Chapter 547 - 547 Taunt!

"What did you say!"

Hearing Dordoni say he was a former Espada, Toshiro, who already knew, didn't react much, but Rangiku not far away was greatly shocked.

"Hmph, didn't you hear? I am one who has been stripped of rank… that is, someone removed from the Espada. But even though I was removed, it also means that I was once an Espada!"

Dordoni said with a hint of pride.

"'We'?"

Rangiku, however, noticed the key word in Dordoni's statement.

"Correct, 'we'! That means all 'three-digit' people, including me, are former Espada!!"

Dordoni said in a deep voice.

"By the way, I sensed several other unfamiliar Reiatsu entering the other branching paths earlier. Those should be your companions, right? If so, you'd better pray devoutly for them! Because besides this path, two other branching paths are guarded by 'three-digits'… that is, former Espada!"

Dordoni added.

"Two others... We encountered five branching paths earlier and split into five groups. But you just said only two other paths are guarded by 'three-digits.' What about the remaining seven 'three-digits'? Did they die?"

Toshiro guessed.

"Hmph!"

Hearing Toshiro's words, Dordoni's expression turned ugly.

"Oh, it seems my guess is correct. Well, that's understandable. No matter how much you emphasize being former Espada, you can't change the fact that you're just a bunch of failures stripped of rank."

"And those new Espada who stepped over you to rise aren't exactly kind-hearted. Why would they kindly spare you failures? The reason you and the other two 'three-digit' Arrancar survived is probably just luck, right?"

Toshiro's words were like knives, mercilessly mocking.

Most Arrancar, or Hollows, except for a very few like Nel, were cruel and brutal. The competition for Espada positions among Arrancar wasn't a friendly sparring match of 'friendship first, competition second', but a relentless life-or-death battle.

So, the fact that Dordoni and the other two 'three-digit' Arrancar survived after failing to compete for an Espada position was very likely just luck… they happened to encounter relatively easygoing Espada like Starrk and Harribel.

"Have you said enough?"

Hearing Toshiro's mocking words, Dordoni clenched his fists angrily.

"Indeed, nothing you said is wrong. The reason we 'three-digits' survived is just luck. But even so, I will prove our strength to you! I will make you dare not look down on us!!"

Dordoni's expression was more serious than ever, completely lacking the comical, middle-aged uncle demeanor from his entrance.

Clang—

Having said that, Dordoni drew his Zanpakuto and pointed it solemnly at Toshiro. "Shinigami! State your name!!"

"Hitsugaya, Hitsugaya Toshiro."

Watching Dordoni's unprecedented determination, Toshiro, who had not taken him seriously, was somewhat moved and stated his name.

"Hitsugaya Toshiro? I see. No wonder your strength is so great. But even so, I will not back down. Even if I die, I will prove the dignity of us 'three-digits'!!"

"Draw your sword! Hitsugaya Toshiro!!"

Dordoni shouted.

"Recognizing my identity but not fleeing in fear… I have to admire your courage. But as for drawing my sword... wait until you prove you have the strength for it."

Toshiro said in a deep voice.

"Hmph! I will make you draw your sword! I promise!"

Dordoni said with absolute certainty.

"Haah!"

Having said that, Dordoni shouted and charged at Toshiro.

Swish!

Reaching Toshiro, Dordoni used all his strength, swinging his sword horizontally with both hands.

Swish!

Toshiro, holding Nel in his arms, lightly tapped the ground with his right foot, appearing effortless, and vanished instantly.

As Dordoni looked around for Toshiro, a voice came from above him.

"Where are you looking, Arrancar!"

Before Dordoni could react, Toshiro, above him, stomped his right foot down on Dordoni's head.

Bang!

Dordoni's body crashed to the ground, his head smashed into the floor.

"What's wrong? Is this all you've got? Weren't you going to prove the strength of you 'three-digits'? Is this the strength of you 'three-digits'? If so, no wonder you were defeated and removed from the Espada!"

Toshiro stepped on Dordoni's head, mercilessly mocking him.

To be honest, coldly mocking and taunting an opponent like this wasn't Toshiro's style. But he did it anyway.

Because Las Noches was too vast. Searching slowly would take an unknown amount of time to find where the Expeditionary Force Shinigami and Nel's companions were imprisoned.

And Dordoni, as a former Espada, had relatively high status and strength. He very likely knew where the Expeditionary Force and Nel's companions were held.

So, Toshiro wanted to get that information from him.

But if he asked directly, Dordoni obviously wouldn't confess honestly. So, Toshiro's true intention was to completely destroy Dordoni's pride, confidence, dignity… everything through this taunting battle, and then interrogate him.

Under Toshiro's scathing sarcasm, Dordoni felt his blood boil, strength surge. He slowly lifted his head, pushing against Toshiro's foot.

"Haah!!!"

Then, with a great shout, Dordoni completely threw off Toshiro's foot from his head.

Stomp, stomp, stomp...

Toshiro stumbled backward.

Swish—

A cold flash of sword light passed. As Toshiro stumbled back, Dordoni seized the opportunity and slashed at him.

Seeing this, Toshiro showed no panic. He held Nel tight with his left hand and casually extended two fingers of his right hand.

Clang—

A clear sword ring echoed. Toshiro's index and middle fingers tightly clamped Dordoni's Zanpakuto, using the opponent's force to steady himself.

"Slow reaction, weak attack, you can't even keep track of the enemy. It's like children playing house. I'm starting to doubt whether this fight is even necessary."

Toshiro mercilessly criticized.

Having said that, Toshiro raised his right foot and kicked Dordoni hard.

Bang—!!

After breaking several stone pillars, Dordoni's body crashed into a wall, creating a dent. His body was even embedded in the wall.