Rangiku Matsumoto remained unaware that her fate had been altered by Shiroha Uehara's presence.

She and her fellow Shinigami were locked in battle with several Arrancar officers. Even when the three Fracciónes sacrificed their arms to summon the beast god Ayon, the outcome would be different this time.

After years of training alongside Shiroha, Rangiku had developed far more than just a tolerance for sake. Her combat abilities had grown considerably. Now, even facing Ayon—a creature with power rivaling that of a strong vice-captain—she wouldn't be overwhelmed as easily as she might have been otherwise.

In truth, several female Shinigami had grown stronger under Shiroha's influence, fundamentally altering their destinies.

Additionally, the Espada were not fighting on their home territory. The top three Espada couldn't unleash their full potential here, and despite their impressive power, each had distinct limitations.

Take Tier Harribel, the Third Espada. Her mastery over water was unparalleled, truly making her a "woman of water." However, her techniques' power directly correlated with the available water supply—the more water at her disposal, the more devastating her attacks.

In conventional battles, Harribel would gradually accumulate water before unleashing its full force for an easy victory. But today, she faced Tōshirō Hitsugaya.

Hitsugaya's Hyōrinmaru could manipulate atmospheric moisture and freeze it instantly. This ability directly countered Harribel's need to gather water, as he could freeze her water streams and convert them to his advantage.

The legendary ice-type Zanpakutō was indeed formidable. Though Hyōrinmaru had been somewhat overshadowed by Shiroha's "White Album" in recent years, with proper application, it remained a force to be reckoned with even in high-level combat.

During the Thousand-Year Blood War, Hitsugaya had used Hyōrinmaru's true Bankai to freeze even the godly Sternritter Gerard.

Meanwhile, the Primera Espada Starrk and Segunda Espada Baraggan should have been eliminating their opponents with ease. Like Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, both had reached the apex of their species' potential.

Had they remained as Hollows rather than becoming Arrancar, Baraggan and the ancient Hollow Ikomikidomoe (once sealed by the monk) represented the ultimate ceiling of Hollow evolution.

The ancient Hollow Ikomikidomoe had journeyed to the Soul King Palace after reaching his limit, seeking to devour the Soul King's essence to continue his evolution. His reward was being sealed within a Zanpakutō by Ichibē Hyōsube with a single word.

Starrk, the self-divided Hollow, similarly represented the pinnacle that natural Hollows could achieve.

Theoretically, these two possessed immense power levels and were indeed fearsome opponents. Yet in actual combat, something was different.

The invisible pressure exerted by Shiroha's presence, combined with their own lack of fighting spirit, meant they were operating at merely 50-60% of their true capabilities.

Why risk everything without proper motivation? Thus, they fought with minimal effort, doing just enough to maintain appearances.

Inside the flame cage, Aizen's expression darkened, his gaze intensifying. No need for pretense anymore—if they wouldn't fight seriously, what was the point?

While war raged outside, Shiroha was thoroughly enjoying himself in the Ice Palace, which now felt more like a springtime paradise. He was "battling fiercely" with the former Tres Espada in his own unique manner.

Though no longer holding her previous rank, her strength remained formidable and impressive.

Shiroha acknowledged that the clash between Ulquiorra and Ichigo Kurosaki was truly iconic, and the confrontations between Shinigami and Arrancar were genuinely thrilling. However, he had no time for distractions.

Who could resist a former Espada whose loyalty could be secured with mere words? The experience with a Vasto Lorde was truly exceptional.

Even better, a "black cat" was providing assistance nearby. This arrangement couldn't be more comfortable.

In truth, Neliel had initially hesitated to participate. Though she had long since recovered her reiatsu and could transform into her adult form at will, she had grown accustomed to her childlike state and enjoyed that carefree existence.

However, Shiroha proved too persuasive, arranging a particularly enticing scenario before her. Who could withstand such temptation?

The stimulation was too great, forcing her to revert to her adult form. Otherwise, it would have been inappropriate.

Moreover, Shiroha had motivated her with eloquent words about true sacrifice requiring the courage to offer oneself. Then he had flashed that charming, irresistible smile.

Consequently, she had "sacrificed" herself in a moment of confusion—a thorough, joyful, and ultimately pleasurable "sacrifice."

"Sacrifice" for a while, enjoy for a while—continue "sacrificing" and enjoy continuously. This, Shiroha claimed, was true happiness.

His journey to Hueco Mundo had proven worthwhile indeed.

The two beauties before him were truly captivating—both agile and energetic. Neither was fair-skinned, but one possessed a slender waist and long legs crowned with purple hair; the other had skin like smooth jade.

Shiroha demonstrated through his actions that he held no prejudice. His circle included Shinigami, humans, and Arrancar alike. All beings were equal in his eyes, and he embraced all forms of existence.

Watching Yoruichi Shihōin dress slowly, Shiroha inquired: "Feeling less tense now? You showed remarkable courage earlier. There's no reason to fear Aizen."

The battle on Ichigo's front had concluded, and Shiroha had finished his own "engagement" as well.

The difference was stark: the trio felt hollow after their victory, with "Buddha Ichigo" even developing post-traumatic stress. Meanwhile, Shiroha lived a fulfilling, enjoyable, and contented existence.

In truth, the top combatants in the Bleach universe weren't as impressive as legend suggested. Ichigo, despite possessing divine potential, often performed merely on par with ordinary fighters.

"Buddha Ichigo," embodying the trinity of human, god, and demon, had a high ceiling but an inconsistent floor. His reliability was questionable at best.

Aizen sought godhood but had wandered onto the path of demonhood instead.

Kisuke Urahara appeared to control everything yet had constructed his own cage, becoming a "prison master" like Aizen and Yhwach. He possessed transcendent capabilities but never sought divine status—a prime example of self-limitation.

Yhwach was essentially a cosmic infant. As a final antagonist, his inexplicable defeat was truly pathetic.

But what could one do?

In the entire Bleach universe, only a handful of individuals merited Shiroha's genuine attention. Fortunately, he wasn't obsessed with battle, so he could make do with what was available.

He sustained himself primarily through romance.

"Shut up!" Yoruichi punched Shiroha with her small fist. He was still teasing her even now.

Did this man possess any sense of decorum?

"I believe you were quite pleased earlier," Shiroha remarked, somewhat puzzled. Women's minds truly were difficult to comprehend, regardless of their nature.

They were practically an established couple by now—why maintain this pretense of shyness?