Seeing Yhwach appear, everyone bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesty has awakened?"
Yhwach lowered his gaze and spoke slowly:
"I have just awakened and witnessed this so-called Three Realms Projection, though I may have missed some content. You shall brief me later."
"More importantly, I must emphasize to all of you—pay close attention to Ichigo Kurosaki!"
"Though his current strength remains uncertain, he may very well qualify as one of the Special War Potentials!"
When Yhwach made this declaration, it sent shockwaves through the assembly!
Everyone knew that Yhwach only designated individuals of immeasurable threat as Special War Potentials—those who could pose significant obstacles to their future plans!
Upon hearing this assessment, the Quincy were visibly surprised.
"How could Ichigo Kurosaki possibly warrant evaluation as a Special War Potential?"
"His Majesty previously stated that Kenpachi Zaraki's combat ability is difficult to measure, his power merely suppressed temporarily. That we can understand."
"We also comprehend the ability and wisdom of Ichibei Hyōsube from Royal Guard."
"But what makes Kurosaki Ichigo so special?"
Yhwach stroked his chin, speaking with deliberate ambiguity:
"Perhaps... I truly do not fully comprehend him, and it is precisely because I cannot explain it clearly that makes him all the more terrifying!"
"His future potential truly exceeds imagination!"
"Simply observing his recent experiences in Soul Society reveals his rapid advancement!"
Gazing at Ichigo Kurosaki's image, Yhwach's expression grew complex and inscrutable.
It seemed he did not regard Ichigo Kurosaki as merely another enemy!
The Quincy sensed he harbored words left unspoken.
Though Ichigo Kurosaki appeared to be a Shinigami or Hollow on the surface, Yhwach, as the Quincy King, seemed to possess intimate knowledge of him!
However, facing Yhwach, they naturally dared not question him—at most burying their doubts within their hearts.
Of course, a few arrogant Quincy still refused to take Ichigo Kurosaki seriously. So what if he possessed great potential? His current strength remained woefully inadequate! Any true master would crush him instantly, wouldn't they?
Let us observe how powerful he becomes in the future.
[In the projection...]
Facing Ichigo Kurosaki's activated Bankai, Byakuya Kuchiki launched an even more ferocious assault.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...
Countless cherry blossom petals formed silk-like attack patterns, a sky full of sakura sweeping forth!
Completely enveloping Ichigo Kurosaki!
Cold light gleaming fiercely! Beautiful yet dazzling!
The most stunning scenery concealing the deadliest attack!
However, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi could no longer match Ichigo Kurosaki's speed!
Even surrounded by countless cherry blossom blades, Ichigo Kurosaki swung his sword wildly, directly dispersing them all.
The next instant!
Ichigo Kurosaki broke through Byakuya Kuchiki's attack formation in a flash, appearing silently behind him.
"Was there only one miracle? What about the second miracle?"
SHING!
Tensa Zangetsu thrust directly toward Byakuya Kuchiki!
An eye for an eye!
This mirrored the very move Byakuya Kuchiki used when he nearly killed Ichigo Kurosaki in the World of the Living.
Byakuya Kuchiki suffered severe injuries, nearly driven to madness.
He realized that Ichigo Kurosaki's Bankai concentrated all spiritual power into the blade, dramatically increasing speed and strength.
Witnessing Ichigo Kurosaki's overwhelming power, Byakuya Kuchiki was forced to reveal his trump card!
Senkei: Senbonzakura Kageyoshi!
Byakuya Kuchiki seemed to create an exclusive battlefield, surrounded by countless floating blades.
This was the absolute offensive stance he assumed after abandoning all defense!
And Byakuya Kuchiki, entering this state, managed to suppress Ichigo Kurosaki once again!
The barrage comments erupted with jokes:
'Is this some kind of couple's private space?'
'Haha, what a romantic death arena!'
'But seriously, if Kenpachi entered this place, he'd be in absolute heaven.'
'Another addition to Kenpachi's Happy Fun House collection!'
Simultaneously, in the chat group:
[Abarai Renji]: Ichigo, it seems you still can't defeat Captain Kuchiki?
[Zaraki Kenpachi]: I'm also curious about how this battle ends.
[Komamura Sajin]: Both sides are using their trump cards, but Captain Kuchiki clearly has more in reserve.
[Shihōin Yoruichi]: Though you have the advantage now, Byakuya, I still must say—you've been face-slapped too many times to count. Conservative estimate: at least twice! Haha!
[Kuchiki Byakuya]: ...
[Urahara Kisuke]: Anyone who underestimates Kurosaki-kun will pay a heavy price...
At this moment, they engaged in their final, desperate battle.
Blood continuously splattered.
Blades clashed repeatedly.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Ichigo Kurosaki felt increasingly powerless.
Byakuya Kuchiki noticed Ichigo Kurosaki growing slower and slower.
Then, Byakuya Kuchiki unleashed Hadō #4: Byakurai!
CRACK!
The powerful white lightning pierced through Ichigo Kurosaki's body, inflicting grievous wounds.
Byakuya Kuchiki, believing victory was assured, decided to finish Ichigo Kurosaki once and for all.
However, just as Byakuya Kuchiki swung his final strike, Ichigo Kurosaki's inner Hollow took control!
Ichigo Kurosaki, now controlled by his Hollow self, muttered:
"Didn't I tell you? If you die, I'll be in trouble..."
Kurosaki Ichigo, possessed by White, began laughing maniacally while counterattacking Byakuya Kuchiki, wounding him severely!
Simultaneously, he spoke with arrogant confidence:
"You're such a weakling, Ichigo! He was hit by your Bankai's spiritual pressure and his bones are creaking. Let me show you the proper way to use Bankai!"
He swiftly began overwhelming Byakuya Kuchiki!
Demonstrating to Ichigo Kurosaki what true Bankai mastery looked like!
Countless Getsuga Tenshō attacks, brimming with tremendous spiritual pressure, crashed toward Byakuya Kuchiki.
He treated Getsuga Tenshō as basic attacks!
And they were spinning—black, rotating Getsuga Tenshō!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Byakuya Kuchiki didn't dare engage directly, only attempting to evade Ichigo Kurosaki's relentless assault. The blood-red shockwaves formed Starrk contrast against Soul Society's blue skies and white clouds.
In terms of power utilization, movement restriction, and combat techniques, White far surpassed the original Ichigo Kurosaki!
Everyone watched in secret amazement!
Byakuya Kuchiki, beaten severely, could only gasp heavily while speaking to himself:
"Is this guy... a Hollow?"
Kuchiki Byakuya had been face-slapped by Kurosaki Ichigo yet again, leaving him deeply uncomfortable.