Chapter 18: Karakura Superheroes
Karakura Town
After having a completely new Quincy uniform crafted for her by Uryu, the first few days of Yuzu's new routine pass, allowing both her and her mentors to become acclimated to it. Ultimately, it was decided that Yuzu only needed to come into contact with one Fullbringer and one Quincy during the days she did train—however today was odd in that it was probably the best combination, as far as Yuzu was concerned. Chad and Candice, unable to deny the girl, accompany her to one of Don Kanonji's ghost rallies in downtown Karakura.
"Bohahaha!" Yuzu laughs, crossing her arms while placing her hands on her shoulders.
Currently, the girl wears a bright orange long-sleeved jacket, a light tan beret, and a long green dress. Underneath the jacket, the girl wears a white T-shirt with a large light blue cross.
Chad, wearing his pink flower shirt and long tan pants, smiles at the display, as this is always how he remembered Yuzu while Ichigo was alive.
Candice, on the other hand, furrows her eyebrows, unable to avoid blurting out what comes to mind, as their voices are drowned out in the crowd, "I don't get it. Why do you want to come to this thing if you can see actual spirits now? It makes no sense to me…"
The woman wears a casual outfit different than her usual one. She wears a black beanie and dark green leather jacket with white fur on collar and the wrists. Underneath the coat is a black top. More unusual for the woman is the long, lime green pants she wears, which are held by a brown buckle. Her heart-shaped belt buckle pokes out of one of her jacket pockets.
Yuzu looks up at the woman before frowning, "It's not about whether you can or can't see the spirits—it's about the atmosphere, y'know?"
Candice shrugs, "I guess… but in that case, I'd rather go to an electric rock concert or something like that. Especially if it's a hot boy band."
Candice licks her lips lustfully at the thought.
Yuzu furrows her brow at this, "I just don't get you sometimes, Candice…"
The older Quincy shrugs, "That's probably for the best, kid."
Candice then ruffles the girl's hair as Chad nods in agreement, not liking the idea of Yuzu understanding such concepts.
"Chad?! Woah! Haven't seen you in a while!", a voice calls out to Chad's right.
Chad turns to face who addressed him, blocking the two Quincies from the view of the approaching individual.
"Hey.", is all Chad responds with.
Greeting Chad are a pair of boys. The first has long brown hair then falls past his ears. He wears a striped white and brown button up short-sleeved, collared shirt and light brown pants. The second shorter, black-haired boy wears black pants and a white t-shirt with blue sleeves.
The brown-haired boy complains loudly, "I've barely seen or heard from you in weeks and 'Hey' is the only thing you have to say?! Look, I know it must be hard for you, man, but it's hard for me too…"
Chad's gaze softens as he looks down at his friends and classmates, Keigo Asano and Mizuiro Kojima.
"Sorry… I've been busy." Chad offers an excuse dejectedly.
Mizuiro shakes his head, "No need, I get it. Asano here just can't help it. You know how he is."
Chad nods understandingly.
"Not even a minute and you guys are ganging up on me again?! Aw man, you guys never change! Always poor ol' Keigo that's the butt of the joke! Oh woe is me!" Keigo whines dramatically, which causes someone behind Chad to giggle.
Mizuiro raises a brow as Chad steps back to reveal that he is with two other individuals.
Mizuiro's eyes widen, "Ichigo's kid sister…?"
Just then Keigo starts shaking Chad's hand, letting tears flow freely, "Oh Chad! You are a true bro, looking after Ichigo's sister like that! You should have told me that's what you were doing, I would've skipped class with you."
Mizuiro shakes his head, "Did you forget that you're already failing most of your classes, Asano? You can't skip any more or else you'll get suspended…"
Keigo snaps back at Mizuiro, "Oh, you're one to talk! You're in the same boat as me!"
Mizuiro shrugs, "Well, at least I'm self-aware about it."
Candice eyes the exchange with a raised brow while Yuzu can't help but giggle constantly, always finding Ichigo's friends to be good company.
Mizuiro glances at Candice, his eyes widening briefly, before looking back at Chad, "Hey Chad? Is that fine lady there with you as well?"
Chad nods, prompting Keigo to deadpan, while patting Chad on the shoulder, "Huh—?"
Mizuiro nods in understanding before looking back at Candice with a friendly smile, "My name's Mizuiro Kojima, a pleasure to meet you ma'am."
Mizuiro bows briefly at the woman, prompting her to raise her hand, as if shooing a fly away, "No need to be formal like that, boy. It makes me feel old… The name's Candice."
Mizuiro once more nods in understanding, "I didn't mean anything by it. You don't look a day over twenty, miss."
Candice blushes lightly before ruffling her hair, wearing a smirk, "Quite the gentleman, aren't you? Can't blame you for thinking that, though—I do look quite young and attractive, don't I?"
Mizuiro nods, "Indeed. It's rare to find a woman as stunning as yourself in Japan."
Candice huffs at this, "I know right?! The fashion around here is just too modest! It's like they don't want women showing themselves off at all, y'know?!"
Mizuiro's brow furrows a degree at this, "That's not what I—"
Mizuiro is cut off mid-sentence by Keigo, who suddenly starts shouting at Chad, "YOU'VE BEEN HANGING WITH THIS HOTTY MC-BODY ALL THIS TIME AND NEGLECTED TO TELL ME?! SERIOUSLY, THIS IS THE WORST BETRAYAL!"
Keigo's tears come even more freely. Chad sweat drops, while Yuzu continues to laugh.
Chad casually responds, "Uh… I guess I didn't tell you I was with adult women, but I hardly see how that's relevant—"
"There's MORE?! Sheesh Chad, you really are a Chad… no one left for poor old Keigo…" Keigo sulks, beginning to assume the fettle position.
Candice can't help but scoff at this, "Hmph. I'd hate to break it to you kid, but Chad here isn't really my type—I don't like young boys… although some of my… associates probably do."
Chad pales at the implications of her last statement, while Keigo shoots up to his feet, revitalized with energy before flinging himself at the woman, "Well, in that case, my name is Keigo Asano, nice to meet ya!"
The next moment, Keigo quickly becomes confused, "Why's it all dark? What's this weird sensation?"
Keigo had leaped expecting the woman to either dodge or punch him away, as he had become accustomed to by this point. However, Candice did nothing, leaving the boy to face plant directly into her cleavage. Keigo's spine twitches, feeling as though a current of electricity has poured into his body, as he feels a hand tug aggressively at his hair, forcing his eyes to meet two light green ones.
"Feeling lucky, are we? Think you can handle a woman like me? ~" Candice states with a predatory gaze, partially sticking her tongue out to emphasize such.
Keigo's mind goes blank as he starts to sweat, his instincts going in to overdrive.
"Uh—um…" Keigo can hardly let out a word, having no experience of being in this type of situation.
Just then, Yuzu pulls on Keigo's arm, taking him out of Candice's grip.
"Stop it, Candice! You're making him uncomfortable!" the girl pouts, not liking the look her mentor was giving the boy.
Candice scoffs at Yuzu's statement, "Learn to take a joke, kid. I was only teasing… not that he wasn't asking for it. Besides, I already said I'm not into little boys."
Meanwhile, Mizuiro is waving his hand in front of Keigo's flabbergasted face, "Asano? Asano?! Hey, is anyone in there?"
Keigo finally responds when Mizuiro snaps his fingers right next to his ear, "Can't a guy enjoy reminiscing on his first steps towards manhood in peace?!"
Mizuiro sighs before giving his friend a light smile, "Sure, but not in public. You really ought to learn how to keep up appearances, Asano. You won't ever land an actual date like that, y'know."
Keigo scoffs, "Who cares about that?! I just copped a feel for the first time in my life! I could die right now without having any regrets! YOU HEAR THAT WORLD?! I, KEIGO ASANO, HAVE ACHIEVED TRUE ENLIGHTENMENT!"
Those around the group sweat drop as the host sends the boy a brief glance as he continues to give his performance.
Keigo's glare shifts back to Candice with a glint in his eye, "Next step is to successfully go on a date!"
"The hell—? I just said I didn't like little boys!" Candice snaps at the boy, irritated by his disregard for her earlier statements.
Regardless, Keigo presses on.
"Well, I don't see any reason I can't continue to pursue someone I've set my mind on after coming to legal age! No way! Keigo Asano never gives up!", the boy balls his hand into a fist, holding it up dramatically in front of his face, as a fire has been lit behind his eyes.
Mizuiro decides to cut in, "Well last time I saw you ask a girl out, she slapped you in the face in front of everyone and called you gross for peeping on her during gym class."
Keigo pales at this, "Uh… well, that was a misstep on my part, but life's about learning from those types of things, y'know?!"
Mizuiro looks skeptical, "Right…"
Candice is surprised by the boy's seemingly endless optimism, "Well… I guess you're not wrong there… but still, I'm out of your league, kid."
The woman crosses her arms, seemingly wanting the conversation to be over.
Keigo still doesn't relent, "Out of my league? Of course, you are! I don't think anyone here can compare. Besides, everyone is out of my league—"
Keigo stops at these words.
"He finally admitted it…" Mizuiro whispers to Chad from behind the boy.
"Mhm." Chad agrees, nodding his head.
Keigo sees Yuzu still giggling at the display while Candice is the only one staring at him with a look of genuine shock.
Suddenly, the booming voice of Don Kanonji calls out, "You there, strapping lad with the long brown hair. Would you care to assist my humble self on this night?!"
The crowd follows Kanonji's gaze, landing on Keigo.
"Huh? Me?!" Keigo shouts, confused at being singled out.
Kanonji nods, "Indeed. There is a spirit about, I can feel it! You must've all heard the rumors of the girl dressed in white, disappearing and reappearing across Karakura at random! I can sense she is a spirit! I shall need help laying her soul to rest on this night. Of course, my trusty camera crew will follow us around, so you will have guaranteed fame!"
Keigo's eyes light up at this, "Are you crazy?! Of course, I'll help!"
Don Kanonji notices how the girl next to him looks disappointed as Keigo makes his way through the crowd before deciding to add, "And because I'm such a good guy, I'll allow your friends to accompany us! A whole gang of Karakura Superheroes!"
The crowd roars at this and Yuzu can't help but get gitty, at the opportunity to perform with her star. The others look much less interested, but begrudgingly make their way to the stage as well.
Kanonji names each of the group a specific color. Chad as Karakura Red. Mizuiro as Karakura Blue. Yuzu as Karakura Yellow. Candice as Karakura Green. And finally, Keigo as Karakura Brown.
"BROWN?! THAT'S SO LAME!", but Kanonji ignores Keigo's whining, naming himself Karakura Rainbow.
Kanonji declares, "Now, the last place the girl was seen was in the park down the street. Come, let's go there in MY CAR!"
Suddenly an engine roars causing the group to look to the side of the stage where a pink convertible sits.
Candice sighs, "Well, shit… can't I expected I'd be doing this tonight…"
The group then squeezes into the car and races away, leaving the cameramen to scramble into their van and race off after them.
On the stage, a giant screen lights up which displays the live footage of the cameramen pursuing the group.
Among the spectators stand Orihime and Tatsuki, each with looks of total bewilderment on their faces.
Orihime is the first to say something, shifting to an enthusiastic smile, "Well that's good for Yuzu! I'm happy she can enjoy her night!"
Tatsuki rubs the back of her head, "Yeah, I guess… but who was that woman they were with? She looked like a total knockout."
A distance behind the two of them stands Uryu, wondering the same thing as Tatsuki.
On a Nearby Rooftop
"What do we do, Captain?", Squad 6's Vice-Captain, Renji Abarai, asks.
Byakuya eyes the young girl with dirty blonde hair carefully, before turning on his heel to leave.
Renji gives his captain a questioning look, "Captain?"
Byakuya doesn't bother looking back at his Vice-Captain, "This is a waste of our time Renji. White won't appear here. It would seem Captain Shiba was worried for nothing."
Renji looks off in the direction of the escaping car, "But what about that Kanonji guy?"
Byakuya explains, "They are heading towards Squad 5's part of town. If anything happens, Captain Aizen will deal with it."
Renji nods as he follows his captain into the darkness of night.
Karakura Town
After a few minutes of driving, the group notices that there is, in fact, a girl standing in the middle of the park wearing nothing but a white dress and hat, the moon fully illuminating her figure.
"And she…" Don Kanonji whispers to the group as they get out of the car, "…shall be known as Karakura White."
As the group approaches, the girl faces them with a expression of mild surprise on her face. Candice feels that something isn't quite right with the girl, but chooses not to comment.
The girl looks at Kanonji, who approaches her, "I shall free your soul, oh troubled spirit! I do so in the name of all that is righteous and good—"
The girl walks right past Kanonji, causing him to flinch and deadpan.
The girl halts her march and addresses Yuzu with what looks to Chad like a fake smile, "What is your name, girl?"
Yuzu stammers, "M-me? I-I'm Karakura Yellow!"
The girl performs some odd poses. Kanonji nods in approval at Yuzu's actions.
The girl in white doesn't react to any of Yuzu's poses, again asking, "What is your name?"
Yuzu's expression becomes a bit more serious as she gives her true name, "I am Yuzu Kurosaki."
The girl in the hat widens her eyes slightly at this, before phrasing another question, "Are you related to Ichigo Kurosaki?"
At this point, Candice and Chad assume a defensive position in front of Yuzu while Keigo and Mizuiro are too shocked to speak.
Kanonji looks at them, confused, "What's the matter, why're y'all so shook up by this?"
Keigo answers, with a serious expression, "Ichigo was our friend… and her older brother. He died recently."
Kanonji gasps at this, before maintaining a serious expression of his own, "My condolences to you all… but that leaves the question, how do you know of Ichigo, Karakura White?!"
The Don points his staff at the girl accusingly.
Before the girl can answer, Yuzu shouts out, unable to contain herself, "Have you seen my brother's spirit? Has he passed on?! Please I must know he's alright!"
The girl looks at Yuzu dubiously for a moment, as if contemplating something, before answering, "I… may have seen the one once known as Ichigo Kurosaki, but I am unsure. What kind of person would you say he was?"
Candice and Chad do not like the girl's seeming interest in Ichigo, while Keigo and Mizuiro wear unreadable expressions.
Yuzu once more answers, "He was the kindest person I ever knew. No matter what, he'd always protect his friends and family."
Chad, Keigo, and Mizuiro nod in agreement with Yuzu's analysis of Ichigo's person.
The girl seems almost disappointed at this, "I see… that doesn't sound like who I'm thinking of… what did he look like?"
Yuzu shakes her head, "I don't see why it would matter, because there is no way my brother would be anything other than what I said… but his most notable feature was his strawberry orange hair."
The girl's eyes widen slightly at this, which Yuzu doesn't miss, "Please, if you know anything you must tell me!"
The young girl nearly has tears in her eyes at this point.
The girl in white shakes her head, "No. Although who I am thinking of has orange hair, I highly doubt that individual is the person you described to me. In fact, I'd say they are the opposite…"
Yuzu is disheartened, prompting Chad to place a hand of support on her shoulder.
Although, secretly, the girl in white has all the confirmation to assert that the individual they are thinking about is, in fact, Ichigo Kurosaki. She laments that she cannot tell the girl such, but her master has directly ordered her not to.
Kanonji approaches, "Say, Karakura White, you look gloomy. Why don't we all talk this over some ice cream?"
Candice scoffs, "In the middle of the night…? The hell—?"
Kanonji gives Candice a glare, "I would urge you to refrain from such words, madam. This is a children's show, y'know! That's why we can have ice cream at any time of the day."
Kanonji shifts his gaze back on Karakura White, "Tell me, what is your true name, oh white spirit?"
This causes the girl to be silent for a moment before answering, "You can call me Roka…"
Ice Cream Parlor, Karakura Town
Kanonji leads the group to an ice cream parlor down the road, which he paid the owner to open even at such an unreasonable hour. Yuzu is enjoying her ice cream, seemingly having the sad thoughts of Ichigo pushed to the back of her mind, which is something Chad appreciates, seeing that was what Kanonji's true intentions were. Kanonji sits next to Roka, teaching her how to use a spoon, as she evidently isn't familiar with it.
Roka suddenly asks Kanonji a question that grabs the attention of the others, as it was quite odd, "I don't get it. What's the point of eating something so cold? It's not efficient…"
Kanonji shakes his head, lamenting that her history up until now must have been quite sad, "No, no! Ice cream is something that should be enjoyed, you feel me? We don't eat it because we feel we need to, or even to live healthier lives! We eat it because it is sweet! Not only that, but it makes the perfect activity for fun, social outings. Life should be enjoyed, Ms. Roka, and it looks like that is something you have been lacking so far…"
Roka's eyes widen slightly, thinking, "He sounds a lot like Master Nelliel…"
"Exactly! Life without pleasure is pointless! I for one would rather off myself than exist without it!" Candice shouts loudly, as she pours some Vodka into the vanilla float she had concocted.
"I think you've had a bit much, Ms. Candice…" Mizuiro sweat drops from behind Keigo, who is occupying the seat next to the woman.
Candice eyes Mizuiro with an irritated expression, "Too much?! Oh please, this ain't nothin'!"
Keigo eyes the vodka for a moment, considering all the foul things he's heard about the taste of alcohol in general.
Candice catches his gaze and wags her finger around, resting it on his lip, causing him to flinch, "Young boys like you aren't allowed to drink. ~ You'll have to wait for a few years—even then I doubt you'll be anything but a lightweight."
Keigo huffs at this, "Well I'll just have to show you when the time comes! I'll prove you wrong by beating you in a drinking game! And when then happens, you'll stop treating me like a kid… and maybe…"
Keigo shuffles at this.
Candice raises a brow, "And maybe 'what'?"
The boy looks at her with a serious face, "And maybe you'll go on a date with me."
Mizuiro snickers at this while Chad spits out his drink all over the wall, causing Yuzu to look up at him with a concerned look, before he wears an incredibly urgent expression, "Keigo, don't—"
Candice gives the tall boy a glare, making him hold his tongue.
Candice grins at the boy, sticking her tongue out in a somewhat predatory way, finding the idea amusing, "Oh really? So, what happens if I win?"
Keigo looks away, "I don't know. I'll do whatever you want—because I don't intend on losing!"
Candice chuckles at this, crossing her legs, "All right then, boy. I'll let you know when the time comes. Just don't forget about your promise by pursuing other women—I'll take it personally!"
Chad shudders on behalf of his friend, as he sees bits of sparks fly off the woman's hair, which his two friends aren't able to see.
"Deal." Keigo states as the two shake on it, making it official.
Candice returns to her semi-beverage, while Mizuiro urgently whispers to Keigo, "You can still probably back out of this! You shouldn't have done that… both of your parents are lightweights, no way you'll win. Even if you could win, there is no way you won't lust over another woman for the next couple years! Trust me, I speak from experience!"
Keigo gives his friend a reassuring look and thumbs up, "Don't worry, defying impossible odds is what Keigo Asano does best! If there is a will there is a way, and the will is definitely there!"
Keigo stands up and fist pumps into the air, "Because you've gotta know busty chicks are my type!"
Mizuiro shakes his head, having lost hope in his friend.
Candice chuckles, sipping more of her vodka, before addressing the dark-haired boy in a drunken tone, "Look, kid. I know you've been trying to put the moves on me as well since we met."
Mizuiro's eyes widen at this, "Really? Was I so obvious?"
Candice shakes her head, "If I was a bit younger, I wouldn't have been able to tell. Hell, even then, I'm not very perceptive with most things. I tend to be overly rash and hotheaded."
Mizuiro furrows his brows at this, "Not at all, miss."
Candice waves her hand carelessly, "I appreciate the sentiment, boy, but I know my weaknesses quite well, despite falling victim to them time and again… I'd say I know men just about as well, at least the straight ones."
Mizuiro's face relays an expression of coming to a realization, "Oh, I see! You're saying you're experienced then. I understand."
Candice can't help but laugh at this, "Hah! That's putting it a lot more mildly than most people I know do!"
Both Keigo and Mizuiro cock their brows in mild confusion.
Seeing an opportunity to enter the conversation, Yuzu decides to elaborate on Candice's behalf, "That's right! Ms. Bambietta will often call you whore, slut, bitch, cu—"
"I THINK THEY GET THE POINT!" Candice shouts, as the two boys and Kanonji jaw drop.
"Good thing we're no longer live—gonna have to edit that out…" Kanonji mutters to the cameraman standing next to him.
At this point, the light has drained completely from Chad's face before her places his face in his hands, looking distraught, "I'm sorry Ichigo…"
Yuzu looks mildly upset at this, "Well, Ms. Bambietta gets to use such fun nicknames all the time… it's no fair…"
"THOSE TYPE OF NICKNAMES AREN'T FUN! From now on, don't repeat what Bambi says, ok?" Candice scolds, wearing an uncharacteristic look of concern.
Yuzu huffs, looking unsatisfied, "Fine…"
Kanonji coughs, addressing Roka once more, "See, stuff like that! The thrill of making a far off, seemingly impossible to keep promise! They did it over ice cream! Not only that, but we were also able to capture an event involving alcohol in a (mostly) child friendly manner!"
Candice snorts at this while Keigo speaks up, "Hold on! I didn't do that for the show—I was being genuine!"
"Ah… young, forbidden love. The ratings will skyrocket for sure!" Kanonji ignores Keigo, while the cameramen are satisfied with the footage in the parlor.
Keigo deadpans, "Wait, that's going on TV?"
Don Kanonji shakes his head, "Obviously we'll be cutting out the stuff that's not child friendly, but as far as your little confession, absolutely."
Keigo starts panicking, "NOOO! Everyone will think I'm spoken for! How am I supposed to get a high school sweetheart at this point—OW, OW, OW!"
Candice twists the boy's arm behind his back, wearing a cold, angry expression, "Can't keep a promise for even two minutes, can you boy? Because it sounds to me like you are the one not taking ME seriously."
Keigo starts sweating nervously, "U-um, uh… I-I didn't mean that…"
Candice continues to glare at him, twisting his arm harder, unconvinced, "You said you couldn't get a high school girlfriend."
Keigo is sweating even faster now, "I-I-I didn't mean that! I was just about to say that it's a joke, yeah, a joke! I mean, of course I wouldn't—high school girls can't compare to someone so obviously attractive."
Candice huffs, letting the boy's arm go, "Nice save, kid. But don't forget, I'll have my eyes on you..."
"Yes ma'am…" Keigo nods submissively, without that much energy, starting to realize that Mizuiro was correct—he did, in fact, make a mistake.
Yuzu wears a concerned look at the scene, knowing that Candice might actually take it personally if Keigo lusts over other women.
The girl looks at Chad, "Are you sure Keigo will be ok if Candice comes after him?"
Chad shrugs, "Who knows… I just know I wouldn't want to be in Keigo's shoes right now… tough break…"
Roka observes the scene with mild interest, wondering if White is actually the bloodthirsty monster everyone in Hueco Mundo makes him out to be. To have friends like this, Roka has a tough time imaging how someone from this group could turn into one of the most viscous hollows who have ever existed.
The Menos Forest
In the depths of the Menos Forest, a particularly vile rat like Hollow steps out of a Garganta.
The hollow growls, "Curses! The soul I sensed was surrounded by too many onlookers, especially that Arrancar girl. If the Espada want anything to do with her, I'll have to keep my distance for now."
The hollow considers something before it roars, signaling his followers to come forth. Multiple minor hollows head his call, bowing their heads in respect for the stronger being.
"Where is Acidwire?", the hollow demands in a booming voice.
A hollow with many tentacle-like appendages speaks up, "Didn't you hear? He became a Menos Grande recently. By my estimation, he's already devoured hundreds of hollows and very well may become an Adjucha himself soon!"
This hollow, known as Numb Chandelier, shifts worriedly, as if just mentioning Acidwire spells death.
"What?! Are you sure about this?!", the rat hollow demands.
This prompts a larger muscular hollow called Bulbous G to step forward, "It is true, I witnessed his feeding and subsequent transformation myself!"
The rat hollow growls, "Impossible! He shouldn't be anywhere near that level! I made him a hollow myself! I know how weak he was!"
Numb Chandelier decides to reveal more, "I thought so too, but one day he came back from the human world with parts of his mask cracked. I was about to inform you about it, Grand Fisher, but suddenly the Great White Dragon they speak of on the surface approached him!"
"What?! But that Adjucha's just a myth!" Grand Fisher is stunned at this news.
Numb Chandelier continues, "I thought so too. An immensely powerful dragon suddenly appearing and raining death every hollow he comes across—it was too much to fathom. But I saw the beast myself, I couldn't believe my eyes!"
Grand Fisher snorts, "I know the lore—what other useful news do you have?"
Numb Chandelier shudders, "Apparently, the Great White Dragon and Acidwire made some kind of alliance! Since the two of them left, only Acidwire came back, and he acted completely differently than before! Like the White Dragon, he's devoured any hollow that crosses his path without rest. I've heard he's even managed to defeat and feed on Adjuchas from the Adjucha's nest, but I was too scared to go looking for confirmation of that."
Grand Fisher is silent at this news for a few moments, before addressing the two hollows, "That aside, I require you two to leave for the human world. I have a target for you…"
"No! Please!", the two call out simultaneously, causing Grand Fisher to become confused.
The rat hollow questions, "What do you mean, 'No'? You should be begging to feed!"
Bulbous G nods, "Indeed, but not on humans! Acidwire will kill us for sure!"
Grand Fisher growls, "Quit being cowards, Acidwire is a Gillian right now so shouldn't be able to think at all. Besides, why would he want to kill you for doing what hollows have always done?"
"Because he is apparently especially brutal when he feeds on those who return from the living world! At this point, there are very few minor hollows left in the forest because of this…" Numb Chandelier laments, beginning to come to terms with death by starvation.
Grand Fisher hisses, "Well, either he might eat you later or I eat you now! Choose."
The two hollows glance at each other, before each opening a Garganta, prompting Grand Fisher to chuckle in a satisfied manner, "Wise choice. Now, I want you to go after the girl known as Yuzu Kurosaki. Bring her to me if you value you lives. There are too many Shinigami for even myself to handle in the town, so be wary of them. Strike when an opportunity presents itself. Also, she is surrounded by allies at all times, you may devour them as their souls are unappetizing."
"Yuzu…? Let me guess, another little girl?" Numb Chandelier pries.
Grand Fisher peers at the hollow, "Indeed, an exceptionally powerful little girl. Her soul is what I need to push beyond my current state… now go!"
Grand Fisher's command prompts the two to walk through the portal.
Author's Note:
Keigo and Mizuiro are a couple of jokers, I'm serious when I say I need them in this story in some capacity, I don't care! They're also rizzlers (at least Mizuiro aka Milf Hunter is) to an extent. Regardless, including these men of culture was always a plan of mine.
As for Sora, I won't specifically look into it that much at this time, but I am calling all the way back to chapter 3 when his hollow hole got bigger. This wasn't just something symbolic but rather him yearning to make himself whole again—his shame the trigger.
Therefore, ever since this point, Acidwire has essentially become one of, if not, the most vicious and active hollows to ever exist, perhaps even more so than White himself. I always liked the idea of Ichigo having a profound effect on the individuals around him, indirectly motivating them to become far stronger. Sora is no different.
Where other hollows would seek rest after becoming stronger, Acidwire seeks out problems. He won't run away to regain his strength—his instincts guiding him to feed on anything without fail until, perhaps, he can rid himself of this shame, his sister and White at the forefront of any of his thoughts. Any hollows he sees returning from a Garganta will only further remind him of this shame (on an instinctual level of course), as it's implied, they would go to the living world so that is why he would be more vicious towards them specifically.
Regardless, Acidwire will be a focal point among characters in Hueco Mundo moving forward.