, not daring to make a sound.

Inside the small shop, three captain-class powerhouses were now gathered. Even an Espada would likely find it difficult to act arrogantly in such a place.

Eventually, Urahara looked away first, conceding the silent contest.

"Shimo-kun, you've really dropped me into a mess this time…" Kisuke's expression was tinged with bitterness.

He was already beginning to regret helping Shimo in the past.

If he hadn't been so impulsive, perhaps this much trouble wouldn't have followed.

After all, he himself was already a wanted criminal in Soul Society, living in hiding.

"Urahara-san, that sounds a little cold."

Shimo lifted the teacup on the table, but then remembered Tessai's mischievous habits and set it down again without drinking.

"We haven't seen each other in years — we're old friends!"

"Old friends? What kind of old friend drags trouble to your doorstep the moment they show up?" Urahara complained.

"You brought three Arrancar into my shop — how am I supposed to do business now?"

Shimo motioned with his chin.

"Doesn't the underground space still have room? And besides, you can have them work part-time here. These two are strong and hardworking."

Urahara sighed.

"Meeting you might be the biggest mistake of my life. I have a feeling… the real trouble is only just beginning."

It was clear he knew there was no longer any point in refusing.

"Alright then," Urahara said, "tell me who these three Arrancar really are."

He took off his fisherman's hat, a faint smile appearing on his face.

"Judging from the residual reiatsu on them, I'm guessing their identities aren't simple."

Shimo saw no need to hide the truth—Nel would likely be staying in the Human World for quite some time, and even if he said nothing, Urahara would find out eventually. One could doubt many things, but never Kisuke Urahara's intelligence.

"Former Espada No. 3 — Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck. The other two are her Fracción. As for how she ended up like this… those two can explain."

He pushed Dondochakka and Pesche forward.

Dondochakka's massive head nearly filled the entire space in front of the table. Urahara couldn't help but let out a helpless chuckle.

"Let's talk downstairs—this place is too cramped."

---

Back in the underground training hall, Shimo noticed it had changed drastically since his last visit.

"No need to be surprised," Urahara said calmly. "My experiments often damage the environment down here, so it's been repaired and altered more than once."

Soon, Tessai brought carpets and a low table. Everyone sat down, waiting for Dondochakka and Pesche's account.

With heavy expressions, they recounted the entire grudge between Nnoitra and Nel in detail.

"…In the end, Espada No. 5, Nnoitra Gilga, was slain by Shimo-sama," Dondochakka concluded.

"One strike," Pesche quickly added. "That slash carved a whole new canyon through the Forest of Menos — the so-called Forest of Death."

When they finished, both Fracción knelt again, staring obediently at the floor. Nel still looked around the group in confusion, clearly not understanding the conversation without her memories.

Urahara gave Shimo a peculiar look, his military-green eyes scanning him from head to toe.

"Before they spoke, I hadn't noticed… but now I see it. Shimo-kun, since the last time we met, you've undergone a fundamental change."

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