[Witnessing the appearance of Askin Nakk Le Vaar, Grimmjow immediately rushed forward without hesitation.
He struck with devastating force, completely obliterating the building where Askin had been positioned!
BOOM!!!
Countless pieces of rubble buried Askin's body beneath the debris.
Kurosaki Ichigo and the others were somewhat surprised, thinking they had eliminated a Quincy with such ease.
However, in the next moment, the Quincy emerged from the ruins and began retreating.
Grimmjow shouted in frustration.
"Hey, you bastard! Stop right there! Didn't you come here to fight?"
This Askin truly lived up to his infuriating reputation, responding with complete confidence.
"Who said I came here to fight?"
"I'm here to kill you."
"Therefore, it would be optimal to eliminate you without raising any alarms."
As he spoke, Askin regarded Grimmjow with puzzlement.
"By the way, aren't you an Arrancar? Why didn't I observe you fighting in the previous battles? Why are you only appearing now?"
The audience could clearly see that he was an extremely cautious individual who preferred stealth tactics and ambushes - completely different from the previous Royal Guard member, Gerard!
Grimmjow maintained his stubborn demeanor.
"I... I am Kurosaki Ichigo's enemy."
Upon hearing this declaration, Askin's expression brightened with genuine delight!
He formed his hands into the shape of a pistol and extended an enthusiastic invitation to Grimmjow.
"Excellent! Why don't we join forces to eliminate Kurosaki Ichigo?"
But upon hearing this suggestion, Grimmjow's face immediately turned ice-cold, as if he had heard something utterly unacceptable.
"Absolutely not."
"Stop spouting such nonsense."
"Let me catch up to you and kill you first!"
He claims he wants to kill Kurosaki Ichigo, but how could he possibly tolerate someone else threatening him?
BZZZZT!!!
Grimmjow entered a state resembling partial Resurrección, transforming his hands and feet into leopard-like claws and bursting forth with incredible speed!
Askin expressed his amazement, commenting that this was quite troublesome.
Facing such rapid movement from Grimmjow, even Kurosaki Ichigo lost sight of him.
It seems Grimmjow will have to engage this opponent in single combat. That could prove problematic.
After brief discussion, Kurosaki Ichigo and the others quickly separated to pursue their individual objectives.]
Observing this encounter, the audience began analyzing the situation earnestly.
[Kyoraku Shunsui]: This individual should be one of the Schutzstaffel who appeared previously. His strength shouldn't be underestimated.
[Ukitake Jushiro]: He may be somewhat unsettling... but such a cautious member won't be easy to handle!
[Urahara Kisuke]: Indeed, against such a careful opponent, both Grimmjow and Kurosaki-san will need to exert considerable effort!
[Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez]: Hmph! Don't worry about it. I'll definitely catch that bastard and kill him! No one escapes from me!
[Urahara Kisuke]: Grimmjow, you're not particularly angry at him because you heard him suggest killing Kurosaki-san, are you?
[Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez]: Hey, you idiot! Shut up!
While everyone continued their discussion, the next scene materialized.
[Kurosaki Ichigo found himself in a narrow alley when he suddenly saw Askin rushing toward him.
It appeared that Askin had defeated Grimmjow in their encounter.
Kurosaki Ichigo's expression grew serious as he immediately focused and prepared for battle!
However, just as they were about to engage in combat, a black chill descended from the heavens above.
WHOOOOSH!!!
The temperature seemed to plummet rapidly throughout the area.
Both Kurosaki Ichigo and Askin expressed surprise at this development.
They couldn't identify the source of this phenomenon.
Kurosaki Ichigo and the others couldn't help but feel the bone-deep cold.
Kurosaki Ichigo quickly realized the source.
"Is this Captain Kyoraku's spiritual pressure? Has he also encountered some powerful enemy?"]
Witnessing this scene, the audience erupted with surprise.
[Aizen Sosuke]: How interesting! A spiritual pressure that even Kurosaki Ichigo found shocking! It seems this Kyoraku Shunsui is quite fascinating indeed.
[Kyoraku Shunsui]: This spiritual pressure filling the air... Could it be that...
[Ukitake Jushiro]: That's correct. You must have activated your Bankai. The enemy must be extremely formidable!
[Kyoraku Shunsui]: If my assumptions are accurate, I would only release this Bankai when positioned far from my allies. Can Kurosaki Ichigo and the others sense it so clearly? I hope they can endure its effects.
[Askin Nakk Le Vaar]: Oh my, I didn't expect to face off against that troublesome Kurosaki Ichigo. I'm feeling somewhat concerned!
[Gerard Valkyrie]: Hmph! If you can't handle it, Askin, leave it to me!
Everyone eagerly anticipated the next sequence! Kurosaki Ichigo would finally confront one of the Royal Guards directly! This would reveal the true extent of these guards' power!
Additionally, other viewers began realizing further implications.
[Ulquiorra Cifer]: Wait a moment. If that's the case, then Kyoraku Shunsui's spiritual pressure has manifested, meaning he and the other Shinigami have also reached the Soul King Palace?
[Coyote Starrk]: This isn't simple at all! Besides Urahara Kisuke's methods, is there another way to transport Shinigami to the Soul King Palace?
[Tosen Kaname]: Urahara Kisuke possessed two methods for reaching the Soul King Palace previously. Could there be additional approaches?
[Kurotsuchi Mayuri]: Hmph! Isn't it time for my brilliance to be showcased?
[Ichimaru Gin]: The future grows increasingly complex! It's time for the Shinigami to engage in their final battle against the Quincy! I wonder if I'll have an opportunity to participate...
[Shihouin Yoruichi]: My younger brother was mentioned in the scene, along with the spiritual pressure of many other Shinigami. It appears they've also arrived at the Soul King Palace!
[Hitsugaya Toshiro]: If you consider it from this perspective, doesn't that mean everyone can reach the Soul King Palace except for Aizen? Haha, I can't help but find that amusing!
[Gremmy Thoumeaux]: The Soul King Palace that Aizen so desperately desired has become worthless now?
At this moment, the audience began mercilessly mocking this situation. If Aizen truly couldn't reach the Soul King Palace at this crucial time, it would be supremely ironic.
[Tosen Kaname]: Hmph! Don't be so arrogant! Without our Lord Aizen, you Shinigami would have been annihilated long ago! Perhaps scenes where you're begging Lord Aizen for assistance simply haven't been shown yet.
[Ulquiorra Cifer]: That's not necessarily accurate. Who knows what role Lord Aizen is playing at this moment?
Aizen's subordinates all attempted to defend their master's reputation, but Aizen himself remained completely composed.
[Aizen Sosuke]: Indeed, I am definitely involved in this decisive battle!
[Aizen Sosuke]: Besides, my objective isn't merely reaching the Soul King Palace!
[Aizen Sosuke]: My goal is to defeat Royal Guard and replace the Soul King himself!
[Aizen Sosuke]: But now it appears that you, Royal Guard, are no match for Yhwach. Perhaps I shouldn't consider you worthy adversaries! Only Yhwach deserves my attention!
[Hyosube Ichibei]: Hmph! Don't assume you can easily surpass our Royal Guard!
[Jugram Haschwalth]: Hmph! Whether you're qualified to treat our Majesty as an enemy remains to be seen...
Everyone began their customary arguments as the tension escalated.
At this moment, Aizen fixed his piercing gaze upon the Three Realms Projection, barely containing his anticipation.
I hope my scenes will appear soon! Although I'm confident in my eventual appearance, waiting too long will inevitably become somewhat... tedious.
Furthermore, if all these Shinigami can reach the Soul King Palace, then the status and mystique of the Soul King Palace that I've long coveted will indeed be greatly diminished!
In that case...
Aizen couldn't help but feel a sense of disdain! This Soul King Palace truly lacked any mystery or grandeur whatsoever...