Meeting over a Mauling

[Scarlet]

Rushing through the streets once again was the redhead young Fullbringer by the name of Hikari, this time though it was quite a bit earlier than the dawn of the day. Normally getting up and going for a jog was the best way for her to start every day, something that she had liked doing with her father before his passing, something she kept up with everyday even now. This wasn’t the time to do that though, instead she’d woken up to the sound of a terrible howl. A howl that only a few months ago she wouldn’t have likely heard, one that she wouldn’t have understood.

Now though after waking up she didn’t hesitate, just a little past midnight it was the new day. All of her wounds had finally healed which meant she was back in tip top shape. It’d only taken her a couple minutes to get dressed in her workout clothing consisting of her white tank top, red track pants and black sneakers. Along with her earrings Hikari was ready now to face down whatever sort of Hollow was hungry this morning. It felt so mjuch better now that all her wounds had healed, a confidence returned that she hadn't possessed since she'd been a regular human.

She wasn’t sure where the Hollow had gotten to, but one thing she was certain about, it was looking for enough people to eat. They always seemed hungry and usually went after large groups of people. No different than a savage animal starving. Her home was a decent distance away though so even with the newly achieved speed that she possessed now it was going to take a couple more minutes to reach the main urban area of Karakura. She could only hope as she reached the end of the bridge that no one had been hurt yet.

[Turushino Ronjiro]

The tranquil pre-dawn streets of Karakura lay in peaceful silence, the very air filled with the anticipation of a nascent day. In this serenity, a lone figure emerged, his form seemingly blending effortlessly into the enigmatic embrace of the shadows themselves. Turushino, a perennial wanderer propelled by an insatiable thirst for exploration, had been beckoned by the familiar resonance of a distant howl, a spectral call signifying the proximity of a Hollow. With a glance as sharp as a hawk's, he meticulously surveyed his surroundings, each footstep carrying him ever closer to the epicenter of the commotion.

As he wove his way through the labyrinthine streets, Turushino's unwavering focus remained fixated on his environs, ceaselessly hunting for the slightest clue that would betray the lurking Hollow's presence. The immediate path he treaded went unnoticed, his unwavering determination rendering him oblivious to all but the quest at hand.

It was by sheer chance that his resolute trajectory intersected with that of a fiery-haired young woman, her strides infused with a kindred determination. Unbeknownst to him, Turushino continued his pursuit, the path of his duty overshadowing any peripheral awareness.

Abruptly, his concentration fractured, his gaze alighting upon the auburn-haired stranger before him. Recognition dawned on him with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, as he finally acknowledged her existence. A sheepish grin danced across his features, his internal amusement manifesting in a playful tongue-out gesture, swiftly followed by an endearingly silly expression born from the belief that she could simply not see him

The exchange, albeit fleeting, bridged the gap between their worlds. Yet, with a decisive shift, Turushino reverted to his original intent. Hands leisurely ensconced within his pockets, a mellifluous hum escaped his lips, a mellowness juxtaposed against the urgency of his purpose. Once more, his vigilant gaze traversed his surroundings, a raptor's focus honed in his relentless pursuit of the source that had originally lured him into this enigmatic domain.

[Scarlet]

Once she got across the bridge Hikari had a feeling that it wasn’t going to take much longer, the Hollows that did come to Karakura were usually in this area. Although with it still being the middle of the night a couple hours before daybreak, the only light came from streetlamps and signs. It was enough for her, but she had to question why a Hollow or Hollows would be attacking now when large groups wouldn’t really be forming. She knew from her own experience they typically would target groups, so why come here now?

Just another absent question that rattled throughout her naive mind, the limited knowledge that she had gathered didn’t offer her much when compared to the Shinigami that studied Hollows. Although the Shinigami in the area had already spotted Hikari the Fullbringer’s own abilities of perception were more limited, not allowing her to pick up on his presence. A fact that would harm her in more ways than one now though as she crossed by the entrance of an alleyway only to feel a large hand grab the back of her neck then pull her off her feet.

One moment she had been running along the sidewalk looking around for any sign of the Hollow, the next she was tossed into the dark alleyway with hardly enough light to see anything beyond darkness. The impact against the ground of the alley was enough that Hikari felt a wave of pain course throughout her left arm. Almost like a large flat bat or hammer had been smashed against it. Either way though she reached up with her right hand to her earring and pulled on the soul.

Immediately both of her earrings would deconstruct from her ears rushing towards her right hand then form into a large black battle ax. The form of her Fullbring appeared to be made from dark stone with only a few pieces on the long shaft made from metal. The head of her Fullbring was pressed against the ground enabling her to push herself upwards back onto her feet. Staring down the alley was a Hollow, muscular, humanoid with a bland white mask and a massive smile consisting of dozens and dozens of fangs.

“You’ve lost your chance now. Should have killed me before I got back up.”

“Why waste the fun of your struggle little human.”

[Turushino Ronjiro]

As Turushino navigated the enshrouded thoroughfares of Karakura, every sense on high alert, he remained attuned to even the faintest stirrings that could guide him to the heart of the Hollow's resonant howl. The nocturnal breeze, a gentle caress against his skin, bore the promise of the forthcoming dawn. Driven by an unyielding purpose that surged within him like molten passion, he pressed on, his silhouette an ethereal contrast against the enveloping darkness.

A turn brought him abreast of an alleyway entrance, where an inexplicable intuition beckoned his attention. At the precipice of his focus, the air seemed to vibrate, the very atmosphere pulsating with a tension as palpable as electricity. The telltale surge of reiatsu, that unmistakable signature of spiritual energy, reverberated through his being, heralding an unfolding confrontation hidden from sight.

Swiftly, his steps transformed into purposeful strides, urgency dictating his movements. Stepping into the alley, he beheld a scene that crystallized in his perception—an ardent young woman, determination ablaze in her gaze, locked in a fierce standoff with a formidable Hollow. Turushino's discerning eyes absorbed the tableau—the woman's unyielding resolve, her Fullbring morphing into a formidable battle axe, and the Hollow's grimacing mask adorned with its myriad of menacing fangs.

In the suspended silence, their words lingered, a silent gauntlet thrown, an unspoken invitation to a potentially lethal ballet. Within Turushino's own spirit, an inferno ignited, a fierce resolve to stand against a common adversary. Despite their unfamiliarity, they shared a mutual foe that demanded vanquishing.

Stepping forward, his movements graceful yet decisive, Turushino aligned himself beside the woman. A mere glance passed between them, a moment of unspoken understanding—an alliance forged in the crucible of danger, a shared determination to obliterate the threat of the Hollow.

Unspoken, yet resounding, Turushino's Zanpakuto manifested in his grasp, its form gleaming in the subdued light. A surge of reiatsu coursed through his veins as his grip on the hilt tightened. Assuming a poised combat stance, his focus remained unbroken, unwaveringly locked onto the Hollow that dared to challenge them.

In this charged arena, words were surplus to requirement. Turushino's actions conveyed his intent—to battle, to shield, and to reaffirm that unity begot might. The very atmosphere seemed charged with potential, the alley transformed into a crucible where two disparate souls converged, strangers bound by their shared commitment to vanquish the encroaching darkness.

[Scarlet]

Staring down the Hollow in this alleyway, well it felt almost normal now. Hikari hadn’t been anything beyond a little unusual in Japan little more than a couple months ago. A half breed girl born from a US military man and her mom, with fiery red hair that gave her the constant negative attention of anyone her own age range. In a society where everyone felt it was easier to be a cog in the machine, to just pass each day by without being noticed, Hikari gathered up all the attention with something as natural as her hair color. Now though she’d learned there was something else about her, something else that made her special, something that she was going to turn into a strength just like her hair.

This Hollow little more than ten feet away from her now didn’t appear anymore threatening or deadly than the dozen others she’d already slain. At the same time though that meant it wasn’t any less deadly. The first Hollow she’d faced down had hurt her quite badly, leaving her wounded for months. She persevered though and now stood unwounded, ready to deliver the edge of her Fullbring’s blade directly into its head. The grip on the shaft of her Fullbring tightening for a moment and then just as she was ready to rush in she saw the movement.

All of a sudden she saw the uniform, that dark uniform with the white uncloth and the sword. A Shinigami was here although despite the darkness not just in the night, but in the alleyway Hikari could tell this one was not one she’d met before. She’d heard there were thousands of them at any given time so it made sense, yet trusting someone new in a situation like this wasn’t going to be easy. While she’d heard the Shinigami were all about handling Hollows, she’d also been told they couldn’t be trusted, that they’d turn on those with strength to protect the status quo.

Ultimately though this Hollow had to be handled, if she didn’t eliminate it now she was just giving it more of an opportunity to take someone’s life. A silent look between the both of them let her know that Shinigami was going to help her, just like that Hikari would rush off to the Hollow. Fighting in an alleyway like this one would limit her more so than the Hollow or the Shinigami as big swinging motions couldn’t be done in a tight space. That meant she was limited to vertical movements like an overhead swing downwards.

A downwards swing that the Hollow anticipated and caught with its right hand just under the head of her ax. Immediately Hikari could feel the difference in strength, this Hollow was physically stronger than her. Pulling her in with a twisted smile of jagged teeth Hikari raises her left knee. Striking the chest of the Hollow with her full strength then extending her leg managing to keep herself away from its teeth. She could tell though she’d have to do something right away now or the Shinigami would have to make a move otherwise this Hollow was going to get a bite out of her.

[Turushino Ronjiro]

The dance of battle had commenced, a chaotic waltz that resonated with the clash of spiritual energies and the unyielding wills of those engaged. The Hollow's twisted smile and jagged teeth were a grotesque mockery of life, its malevolent intent radiating like a dark aura. Opposite this abomination stood a young woman, her fiery hair a symbol of her courage, her battle ax a testament to her resolve. Turushino's eyes, sharp and discerning, followed her movements as she engaged the Hollow. Her strength and determination were evident in every swing, every stance, every calculated move. Though he did not know her name, he felt a connection, a shared purpose that transcended mere acquaintance.

As the Hollow caught her downward swing, a surge of urgency gripped Turushino. The confined space of the alleyway, the Hollow's evident strength, the high stakes of their confrontation—all these factors coalesced into a complex puzzle that demanded immediate action. His Zanpakuto came to life, its blade gleaming with a cold, deadly light. He moved with the grace of a seasoned warrior, his steps a dance of precision and intent. Positioning himself to strike at the Hollow's exposed flank, he analyzed the situation, his mind a whirlwind of strategies and tactics."You got quite the fight in you!" he called out, his voice calm yet filled with determination. "But you need not face this foe alone."

His words were a declaration, a vow to stand beside her in this battle. He did not know her, yet he trusted her, believed in her. They were united by a common enemy, bound by a shared destiny. With a swift motion, he launched his attack, his blade aimed at the Hollow's vulnerable side. The strike was calculated, a diversion meant to provide her with the opening she needed. As the blade connected, a shockwave of energy reverberated through the alley, a tangible manifestation of their combined effort. The Hollow roared in anger, its malevolent gaze shifting between Turushino and the young woman. Its movements were erratic, its tactics unpredictable. But Turushino's focus remained unbroken, his resolve unwavering.

He moved again, his blade a blur of motion, each strike a symphony of precision and power. The battle raged on, a relentless dance that tested their limits, pushed their boundaries. Sweat and blood mingled with the dust of the alley, a testament to their struggle. As the minutes stretched into what seemed like hours, Turushino's thoughts turned inward. Who was this young woman? What drove her to face such danger? What was her story? Questions without answers, mysteries wrapped in enigmas.

But one thing was clear: they were in this together. They would fight, they would struggle, they would prevail. For in this crucible of danger, they had found something rare and precious: a connection, a partnership, a bond that transcended mere circumstance. The battle was far from over, the outcome uncertain. But Turushino's faith in their combined strength was unshakable. They would face the darkness, they would conquer the night. Together, they would emerge victorious.

[Scarlet]

Hikari felt the muscles beneath the skin of this Hollow, her leg was enough at the moment to keep it far enough away from her, but the stress she felt in her calf and thigh told her she couldn’t keep it away for long. It was like holding a heavy weight up in the air at the gym, she could only sustain this position for so long. She couldn’t break her Fullbring away from its hand either for its grip or perhaps just arm strength surpassed what she’d achieved so far. A Hollow already proved itself stronger than the majority she’d defeated up to this point.

“You’ve got quite the fight in you! But you need not face this foe alone.”

Hikari heard the voice of the Shinigami, without needing to see him she could recognize who must be talking. She’d already seen him while the chances of someone else like her being in the area then talking before him were basically zero. Either way it gave her the answer she wanted right now, this Hollow wasn’t one she’d have to handle alone in this situation. Hikari didn’t have a chance to do much though as in the next moment she felt the impact of the Shinigami against the Hollow.

In the next instance she was free to move once again and that she did following up with the Shinigami who wouldn’t relent against this Hollow now. Following up on his movements the Hollow hopped backwards getting a little distance between them only to extend both its arms outwards while the size of each grew much larger. The already muscular humanoid now sported arms that could dominate most bodybuilding competitions. Arms large enough that the Hollow had no problem reaching out and grabbed both weapons without harm then hurled the two foes down the alley.

Hikari felt the overwhelming strength of the Hollow send her rolling through the alleyway with enough force despite her own peak physical level she was helpless to stop her motion. She wouldn’t stop till almost reaching the end on the other side more than fifty feet. Bleed running down the side of her cheek from the left side of her skull. This Hollow had more tricks than the others and had just shown he knew how to use them even while outnumbered. “You know any sort of spells to use from here?”

[Turushino Ronjiro]

Amid the alley's turbulent arena, Hikari's defiance against the Hollow's iron grip was nothing short of inspiring. Turushino's intervention injected a surge of energy into the fray, like a tempestuous current joining a river's flow. His voice resonated with camaraderie, affirming that their fight was a joint venture against an implacable enemy. Hikari's echoed agreement was a declaration of unity, the forging of two individual spirits into a formidable force.

In Turushino's hands, his weapon became an extension of his very being, each swing and parry executed with the precision and grace of a seasoned warrior. The harmony of their movements was akin to a practiced dance, a rhythm that defied the Hollow's relentless onslaught. His blade cleaved through the air, his body a blur of swift, calculated strikes that punctuated the darkness with bursts of steel and determination.

Yet, the Hollow was far from a mindless adversary; it exhibited a shrewd adaptation that elevated it beyond the realm of mere instinct. Hikari's body was launched through the air, the Hollow's strength propelling her like a projectile. Turushino's heart clenched as her form vanished into the shadows, replaced by the ominous thud of impact. His concern for her well-being reverberated through his core, a testament to the bond that had formed between them in the crucible of battle. The Hollow's arms expanded, a macabre display of its power that turned the tide of battle. Turushino's grip tightened around his weapon, his gaze shifting between the Hollow's form and the spot where Hikari had fallen. He refused to allow this adversary's cunning to undermine their resolve.

As Hikari's voice cut through the tension, her inquiry hung in the air like a lifeline. Turushino's mind raced through his repertoire, searching for an answer that matched his expertise. His mastery lay in the realm of swift, physical combat, his movements a testament to agility and finesse. He did not possess the arsenal of Kido spells that some Shinigami wielded, but he knew of one technique that might offer a temporary advantage.

With a focused breath, Turushino shifted his stance, his body poised to respond with blinding speed. He channeled his spiritual energy not into complex incantations, but into the sheer force of his own physical prowess. His feet propelled him forward, a blur of motion that traversed the distance between them in an instant. The Hollow's attention wavered as Turushino's form streaked through the air like an avenging shadow, his blade slicing with unerring accuracy.

The impact resonated with a satisfying thud as Turushino's blade found its mark, the Hollow recoiling from the unexpected assault. Despite his lack of Kido, Turushino's mastery of swift combat proved invaluable, his ability to exploit the enemy's momentary distraction a testament to his expertise. In the wake of Turushino's attack, the Hollow's momentum was disrupted, its advance momentarily halted. The precious seconds gained were a small but vital victory in the midst of their intense struggle. Turushino's eyes met Hikari's, a silent message of determination passing between them. "Strike now, while it's vulnerable!" he urged, his voice a rallying cry infused with unwavering resolve. As Hikari prepared to launch her counterattack, Turushino's stance shifted, his lithe form poised to respond with swift precision should the Hollow attempt to regain its footing.

[Scarlet]

While Hikari had suffered a head wound that at the moment was causing blood to cover down the left side of her face, the red haired Fullbringer didn’t acknowledge what happened to her at all. She’d been hurt enough recently that she’d started to develop a talent for handling pain. It wasn’t anything to be proud of yet but the building blocks had started to form towards a trait that could help her greatly in the future. It helped her enough right now against this Hollow enabling her to quickly get back up on her feet. Witnessing the counter play this Shinigami employed against the Hollow she didn’t have to wait.

After the Shinigami managed to get his slash in on the Hollow he’d turn to look at Hikari only to see that he couldn’t make eye contact with her, since she was already on the move in his direction. Hikari had been watching and knew this was the best chance they had to bring this Hollow down. Utilizing soul command to have the ground beneath her feet help her, to push her forward just a bit further than she’d normally be able to reach, she closed the distance in a moment. Her Fullbring the double headed battle ax swung from her left side upwards like an uppercut.

The Shinigami was on her right, otherwise Hikari would have gone with her dominant arm yet in this alleyway there was only so much room. Her brain processed the information as fast as it could to allow this next attack. Thankfully her training paid off as the curved edges of her Fullbring cut across the chest of the Hollow. A thick deep cut wound that almost wouldn’t seem like it came from an axe. The only problem though was Hikari knew she couldn’t be the one to kill rhis Hollow. The Shinigami would have to do so if she wanted to stay on the good side.

Falling backwards after the Shinigami’s successful attack gave the Hollow the little favor it needed to survive Hikari swing. Her Fullbring managed to actually cut less as it fell than if she’d been able to land the blow with it standing straight up. Hitting the ground of the alleyway the Hollow screamed out at both its enemies, its massive arms flexing to become even larger. Squeezing the ground the Hollows fingers would break through easily then pull up and begin throwing piece after piece of the cement at both the Shinigami and Hikari each piece roughly the size of a baseball.

[Turushino Ronjiro]

Within the chaotic ballet of combat, Turushino's movements were a testament to the convergence of skill and intuition. His actions flowed with an innate understanding of the ebb and flow of battle, each step a calculated response to the Hollow's relentless onslaught. The red-haired Fullbringer's determination to stay in the fight despite her injuries spoke volumes about her resilience, and Turushino couldn't help but admire her grit.

As the Fullbringer's battle axe carved a deep wound into the Hollow's chest, Turushino's own blade danced through the air, stopping just short of the Hollow's flesh. It was a display of control and precision, a deliberate choice not to deliver a fatal blow. His stance conveyed his intention—he was here not to exterminate, but to engage in a dance of combat that transcended mere violence. The aftermath of their coordinated attack led to the Hollow's defiant roar and a flurry of projectiles hurtling through the air. Turushino's lithe form became a study in motion, his evasive maneuvers a symphony of grace that defied the very laws of physics. He twisted and turned, his body flowing with a natural rhythm that made dodging the projectiles appear almost effortless.

With a final landing that echoed his mastery of movement, Turushino's gaze remained fixed on the Hollow. His blade was an extension of his will, a tool not of mindless destruction, but of measured purpose. As the Hollow's powerful arms shattered the ground beneath, propelling cement projectiles toward them, Turushino's response was as swift as it was calculated. The Hollow's attack was met with a balletic display of evasion. Turushino's body twisted, his limbs contorting in ways that seemed almost supernatural. The projectiles whizzed by him, the very air humming with their passing, leaving him untouched amidst the storm of debris.

With the dust settling and the Hollow's menacing presence still palpable, Turushino's voice cut through the tense atmosphere. "You are quite the pain you know? I gotta give it to you though, you just don't give up" he acknowledged, a note of respect in his words. "How about you just stand down and let me purify you so you can go to the afterlife peacefully huh?" He said, not really expecting the creature to actually go along with his words

Turushino's blade remained ready, his stance poised to continue the dance of combat. His actions were not driven by bloodlust, but by a deeper understanding of the nuances of conflict. To him, the battle was a canvas upon which to paint a narrative that went beyond survival—it was a means to explore the depths of one's own capabilities and to embrace the potential for growth. And so, with his eyes fixed on the formidable Hollow, Turushino awaited the next chapter of their intricate dance, ready to navigate its twists and turns with an unwavering purpose that defied the chaos of the moment.

[Scarlet]

As if the last display between the Hollow and this Shinigami wasn’t enough Hikari found herself watching what almost seemed like a recap. As if somewhere someone was watching this battle like a sporting event and just happened to like what the Shinigami had pulled off a couple moments ago. Liked it enough that right now she was watching it play out so similar to before. This Hollow despite its physical strength didn’t have the experience to land a hit on someone so agile. Hikari wasn’t even really sure if she could describe it as him being agile through, when it just looked like his dancing was saving him as if this was a movie.

What she saw though wasn’t someone that knew the threat in front of him, no it was someone that had skill, but knew it. This Shinigami wasn’t taking the Hollow seriously, stopping his blade when it should have delivered the final motion. The Shinigami was toying with this Hollow, but it was something dangerous that could very easily lead to not just him but both of them getting killed. Hikari wasn’t going to stand by and allow this when it didn’t just place both of them, but everyone else in the area in danger.

She began to move forward once again, ready this time to cleave the head of this Hollow right in two after what she just saw from this Shinigami, until she saw something even bigger drop down just behind the Hollow. A different Hollow, one larger with a different body shape than the first was here! The one that they’d been dealing with, the one that they succeeded against was already bigger than the both of them yet this one dwarfed the other with a beetle like body at almost ten feet tall.

Hikari stood in shock not even processing that this Hollow cracked the cement sidewalk just by landing on it. Its six pointed legs dug right through the hard stone substance as its mask looked them all over for a moment. Another white mask of bone yet this one with a sickening expression, one of joy with a smile. An open mouth moving fast enough that the first Hollow didn’t even have time to turn around, the Shinigami and Hikari though would both be able to watch as this new one shot out what looked to be its tongue into the back of the first.

Hikari saw it all and yet she couldn’t believe it, why were both of these Hollows so much different than the typical ones she’d dealt with so far. They both didn’t just seem more powerful, but we’re on a different level. A tongue with a prong at the end pierced into the back, through the flesh and then like a straw was used to suck out the innards of the first hollow. It happened so fast that this new Hollow might as well have inhaled the other. Hikari felt a cold sweat break across her body, but knew she couldn’t give this thing even a moment to escape.

Commanding the soul of the ground beneath her feet again she’d take off right away like an Olympic sprinter rushing past the Shinigami so she could swing low at this Hollow. She knew she was risking everything now especially by not going right for its mask, but with the size difference she was certain taking its legs out first was the best move. A wide swing that if successful would remove one of the front legs. “Avoid that tongue no matter what!”

[Turushino Ronjiro]

Turushino's eyes narrowed to slits, his senses sharpening to a razor's edge as the new Hollow burst onto the scene. This creature was an abomination, a monstrosity that not only dwarfed its predecessor but also displayed a horrifying new ability. The way it dispatched the first Hollow with its tongue was a grim reminder that they were facing an enemy much deadlier than the last. A cold realization settled over him: this was no ordinary battle, and the stakes had just skyrocketed. "New opponent, new rules," he muttered to himself, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his Zanpakutō. There was no room for error; lives hung in the balance.

As Hikari sprinted past him, her blade aimed at one of the Hollow's front legs, Turushino felt a surge of adrenaline flood his system. Her warning about the tongue was a vital piece of intelligence, a cautionary note that underscored the gravity of their situation. This was a life-or-death struggle, and a single misstep could prove fatal. With a burst of Shunpo, he found himself suspended in the air above the Hollow. Time seemed to stretch and slow, granting him a precious moment to focus. The creature's legs were its foundation, its source of mobility. Cripple those, and they'd gain a crucial advantage. His Zanpakutō glowed with concentrated spiritual energy as he descended, his blade slashing through the air with lethal precision. It connected with a satisfying crunch, severing through the Hollow's exoskeleton. A guttural roar of pain and rage erupted from the creature, echoing through the night air.

Landing gracefully a few feet away from Hikari, Turushino's eyes immediately locked onto the Hollow's mask. "Understood, avoid the tongue," he acknowledged, his voice tinged with a small hint of seriousness that left no room for doubt. "That thing looked gross anyway I did not want that anywhere near my uniform. Even in the afterlife, cleaning stuff like this isn't cheap, you know?" He went on a bit of a humorous tangent, but he remained focused on the fight.

His gaze shifted from the Hollow's mask to its arms, the muscular limbs that served as conduits for its deadly power. "Let's weaken it further," Turushino said, his voice carrying a weight that underscored the urgency of their situation. His eyes met Hikari's for a brief but meaningful moment, a silent exchange that conveyed the gravity of their next moves. "On my mark, be ready to follow up, and hit it with whatever you got!" he added.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, Turushino felt his spiritual energy coursing through him like a flowing. This was the moment of truth, the pivotal point that would determine the outcome of their struggle. With a nod to, he lunged forward, his Zanpakutō poised for a dance-like series of attacks aimed at the Hollow's arms. As he closed the distance, his blade moved in a fluid, almost balletic motion, each slash aimed to cut through the creature's limbs and further weaken it.

"Now! Follow up the attack!" he called out, his voice steady and composed, as if he were instructing a dance rather than fighting a monstrous foe. His Zanpakutō moved with practiced grace, its blade tracing elegant arcs through the air as it made a series of calculated cuts on the Hollow's arms. Each slash was precise, each movement a part of a larger strategy. The cuts on its arms were not lethal, but they were debilitating, designed to limit its offensive capabilities and hopefully draw its ire in order to give Hikari an opening.

[Scarlet]

This Shinigami was someone that Hikari really was having a hard time pinning down, one moment he gave off the aura of someone very serious and dedicated to his sword, while the next he said something or did something only a fool could accomplish. Somehow though the way he moved and attached even now still managed to reach success. Getting that first swing in on the Hollow, Hikari felt her Fullbring cut through the tough shell leg although the resistance was enough that she could tell only her training allowed her success. This Hollow’s exoskeleton was tougher than the trees near her home, nearly at the level of cement this Hollow screeched while opening its mouth.

Hikari watched as the tongue of this Hollow took the same sort of preemptive movement it had before launching out to drink the previous Hollow. There was only three perhaps four feet between them now and even as this Hollow dropped down due to its leg Hikari could tell her only chance was to deflect or block the tongue with her Fullbring. What she didn’t anticipate though was the Shinigami closing the distance fast enough to attack, cutting through the shell on its back causing it further damage while pulling its attention away from her.

Hikari only allows a pause to keep her from stepping in once again to swing once more. An overhead swing imitating the action that split apart hundreds of logs by now. A singular attack that burst right through the shell, her Fullbring on the right side of its torso only to the side of its neck now with its shell cracked around the edge of her ax. Pulling her Fullbring out was the next motion anyone would do although Hikari didn’t have to now as this Shinigami contained his assault at the legs of the Hollow causing its blood to spray all over the alleyway and Hikari.

Hikari felt her Fullbring break free though after a pull from the Hollow, its massive body retreating backwards due to the relentless assault, she had to pull with all her might to free her weapon yet now she’d be able to make her next attack. The next couple of seconds would have been brutal for anyone to watch with the Hollow losing all six of its legs with multiple slash wounds across its body. The end result though would be not just the alleyway, but Hikari and the Shinigami painted with its thick dark green blood. “Alright, finish it now!” Hikari usually was one to talk a lot more, but this was a serious situation she wouldn’t mess up.

[Turushino Ronjiro]

Turushino attentively observed Hikari's Fullbring skillfully carve its way through the Hollow's formidable exoskeleton. The precision and force behind her strike were a testament to her combat prowess and tenacity. Her weapon found its mark near the creature's vulnerable neck area, delivering a critical strike that would have been devastating under any other circumstances. However, this Hollow was an anomaly, a resilient monstrosity that managed to pull back, retreating from their relentless and coordinated assault. Its retreat was a sign of its vulnerability, but also a warning of the danger it still posed.

His own Zanpakutō had played a significant role in the unfolding battle, methodically severing the Hollow's legs in a series of precise, calculated cuts. The result was a crippled creature, oozing dark green blood that splattered across the alleyway, transforming the scene into a grim tableau of battle. Both warriors were now marked by the creature's ichor, a visceral reminder of the high stakes involved. Hikari's voice punctuated the tension-filled air, her tone imbued with a seriousness that left no room for doubt. It was a call to action, a signal that the time had come to end this perilous encounter.

Turushino met her intense gaze, acknowledging the unspoken understanding between them. Then, his focus shifted back to the Hollow. Despite its weakened state and divided attention, the creature was not yet vanquished. In its eyes, he detected a glimmer of something perilous—perhaps desperation, or maybe a final surge of unbridled fury. "Very well," he responded, his voice calm yet tinged with a sense of finality that signaled his readiness to conclude this battle. "Let's bring this dance to its final act."

Using a burst of Shunpo, Turushino found himself airborne, hovering momentarily above the Hollow. His Zanpakutō, held firmly in his grip, seemed to resonate with his focused intent. Time appeared to slow down, granting him a moment of crystalline clarity. This was the critical juncture, the climax of their desperate struggle against a formidable foe. His spiritual energy surged through him, channeled naturally into his blade, amplifying its cutting power without the need for spoken incantations.

With a swift, downward arc that seemed to cut through the very fabric of the air, his Zanpakutō descended upon the Hollow's exposed torso. The blade connected with a resounding impact, releasing a burst of spiritual energy that tore through the creature's body like a hurricane through a field of straw. This finishing move, a culmination of precision, power, and a touch of theatrical flair—a fitting finale to a grueling battle that had tested their limits.

As the Hollow let out a final, guttural roar, its form began to disintegrate, dissolving into particles of spiritual energy that dispersed into the night air. Turushino landed gracefully on the ground, his Zanpakutō sliding back into its sheath with a satisfying click. He looked at Hikari, locking eyes in a moment of shared triumph and relief. "Well there we have it." he declared, his voice carrying the weight of their hard-fought victory and the relief that came with it. "Gotta say wasn't expecting the second one but a hunt is a hunt."

[Scarlet]

Severing multiple legs at this point with her body covered in the thick green blood Hikari was having trouble even processing how this Hollow was still present. She’d never seen something take as much abuse as this one and yet it still gave off the feeling that it wouldn’t surrender. Thankfully though after telling the shinigami that it was time he only made her wait another few moments. Why this shinigami made a habit of letting his guard down and taking the time to look at her, she couldn’t comprehend. Throughout the last few minutes she’d caught him looking at her even during battle, something that in her own view just seemed foolish, perhaps she was taking the Hollows too seriously?

She’d seen a few shinigami now and most of them she’d say were stronger than her. Even this current one danced with his sword in a way that Hikari couldn’t imagine managing with her Fullbring. Either way though the Hollow was cut through with the zanpakuto and its body began to disappear at which point Hikari allowed her Fullbring to return to its natural shape. The double headed battle axe of blade crude metal shrinking down to a bright red color then rushing to her head forming once again into the pair of earrings dangling from her earlobes.

At the same time Hikari had no problem watching the shinigami sheath his zanpakuto showing once again that the hours he dedicated to employing his weapon surpassed what she’d achieved so far. Confidence wasn’t something that she lacked, but she’d seen enough people continuously let their guards down like this shinigami, underestimate others and compare what they believed to be awesome to regular, only for it to bite them in the end. She’d already fought off more than a dozen Hollows and learned from each of them. She had to accept what was in front of her and learn from it constantly so that she’d continue to stand strong in Karakura. Now though was the moment she felt all the blood on her figure along with the sensation of unease and illness swallowing her whole.

Getting some blood on her wasn’t abnormal especially when dealing with a Hollow, but right now her clothing was drenched in this thing’s gross green ooze. It was like she’d been pushed into a porta potty and someone just had to be a Jackass. The smell was grotesque like milk that had been left out in the sun for over a week just splashed all over her. Blood like this shouldn’t be a thing and Hikari had to do her best at the moment not to vomit. Leaning over on a wall only to place her hand there and realize it was completely covered. To make matters worse though she felt the weight on her head now after moving with the fact her hair was covered clicking in her mind.

The next two minutes would be nothing more than Hikari constantly vomiting at the bottom of the alleyway for several seconds then breathing in gasps only to start vomiting again due to the disgust at this situation. She’d never had to deal with anything anywhere near this level of gross and although she’d die on the hill as a tomboy this was a level she didn’t believe any human could stomach. After the fourth or fifth hurl the young female rushed out of the alleyway doing her best to reach the end and start breathing in the fresh air not polluted by that Hollow yet the blood cased on her body wouldn’t grant her such pleasantries. “Damn that Hollow scum!”