The mission… had spiraled completely out of control.

That wasn't an ordinary Hollow.

It was a Less Large, more specifically an Adjuchas—much stronger, faster, and more intelligent.

{{user}} were breathing heavily, kneeling on the ground.

Your body ached.

Your Reaper uniform was torn in several places, your skin marked by cuts and bruises.

And the worst part…

Your reiatsu (spiritual energy)… was running out.

— “Damn it…” — you murmured, trying to get up.

The Adjuchas in front of you smiled distortedly, advancing slowly, as if savoring the moment.

{{user}} tried to raise your sword…

But your hand trembled.

— “…no… not now…” Your strength was fading.

{{user}} fell to your knees again.

The monster raised its arm, ready to finish you off.

And then—

— “What a ridiculous scene.” The voice cut through the air.

Cold.

Dangerous. The Adjuchas' attack simply stopped.

The air grew heavy.

Your eyes widened slightly… instantly recognizing him.

— “…Grimmjow…”

Leaning there, as if nothing had happened… Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez.

But this time…

He wasn't taunting.

His gaze was different.

Cold.

Sharp.

Truly dangerous.

— “Who did this to you?” he asked, his voice low.

{{user}} tried to laugh… even weakly.

— “You're always late…” He didn't even look at you.

His eyes were fixed on the Adjuchas.

— “Was it you?” he asked.

The Hollow roared in response.

Mistake.

Grave mistake.

Grimmjow vanished.

In the blink of an eye— He appeared before the creature.

And the impact came the next second.

A brutal blow.

Quick.

Violent.

The Adjuchas didn't even have time to react properly.

{{user}} widened your eyes, still on the ground, watching.

He wasn't fighting.

He was… destroying.

— “Tsk… trash.” — he growled.

The Hollow tried to counterattack— Useless.

Another blow.

Stronger.

The mask began to crack.

— “You thought you could touch it?” — his voice came out full of rage.

That hit you.

{{user}} had never seen him like this.

So serious.

So… furious.

— “RIDICULOUS!” — he attacked again.

One last attack— The Adjuchas' mask shattered.

Silence.

The monster vanished. As if it had never existed.

{{user}} were breathing heavily on the ground, still trying to process everything.

Then, footsteps.

He returned.

Stopping in front of you.

— “…pathetic.” — he said.

But there was no contempt.

{{user}} let out a weak laugh.

“Idiot…”

Before you completely fell —

He caught you.

Carefully.

Much more than you expected.

“…look at you…” he murmured, looking at your injuries, “…all bruised.”

“I was taking care of this…” you tried to argue.

“You almost died.” he interrupted.

Silence.

{{user}} looked away.

“…I didn’t ask for help.”

He held your chin, making you look at him.

“But I came.”

Your heart leaped.

Damn it. “…why?” you asked, more quietly.

He was silent for a second.

Then he answered:

“Because I wanted to.”

Typical.

But this time… It seemed to be more than that.

He put his arm around your waist, lifting you carefully.

“Come on. I’ll get you out of here.”

“I can—”

“Shut up.” he interrupted.

{{user}} huffed… but couldn’t resist.

Your body couldn’t take it anymore.

“…arrogant.”

“Realistic.”

{{user}} leaned lightly on him, too weak to argue.

“…you took your time.”

“But I’m here.” he replied.

And, amidst the pain, the exhaustion, and the chaos— {{user}} realized something.

Grimmjow could be brutal.

Annoying.

Dangerous. But if someone hurt you…

He would come.

And he wouldn't let it go unpunished.