CHAPTER 484: CHAPTER 484: I’M A LAW-ABIDING CITIZEN!

In front of Silbern’s gates, Bazz-B unleashed wave after wave of roaring flames, locked in a fierce battle with a white-haired kid whose Zanpakutō exuded a chilling aura.

Facing this boy, a surge of unspoken regret rose in Bazz-B’s chest. He couldn’t help cursing himself—why did he have to run his mouth?

That boy was Tōshirō Hitsugaya.

At first, Bazz-B had the upper hand, confidently suppressing his opponent with the overwhelming nature of his flames. Riding high on that momentum, he arrogantly threw around taunts like "brat," flaunting his dominance.

He’d even considered sounding the Shinigami out, to see if they’d team up and take down Yhwach together.

But the moment he opened his mouth, that "brat" completely lost it.

Hitsugaya erupted with a surge of Reiatsu and activated his Bankai on the spot.

In the blink of an eye, the boy who had barely stood at 1.3 meters transformed into a tall, striking young man over 1.8 meters.

Bazz-B felt a shiver run through him—not just mentally, but physically too.

The cold emanating from Daiguren Hyōrinmaru was far more intense than that of any typical ice-type Zanpakutō. Every time the freezing air got close, it left his entire body stiff and numb. The bone-chilling sensation was beyond words.

This is bad. If this keeps up, I might actually lose... Damn that Shinigami brat!

"Vollständig: Igniel!!"

Bazz-B roared.

A cone-shaped five-pointed star appeared above his head, and rod-like wings sprouted from his back.

Grinning with a feral edge, he shouted,

"Brat, you really think I’m scared of you?! Shut up and listen when someone’s talking!!"

As a Quincy who had followed Yhwach since a thousand years ago, and one who had continually grown stronger through Haschwalth’s soul-sharing ability, his power ranked among the Sternritter’s elite—just below the Schutzstaffel.

He was just about to teach this arrogant kid a lesson when—

SPLASH!!!

A swirling torrent of water suddenly burst down from the sky and sent him flying.

"Harribel..."

Hitsugaya frowned at the figure that appeared beside him, clicking his tongue in annoyance.

Harribel remained calm as she addressed him.

"Captain Hitsugaya, are you alright? This Quincy’s ability seems better suited for me to handle."

Hitsugaya blinked in surprise.

The Queen of Hueco Mundo was unexpectedly polite—a stark contrast to Masatsuki Aozaki.

Were they really husband and wife?

That thought made Hitsugaya grit his teeth.

"That guy Masatsuki could really learn a thing or two from you."

Just picturing Masatsuki’s smug face stirred irritation in his chest.

Harribel frowned slightly, clearly displeased by the comment. She stared silently at Hitsugaya, her face expressionless, but her eyes carried a faint trace of disapproval.

Realizing he’d stepped out of line, Hitsugaya immediately shut his mouth, wary of provoking the Queen of Hueco Mundo.

Raising the short sword in her hand, Harribel said coolly,

"Captain Hitsugaya, Masatsuki-sama is our lord. As his subordinates, it’s only right we show respect."

Hitsugaya’s expression soured.

That guy’s always calling me a kid, but I say one thing back and I’m the bad guy? How is that fair?

He opened his mouth to argue, but Harribel’s cold stare silenced him instantly.

"Yes..."

Tōshirō Hitsugaya lowered his head and forced the word out from deep within.

He knew better than to offend the Queen of Hueco Mundo—there was no telling what the consequences might be. Everyone in the Seireitei knew just how serious she was.

Harribel nodded in satisfaction, seemingly unaware of the reluctance and frustration behind Hitsugaya’s response.

...

Meanwhile, Bazz-B was slowly regaining his composure.

When Harribel had appeared just moments ago, an overwhelming fear surged through him. It felt like he was a helpless, pathetic lamb facing down a ferocious prehistoric beast.

The sheer pressure had left him breathless, his body trembling uncontrollably.

But the moment he clearly saw who it was, he let out a sigh of relief.

The Wandenreich had long since studied Arrancar in detail—and generally speaking, their power wasn’t considered impressive.

But strong or not, it didn’t matter.

In the face of his invincible "Igniel," what could a few waves of water or scattered snowflakes possibly do?

Spreading his arms, he flashed a confident grin.

The man and woman standing before him—they were already dead.

His high-temperature flames could incinerate even a Vasto Lorde-class Arrancar. One direct hit, and it was over.

And the funniest part? That woman still hadn’t even activated her Resurrección.

At his speed, she wouldn’t even get the chance. She was already doomed.

He had tried to approach them as a friend—only to be pushed away.

Fine then. No more pretending.

He was a Quincy, and it was time to show them just how terrifying he could be.

Wearing a smug smile, he extended one hand, pointing his fingers straight at Harribel.

But the very next instant, his smile froze.

At first, he was just stunned—then the realization hit him like a truck.

He’d been cut.

What made it even more terrifying was that his opponent had been dozens of meters away just a second ago—yet now, she was right behind him!

He hadn’t taken his eyes off her for even a moment.

But somehow, her figure had vanished... and then came the searing pain in his chest.

What kind of speed was that!?

He couldn’t even follow her movements. Not even a blur.

Had her strength already far surpassed his?

With disbelief and fear flooding his heart, he turned his head—only to see the woman calmly sheathing her blade behind him.

A short distance away, Tōshirō Hitsugaya stared in shock, eyes wide at what he’d just witnessed.

Harribel stood silently in front of Bazz-B, her right hand raised, pointing straight at the mohawked Quincy.

At her fingertip, swirling blue Reiatsu twisted into a condensed sphere of energy that warped the very air around it.

Gran Rey Cero.

She glanced at Bazz-B, who was still frozen in place, and gave a faint nod of acknowledgment.

"Though we’re enemies, the fact that you stood your ground against this move... that courage is worthy of respect."

That line nearly made Bazz-B explode with rage.

Courage? Are you serious!?

It was because his injuries were so severe that he couldn’t dodge—couldn’t she tell!?

He screamed internally, watching helplessly as the energy sphere grew more and more solid.

Finally, he couldn’t hold it in anymore and shouted,

"Wait, I have something to say—Miss! Really, I’m actually a good guy!"