Slime Soul (Tensura x Bleach Crossover) (Patreon)

Chapter 6: Rebirth Beneath White Skies

It took a while for Rukia to finally calm down and set me back down, probably helped by the growing embarrassment she felt when she noticed everyone giving her deadpan looks.

“Aha!” Ichigo pointed accusingly at me. “So that’s why they were calling you Mr. Slime before!”

“So Miss Yoruichi isn’t the only one who can transform,” Sado muttered under his breath, studying me curiously.

“I feel like I’ve heard that line somewhere before,” Uryu said, hand on his chin.

“What even is that weird creature?” Renji asked, blinking.

“As you can see, my original form is that of a slime,” I said, still in my gelatinous shape before shifting back into my humanoid one. “Though I much prefer this form, it also has the benefit of making talking to people a lot simpler.”

“That line you said earlier—‘I’m not a bad slime,’ right?—that was from a video game, wasn’t it?” Ichigo asked suddenly.

“It’s a classic from Dragon Quest, if I remember correctly,” I replied easily before turning to Nel, who was now clinging to my side possessively while giving Rukia the stink eye.

“What is your relationship with Caius?” Nel asked in a low voice, eyes narrowed in suspicion and faint jealousy.

Since Nel still looked like a child, her question was met with chuckles and amused smirks from everyone else. Ichigo and Renji were even giving me knowing, teasing looks that I ignored.

“I have no relationship with him, we just met today,” Rukia said quickly, face flushed as she tried to compose herself from her actions moments before.

“Alright, let’s get back on track,” I said before the situation could spiral any further. “We’re not far from Las Noches now. I suggest everyone relax and conserve their strength, once we get there, I doubt we’ll be getting many breaks between fights.”

My words seemed to ground everyone, reminding them of the danger that lay ahead.

Speaking of which, I needed to fully heal Nel and speak with her adult self about the details of my evolution before we arrive. The stronger she was before the raid started the better, especially since I planned to give her a name after my evolution.

‘I just hope my evolution doesn’t take too long,’ I thought, glancing at Nel. ‘Who knows what could happen in the meantime.’

=====

Having nothing better to do while we traveled across the endless white desert sands, my gaze wandered, and landed on Ichigo’s oversized sword resting across his lap as he chatted with his friends. A little idea sparked.

“Hey, Ichigo,” I called out, grabbing his attention.

“What?” he asked, already sounding annoyed.

“Mind if I take a look at your zanpakutō for a moment?” I asked casually, earning a few curious glances.

“What for?” he shot back, clutching the blade a little tighter, like I was about to run off with it.

“I’m obviously not gonna keep it, dumbass,” I said with an exaggerated eye roll. “I just want to look at it for a bit.”

Renji and Rukia were both eyeing me suspiciously, but I ignored them, keeping my focus on Ichigo. After a few seconds of mutual glaring, he finally sighed in resignation and tossed me his sword. I caught it easily with one hand.

“Thanks,” I said cheerfully. “Now don’t freak out, alright? I’ll give it back in a moment.”

Before anyone could question me, I shifted back into my slime form, and promptly swallowed the entire sword.

“HEY! What’s the big idea, asshole!? Did you just eat my zanpakutō!?” Ichigo yelled, springing to his feet like I’d just kicked his puppy.

His friends weren’t far behind, all staring at me in absolute shock.

“What did I just say?” I replied evenly, focusing inward as I let Great Sage get to work. “Calm your horses, I’m almost done.”

“…How the hell did you expect me to react after pulling a stunt like that!?” Ichigo shouted again, but this time he sat back down with a grumble, his friends following suit.

“Does it taste good?” Nel asked curiously from beside me, peering at my slime body.

I ignored her question and turned my focus inward.

‘Well, Great Sage? Think you can replicate that blade? From what I recall, it’s not a true zanpakutō, just a sword formed from Ichigo’s mixed Shinigami and Hollow powers.’

“Notice. Analysis complete. With Master already possessing both Shinigami and Hollow powers, and Great Sage analyzing both spiritual beings, the formation of a similar combat weapon is possible. While this will serve as a temporary measure until Master acquires magic ore, it will be more than sufficient for the time being.”

‘Perfect,’ I thought with a grin. ‘And I’ve already got an idea where to get some magic ore, we’ll just need some regular ore first. Great work, Great Sage. You really are the best.’

“Notice. Beginning construction process now.”

‘By the way, Great Sage, were you able to analyze any Quincy powers in the sword?’ I asked curiously. I wasn’t entirely sure if Ichigo’s current blade incorporated any Quincy techniques and my memories were not of much help in that matter.

You see I wanted the ability to also use Quincy techniques in the future.

The best part about all this was that, unlike almost everyone else, Ichigo included, I wouldn’t suffer from using all three different powers simultaneously. Being a slime had its perks, and adaptability was one of my finest. Honestly, I was confident that in time, I’d surpass Ichigo in mastering all three powers to an even greater degree.

Slimes were just amazing like that.

“Notice. There were traces of an unknown power within the blade, similar to that of Uryu Ishida. However, insufficient data prevents full analysis. Additional samples required.”

Great Sage’s voice carried the faintest edge of frustration, which somehow amused me.

‘Yeah, that’s about what I expected,’ I mused. ‘No need to rush. I’m sure the chance to devour a full Quincy will present itself eventually. There’s still plenty of them out there.’

My thoughts briefly darkened at the mention of the Wandenreich before I shook it off and refocused. Everyone was still staring at me curiously, though I suppose watching someone eat and then cough up a sword warranted a few odd looks.

A moment later, I spat Ichigo’s zanpakutō back out. He immediately grabbed it and inspected it like a worried parent checking for bruises.

“I didn’t do anything to it, idiot,” I said, shifting back into human form and brushing imaginary dust off my hands. “But thanks for letting me borrow it. That helped a lot.”

“Sure, whatever,” Ichigo muttered, satisfied his sword was intact as he set it back across his lap.

“What exactly did that help with?” Rukia asked suspiciously, her eyes narrowing just a touch.

“In helping me figure out how to make a blade for myself, of course.” I grinned, and then, without warning, shoved my hand into my stomach.

That got a few startled gasps before everyone realized I wasn’t bleeding. Slowly, I pulled my hand free, and with it came a sword.

It was a chokutō, its sleek form nearly identical to Rimuru’s future god-tier Drago Blade. Of course, mine wasn’t even close to that level, more of a stylish prototype, really. But for now, it would serve nicely until I could acquire the proper materials for a true weapon.

A matching sheath came along with it, and I held the finished product up for everyone to see.

“While not a zanpakutō,” I said with a pleased smile, “it’ll do for now.”

“You can just make stuff out of nothing like that?” Ichigo asked, wide-eyed.

“Let’s just say I’m a slime of many talents~” I teased, artfully dodging the question.

Ichigo rolled his eyes and turned back to his friends, though I noticed the more observant ones — Uryu, Rukia, and Renji — watching me with quiet wariness. I pretended not to notice.

“That sword is amazing, Caius~ Can I try it?” Nel asked, bouncing with excitement.

“Why thank you, Nel,” I said, grinning. “But I’m afraid not, you might hurt yourself.”

Nel’s cheeks puffed out in a pout, and she proceeded to give me the silent treatment for the rest of the trip.

‘Now,’ I thought wryly, ‘I just need to figure out how to actually use this thing mid-battle… preferably without embarrassing myself in front of the real Nel later.’

=====

Several Hours Later

With nothing better to do during the long journey, I had Great Sage keep track of the time for me, which, honestly, was the only reason I even knew how long it had been.

Now, several hours later, we finally stood before the walls of Las Noches in all their massive, imposing glory. Up close, the structure was far larger than I’d ever imagined, an endless fortress of white stone stretching toward the dark sky.

Along the way, Rukia and Renji had taken turns questioning me. What I was, why I wanted to help, that sort of thing. I answered what I could, but didn’t give them much beyond surface-level truths. Thankfully, they didn’t push further and went back to chatting with Ichigo and the others.

Truthfully, I didn’t owe them anything, and they didn’t owe me. They were Ichigo’s friends, not mine, and until Aizen was dealt with, and my plans came to fruition, it was best to keep them all at arm’s length.

The only unexpected thing was that Pesche and Dondochakka had fallen into some kind of deep sleep for most of the trip, worrying Nel more than a little. After I reassured her they were fine, we moved on, though I was the only one who knew why they hadn’t woken up until now.

That secret, like so many others, would remain between Great Sage and me until the opportune time came to reveal it.

“We’re here,” I announced, scooping Nel into my arms as I leapt from Bawabawa’s back, landing softly on the white sands of Hueco Mundo.

“Finally,” Ichigo muttered, slinging his massive sword over his back as he jumped down beside me, followed by the rest. “I was getting bored.”

“Those other two are still asleep,” Uryu noted, adjusting his glasses. “Are they planning to stay behind?”

“No, they’ll be joining us,” I said, shaking my head, just as I sensed movement from Bawabawa’s back. “And as a matter of fact… it seems they’re waking up now.”

“Wait for us!” Pesche’s voice rang out dramatically.

“Don’t leave us behind!” Dondochakka followed, equally loud.

The two landed in the sand before us, crouching. Everyone froze, and a few gasps followed — because what stood up afterward were not the same goofy duo we’d been traveling with.

Pesche now looked like a proper Arrancar: white skin, a humanlike appearance, and shoulder-length blond hair. A sheathed zanpakutō hung neatly at his side.

Dondochakka’s change was less extreme, though still striking. He’d lost a full foot in height, but otherwise kept his ridiculous mask and outfit, which now only made him look like someone had hit “shrink” on a clown-themed action figure.

Still, their power had skyrocketed, easily tripled, if my senses were right.

“W–What the heck happened to you guys!?” Ichigo demanded, pointing at them in disbelief.

“And how did your reiatsu increase so drastically?” Uryu added, eyes narrowing in analysis. “Is this the Resurrección form the Arrancar use?”

“It was all thanks to Caius-sama!” Pesche announced proudly, striking a heroic pose. “When he named us, we felt his strength flow into us, and we evolved!”

“…A name made you stronger?” Ichigo asked, completely lost, before rounding on me. “Hey, Caius, care to explain that?”

“Later,” I said firmly, holding up a hand. “Right now, remember where we are. As of this moment, we’re inside enemy territory. No more yelling.”

That shut them up.

Then I turned to Nel, kneeling down beside her and gently patting her masked head with a small smile. Her eyes blinked up at me, curious and full of trust.

“Nel,” I began softly, brushing her mask once more, “please don’t be mad about what I’m about to do. But if you’re really going to come with us, then… I don’t think this form is suited for what’s ahead. And while I promise to protect you,” I sighed, my voice low, “I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to keep that promise with the enemies waiting for us.”

Nel tilted her head, not quite understanding, at least not at first.

“…Can you make Nel stronger?” she finally asked, her voice quiet but steady, those big eyes locking onto mine.

“I can,” I said, giving a small, reassuring nod.

“Then please do it,” she said without hesitation, resolve blazing in her expression. “Nel wants to protect Caius and everyone!”

Gasps erupted behind me at what I was clearly implying.

“You expect Nel to fight alongside us!?” Ichigo shouted, outraged. “Are you out of your damn mind? She’s just a child!”

“She’s not a child,” I said evenly without turning around. My tone alone was enough to make them pause.

“W–What are you, blind!?” Renji yelled, throwing up his hands. “She’s clearly a kid!”

“Nel-sama is truly not a child,” Pesche interjected seriously, nodding once.

“That’s right, don’t cha know!” Dondochakka added in agreement.

“We were once her subordinates you know? We promised to protect Nel-sama ever since she lost her powers,” Pesche said, bowing solemnly. “But if she’s made the decision to fight again, then we will stand at her side.”

“All of you are talking nonsense!” Ichigo barked, but before he could get another word out—

“Just shut up and watch,” I cut him off, finally turning back toward Nel.

Focusing on my Biokinesis skill, I placed my hand gently on her mask and healed the final crack. Then, taking a slow step back, I murmured under my breath, “I hope you don’t hate me for this, Nel.”

A faint gasp escaped her lips, and then her entire body began to glow.

A plume of white smoke burst outward, wrapping around her like a cocoon. A second later the air grew heavy, humming with an overwhelming surge of spiritual pressure that rippled across the sands.

Even Ichigo and the others fell silent as the weight of Nel’s power pressed down on them, their protests dying in their throats.

Nel’s massive spiritual pressure finally began to settle moments later, the suffocating weight in the air slowly lifting as the smoke around her dispersed.

We all watched with bated breath.

And then, there she was.

A tall woman stood before us, her long green hair cascading down her back in soft waves, her hazel eyes bright and full of warmth. The remnants of her earlier rags had split, leaving a modest amount of fabric that somehow managed to both cover the essentials and expose way too much skin.

Nel—no, Neliel—was absolutely stunning.

I found myself frozen, my gaze helplessly transfixed on her as she turned to look around. When her eyes finally landed on me, I felt my throat go dry.

I barely had time to react before the familiar sound of Sonido cracked the air, then suddenly, my world went dark and soft.

“Caaaaiiiuuss!~” Nel squealed happily, wrapping me in a bone-crushing hug and shoving my face directly into her chest. “I can’t believe you healed me! And Pesche and Dondochakka too! Thank you sooo much!~”

“Neliel-sama! We’re so glad to see you recovered!” Pesche cried out, dropping to one knee in reverence.

“So glad!” Dondochakka echoed tearfully, his mask glistening with exaggerated streams of tears.

“Pesche! Dondochakka!” Nel beamed down at them, her voice rich and warm. “I’m so happy to see you both in your true forms again~ Thank you for protecting me all this time.”

All the while, she still hadn’t let me go.

“C-C-Could someone please explain what the hell just happened!?” Ichigo finally exploded, waving his arms wildly. “And why is Nel suddenly all grown up!?”

All of Ichigo’s friends were frozen in disbelief, mouths agape. Ichigo himself looked like he was about to rip his own hair out, his face bright red as he desperately tried, and failed, not to look anywhere below Nel’s neck.

“…Um, who are you guys again?” Nel asked innocently, tilting her head in confusion.

They all fell over anime-style into the sand.

As for me? I just stayed exactly where I was, quietly enjoying the softness of her breasts while a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. She wasn’t mad, if anything, she was happier than ever.

‘The Third Espadas sure are beauties,’ I mused to myself faintly. ‘Both the previous and current one have bodies that could put supermodels to shame. Is that some kind of requirement or something?’