It wasn't just Tatsuki and Orihime who awakened their powers — Chad had awakened his power as well.
He had even managed to protect Ichigo's little sister, Karin.
However, because Chad's spiritual power was too low, after defeating the Hollow, he immediately collapsed.
Karin, terrified, quickly called home, asking Isshin to come and help.
Ichigo, of course, fought his way through the Hollows to protect Isshin and Karin, safely bringing Chad back to his house.
At the same time, Ichigo felt a growing anxiety.
"I wonder how Tatsuki and Rukia are doing!"
Rukia's spiritual pressure might be low for now, but she should still be able to defend herself.
The one he was most worried about was Tatsuki.
Tatsuki might have spiritual power, but she didn't know how to use it — which made her the perfect prey for Hollows!
After clearing out another wave of Hollows around his home, Ichigo couldn't hold back his worry anymore.
He was just about to rush toward the school to find Tatsuki—
But to his surprise, Tatsuki and Orihime appeared right at his doorstep!
Ichigo immediately leapt down from midair and landed in front of Tatsuki, looking at her anxiously.
"Tatsuki! Are you okay?"
As for Orihime standing nearby — well, right now Ichigo's mind was completely occupied by Tatsuki. He honestly didn't even register her.
"I'm fine! In fact, I took out a few Hollows along the way!" Tatsuki said confidently, still wearing her karate gloves.
Only then did Ichigo calm down.
He sensed that Tatsuki's spiritual power had risen significantly.
Judging from her words, she had clearly gained combat abilities — and not weak ones at that!
"It's still pretty dangerous outside. Tatsuki, you and Orihime should head back home for now. Once I take care of the remaining Hollows, you can come out again," Ichigo said seriously.
"Hey, hey! Ichigo, you're underestimating me too much!" Tatsuki said, unconvinced. "Don't worry — these Hollows are no match for me and Orihime!"
Hearing that, Ichigo finally turned his attention to Orihime, who was standing to the side with a wry smile.
Clearly, seeing how Ichigo only cared about Tatsuki had made her a little upset.
"Kurosaki-kun, don't worry! Those Hollows are no match for Tatsuki and me!" Orihime said, clenching her fists with a pout.
Seeing both girls insist so firmly, and considering they had made it all the way from school without any injuries, Ichigo could only nod.
"Alright. Just be careful."
"Don't worry!" Tatsuki nodded, then asked,
"By the way, Ichigo, do you know why so many Hollows suddenly appeared?"
At this question, Ichigo gritted his teeth.
"It's that damned Quincy's fault! If he hadn't dragged me into a competition, none of this would've happened!"
Ichigo looked up at the sky, where black Garganta portals kept opening one after another, and turned to Tatsuki.
"Tatsuki, can I ask you and Orihime to protect the people around here?"
"The Hollows' primary targets are those with strong spiritual energy—"
Before Ichigo could even finish, Tatsuki already understood what he meant.
"Don't worry. We'll take care of Chad and your family."
Tatsuki said confidently.
"And you, Kurosaki-kun?" Orihime asked.
"I'm going to find that bastard and ask if there's a way to stop these Hollows from showing up!" Ichigo growled.
"Alright, we'll split up!" Tatsuki responded immediately.
Ichigo nodded and Shunpoed off toward where Uryū Ishida was.
...
Meanwhile, Rukia was also clearing Hollows as she made her way toward Ichigo.
They met halfway.
"Ichigo, how's the situation?" Rukia asked, immediately jumping onto Ichigo's back.
"Chad, Tatsuki, and Orihime have all awakened their powers. They can take care of themselves."
"Tatsuki and Orihime are protecting my family right now. I'm on my way to find the one who caused all this!" Ichigo explained the current situation as he moved.
"I heard about it from that shady shopkeeper, Urahara Kisuke," Rukia said.
"This is the work of the Quincy — he used a Quincy-exclusive bait to lure Hollows!"
So Rukia was already well-informed.
The two of them quickly arrived at Uryū Ishida's location.
By now, both of Uryū's hands were bloodied from the strain of using his Spirit Bow, but he was still expressionless as he shot one Hollow after another with perfect precision.
Ichigo put Rukia down, then with a single Shunpo appeared in front of Uryū, grabbing him by the collar and roaring, "You bastard! Fine, you win! Now stop that damned bait!"
"It's useless!" Uryū replied coldly.
"Once a bait is used, it can't be stopped. Unless you kill every last Hollow, they'll just keep coming!"
"Every time you Quincies use bait, does it attract this many Hollows?" Ichigo asked.
At that, Uryū lowered his head slightly.
"This... was my mistake. I don't understand it either. Normally, attracting a dozen Hollows would already be a lot. I've never seen this happen before."
After all, it was supposed to be bait.
If too many Hollows showed up at once, it became impossible to tell who was hunting whom!
Hearing this, both Rukia and Ichigo's faces darkened.
Ichigo reluctantly released Uryū, but before they could discuss any further, a new wave of Hollows swarmed in!
"Damn it! This is endless!" Ichigo cursed.
Just then, reinforcements arrived!
Urahara Kisuke, along with Tessai, Ururu, and Jinta, appeared and swiftly cleared out the nearby Hollows.
"You shady shopkeeper, you actually grew a conscience?!" Rukia exclaimed in shock.
"It's not about conscience..." Urahara said, fanning himself lazily.
He pointed to the sky.
Above them, countless Hollows were being drawn toward a massive black Garganta opening in the air!
Tatsuki, Orihime, and a now-awake Chad had also hurried over to the scene.
Seeing the giant black Garganta, Rukia's face went pale.
"No way... That size... It can't be—!"
Urahara grinned slyly.
"Ah, Miss Kuchiki, your guess is correct. It's exactly what you're thinking."
Hearing Urahara's confirmation, Rukia immediately shouted at Ichigo,
"Ichigo! Run! You're not ready to face what's coming!"
Even though the opponent hadn't appeared yet, Ichigo could already sense the immense spiritual pressure leaking from the Garganta!
It wasn't quite as strong as Ichigo's — but it was close.
"Looks like a real monster is coming!" Ichigo said, itching for a fight.
"You idiot! Even if you're strong, this isn't someone you can beat!" Rukia shouted anxiously.
At that moment, a black, giant-sized Hollow emerged from the Garganta.
It was a Gillians!
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum]
[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[Thank You For Your Support!]