Bleach: Gazing Mirage

Chapter 36

Kira's gaze met Yuichi's, and she could see the gears turning in his mind. She nodded in agreement, recognizing the potential of his idea. "You're right. If we can't break free from the illusion, then let's use it to our advantage. By making ourselves appear vulnerable, we can bait out the invisible attacker."

They began to enact their plan, subtly altering their positions within the illusory environment. Yuichi positioned himself slightly away from Kira, simulating a moment of vulnerability. The silence of the forest weighed heavily, the tension escalating as they waited for any sign of movement or attack.

Moments passed, each one stretching out in anticipation. Then, as if responding to their calculated ruse, a faint rustling of leaves could be heard. It was followed by the telltale sound of footsteps, though the source remained unseen. The invisible hollow, sensing what appeared to be an opening, was moving in to strike.

Kira's grip tightened on her zanpakuto as she tensed, ready to react at a moment's notice. She signaled to Yuichi with a subtle nod, indicating that the time was right. As the footsteps grew closer, Kira's senses honed in on the attacker's location.

In a swift motion, Kira swung her zanpakuto, releasing a burst of reiatsu in the direction of the invisible hollow. The impact disrupted the air, revealing a faint outline of the assailant. Without missing a beat, Yuichi seized the opportunity and lunged forward, his own zanpakuto poised to kill the hollow. However, as he swung the faint outline disappeared and his attack missed.

Yuichi's frustration was palpable as his attack missed its mark. The hollow had managed to slip away, elusive as ever. He clenched his teeth, disappointment and frustration mingling in his expression.

"Damn, we were a second too late. It escaped," Yuichi muttered, his frustration evident.

Kira's voice cut through the disappointment, her tone composed and steady. "It's okay. We need to be prepared for its next move. The hollow will be more cautious now, so we have to remain vigilant."

Yuichi nodded in agreement, as he adjusted his stance, his zanpakuto held at the ready. The tension in the air was thick, both of them knowing that the hollow was still lurking nearby, waiting for the right opportunity to strike again.

Time seemed to stretch as they maintained their guard, senses heightened and focused on detecting any sign of movement. Minutes ticked by, each one filled with anticipation. Then, just as suddenly as before, a soft rustling of leaves echoed through the forest, followed by a faint shimmer in the air.

Kira's instincts kicked in, and she swung her zanpakuto once more, releasing a wave of reiatsu that struck the hollow disrupting its invisibility. The invisible assailant was revealed; a fleeting glimpse of its form before it lunged forward, attempting to land an attack.

Yuichi reacted swiftly, meeting the hollow's assault with a fierce attack. His blade clashed with the hollow's razor-sharp claws, steel against steel, the impact resonating through the air. A battle of strength and wills ensued as they engaged in close combat, each movement calculated and precise.

Beside him, Kira's movements were calculated and precise. Her intention was clear – to take advantage of the opening he created. However, an inexplicable phenomenon seemed to be at play. No matter how she moved, the distance between her and the hollow remained unchanged, an eerie and confounding occurrence that defied the laws of space.

Kira's brow furrowed in frustration, her instincts telling her that the other hollow was making a move. She swiftly adjusted her strategy, realizing that a direct approach was futile. She pointed her finger at the hollow attacking Yuichi and recited, "Hōkō seyo, kaminari no keshin yo, shiroki inazuma yo. Waga teki o nagiharaiharae, Hadō #4. Byakurai!". (Roar, embodiment of thunder, pale lightning. Sweep away my foes, Way of Destruction #4 Pale Lightning!)