No... impossible...
My "Kyōka Suigetsu" has definitely activated...
He should already be under complete hypnosis!
But... why can he wound me?
Aizen looked down at his waist, at the wound torn by the lightning spear.
Though his captain's haori and Soul Reaper uniform were ripped, there wasn't a trace of blood on the wound.
The moment Shigure's lightning pierced through, it had vaporized everything.
A hint of shock appeared in Aizen's previously calm gaze.
He looked up again. Shigure still smiled, watching this direction.
His gaze seemed vacant.
But he was undoubtedly looking this way.
"Was it... coincidence?"
Aizen spoke softly, narrowing his eyes.
People under complete hypnosis could have instinctive reactions.
Could Segawa Shigure's attack be a coincidental result of instinct?
The blade in Aizen's hand gleamed coldly.
Kyōka Suigetsu was still active.
This time, he planned aerial assassination.
But the moment he shifted his foot, Shigure spoke again.
His face wore a faint smile.
"Captain Aizen, are you wondering if this was just coincidence?"
?!
Aizen's heart jumped violently. His gaze sharpened as he struck without hesitation.
Fierce invisible spiritual pressure followed his blade's swing, flying toward Shigure.
But Shigure's figure suddenly vanished.
Flash step!
Swoosh!
He appeared behind Aizen, lightning spear thrusting upward!
Fūshin-Mumyō-ryū sword stance: Crescent Moon!
BOOM!
Explosive golden lightning, enhanced by swordsmanship, condensed into a crescent slash!
This was the aggressive swordsmanship Shigure had learned from Retsu Unohana - unmatched in killing power!
Annihilation Reiatsu, superior swordsmanship, Candle Dragon lightning...
These three powers combined, erupting toward Aizen's back!
The ground cracked open!
Dust flew as spiritual pressures clashed. The surrounding air seemed cleared instantly!
Aizen's eyes focused as he spun to block.
But he underestimated this thunder-moon slash's power.
BANG!
Though he blocked the attack, its impact forced him back three meters!
Gin's eyes widened in the distance, his yellow pupils glowing.
Tōsen's expression became utterly shocked.
How could this be?!
Lord Aizen was forced back by one slash?!
Impossible...
Could his spiritual pressure match Lord Aizen's?!
Realizing this, Tōsen's body went rigid.
Meanwhile, Aizen looked down, his expression frozen.
He had gathered sufficient spiritual pressure on his blade to block that slash.
But his chest clothing was completely shredded.
However... that wasn't what shocked him.
What shocked him was...
Segawa Shigure had ignored Kyōka Suigetsu's complete hypnosis!
His flash step and slash connected seamlessly - clearly he'd confirmed his target's location!
This couldn't be mere instinctive reaction!
No one could maintain such precise instincts under Kyōka Suigetsu's influence!
Aizen raised his head, his pupils contracting for the first time.
Across from him, Shigure held lightning, his face still wearing that composed smile.
Aizen slowly straightened, lowering his blade.
His gaze sharp, he spoke slowly:
"When did you start becoming immune to Kyōka Suigetsu?"
"Immune?"
Shigure softly repeated the word, his smile growing stronger.
He also lowered his hand, lightning gathering in his palm.
Looking at Aizen with gleaming eyes, he smiled:
"Then let me ask you instead... Captain Aizen."
"When did you start thinking I'd fallen for your Kyōka Suigetsu?"
"?!"
Aizen's breathing hitched.
Shigure kept smiling.
"Was it from that riot at the Nest of Maggots, when your Zanpakutō was released?"
"Or when you started having Captain Tōsen monitor me?"
"What... what?"
Aizen's mouth opened slightly, his expression frozen.
Countless thoughts and memories flashed through his mind.
Everything about Shigure's past.
From when he first displayed spiritual pressure, to joining the 5th Division.
Then the Nest of Maggots riot, Tōsen's surveillance...
Each past event was now revealed in Aizen's heart.
Anger and unwillingness began growing within him.
Because he was beginning to understand.
Perhaps from the very beginning, Shigure had seen through his plans...
"Hey now, Captain Aizen, why are you making that expression?"
Shigure smiled, mercilessly raising his hand again.
Whoosh!
Another fierce slash flew out!
Ryōten-Kakusei-ryū sword stance: Falling Phoenix!
BOOM!
This time, lightning accompanied the slash with explosive thunder!
Seeing this lightning, Aizen's heart lurched!
He felt ten thousand invisible swords piercing his eyes, attacking his soul!
This was the ability Shigure had demonstrated during his division entrance exam—
Candle Dragon's Divine Might!
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
The story isn't over...
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