Naruto: Zanka No Tachi

Chapter 282: NZNT: Chapter 282

Just as Luppi considered attacking, a wave of immense spiritual pressure washed over him, forcing the newly risen Arrancar to his knees. Lif

Just as Luppi considered attacking, a wave of immense spiritual pressure washed over him, forcing the newly risen Arrancar to his knees.

Lifting his head, Luppi looked up at Yusuke, seated high above, his gaze filled with fear. Yusuke wore a gentle smile, yet it held an undercurrent of lethal potential, as if he could take Luppi’s life at any moment.

”Luppi Antenor, it seems you haven’t fully grasped the rules of Las Noches. You’ll have ample opportunity to learn from Ulquiorra once you become an Espada. Any further unauthorized attacks on Las Noches members, even as an Espada, will not be tolerated,” Yusuke said slowly.

Hearing Yusuke’s words, Luppi, relieved that his life wasn’t in immediate danger, quickly said, ”Luppi understands. I apologize for my transgression, Yusuke-sama.”

After Luppi and Yammy’s match concluded, Luppi was officially granted the position of the 10th Espada, taking Yammy’s place. The defeated Yammy was carried away by Las Noches’ medical personnel for treatment.

”Kensei, your nemesis Ulquiorra looks considerably stronger than you. Even Hollowfied, I doubt you could match that level of skill,” Hiyori Sarugaki mercilessly taunted Kensei Muguruma from the Visored’s section.

Kensei coldly snorted in response, his eyes fixed on Ulquiorra, who had returned to his seat, burning with competitive spirit.

Lisa Yadōmaru adjusted her glasses. ”I hear Las Noches now uses Kensei as a unit of measurement for combat strength. Rumors suggest that from the 4th Espada onward, their minimum combat strength is equivalent to over two hundred Kenseis. A mere six-Kensei wouldn’t stand a chance against them.”

Enraged, Kensei grabbed Lisa’s collar, shouting, ”What?! Who’s spreading these ridiculous rumors?!”

Lisa, expressionless, looked away, calmly stating, ”I don’t know. It wasn’t me.”

Following Luppi’s victory, four more matches took place: Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio challenging Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Guenael Lee challenging Zommari Rureaux, Cirucci Sanderwicci challenging Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, and Gantenbainne Mosqueda challenging Aaroniero Arruruerie.

Except for Luppi, the remaining Espada replacements all failed in their challenges. Grimmjow and Nelliel demonstrated absolutely overwhelming strength.

Of those who fought, only Dordoni, who challenged Grimmjow, suffered serious injuries; the others sustained only minor wounds. However, had Yusuke not been present, Grimmjow’s ruthless nature likely would have left Dordoni no chance of survival.

Yusuke had anticipated the outcome of the challenges. Only Luppi had truly reached the level of a mid-to-lower ranked Espada; the others still fell short.

Yusuke decided to assign all the unsuccessful challengers, including Yammy, as Ulquiorra’s lieutenants. Undeniably, Yusuke showed favoritism towards Ulquiorra, who was the most loyal and diligent among the Espada. Any boss would favor such a capable subordinate.

With the Espada replacement challenges concluded, the highly anticipated Espada ranking battles began. The members of Las Noches were eager to witness the clashes between the Espada.

While Yammy’s performance was disappointing, the other Espada showcased impressive power, particularly Ulquiorra’s instantaneous subdual of Luppi, which stunned the audience.

Scanning the Espada, Yusuke smiled. ”The Espada rankings will only be adjusted every fifty years. Don’t you all wish to demonstrate your strength here?”

The Espada responded with varied expressions.

Starrk, the Primera, merely leaned back in his chair, sleepily. As the Primera, he could only be challenged, not challenge others. Even if he weren’t, his laid-back nature meant he had no interest in challenging anyone.

Baraggan Louisenbairn, the Segunda, looked eager to fight, but remembering his previous secret challenge against Starrk and subsequent defeat, he sighed and abandoned the idea. He silently prayed that neither Harribel nor Ulquiorra would challenge him.

Harribel and Ulquiorra showed little interest in changing their rankings; Harribel closed her eyes, while Ulquiorra calmly gazed forward, neither seeming inclined to challenge those above them.

Then, Nnoitra Gilga, the Quinta Espada, revealed a cruel smile, his gaze fixed on Harribel, past Ulquiorra. He intended to challenge the Tercera, Harribel!

Nnoitra harbored deep-seated sexism and couldn’t tolerate powerful women, especially those outranking him.

Before Nnoitra could issue his challenge, however, an unexpected voice interrupted him.

”Nnoitra Gilga, the Quinta Espada, I, Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, formally challenge you!” Nelliel rose from her seat, her expression grave as she looked at Nnoitra.

Even Yusuke was surprised to see Nelliel, known for her aversion to conflict, be the first to issue a challenge. Knowing Nelliel, Yusuke suspected a past incident between her and Nnoitra, an incident undoubtedly caused by Nnoitra. Yusuke couldn’t imagine Nelliel initiating such a confrontation.

”Nelliel, it was your lieutenant who was out of line. You’re not holding a grudge over that, are you?” Nnoitra chuckled darkly.

Although he disliked Nelliel’s presence among the Espada, he knew of her close relationship with Yusuke and was wary of provoking her.

Nelliel’s voice was cold. ”It was just a verbal altercation, yet you severely injured them. They were my friends, and I will personally avenge them.”