Shinigami: Medicine Can't Save The Soul Reaper Society

Vasto Lorde—In theory, the pinnacle of a Hollow's evolution!

Unlike the uniform appearance and chaotic consciousness of Gillians, and distinct from the unstable, beast-like forms of the often massive Adjuchas…

A Vasto Lorde-class Hollow typically possesses a humanoid shape, rarely regressing to the Adjuchas stage, and has a fully developed individual consciousness.

To Makoto, the evolution of Hollows seemed more like a journey toward self-discovery—

From formless, chaotic consciousness to an unstable bestial nature, and finally, the humanoid form that pursues its ultimate sense of self…

Yet, there was something that puzzled him.

According to the records in the Soul Society, no Hollow had ever been able to fill the void in their soul, symbolized by their Hollow hole.

Even Vasto Lorde-class Hollows retained the fundamental characteristics of all Hollows—the mask and Hollow hole.

And now, the secrets of a Vasto Lorde's spiritual body were slowly unfolding before him through Tier Harribel.

The first undeniable fact: Compared to Adjuchas, a Vasto Lorde possessed a higher density of spirit particles, a more refined arrangement of spirit particles, a more intricate spirit particle structure, and…

'A structure somewhat resembling that of a Shinigami?!'

Makoto's gaze flickered subtly, his mind shaken by the discovery. That particular structure was strikingly familiar to him—

Because within the body of a Shinigami… it was the very part that was intimately connected to a Zanpakutō.

'Wait a minute… Could this be the reason why Vasto Lordes have the potential to undergo a natural Arrancar transformation?!'

Lost in thought, Makoto's eyes burned with curiosity as he fixated on the wound in front of him. He was eager to observe more of Harribel's internal structure through the gash on her body.

Without realizing it, his hands instinctively pushed aside the obstructing soft tissue around the wound, trying to get a clearer view.

That motion—

Snapped Harribel out of her daze. She had been immersed in the lingering warmth of the words, "Someone cares about you," but now, a peculiar sound escaped her lips—an involuntary, soft whimper.

In that moment, the unexpectedly alluring tone of her voice snapped Makoto back to his senses. He quickly composed himself, resuming the demeanor of a proper and professional medic as he set aside his intrigue and focused on treating her wound.

As for Harribel—she seemed to interpret the entire process as an act of care toward Hollows. She remained leaning against the rock wall, tilting her face slightly to the side, quietly allowing Makoto to continue his treatment.

"…All done."

With practiced efficiency, Makoto had fully treated the ghastly wound on her chest.

Harribel, not one for words, lightly touched the area, seemingly unsure of what to say. Her golden lashes fluttered once before she simply murmured, "Mn," and fell silent.

Makoto, on the other hand, found himself in an uncommon situation—

This was one of the rare times he was outside Unohana's reach, alone, face to face with such a mature and beautiful woman.

And, more importantly—she was a Hollow.

Yet, he had to admit that compared to the Shinigami, whose emotions were often layered and complex…

Perhaps due to the inherent void in their souls, even a Vasto Lorde-class Hollow like Harribel had eyes that carried an unshakable coldness, an apathy that lingered no matter what.

It gave her a unique charm that set her apart from female Shinigami—like an ice-cold mountain, or a being that simply did not know how to approach others.

For some reason, Makoto felt a strange sense of excitement.

Of course, this excitement came from the fact that, as a seemingly ordinary Vice-Captain of the Gotei 13, he was currently secretly disguised and alone with a Vasto Lorde-class Hollow.

From the perspective of this 'Kind' person from Gotei 13—this situation was no different than Jiraiya sneaking under Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's bed.

A moment later, as if recalling something, Harribel finally spoke.

"…Thank you. You saved me. I will find a way to repay this favor."

She paused for a beat, then, before Makoto could respond, she extended her hand toward him.

"Tier Harribel. That is my name."

Makoto grasped her hand in return and replied, "Gensei… Asura Gensei."

Harribel's lips parted slightly, as if she was silently repeating the name to herself. Then, with a faintly solemn tone, she said,

"I will remember this name—Asura Gensei."

Makoto could sense Harribel's awkward yet earnest attempt to express goodwill. With a gentle smile, he took the initiative to continue the conversation.

"There's no need to deliberately remember it. Once you become friends, a name naturally etches itself into the soul and is never forgotten."

"…Friends?"

Harribel mulled over the concept before speaking again.

"Like me, Sung-Sun, Apacci, and Mila Rose? But… this doesn't feel the same."

"A slight difference is normal," Makoto replied. "After all, Sung-Sun and the others… they're more like subordinates you shelter, aren't they?"

A flicker of understanding passed through Harribel's deep green eyes before she gave a small nod.

As their conversation continued, Makoto noticed that Harribel's guard had eased even further. Taking the opportunity, he asked,

"Harribel, do you know about the Arrancar transformation?"

To his surprise, Harribel nodded and answered,

"Yes. I once encountered a Vasto Lorde who successfully became an Arrancar. That person told me that after transforming, one can grow stronger without devouring other Hollows and can even gradually reclaim their lost heart."

Makoto instinctively asked,

"Coyote Starrk?"

Harribel shook her head.

"No. That Vasto Lorde's name was… Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck."

---

(Author's Note: Many are aware that Starrk was a naturally evolved Arrancar, which is why he ranks No. 1 among the Espada. However, according to official sources, Nelliel was also a naturally evolved Arrancar. Additionally, Ulquiorra is considered a half-natural Arrancar. If anyone has more insight, feel free to discuss!)

---

That name triggered an immediate image in Makoto's mind—

A Hollow who could seamlessly switch between an adorable childlike form and an elegant, mature presence.

Like Harribel, Nelliel was also known for her pacifism—uninterested in battle, unwilling to consume her kin—one of the rare symbols of kindness among Hollows.

What surprised Makoto the most, however, was that Nelliel had already successfully undergone a natural Arrancar transformation as a Vasto Lorde.

In other words, at this moment—compared to Harribel, Nelliel was undoubtedly even closer to becoming human.

=================

Consider joining me on P@treon For 50+ Advance Chapters:

P@treon: [email protected]/JustaPasserby