Aizen's words fell.
An explosion erupted from the side.
BOOM!
Spiritual pressure surged. Whipped his clothes.
Aizen kept watching Shigure. Didn't turn.
"So you've emerged, Kisuke Urahara."
Urahara ignored him. Face tense. Flash-stepped behind Alleste.
"Bakudō #61: Rikujōkōrō!"
Six white bars pierced the girl's frame.
Urahara didn't stop. He knew her strength. Added two more Kidō rapidly.
"Bakudō #63: Sajō Sabaku!"
"Bakudō #79: Kuyō Shibari!"
Clang!
Black chains and cloth strips surged out. Bound her completely. Only nose and mouth exposed.
Urahara turned toward Aizen. Flash-stepped to Shigure's left.
A lightning-fast figure appeared at Shigure's right.
Yoruichi Shihōin. Hidden until now.
Her expression matched Urahara's. Grave.
They never imagined the Hōgyoku could keep evolving Aizen after what Shigure did.
This exceeded expectations.
Several more spiritual pressures descended. Figures materialized around Shigure.
Retsu Unohana, tense. Tōshirō Hitsugaya gripping his blade. Byakuya Kuchiki, stern. Kenpachi Zaraki, bloodstained...
Plus Shinji Hirako, Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi, and other Visored.
After Unohana's healing, the injured had temporary mobility.
Barely combat-ready.
But they couldn't just watch anymore.
After his second near-death, Aizen's power broke through completely.
He didn't need to demonstrate. They felt it clearly. That absolute difference...
They had to do something.
Everyone understood.
Even Unohana offered no caution.
They couldn't keep watching Shigure fight alone.
Aizen's eyes swept across their faces:
"Gathering forces now...?"
"I don't mean to mock, but... interesting."
"Your cooperation, tactics, schemes—they prove you still have 'hope.'"
No one's expression changed. Silent.
Only Zaraki bared his teeth. Looked at Shigure:
"Tch, Segawa... you still look comfortable..."
"But you can't hog all the glory."
Shigure's expression shifted slightly. Didn't respond.
Urahara's gaze turned toward Shigure. Spiritual pressure transmission:
"Segawa, killing him directly is impossible now."
"We need to seal him. Seal the Hōgyoku."
"I have a plan, but... I need your power."
Before Shigure could reply, Aizen spoke:
"Spiritual pressure transmission..."
"Kisuke Urahara, what are you plotting...?"
Aizen gripped his blade. Walked forward slowly:
"Let me guess."
"You're telling him 'since we can't kill him, seal him instead,' correct?"
Urahara's pupils contracted.
Aizen continued:
"Seems right. You've always had dangerous ideas. And moreover..."
"You truly possess that frightening talent."
Urahara lowered his eyes. Pressed his hat. Said nothing.
The others' expressions shifted.
Even Urahara's unexecuted plan was seen through.
A faint smile appeared on Aizen's face:
"For these mediocre schemes, I can afford indifference."
"But you and Segawa are worthy of standing beside me."
"So I won't give you that chance."
Aizen raised his left hand slowly.
Every captain's face changed. They braced.
Aizen's eyes glinted:
"No need for worried expressions. Your battle ends in an instant."
He pressed downward.
BOOM!!
Invisible, terrifying pressure descended instantly.
It shattered the spiritual particles beneath their feet. They lost balance. Fell.
The pressure prevented them from gathering particles to stop.
Even breathing was suppressed. They couldn't draw air.
Including Urahara, everyone's eyes filled with shock.
What—?!
His spiritual pressure reached this level...?!
They struggled to look up. Only two figures remained high above:
Aizen Sōsuke and Segawa Shigure.
...
High above, Aizen gazed at Shigure. Eyes cold:
"...You haven't disappointed me, Segawa."
"Under half my spiritual pressure, you still stand beside me."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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