Under the expectation of countless people, the projection displayed Kuchiki Byakuya's mindscape at this moment.
But his mind was currently empty, and after a long time, it remained dark.
It seemed that despite the Three Realms Projection's efforts, Byakuya had not yet manifested any real fear.
Kuchiki Byakuya calmed himself and resolved not to be afraid.
In battle, if you're not afraid of death, what else is there to fear?
As long as it's to protect what's most important in your heart, you are fearless!
Thinking this, Byakuya couldn't help but recall the image of Kuchiki Rukia in his mind.
With Rukia's image in mind, I should be able to overcome fear even better...
However...
BUZZ!!!!!
Suddenly!
Byakuya was horrified!
The beautiful image of Rukia in his mind transformed into a lifeless skeleton without flesh or blood!!
Terrifying!
It made one's blood run cold!
This was the most unacceptable thing in the heart of Kuchiki Byakuya, the ultimate sister-protecting complex!
Byakuya, who thought he was fearless, completely collapsed!
This kind of fear could not be overcome at all!
It was genuine terror!
This wasn't emotion, but instinct, arising from the very core of his being!
It was like countless insects crawling over his body!
At this moment, Byakuya's heart was shaken by Rukia's image, and he saw phantoms of swarms of insects crawling across his body.
This scene was extremely shocking! It was even more disgusting and terrifying than a battlefield with rivers of blood!!
The rustling sound of the crawling creatures shocked the audience watching the golden screen!
Even though they were just viewing the projection, they seemed to experience the same sensation!
After witnessing this scene, all the Shinigami were shocked and began discussing!
[Kuchiki Rukia]: Ah, Brother... he must be in agony right now...
[Senyu]: But think on the bright side—this kind of punishment won't actually harm his body, but it can temper his spirit, which is also beneficial, making him more resolute in future battles.
[Unohana Retsu]: Well, I hope Captain Kuchiki can overcome it soon.
[Abarai Renji]: So the captain is afraid of this kind of scene? This is what I'd be afraid of too.
[Matsumoto Rangiku]: Captain Kuchiki is actually a sister-protecting maniac? What a huge contrast!
[Kurosaki Ichigo]: I thought Kuchiki Byakuya was a heartless person, but he seems to genuinely care about his sister. Why was he so cruel initially? Although he gave his reasons, I still don't understand...
[Aizen Sōsuke]: How interesting. Even my Kyōka Suigetsu can't directly manifest such horrific scenarios.
[Ichimaru Gin]: Indeed, I admire how ruthlessly he was prepared to execute his sister. Cold appearance, but actually a soft heart...
[Hitsugaya Tōshirō]: Damn it! You bastards, how dare you speak like that? If it weren't for you traitors, how could we have had such tragedies before?
Additionally, the audience couldn't help but admire the Three Realms Projection's abilities more and more.
They couldn't help but sigh that there was always a higher power!
Such abilities were simply inexplicable except as divine intervention.
Even veterans like Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni and Kyōraku Shunsui didn't dare underestimate it.
[Hirako Shinji]: The Three Realms Projection's ability is indeed quite powerful. Its effects are comparable to illusion-type Zanpakutō abilities. Combined with the previous spiritual pressure deprivation, item confiscation, etc.—it's frightening to consider.
[Kurotsuchi Mayuri]: If nothing unexpected happens, this feeling of fear should be unavoidable. This is punishment targeting biological instinct. I've studied similar drugs, but they're far inferior to this Three Realms Projection!
[Kurosaki Ichigo]: Instinct? That's too terrifying... If I saw my companions in such distress, I'd probably end up like Captain Kuchiki...
[Hitsugaya Tōshirō]: Yeah, if it were me... I wouldn't dare imagine it either.
[Zaraki Kenpachi]: Oh, fear? Does such a thing exist for me?
[Unohana Retsu]: What if you could never fight again?
[Zaraki Kenpachi]: Ah! That's absolutely unacceptable! I must slice through this Three Realms Projection with one strike!! I'd rather die than be unable to fight!
[Unohana Retsu]: ...
[Kusajishi Yachiru]: ...
[Kaname Tōsen]: Fear? This is indeed a terrible emotion. We must defeat it with justice!
[Aizen Sōsuke]: Weak Shinigami are ridiculous. They can't even overcome such trivial fear.
[Ulquiorra Cifer]: I can't think of anything to fear. My heart is empty. As for Aizen-sama, he's even less susceptible. I can't imagine him being afraid of anything.
[Suì-Fēng]: If Yoruichi-sama were to turn into a pile of bones in my mind... ah! I'm collapsing just thinking about it!
[Shihōin Yoruichi]: ...
After everyone watched for several seconds with mixed emotions, the golden screen slowly darkened, ending Kuchiki Byakuya's punishment.
Byakuya was trembling as if he had just survived a catastrophe, cold sweat covering his entire body!
He had to lean against the wall to barely remain standing.
Although the scene had lasted only a brief moment, for him it was torment that felt like an entire year!
Fortunately, he was at his post in the Sixth Division, so no one else witnessed his miserable state.
[Kuchiki Byakuya]: What a terrifying experience... It seems I overestimated myself. This fear... is definitely not something I can bear.
[Kuchiki Rukia]: Brother, sigh...
[Kuchiki Byakuya]: But don't worry—after this punishment, I feel my mindset has matured considerably. I have a deeper understanding of how to protect the people and things I want to protect, and how to elevate my spiritual realm!
[Senyu]: Exactly! Captain Kuchiki is indeed elegant and dependable! If you use fear properly, you can protect others better!
[Hitsugaya Tōshirō]: That's right, Captain Kuchiki—this can be considered a blessing in disguise. It's training rather than punishment!
[Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez]: If that's the case, then Aizen-sama is doing this for your own good when he makes you stab your own comrade Hinamori in the future!
[Baraggan Louisenbairn]: Indeed, people with poor mentality who can't remain calm aren't qualified to be strong. They'll be killed instantly by Aizen.
[Hitsugaya Tōshirō]: Shut up!
While everyone was arguing, the screen soon lit up again, and the next scene appeared.
Kuchiki Byakuya's showcase continued!
After Ichigo Kurosaki and others successfully rescued Kuchiki Rukia, all of Soul Society fell into war.
Kyōraku Shunsui, Shihōin Yoruichi, and others all found their respective opponents.
Kuchiki Byakuya also began another fierce battle with Ichigo Kurosaki!
Before the battle, both sides were accustomed to exchanging harsh words first.
Ichigo Kurosaki declared confidently:
"I will absolutely stop you from executing your own sister!"
"Use your Bankai quickly!"
"I will definitely destroy it!"
Kuchiki Byakuya obviously didn't take Kurosaki Ichigo seriously.
"Hmph, ridiculous. My resolve won't change!"
"The fate of both Rukia and you cannot be altered!"
"You still have the audacity to ask me to use my Bankai? You'll die under my Bankai a thousand years too early!!!"
As someone who couldn't feel comfortable without acting cool, Kuchiki Byakuya first set a flag.
Hmph!
Are you kidding?
The one who uses Bankai first loses.
How could the trope of using Bankai against every enemy apply to me?
Kuchiki Byakuya first used Senbonzakura's Shikai to attack Kurosaki Ichigo.
The flying cherry blossoms in the sky densely enveloped Ichigo!
But Ichigo quickly raised Zangetsu, swinging the sword with one hand in an extremely powerful slash!
BOOM!
"Getsuga Tenshō!!!"
Sharp sword energy burst forth instantly.
It carved a deep furrow in the ground along its path.
Kuchiki Byakuya's eyes widened instantly. He couldn't resist such an attack at all.
His protective gear fell to the ground, and blood dripped from his wounds.
After Old Man Zangetsu's training, Ichigo used Getsuga Tenshō for the first time, and it served as a stern warning to Kuchiki Byakuya!
Ichigo also said very proudly:
"This is the name of my technique—Getsuga Tenshō! Kuchiki Byakuya! Use your Bankai and fight me!"
At this moment, many people were surprised to see Ichigo Kurosaki's technique.
[Zaraki Kenpachi]: I seem to have some recollection of this move.
[Aizen Sōsuke]: As expected from the person I've chosen, Kurosaki Ichigo. You're making rapid progress!
[Hitsugaya Tōshirō]: Why are you butting in again, Aizen... Hey, wait, this is Captain Shiba's technique! Why can Ichigo Kurosaki perform this? Isshin and Ichigo... they do look alike.
[Ukitake Jūshirō]: No wonder I felt Ichigo Kurosaki seemed familiar. Now that I think about it, he does resemble Isshin quite a bit. Could he be related to Captain Shiba Isshin?
Since everyone knew the outcome of the battle between Ichigo Kurosaki and Kuchiki Byakuya, many Shinigami's attention focused on other details!
After all, this was something that had greatly puzzled them before!
[Kyōraku Shunsui]: Come to think of it, the Getsuga Tenshō is supposed to be a signature technique of the Shiba family...
[Komamura Sajin]: And Ichigo's resemblance to Isshin is quite striking now that it's been mentioned.
[Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni]: Interesting coincidences... or perhaps not coincidences at all.