Inside Hueco Mundo, within the newly constructed white palace of Las Noches, a calm and elegant atmosphere stood in stark contrast to the endless desolation outside.
The vast obsidian hall was adorned with an enormous carpet woven from the fur of Arctic snow foxes. Sunlight filtered through the crystal dome overhead, bathing the palace in a soft radiance that gave the imperial residence an almost otherworldly appearance.
Uchiha Tobirama sat leisurely upon an ornate couch, quietly enjoying a rare moment of peace after bringing Hueco Mundo and Soul Society under his control.
Around him, several of his attendants carried out their duties in silence. Fresh fruit and refreshments were placed on a jade tray before him while the palace remained tranquil.
To Tobirama, power, authority, and every treasure the Three Realms could offer had become ordinary possessions. For the first time in days, the palace was completely peaceful.
Then—
Screech—!!
A piercing sound tore through the silence.
Space itself split apart before the palace gates.
It was neither a Shinigami Senkaimon nor a Hollow Garganta. Instead, a cross-shaped rift of icy-blue light ripped open the dimensional barrier, and an icy wind carrying unfamiliar Quincy reishi swept through the hall.
"Oh? This is unexpected."
Two figures dressed in the white military uniform of the Wandenreich stepped through the rift.
Leading them was Sternritter "H," Bazz-B, followed closely by Sternritter "I," Cang Du.
Bazz-B looked around the magnificent palace before letting out a mocking laugh.
"So you're the one responsible for throwing the Three Realms into chaos."
Cang Du stepped forward with an expression as cold as ice.
"His Majesty has awakened. From this day onward, the Three Realms belong to the Wandenreich."
He pointed directly at Tobirama.
"Submit to His Majesty and surrender your power. Refuse... and this palace will become your grave."
Silence filled the hall.
The attendants instinctively tensed.
Although they had sensed these two intruders possessed immense Spiritual Pressure, they also knew exactly who sat upon the throne before them.
They looked at the Sternritter with expressions that bordered on pity.
Tobirama slowly opened his eyes.
The faint smile on his face disappeared.
"I hate two things."
His calm voice echoed throughout the palace.
"First... interruptions."
"Second... people who dirty my home."
Bazz-B's face darkened.
"You arrogant fool!"
He extended two fingers.
"Burner Finger Two!"
Flames compressed at his fingertips, ready to erupt.
But before the attack could be unleashed—
Tobirama's eyes turned crimson.
The intricate pattern of the Mangekyō Sharingan spun silently.
"Kamui."
Space twisted.
The area before Bazz-B collapsed into a spiraling vortex.
"W-What?!"
His flames vanished into the distortion before they could be released.
The spatial vortex instantly engulfed his arm, twisting it violently.
Bone shattered.
Armor tore apart.
His entire body was dragged into the distortion, crushed beyond recognition before he could finish screaming.
"Bazz-B!"
Cang Du's expression changed completely.
Without hesitation, he activated his Schrift.
The Iron.
His entire body became coated in metallic silver.
"My defense is absolute!"
Tobirama merely shifted his gaze.
"Absolute?"
Another spatial vortex bloomed directly within Cang Du's chest.
The distorted space ignored his hardened body entirely.
His defense collapsed instantly.
A deafening explosion echoed through the hall as his body shattered into countless fragments.
Silence returned.
The two Sternritter who had entered so arrogantly had been eliminated in moments without forcing Tobirama to rise from his seat.
Only scattered debris remained upon the carpet.
"...How troublesome."
Tobirama finally stood.
His Hokage cloak fluttered gently behind him as the Mangekyō faded.
"I intended to enjoy a few quiet days."
"But since the rats insist on crawling out of hiding..."
A vast wave of Observation Haki erupted from his body.
The invisible perception crossed Hueco Mundo, pierced dimensional barriers, and reached the Wandenreich's Ice Palace.
Every Quincy presence appeared clearly within his senses.
Yhwach.
Jugram Haschwalth.
The Sternritter.
His perception swept past them all before stopping within one of the palace wings.
Five distinct spiritual signatures stood out immediately.
Bambietta Basterbine.
Candice Catnipp.
Liltotto Lamperd.
Meninas McAllon.
Giselle Gewelle.
The Quincy women's group.
A faint smile appeared on Tobirama's face.
"So... there you are."
He turned toward the torn space before him.
"It seems there are still a few interesting pieces left to collect."
With those words, Tobirama stepped forward, preparing to march directly upon the Wandenreich.