The atmosphere shifted as Yun Che and Retsu made their entrance, their attire drawing immediate attention, albeit not for the reasons they anticipated. Instead of relief or gratitude, Cang Yue and Little Fairy were taken aback by their revealing clothing, their cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Cang Yue couldn't contain her shock, blurting out her disapproval, "Sister Retsu, Yun Che. Why are you two dressed like that? How shameful."
Yun Che, ever nonchalant, replied with a casual shrug, "Hey, we had some fun on the other side. Luckily, we didn't lose everything." But his attempt at nonchalance faltered when he took stock of his appearance. He resembled anything but a composed warrior, more closely resembling Ichigo after a thorough beating from Ulquiorra.
Retsu, meanwhile, surveyed her attire with a hint of bemusement, commenting, "Hmm, I never realized wearing less clothing could be so... breezy."
Yun Che couldn't help but sweat at her response. "Perhaps we should stick to more conventional attire next time. I wouldn't want you to get too comfortable," he remarked, hoping to avoid any further embarrassment.
However, Retsu seemed unfazed, sidling up to him and playfully pressing his arm between her breasts. Yun Che's reaction was swift but gentle, a soft karate chop to her head as if to reprimand her antics. Unbeknownst to him, Kon was already experiencing a nosebleed, while Cang Yue averted her gaze, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
Noticing Little Fairy's watchful gaze, Yun Che couldn't resist a teasing remark. "What's wrong, Little Fairy? Are you admiring my physique that much?"
"You rascal!!" But instead of amusement, Little Fairy's response was swift and fierce, her fists raised in righteous indignation as she beats his chest without strength. Yun Che, sensing something amiss, gently seized her hands, his expression shifting to one of genuine concern. "Are you alright?" he asked, his tone now serious as he searched her eyes for any sign of distress.
"I've never felt so weak in my entire life. In front of those dragons, my strength feels worthless. I always thought, aside from the Asgard master, I was the second strongest in this Empire. I trained myself to banish fear, but..." Her voice wavered as tears slipped down her cheek, splashing silently onto the ground below.
"Why do I feel so much fear right now?" Her words trembled as she spoke, her body shaking uncontrollably. He longed to embrace her, to offer comfort, but his own disheveled appearance held him back. Slowly, he lowered her arms, lifting her chin to meet his gaze. Gently, he wiped away her tears, locking eyes with her as he spoke.
"Despite feeling this fear, you didn't flee from the battle. You protected Cang Yue until the very end. That alone proves you're stronger than anyone else. Believe in yourself. Even when no one else stands beside you, remember that you have us." He glanced at Retsu, who nodded in silent agreement.
A small smile graced her lips as she regained her composure, turning away. "That's why I really like you," she murmured softly.
He didn't quite catch her words and asked, "Did you say something?"
"No, you shameless rascal," she teased, her gaze lingering on his unconventional attire.
Meanwhile, Cang Yue found solace in Retsu's embrace, despite the blood and dirt staining their bodies. Though she had initially feigned relaxation, she couldn't suppress her tears when Retsu enveloped her in a comforting hug. The facade of strength crumbled, revealing the depth of her fear and powerlessness. After being comforted by Retsu, she finally found the strength to speak, a glimmer of hope shining in her eyes as she hinted at a potential turning point in her life.
"Sister YueChan, Yun Che, Sister Retsu. I don't want to be weak anymore. Please help me grow stronger in the future. I don't want to see my sisters die protecting me. I don't want to linger in the background. I want to walk alongside all of you," she pleaded, her arms wrapped tightly around Retsu. Soon, everyone gathered around her, their presence a comforting embrace. The thought of nearly losing her sisters, of nearly succumbing to death herself, haunted her, fueling her determination to change her fate.
"Don't worry. We'll find a way to change that," Yun Che assured her, his voice laced with conviction. If he could elevate her cultivation in the future, she could one day ascend to the realm of the Divines.
As the others comforted Cang Yue, Yun Che approached Kon. "Yo, Kon, you holding up okay?" he inquired, sensing the lingering effects of Kon's powerful aura. He was surprised by the extent of Kon's abilities, far surpassing even Haoshoku No Haki. It was a shame that Kon's power was limited to once a day.
Kon grunted in response. "Hmph, why do you get all the thanks?" he grumbled, a hint of irritation in his voice.
Yun Che chuckled at his friend's retort. "Still, thanks, man. Your timely intervention gave us just enough time to arrive," he acknowledged gratefully.
Kon regained his composure, reverting to his usual arrogant demeanor. "Yare yare, Kon-sama will protect the ladies from harm," he declared proudly.
Suddenly, a tremor shook the ground, drawing their attention to the crater. The dragons, thought to be defeated, rose once more, their intimidating presence looming overhead. "YOU DESPICABLE HUMANS!!! I WILL KILL ALL OF YOU TO APPEASE MY CHILD!!!!" the enraged beasts bellowed, their fury palpable.
"They're not giving up," Yun Che remarked, his muscles tensing in anticipation of the impending battle.
"YOU DAMN MORTALS!!!!" Another voice thundered from the horizon, catching their attention. All eyes turned to see the Demon Hollow Granz returning to the basin, his presence a grim reminder of the challenges they still faced. Despite his weakened state, the hollow remained a formidable opponent, his determination unwavering despite his shattered bankai robe and diminished strength.
Sensing they were cornered, Yun Che turned to Kon. "Kon, you can still transform, right?"
Kon, despite having taken some extra damage earlier, nodded. "Just for a moment."
"It'll do. I want you to transform and take Cang Yue away from here. The three of us will engage them," Yun Che ordered, his tone resolute as he prepared for the impending battle. By ensuring Cang Yue's safety, they could focus on confronting their adversaries without worrying about her wellbeing.
Cang Yue protested, her desire to help evident in her voice. "But I want to help too!"
Retsu gently tapped her shoulder. "Sorry, Sister Yue, but your and Kon's strength is still insufficient. Leave this to us. Trust that you'll be safe with Kon."
Reluctantly, Cang Yue complied with their wishes, though she hated the feeling of sitting on the sidelines while the others fought. She resigned herself to their decision, knowing it was for the best.
"Kon, GO!!!" Yun Che urged, his urgency evident as he urged his friend to act. Kon nodded before transforming into his lion cub form, swiftly lifting Cang Yue and carrying her away to safety. As they departed, Cang Yue's voice trailed behind, her parting words filled with concern and well-wishes.
Meanwhile, Granz hovered in the air, his disdain for their retreat evident in his words. "Hmph, weaklings. Always fleeing early. No matter. I'll hunt them down later."
Unperturbed, the dragons confronted Granz, their hostility palpable as they exchanged heated words. "You wish to kill these humans as well?" the male dragon challenged, his voice laced with warning.
"Do not interfere, or we will kill you as well," the female dragon threatened, her eyes gleaming with fierce determination.
Granz paid them no heed, his arrogance apparent as he declared his intentions. "After I've disposed of them, I'll consume both of your vitality to bolster my strength. Do not get in my way."
Infuriated by his arrogance, the dragons bristled with indignation, their auras intensifying as they prepared for a confrontation. "Arrogant beings," the male dragon growled, his voice reverberating with authority. "Your kind invaded this continent, and yet you dare to be brazen before us?"
As Granz and the dragons exchanged heated words, Yun Che turned his attention to his remaining companions, Retsu and Little Fairy. Floating in the air, they stood back to back, surrounded by their formidable adversaries with no means of escape.
"This isn't the situation I was hoping for," Yun Che remarked, drawing Tensa Zangetsu and holding it horizontally in front of him. Retsu and Little Fairy mirrored his actions, drawing their own swords in preparation for the imminent battle. Retsu emanated a potent slaughter aura, causing even the dragons to regard her with disdain.
With his trademark grin, Yun Che brought Tensa Zangetsu behind his head. "One Adjuchas and two Emperor dragons. Things have escalated to this point, huh?"
Retsu, equally eager for battle, responded, "It might be a fun battle, young master."
Seeing the dragons, Yun Che formulated a plan to turn the tide in their favor. He turned to Retsu and instructed her, "Retsu, my dear. Take on the male dragon and acquire some blood points. We might need them for the hollow later on."
"Hai," Retsu nodded, ready to face the dragon and obtain the blood points that would enhance her strength and grant her access to her domain, ensuring the hollow's defeat.
Meanwhile, Little Fairy expressed her doubts. "Rascal, there's no way I could fight even one of them. I've tried," she admitted, recalling her previous futile attempts to battle the dragons.
Yun Che, however, remained undeterred, offering her a cryptic smile. "Perhaps you haven't tried all of your strength yet," he suggested.
Confused, Little Fairy watched as Yun Che approached her, gently touching her chin and drawing her closer. Her heart raced with anticipation as she realized his intentions. Despite her initial protest, she found herself unable to refuse as he placed his palm over her chest.
"Rascal?! What are you doing? Now's not the time..." she stammered, her words trailing off as she felt a surge of power emanating from her chest.
Suddenly, she understood. This was the power she had long sought, the power that had eluded her for years. Yun Che met her gaze, his eyes filled with determination as he uttered the words she had longed to hear.
"What I've been holding for you, I shall give it back."
As Little Fairy felt her strength surging, she sensed a breakthrough imminent. With each passing moment, she ascended through the ranks of the Emperor Profound Realm, each level a testament to her years of dedication and resilience. Her heart raced with excitement as she reached new heights of power.
Second Level...
Third Level...
Fourth...
Fifth...
Sixth...
The process continued until she finally reached the initial stage of the Seventh Level of the Emperor Profound Realm. Surrounded by her rampaging aura, she marveled at her newfound strength, scarcely able to believe her own transformation.
"Rascal, this..." she began, her voice filled with awe and gratitude.
"Yes, the pills you consumed were specially designed energy pills for Emperor Profound Realm cultivators," Yun Che explained, his eyes alight with pride. "They expanded your profound veins and stabilized your powers, preparing you for this breakthrough. Now, your new powers are stabilizing themselves, as if you were at the Seventh Level of the Emperor Profound Realm all along."
Little Fairy was stunned by Yun Che's foresight and generosity. She turned to him with eyes shining with admiration. "Rascal, I don't know what to say..."
"Save it for later. Now, you can fight that dragon with all your newfound strength," Yun Che said, his confidence unwavering. He tossed her a couple of vials containing a familiar blue and red liquid. Little Fairy recognized them immediately—potent treasures that would restore her health and profound energy to full strength.
Without hesitation, she drank one of the vials, feeling her energy surge back to its peak. With Yun Che's support and these invaluable resources, she was ready to face the dragon head-on, determined to prove herself in battle.
Little Fairy's heart raced with exhilaration as she celebrated her monumental breakthrough, having ascended seven levels in a single day. However, any lingering disappointment vanished as she refocused on the impending battle. If Yun Che was giving her the chance to shine, she was determined to seize it with all her might, ready to protect them at any cost.
Drawing her sword, Little Fairy felt the power coursing through her, infusing her blade with an electrifying energy. With a deft application of haki, she coated her sword, eager to unleash her profound arts and vanquish the dragon before her.
"Little Fairy, face the female dragon on the left. Retsu, handle the male dragon. Show them the might of your bankai," Yun Che commanded, his voice brimming with confidence and resolve.
"Hai, Young master," Retsu acknowledged, her aura radiating with lethal intent as she prepared to unleash her bankai upon the male dragon.
Little Fairy grinned, her determination burning brightly. "I owe that dragon a debt," she declared, her eyes flashing with determination as she readied herself to confront her foe.
Meanwhile, Yun Che, with a calculated glint in his eye, set his sights on the Adjuchas. "I'll take on the Adjuchas," he announced, his voice ringing with determination. Though he longed to unleash his full strength, he knew the importance of pacing himself to avoid overexertion.
With a resounding battle cry, Yun Che rallied his companions. "Let's go! It's time for our counterattack!" Together, they charged into battle, ready to face their chosen adversaries head-on and turn the tide in their favor.
Let me refresh my memory.
Grayfia Lucifuge- Little Fairy
Sakaki Ryouko - Cang Yue
Rias Gremory (13 years old) - Jasmine
Nakiri Erina - Su Ling'er
Nakiri Alice - Xia Qingyue
Tadokoro Megumi - Little Aunt...
DBZ Trunks - Xia Yuanba
Uchiha Sasuke - Yun Che and Hoyuu current appearance
Yuuki - unknown.... (Probably someone really hot)
Damn that's a lot... Who's next?