Reigai-Retsu Unohana's Bankai, Minazuki, transformed the ground into a pool of blood, reminiscent of Kirinji Tenjirō's Blood Pond Hot Springs. It possessed the dual nature of corroding enemies into bone and healing injuries. Were it not for the unbreakable curse inflicted by Yellow Rose, Reigai-Unohana's wounds would have already healed completely.
However, for the time being, her Bankai allowed her to ignore her injuries.
Swish!
With a swing of her Zanpakutō, the blood beneath her erupted into dozens of crimson slashes that arced towards Ailin.
Ailin released both Red Rose and Yellow Rose, the spears dissolved into spiritual particles. A new Zanpakutō materialized in his hand, a slender blade wreathed in a faint white mist, the condensation of moisture frozen by the blade's inherent chill.
"Bankai… Demon God Manifestation: Demon's Extract!"
BOOM!
An unbearable cold radiated from Ailin, instantly freezing the blood spawned by Reigai-Unohana's Minazuki.
"Secret Art: Mahapadma!"
Mahapadma, the ultimate technique of the Zanpakutō, Esdeath, froze the surrounding space with absolute zero ice. Within this frozen domain, only Esdeath, the master of ice, could move.
A sharp crack echoed, followed by the shattering of ice. The frozen space returned to normal, revealing Ailin standing behind Reigai-Unohana. A flash of crimson, a spray of blood, and Reigai-Unohana stumbled to the ground.
No longer under her control, the blood that had sustained her now consumed her, corroding her body until only bone remained.
"Unbelievable… Even as a Reigai, you've inherited some of Captain Kyōraku's cunning…" Ailin said, looking up at the approaching Reigai-Shunsui Kyōraku.
"But it's a shame. The moment you attacked me, your fate was sealed."
"Ah, such is our misfortune," Reigai-Kyōraku replied with a smile. "Our orders were to eliminate any Soul Society captain we encountered."
He leaped into the air, raising his twin Zanpakutō above his head, and brought them down towards Ailin.
"Zanki!"
Zanki, one of Katen Kyōkotsu's Shikai abilities, amplified the user's attack based on the height difference between them and their opponent. The greater the difference, the greater the amplification.
Reigai-Kyōraku, having launched his attack from a considerable height, expected a significant power boost, similar to how Shunsui Kyōraku had used Zanki to kill Barragan Louisenbairn in the fake Karakura Town.
Facing Reigai-Kyōraku's descent, Ailin extended his left hand. A new Zanpakutō materialized in his grasp, crackling with lightning.
"Bankai – Meido Tessaiga!"
"Meido Zangetsuha!"
A circular void was cut directly in space that engulfed Reigai-Kyōraku.
"Kyōraku!"
Seeing Reigai-Kyōraku swallowed by the void, Reigai-Jūshirō Ukitake swung his Zanpakutō, attempting to tear open the portal and rescue his friend.
During the Zanpakutō Rebellion arc, the Ukitake had manifested a gigantic version of his Zanpakutō through the gates of hell, impaling and retrieving the escaped Szayelaporro Granz. Now, Reigai-Ukitake, wielding a similar power, managed to create a small tear in Ailin's incomplete portal.
Ailin looked up at Reigai-Ukitake, impressed by Kageroza Inaba's research. While Reigai-Ukitake didn't host Mimihagi, the right hand of the Soul King, he had inherited the abilities of Sōgyo no Kotowari, the Zanpakutō awakened by Mimihagi's influence.
Similar to Reigai-Ailin inheriting Ailin's base spiritual pressure despite lacking access to the amplified power of Unlimited Blade Works, Reigai-Ukitake possessed the full potential of Sōgyo no Kotowari.
Ailin dispelled both Zanpakutō in his hands. He had a more effective method for dealing with Reigai-Ukitake.
"Chains of Heaven!"
As Ailin called out the name, Orihime Inoue, having just emerged from Urahara's underground training ground, sensed a golden ripple beside her. The chain on her right wrist glowed before transforming into the green-haired woman, Enkidu.
"Miss Enkidu…"
"Master, Lord Ailin calls for me. I must return to his side. I enjoyed our time together."
"Goodbye."
"Thank you for your care, Miss Enkidu." Orihime bowed her head.
Enkidu stepped into the ripple and vanished.
Swish! Swish!
Five golden ripples appeared around Reigai-Ukitake. Golden chains erupted from them and swiftly bound him.
Chains of Heaven, a divine construct, was particularly effective against deities. While Reigai-Ukitake didn't host Mimihagi, he still carried traces of the Soul King's power, making him a demigod of sorts. He was more susceptible to Chains of Heaven than ordinary beings.
Ignoring the now restrained and impaled Reigai-Ukitake, Ailin turned his attention to the two remaining Reigai: Byakuya Kuchiki and Zaraki.
"Bankai – Senbonzakura Kageyoshi!"
A familiar voice echoed before Ailin could make his move. A wave of cherry blossom petals engulfed Reigai-Byakuya.
Ailin turned to see the real Byakuya Kuchiki approaching.
"Uncle Ailin, may I handle this one?"
Byakuya looked at the swirling mass of cherry blossoms. His previous encounter with his Reigai had ended inconclusively, due to his concern for Rukia Kuchiki and Renji Abarai. He couldn't accept this outcome. His pride wouldn't allow him to be outmatched by a mere copy.
Seeing Ailin about to intervene, Byakuya had acted first. He knew that if his uncle fought, there would be nothing left for him to do. He wouldn't be able to avenge his earlier humiliation.
"Very well. If you insist."
Ailin wasn't concerned about Reigai-Byakuya. He could be dealt with easily. If Byakuya couldn't even defeat this imposter, he would be sorely disappointed.
Ailin turned and walked towards Zaraki.
"Hahaha! Captain Ailin! Let's fight!"
Reigai-Zaraki's spiritual pressure exploded outwards as he charged towards Ailin, laughing maniacally. He called out his Zanpakutō's name released it.
"Drink – Nozarashi!"
BOOM!
Golden spiritual pressure surged skyward, amplifying Reigai-Zaraki's power. While still below the limits of a Shinigami, his spiritual pressure now rivaled Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's. His Zanpakutō transformed into a massive, axe-like blade, its raw power promised to cleave through anything in its path.
"Drink!"
With a roar, Reigai-Zaraki swung Nozarashi, unleashing a massive golden slash that tore through the air, carving a deep gash in the ground below and splitting the clouds above.
Yamamoto's Ryūjin Jakka was the strongest fire-type Zanpakutō. Zaraki's Nozarashi, without a doubt, was the strongest in terms of raw destructive power. While its range might not match Ryūjin Jakka's, its sheer force rivaled even Yamamoto's Jōkaku Enjō, the technique that concentrated Ryūjin Jakka's flames and heat into a single, devastating blow.
Observing Reigai-Zaraki's attack, Ailin extended his right hand and chanted.
"Bankai: The Seven Rings that Cover the Burning Heavens!"
Red petals materialized before him, followed by seven translucent barriers. Each barrier possessed defensive capabilities comparable to a fully chanted Dankū, Bakudō #81.
And as each barrier shattered, it disrupted the surrounding spiritual particles, weakening the incoming attack. While each barrier's inherent strength remained constant, the cumulative effect made each subsequent barrier seem significantly stronger.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The golden slash collided with the barriers. The first three shattered instantly. Their destruction disrupted the surrounding spiritual particles, weakening Reigai-Zaraki's attack. However, even this weakened attack shattered the fourth and fifth barriers almost immediately. The sixth barrier held for a moment, and the seventh for two breaths before finally succumbing.
The Seven Rings that Cover the Burning Heavens, the Bankai of one of Ailin's most defensive Zanpakutō, had been broken by a single, casual swing from Reigai-Zaraki's Shikai. Such was Zaraki's power.
Ailin shook his head. As his own strength increased, some Zanpakutō, with their fixed limitations, were becoming less effective.
He focused his spiritual pressure into his right hand and reached out, grasping Reigai-Zaraki's golden slash.
Boom!
An earsplitting roar echoed through the Seireitei as golden sparks erupted where Ailin's hand met the slash. With a sudden clench, Ailin crushed the attack.
The fragments of the shattered slash rained down around him, exploding on impact and pulverizing the surrounding buildings.
Ailin was little surprised at the minor scratches on his right hand.
Aizen, even after three fusions with the Hogyoku, hadn't been able to injure him. Yet, Reigai-Zaraki's Shikai had managed to draw blood. While his spiritual pressure hadn't reached a higher level, his attack power, amplified by Nozarashi, surpassed even Aizen's in his evolved state. Of course, this was partly due to Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu not being a particularly offensive Zanpakutō, but it still spoke volumes about Zaraki and Nozarashi's raw power.
"Hahaha!"
Seeing his attack crushed, Reigai-Zaraki, instead of surprise, charged towards Ailin with even greater speed. He leaped into the air with his Zanpakutō glowing, and swung it downwards.
"Chains of Heaven!"
Golden ripples swirld around Reigai-Zaraki. Golden chains erupted from them that bound him completely.
However, Reigai-Zaraki's strength and spiritual pressure were immense. Even bound, he continued his charge while dragging the chains with him.
"Chains of Heaven, Secret Art: Death Wind Rope!"
Golden patterns appeared on the chains that was spreading rapidly across Reigai-Zaraki's body and seeping into his flesh. His spiritual pressure noticeably diminished as the chains grew stronger and more resilient.
Ailin's Chains of Heaven, inspired by Enkidu's true form in the Fate world, had been forged using Unlimited Blade Works. However, its core ability stemmed from Kazeshini, the Bankai of Shūhei Hisagi, the Ninth Division's lieutenant.
The Death Wind Rope, Kazeshini's Bankai, shared the spiritual pressure of those it bound, creating a perfect 50/50 split. Within its domain, as long as both combatants possessed spiritual pressure, they could be revived even after death, their spiritual pressure fueled their resurrection.
Now, Reigai-Zaraki's spiritual pressure, shared with Chains of Heaven, was equalized. He couldn't break free.