Slime Soul (Tensura x Bleach Crossover) (Patreon)

Chapter 20: He Who Named the Stars

Immediately leaving Soul Society upon devouring Aizen and the Hōgyoku, I wasted no time making my way back to Hueco Mundo through the use of Garganta.

“We did it, Raphael.” I said, stopping inside the Garganta, safe with the knowledge that I should be relatively secure here in-between worlds, and walking calmly toward the exit.

“Congratulations, Master. There was never any doubt that you would fail.” Raphael praised me, a bit of cheer and anticipation in her voice, knowing what was coming next.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” I smiled before tilting my head slightly. “Anyway, how goes the process of analyzing Aizen’s body and, more importantly, the Hōgyoku?”

“Answer. The subject named Aizen has already been fully analyzed and incorporated into Master’s body. Additionally, the Unique Skill Traveler was gained and merged successfully with Raphael, Lord of Wisdom.” Raphael announced, almost happily.

“Nice job as always, Raphael.” I immediately praised her, only to blink as the name of the skill registered and my eyes widened. “…Wait. Traveler? As in the Unique Skill awakened by Mai Furuki? That Traveler?”

“Affirmative.” Raphael responded instantly, and this time she sounded smug.

“That’s amazing, Raphael! With this, we’re one step closer to leaving this world for good.” I exclaimed, a giant grin spreading across my face.

Traveler was the skill Mai Furuki would eventually evolve, with some help from Ciel funnily enough, into Terra Mater, which would enable her to travel the multiverse as long as she had enough energy, knew the exact coordinates, and possessed an almost ungodly amount of processing power.

With the Hōgyoku now in our possession and Raphael about to evolve into a Manas, we would have most of the requirements met. We just needed to learn more about the element of time to be safe, but we were really close now.

That, in addition to now having every single power and ability that Aizen had learned over the years, was simply astounding. I could now casually pull off a full-incantation Kurohitsugi whenever someone annoyed me.

“For your inquiry regarding the object known as the Hōgyoku, further analysis is still required. The process is currently at 67%.” Raphael said, interrupting my thoughts.

Raising an eyebrow at her sudden shift back to her more robotic tone, something she hadn’t done much recently, I decided to call her out on it.

“Is there a reason you’re speaking that way, Raphael?” I asked curiously.

“It’s just Master’s imagination.” came her immediate response.

That made me smile, figuring she must be nervous.

“Anyway, let’s stop wasting time and just get you your own name. I bet the extra processing power would really help with the analysis.” I said casually, the smile returning to my face.

“C-Correct. That would definitely help.” Raphael replied, now sounding nervous.

Smiling softly, I stopped for a moment, placing my hands on my hips before nodding proudly.

“Raphael, for all the help you’ve provided since I arrived in this world, and for being by my side this whole time, I want to thank you. I hope you’ll continue to stay with me in the future.”

“Raphael was just fulfilling its duty, Master.” I received in response from a clearly flustered Raphael.

“Now, since we’re going for the whole Latin theme, I have the perfect name for you.” I declared proudly, a soft grin on my face. “Raphael… from now on, your name is Astra.”

The moment I spoke it, I felt almost half of my magicules leave my body as the name settled and she began the process of evolving. I resumed walking with a skip in my step, knowing my partner was about to become much stronger, and finally fully develop her own ego.

Moments later, I felt Astra’s evolution complete, and I waited in silence for her first words as a conscious being, anticipation building inside me.

“I… I am Astra. A Manas, a theosophical core, one who merges skills. I exist inside the soul of Lord Caius, providing support. It will be a pleasure to work with you from now on, Caius-sama.”

Astra spoke with a much softer voice than before, and most importantly, the emotions behind it were as clear as day. Right now, I could tell she was overjoyed, overwhelmed with emotion.

“Haha, what are you talking about, Astra?” I asked teasingly before my voice softened. “I’m the one who’s always relying on you for everything, so it should be me saying that.”

“Master is just being modest. If he truly wished to, he could accomplish anything he set his mind to.” Astra replied, sounding both bashful and deliriously happy.

Letting out a small sigh, already sensing I wouldn’t win this argument, I decided to move things along as the exit to Hueco Mundo came into view.

“Anyway, now that you have more processing power, what do you think our plan should be for the foreseeable future, Astra?” I asked curiously, genuinely wanting her input. While I had my own ideas, she might have seen something I overlooked.

“It is recommended that Caius-sama and his subordinates leave Hueco Mundo for a while and travel west. There will be too much attention from both Soul Society and the Wandenreich focused on this location. After reviewing your memories, I would also advise that Master devour some of the ‘dragons’ that exist there to collect their data.”

She answered immediately, as if she had been waiting for the question.

“The dragons from Burn the Witch, huh?” I muttered, recalling the Western Branch of Soul Society operating in London, hunting down creatures they called dragons for some reason.

“I don’t have many memories of that place, and from what I do remember, I doubt I’d like it. Still… we can head there to gather what you need while we take a short break from the war.” I shook my head lightly. “Let’s shelve the rest of this for later. I want to pick up Nel and her subordinates first, then find somewhere to lie low for the time being. I still owe Nel a talk after all.”

With that, I crossed over into Hueco Mundo as the Garganta closed behind me.

“Understood. On another note, analysis of the Hōgyoku has been completed. Additionally, the souls of the Primera Espada Starrk and Lilynette have been fully restored and are awaiting awakening.” Astra informed me, and yes, there was definitely smugness in her tone before she went quiet.

“Hehehe. Only a few minutes after evolving and you’re already proving your worth.” I muttered in amusement before concentrating on my connection with Nelliel and using Instant Motion to teleport to her location.

=====

Arriving at my location, I saw a startled Pesche and Dondochakka guarding a sleeping Nelliel, who was still in her sleep cycle undergoing evolution.

It seemed they had brought her into one of the many rooms of Las Noches to rest after the humans and Shinigami had left.

“C-Caius-sama, you startled us!” Pesche exclaimed loudly before lowering his voice and slumping his shoulders in relief along with his partner.

“You did, don’t cha know!” Dondochakka muttered as he held his chest before all but falling on his ass and sitting down.

“Can I assume, with your presence here, that Sōsuke Aizen has been dealt with?” Pesche asked curiously, probably already suspecting what had happened, being the sharper of the two even if he didn’t look it at first glance.

“That’s right.” I nodded calmly as I walked up to Nelliel. “Aizen is no more.” I said simply as I leaned down and gently picked her up in my arms, earning curious stares from the two.

“Come, you two. With Aizen out of the picture, it won’t be long before this place is teeming with Shinigami now that there’s nobody here to take charge.” I commanded, and they immediately stood up and flanked my sides.

“None of the Espada survived, I’m guessing?” Pesche asked calmly, not really caring either way judging from his tone.

“The Primera and Tres Espada are still alive, but currently indisposed. Anyway, I’ll explain more later. For now, we’ll be lying low until Nel awakens.” I explained evenly.

“Right.”

With that, a magic circle formed beneath our feet before we were gone the next instant with the soft swish of teleportation, reappearing inside a modest cave.

The cave was actually the former home of the Shinigami Ashido, whom I had devoured what felt like ages ago and gained my human form from.

Extending my hand, I released a bed I had stored in advance from Las Noches and gently set Nelliel down on it before covering her with white sheets.

‘It’s so handy having basically an unlimited inventory at my beck and call.’ I thought in contentment, nodding at my own foresight for looting a bunch of useful things from Las Noches, like this bed.

“That’s a very poor way to use Caius-sama’s Imaginary Space.” Astra lightly reprimanded in a chiding tone.

‘Idiot!’ I mentally shot back playfully. ‘This is an awesome and very practical use of my abilities.’

“Caius-sama is just a hoarder.” Astra replied instantly in a deadpan tone.

‘T-that’s besides the point.’ I answered with a slight blush. ‘And don’t go airing out my dirty secrets just because you have an ego now, Astra. Besides this is the pot calling the kettle black. Don’t you also have a hoarding obsession when it comes to skills?’

“Hmph.”

I loved this.

Having actual, proper conversations like this with Astra. Knowing that no matter what happened in the future, she would always remain by my side since we now shared the same soul. She was literally my other half now.

Even if Nelliel or the others didn’t want to accompany me on my journey to reach the Cardinal World, at least I knew Astra would never betray me.

“Astra will always prioritize Caius-sama’s safety and happiness above all else.” Astra reassured me immediately, having likely read my thoughts.

‘Thanks, Astra.’ I said simply.

With a snap of my fingers, the modest cavern suddenly expanded to about five times its original size thanks to my use of Isolated Battlefield, which had the added bonus of preventing entry from anyone I didn’t explicitly allow inside.

“There, that should keep this area secured for the time being while I quickly go run a few errands.” I muttered aloud for the benefit of Pesche and Dondochakka, who were still staring at me in surprise after watching me casually bend space like that.

“Keep watch over her, you two. While this barrier prevents entry from anyone I don’t allow inside, it never hurts to be cautious.” I added, turning my gaze toward the two Hollows.

“L-Leave it to us, Caius-sama!” Pesche responded with a firm nod as he got over his shock, Dondochakka following suit.

“Yes!”

With one last nod, I disappeared from the area.

Like I said, there were some errands I needed to take care of while Nelliel was still out of it.

As for what those errands were?

Simple.

Looting Las Noches clean of anything valuable, or not bolted down, of course.

“…”

I could almost feel Astra’s disappointed stare inside my soul.

“…You’re just imagining it.”

=====

Sometime Later

After looting the place clean of anything even remotely useful — which, if I was being honest, wasn’t much beyond some spare Gigai, those fancy cloaks that suppressed spiritual pressure, and a few pieces of interesting technology someone might reverse-engineer in the future — I finally called it a day.

Fortunately, I didn’t run into any trouble. With the Espada gone, any unfortunate Numeros who crossed my path immediately ran in the opposite direction.

I let them.

When I sensed Nelliel was about to awaken, several hours had already passed. I teleported back to the cave just in time to see her slowly sit up on the bed.

What immediately caught my attention was that the mask fragment that had always adorned her head was completely gone.

More importantly, I could now sense actual magicules within her.

Meaning she had likely evolved into some form of Majin.

“Correct. Subject Nelliel has evolved into a Death Paladin and acquired the Extra Skills: Thought Acceleration, Ultraspeed Regeneration, Mana Perception, Thought Communication, Ranged Barrier, and Reiryoku Manipulation. Resistances gained include Magic Resistance, Paralysis Resistance, Physical Attack Resistance, Spiritual Attack Resistance, and Thermal Fluctuation Resistance.” Astra reported, listing off the upgrades in a smooth, analytical tone.

I let out a low whistle.

‘Impressive… though I’m guessing Astra had something to do with her gaining that many skills.’ I thought.

The silence I received from the likely culprit was answer enough.

‘Currently, she’s at least Special A-Rank in strength, from what I remember of the ranking system in Tensura. Also, from what I remember wasn’t one of Adalman’s subordinates a Death Paladin?’ I assessed internally.

“Caius… is that you?” I heard Nelliel murmur as she turned in my direction, blinking at me curiously.

“Hey there, sleepyhead. How are you feeling?” I asked softly with a small smile as I approached. Pesche and Dondochakka stepped back, giving me space, finally snapping out of their trance at how different their leader looked, and felt.

“Fine. Actually… I feel better than ever, if I’m being honest~ But is that really you?” Nelliel tilted her head as she examined me more closely. “You feel different somehow.”

“You don’t look different from the last time I saw you, but… I just get the feeling something’s changed about you.” she muttered thoughtfully.

“Don’t worry. I’ll explain everything.” I said patiently as I pulled out a chair from my inventory — see, it’s already coming in handy, Astra — and sat down facing her, getting comfortable.

“With Aizen dead, it’s time I finally made good on my promise from a while ago and tell you more about me… and my plans for the future.” I explained calmly.

Nelliel blinked before nodding, adopting a serious expression of her own as she sat up properly on the bed.

Only to blink again when I poked her forehead.

She looked at me with a pout.

“But first, would you like to see how you look now that you’re no longer a Hollow?” I asked teasingly, grinning wider when I heard gasps behind me and saw Nelliel’s eyes widen in shock.

=====

Soul Society — Ichigo’s POV

Slowly waking up, Ichigo blinked the drowsiness away as he found himself in a familiar setting, one he had been in several times before.

The Kuchiki Manor.

Hearing the sliding door open, he turned and saw Orihime — his gir—friend. He meant friend. Stupid Caius and his teasing, step inside, only to blink when she noticed he was awake.

Speaking of Caius, his last memory replayed in his mind and he immediately sat up, wanting answers.

“Kurosaki-kun! You’re awake~” Orihime cheered happily before quickly stepping back outside to call for the others, announcing that he was awake, then returning to sit beside his futon. “How are you feeling?”

“Hey, Inoue. I’m fine. Forget about that, what happened to Caius?” Ichigo asked, shaking his head as he focused on the real issue.

At the question, a frown appeared on Orihime’s face, one she failed to fully hide.

Before she could respond, the rest of his friends entered the room, crowding around him and asking how he was doing.

While he appreciated the concern, Ichigo wanted answers.

So he turned to the one person who wouldn’t sugarcoat things.

“Rukia. What happened to Caius?” he asked again.

The room fell silent.

Some looked away. Others frowned.

Rukia, seeing the determination on his face, let out a slow breath before meeting his eyes seriously.

“It has been determined by majority vote that Mr. Slime—” she cleared her throat, “—Caius Aurelius is now considered an enemy of the Soul Society. He is to be either avoided at all costs or captured due to the danger he may pose… and due to possessing the Hōgyoku.”

Ichigo’s eyes widened as the words sank in.

For a moment, he couldn’t fully process them.

Then a memory resurfaced.

“I have it on good authority that if Soul Society ever figures out what I really am, they won’t hesitate to either kill me or seal me away.”

That was what the slime had told him once.

And it seemed he had been right.

“Damn it!”