341. The Envy

Loly and Menoly plan to attack Orihime while Ichigo and Ulquiorra continue to battle. Ichigo tells Ulquiorra that he can finally read his movements, either because he had become more hollow or Ulquiorra more human. After that statement, Ulquiorra attacks more vigorously and attempts to strike him across the back only to have his attack stopped by Orihime's shield.

Summary
Loly and Menoly are running up the stairs of a pillar, Menoly telling Loly that maybe they shouldn't be doing this and that she doesn't want anything to do with Orihime any more. Loly responds saying that this is their chance to finally take her down.

Ichigo and Ulquiorra continue to fight, Ichigo just barely missing a stab to the head. They continue to clash blows as Orihime watches. Ichigo assures himself that it'll be okay since it was just like fighting him with his hand only that the reach is longer. He tells himself to look closely at Ulquiorra's movements and just then suddenly grabs his sword arm, and slashes him right across the chest. The attack made Ulquiorra jump back but left him with a nick. Confident, Ichigo tells him that he can read his movements much easier than before, either because Ulquiorra became more human or he more hollow.

Ulquiorra seems taken aback by this statement before telling Ichigo that it must feel good to be able to follow his movements now. Ulquiorra suddenly appears above Ichigo and slices right at his head. Ichigo quickly dodges but just then Ulquiorra suddenly appears behind Ichigo and attempts to deliever a powerful slice to his back. But his attack is stopped by none other than Orihime's shield. The shield breaks away and both Ichigo and Ulquiorra pause, the Espada glancing back at a determined Orihime.

Characters
Characters in order of appearance:
 * Menoly
 * Loly
 * Orihime Inoue
 * Ichigo Kurosaki
 * Ulquiorra Cifer