Forces of Nature favored (CFYOW Vol III)

“Hikone.”

Tokinada now uttered his final command.

“This will be your top priority. Kill Aura.”

It was as if no time had passed by during the intervening moments. Just like an illusion; Hikone, who was supposed to have been engaged in combat with Zaraki high up in the air; was now standing right behind Aura. How did he move so fast? It wasn’t just the speed. As he landed from such a height; he had not raised so much as a speck of dust. It was a beautiful movement; as if the force of gravity favoured him and as if inertia was twisted by reiatsu and technology. Even though he had been in the midst of a sword fight with Kenpachi, Hisagi Shuhei instinctively sensed that Hikone would immediately attack Aura without hesitation. So he hurried to stand in front of Hikone, acting as a shield.

“Hisagi Shuhei-san, would you move a little from there?”

Hikone’s appearance was different from when Hisagi had first met him. He still resembled a young child; but he also bore the unique look of someone who was a cross between a Shinigami and a Hollow. It was not the outward appearance that was alarming. It was the inside that had changed drastically, so much so, that it could not be compared to the basic outer look. As if the Shinigami soul was forcibly bound to the Quincy soul; and was then mixed in a complex way with the Hollow soul. Hisagi could already see the reiraku; it was in the shape of a sphere, not in the form of a long ribbon. It was a mixture of several colours.