HBWnovel Chapter 273
Chapter 273
Chapter 273
2-in-1 chapter:
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Amid the raging surge of spiritual pressure, Ulquiorra revealed his transformed appearance.
Where before he wore a half mask on his head, now the entire thing formed a solid helmet with two curved horns rising like a demon’s. A pair of black wings unfurled behind him, pushing the style factor to the max. Yet the puzzled look on his face undercut the dramatic entrance.
Seeing Kaelith casually toss aside his Zanpakutō, Ulquiorra thought it over for a moment, then spoke:
“Shinigami, is it that you saw me set aside my blade, so you decided to abandon yours as well? If that’s the case, there’s no need. I have not forsaken my sword; I merely reclaimed the power stored within it—taking back my Hollow essence to display my full strength.”
“Huh?” Kaelith paused, then seemed to understand. Don’t worry. My decision has nothing to do with that.
“I happen to love my sword too much and don’t want it getting nicked. So I’m taking care of this fight on its behalf.
“Go ahead and come at me!”
At Kaelith’s words, Rixiang Jimie—still lodged in the sand—began trembling even harder.
Ulquiorra said nothing. For a moment, he suspected that sword wanted to fly over and hack at its own master.
Dismissing the thought, he remembered his original purpose.
“Shinigami, I came here to ask: what is the heart? What is the meaning of existence?”
He had barely finished his question when Kaelith’s expression twisted.
“Seriously, officer? We’re in the middle of a fight, and you want a pop quiz now? But since you’ve asked so sincerely, I’ll be generous and enlighten you!”
Ulquiorra’s eyes lit up. An actual answer existed! With mounting anticipation, he watched as Kaelith folded his arms and adopted a profound pose.
“The meaning of existence is finding a balance between pleasure and peace of mind. For any sentient being, the greatest drive to survive is the pursuit of pleasure.
“Eating good food, indulging in sexual desire, seeking recognition, wielding power, reveling in victory—these are all sources of pleasure.
“By the looks of you, with that, uh… ‘low-energy vibe,’ you might think you’re not the type to chase pleasure.
“But that’s not true. Even as you
“…Huh, there’s nothing there?”
Beneath the remnants of Ulquiorra’s robe, everything was smooth—no sign of certain, well, features.
Kaelith’s expression flickered with sympathy.
Poor guy, he was born missing one of life’s joys…
He recalled once worrying that Ichigo Kurosaki might be dealing with a case of unfaithfulness. Now Kaelith retracted any pity he’d felt—whatever feelings might arise, there was no possible outcome there.
Clueless about Kaelith’s thoughts, Ulquiorra continued slashing with one hand and launching black Cero blasts with the other, advancing like a dual-wielding warrior.
Kaelith was more than used to Cero techniques. Starrk was quite adept at them, and Kaelith had sparred with him too many times to count. Effortlessly swatting away a Cero, he shouted:
“Warm-up’s over, Ulquiorra! Show me that move—your second Resurrección!”
Ulquiorra froze in mid-attack.
“Second Resurrección?”
He really had no idea what Kaelith meant. Kaelith, seeing his blank stare, blinked.
“What, you haven’t developed it yet?”
Ulquiorra’s silence only made Kaelith’s disappointment grow. Among the Espada, many ranked below didn’t particularly interest him. Harribel was decent, but mostly for… aesthetic reasons. Baraggan’s skill was so-so, though his rot power was impressive. Starrk was strong but hadn’t tapped his real potential, usually just fancy-shooting like a bored bystander.
In other words, the most exciting Espada to fight was Ulquiorra with his second Resurrección. Yet now Kaelith had finally found him, only to discover Ulquiorra didn’t have that ability yet.
“Boring…” Kaelith muttered, rolling his neck as though ready to leave.
He took a few steps, but behind him, Ulquiorra followed.
“Shinigami, you’re sparing my life because you think one day I’ll gain that power? That I might bring you greater enjoyment?
“If so, aren’t you leaving a hidden threat for yourself? That means you can’t really have peace of mind… Doesn’t that contradict what you taught me?”
Kaelith snorted.
“Such shallow reasoning. You’re applying the theory mechanically without considering real conditions.
“With your earnest, rule-bound personality, are you really going to plan some revenge if I let you live?
“On the contrary, you’ll remember the favor I did you today. Maybe someday, when you’ve awakened that new ability, you’ll join me of your own will. That’s the perfect union of pleasure and peace, right there.”
Ulquiorra’s eyes went wide with disbelief. After a few seconds, he caught up again.
“Shinigami… Kaelith… why are you so sure I’ll master this ability?”
“Because I’m the chosen one, the only one. All sorts of intel about this world drifts into my mind unnoticed. You wouldn’t understand—it’s too profound,” Kaelith replied with a dismissive wave.
Oddly, Ulquiorra nodded. “That explains it. I never told you my name, yet you said it so easily.”
Kaelith paused, rummaging through his memories.
“Huh. Guess so.”
He tilted his head upward and smiled smugly. “Yeah, exactly!”
Ulquiorra fell silent for a moment, then, as though making up his mind, he let his Resurrección fade away. Gripping his Zanpakutō before him, he spoke:
“Shinigami… no, Kaelith. Please, take me back to Las Noches.
“I want to remain by your side, observe your words and deeds, learn the meaning of existence, and search for the heart.”
Kaelith burst out laughing. “Ha! Didn’t I say so? I knew you’d come around!
“Great—stay with me, learn and watch. You’ll become an outstanding individual, strong in virtue!
“No more confusion, no more suffering!
“Hahaha!”
Ulquiorra nodded, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes. Not far away, Yammy felt a chill.
Somehow, he had a strong hunch that Ulquiorra was stepping onto the wrong path…
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