The dust from Shigure's landing scattered in the wind. His palm pressed against Gin's blade tip.
Completely unharmed.
Gin blinked in surprise. Shinsō's blade retracted into a short sword.
Rukia stared at the scene, her mind blank. She gazed at Shigure in shock.
That was a captain-level Shikai... blocked with bare hands!
Just how strong had Segawa become?!
Tōsen couldn't see, but his spiritual senses told him what happened. His face grew serious.
He knew Gin's Shinsō well. Even with concentrated spiritual pressure, a Soul Reaper's skin shouldn't be able to block it.
But Shigure had done it. And they couldn't sense him gathering any spiritual pressure at all.
Aizen turned to face Shigure. Surprise flashed in his eyes before calm returned.
"Truly surprising... That skin hardness isn't something a Soul Reaper should manage."
"You didn't concentrate spiritual pressure on your surface, yet... it seems fused with your skin."
"Interesting."
Aizen smiled with curiosity.
He could sense Shigure using Soul Reaper techniques—spiritual pressure couldn't lie. But this hardness reminded him of Arrancar Hierro.
Remarkably similar—both perfect fusions of flesh and spiritual pressure.
In all his research, he'd believed only Arrancar could achieve this.
"Aizen-sama, let me handle him."
Tōsen stepped forward and drew his blade respectfully.
Aizen studied Shigure briefly, then Flash Stepped several yards away.
"Go ahead, Gin, Kaname."
His glasses caught the light as he smiled.
"Fighting a former subordinate would be heartless."
"Watching ants struggle is quite ugly."
"I'll leave this to you."
Rukia's eyes widened.
Two captains fighting him at once!
Panic filled her face.
"Se-Segawa... don't fight them!"
"You can't handle this alone!"
"You need my brother and Captain Ukitake...!"
Her voice shook.
Shigure stayed calm. "They're on their way."
"Huh?" Rukia blinked.
Shigure picked her up with a smile.
"My Flash Step's just a bit faster, so I arrived first."
More than a bit faster. Even Flash Step masters like Byakuya were twice as slow as Shigure's ultimate speed.
Whoosh!
One Flash Step carried Rukia far away. Another brought him back.
By the time Rukia realized what happened, she was alone. The wasteland lay in the distance.
Staring at the four figures, her heart clenched.
She knew Shigure was strong. But three captains...!
Back at the wasteland, Aizen smiled as Shigure returned.
"Impressive Flash Step, Segawa."
His tone dripped condescension.
Shigure ignored him. Drew his Zanpakutō. Faced Gin and Tōsen.
His Resonance Eyes showed Aizen hadn't activated Kyōka Suigetsu yet. He really was just watching.
But Shigure wouldn't let him stay detached. He'd defeat Gin and Tōsen instantly, then face Aizen.
He didn't know when Aizen's "Anti-Membrane" would arrive, but judging by their behavior, there was time.
"Begin." Aizen smiled.
Gin grinned and raised his blade, pointing at Shigure's chest.
Suddenly Tōsen flashed in front of him.
"Gin, let me end him with justice."
He raised his sword horizontally.
Gin looked at Aizen with a smile. "Captain Aizen, it's not that I don't want to fight..."
Aizen kept smiling. "No matter, Gin. We have time."
"Let's see why Yamamoto values Segawa so highly."
With Aizen's approval, Tōsen cast aside hesitation. He faced Shigure and released spiritual pressure. His captain's haori fluttered.
"Don't blame me... This is justice's judgment."
"Ban... kai."
Hum—
Clear insect chirping filled the air. His Zanpakutō Suzumushi's guard ring resonated with crisp sounds.
Terrifying spiritual pressure expanded.
His left hand pulled. The guard ring expanded, split into nine rings surrounding him.
Black spiritual pressure waves appeared in each ring's center. Spell inscriptions materialized in the air!
The black pressure expanded, instantly enveloping both fighters!
A massive barrier appeared over the wasteland, radiating death energy!
Inside, all light, sound, smell, and spiritual pressure vanished!
Only endless darkness remained.
Tōsen's Bankai—Suzumushi Tsuishiki: Enma-Kōrogi!
Gin looked surprised.
"Going straight for the kill? Tōsen's really scary."
Aizen smiled gently, watching with interest.
Inside the barrier, Shigure stood calm and unmoved.
He slowly raised his hand. Gripped his Zanpakutō in reverse. Smiled.
He spoke the release command:
"Deliver divine punishment... Candle Dragon!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
The story isn't over...
🤔 Want to know what happens next to the characters?
🤫 Eager to explore the untold secrets of this world?
✍️ Ready to read more of my wildest stories?
✨patreon.com/DarkGolds