The battlefield around Las Noches finally fell silent.
With the Espada defeated, Tobirama surveyed the ruined fortress through his Observation Haki. Among the countless fading spiritual signatures, one weak but unusual presence caught his attention beneath the outer ruins.
"There you are."
In a single step, he vanished.
---
Outside the shattered walls of Las Noches, three figures hid beneath a collapsed pillar.
Little Nel sat on the ground with tears in her eyes while Pesche and Dondochakka stood protectively before her despite their obvious fear.
"The monster is coming!" Pesche shouted.
"We'll protect Lady Nel!" Dondochakka declared, though his legs shook uncontrollably.
A ripple spread through the air.
Uchiha Tobirama appeared before them.
The two attendants instinctively moved to block his path.
Without speaking, Tobirama released a small pulse of Conqueror's Haki.
Both attendants lost consciousness instantly, collapsing harmlessly onto the sand.
Little Nel stared at him in terror.
"W-Who are you...?"
Tobirama looked at the cracked Hollow mask resting on her head.
"The damage to your soul is severe," he said calmly. "But it can be repaired."
He placed a hand gently upon her mask.
Brilliant white Yang Release chakra flowed into her body.
Warm light surrounded Nel.
The crack in her mask slowly sealed itself.
Her leaking spiritual power stabilized, growing stronger with every passing second.
The childlike body that had resulted from her damaged soul gradually returned to its original form.
Moments later, the light faded.
Standing before Tobirama was Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, restored to her true appearance.
She looked at her hands in disbelief before sensing the return of her overwhelming spiritual power.
"My memories..."
Everything returned.
Her defeat at Nnoitra's hands.
The century she had spent wandering Hueco Mundo.
And the man before her, who had accomplished what everyone believed impossible.
She slowly knelt.
"Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck thanks you."
"You restored both my body and my soul. I will never forget this kindness."
Tobirama looked down at her calmly.
"Can you still fight?"
Nel rose to her feet and nodded without hesitation.
"My strength has returned."
"Then stand."
She obeyed immediately.
"Hueco Mundo is entering a new era," Tobirama said. "If you wish to protect its people, prove your resolve through your actions."
Nel bowed respectfully.
"I understand."
Nearby, Pesche and Dondochakka slowly regained consciousness.
When they saw Nelliel standing before them in her restored form, both froze in disbelief.
"Lady Nel... you're really back..."
Tears filled their eyes as they rushed toward her.
Nel smiled warmly.
"I'm back."
For the first time in over a hundred years, the former Espada stood once again at full strength.
Above the ruins of Las Noches, the winds of Hueco Mundo quietly signaled the beginning of a new chapter.