From the clearing emerged a colossal figure, its form entirely devoid of any recognizable biological features. However, a distinctive feature stood out—a long, white-nose mask.
Sensing human presence, the creature swiftly advanced toward the life signals.
"Tsk, that's an ugly being," remarked Tsunade, visibly irritated.
"What kind of creature is this?" Tobirama inquired with curiosity.
He keenly sensed its uniqueness, distinct from ordinary or even chakra beasts.
"This is a unique creature in this world," replied Ryan. "It's a Hollow—Hollows are a race of creatures that are born from Human souls who, for various reasons, do not cross over to Soul Society after their death and stay in the Human World for too long. They are corrupt spirits with supernatural powers which devour the souls of both living and deceased Humans.."
Without hesitation, Ryan instructed, "When you encounter this creature, just kill it directly."
The Hokages nodded in agreement after receiving Ryan's explanation.
"Hollows come in different grades," Ryan continued. "In the future, some may even evolve into something resembling a human. The one before us now is not very high level."
The colossal hollow approached him as Ryan spoke, casting a dark shadow above his head.
"Is there anything to watch out for?" Kakashi inquired, jotting down notes.
Ryan pondered briefly before stating, "There's nothing special. They're just nuisances; eliminate them without hesitation."
With those words, he raised his fist and delivered a powerful punch into the Hollow's body, resulting in a resounding boom. A massive hole appeared in the middle of the hollow.
The scenery behind the hole became visible, catching the hollow off guard.
In a moment of unawareness, the hollow slowly drifted away, ultimately disappearing—an instant kill by Ryan.
"Let's move quickly," Ryan urged, not bothering to inspect the defeated creature. "Grab the samples and make a swift exit."
Once they departed, a thin figure emerged at the scene—an unremarkable boy who observed Hollow's death with a lingering fear, admiring the backs of the hollow killers.
"So strong..." he mumbled, captivated by their prowess.
Guiding the group forward, Ryan led them at a rapid pace, swiftly traversing the expansive area outside Seireitei.
Upon entering Seireitei, Ryan relied on his instincts to search for the elusive Wandenreich, a name that means The Invisible Empire. Despite scouring the Human world and Hueco mundo many times, Shinigami were never able to locate their headquarters. As it was cleverly concealed within the shadows of Seireitei's buildings.
In this covert mission, the group split into several teams, each pursuing individual objectives.
To avoid confronting formidable adversaries, strategic divisions were made, with Sasuke, Naruto, and two Kakashi forming one team, and Hashirama, Tobirama, Fifth Hokage Tsunade, and Obito comprising another. In Ryan's group, which stood out as the most formidable, Uchiha Madara, Road to Ninja Tsunade, and Minato joined him.
Ryan believed that if anyone could locate the target, it would be their group. Leading them into the area, a tall figure suddenly materialized – a tall man with a long face, broad chin, and pronounced cheekbones. He has long black hair, which reaches to his lower back, and reddish-brown eyes with thin eyebrows in a black robe – precisely one of their sought-after targets Yhwach.
The symbol of Yhwach's ability, "The Almighty," manifested when Ryan and the others entered the Wandenreich. Yhwach detected them, recognizing the intrusion.
Minato remarked, "Oh, it seems our cover got blown."
A subtle smile crossed Ryan's face as he calmly declared, "This isn't just any man. He is the son of the creator of this world. We've located our target!"
Upon hearing Ryan's words, the Hokages rallied, relieved that their half-day journey might finally yield results. Yhwach, on the other hand, displayed a hint of surprise.
"You know it's... unusual," he commented. "You guys are not Shinigami, nor Quincy. How did you manage to find this place?"
While Yhwach asserted The Almighty, it wasn't absolute. The Hokages hailed from 12 distinct worlds, a fact beyond Yhwach's all-encompassing knowledge, demonstrating the limitations of his purported abilities.
But does he possess knowledge of the Otherworlds?
At this moment, Yhwach remains clueless about the origin of the opposing party, instilling a sense of wariness in him. His attention shifts to Uchiha Madara and Tsunade, both following the path of the ninja, primarily because they carry Zanpakutō on their bodies, resembling Shinigami.
"Your weapons... I feel somewhat familiar. Zanpakutō?" Yhwach inquires, seeking further clarification on their attributes.
Several Hokages exchange glances as Madara confidently steps forward. "Leave this guy to me first. It's been a long time since I had a good fight," he declares, prompting Ryan, Tsunade, and Minato to quickly step back, displaying their confidence in their comrade.
Uchiha Madara approaches Yhwach, confidently drawing his Zanpakutō. "Onibi!" he announces, revealing his weapon. The moment Yhwach witnesses this attack, an unprecedented shock appears on his face.
"Is that Shigekuni Yamamoto's Zanpakutō? How dare it be in your possession?" Yhwach questioned, his voice laced with incredulity and a hint of menace. For Shinigami, Zanpakutō serves as a symbol of the soul, with each individual's weapon being unique. The fact that Uchiha Madara wields Yamamoto's Zanpakutō defies the most basic principle of soul society.
Without explaining, Madara rushes forward. Seizing the opponent's momentary chaos, he unleashes a tornado-like flame, shouting, "Onibi!"
Simultaneously, a long sword emitting blue light materializes in Yhwach's hand.
"Die, invader!" Yhwach declares as his weapon collides with Ryūjin Jakka. In that instant, he senses the distinctiveness of Madara.
"Although it is the same blade, the power and intent of moves are completely different. Not as old-fashioned as old man Yamamoto!" Yhwach immediately recognizes the divergence in styles between Uchiha Madara and Yamamoto.
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