At this moment when Ichigo Kurosaki and the others were in despair, the projection continued its merciless display.
[In the broadcast, Abarai Renji and Kuchiki Rukia broke through the other Quincy and suddenly appeared on the battlefield. They had come to help Ichigo Kurosaki in his darkest hour.
However... these Shinigami were of no use at all against such overwhelming power.
Yhwach looked down upon them with complete disdain, his voice dripping with cruel amusement.
"Haha, how truly troublesome!"
"With your injured bodies, do you still think you can catch up to me?"
"But if you wish to try, then by all means, try!"
"I will leave a door open here. Let us see if you possess the courage to walk through it."
The omniscient and almighty Yhwach was so arrogant, so supremely confident! He was offering the Shinigami a chance to counterattack, not out of mercy, but out of cruel entertainment.
Of course, Yhwach would never believe they still had any chance of defeating him. He would only think that giving them a glimmer of hope before completely crushing it would be a most amusing spectacle!
Yhwach's tone grew colder and more menacing as he continued.
"I shall grant you a gorgeous death as my gift. From this moment forward, throughout all the futures that await you..."
"I will select the precise moment when you feel your happiest—and kill you then."
"I believe that in the days to come, whenever you experience joy, you will think of me!"
"You will all savor the exquisite fear of death that I bestow upon you..."
"Until eternity!"
Abarai Renji, driven by desperation, still attempted to attack Yhwach at this moment.
But Yhwach effortlessly deflected his assault and shattered his Zanpakutō Zabimaru with contemptuous ease.
CRACK!
Even Kurosaki Ichigo had proven powerless against this opponent—what could the other Shinigami possibly accomplish except throw their lives away?]
At this moment, the scene in the projection plunged the entire world into the same despair that had consumed Kurosaki Ichigo. They could no longer find words to speak. They could not conceive of any method to deal with Yhwach.
Facing such a god-like existence, mortals were utterly powerless!
Was it truly as Soul King Yhwach claimed—that he could alter the future at will? Then no matter how desperately these mortals struggled, there would be no way to effect any change? Were their actions truly so laughably insignificant before Yhwach's omnipotence?
For a long moment, the chat group fell into stunned silence. No matter what the Shinigami might say, it would only serve to undermine their side's morale and make their opponent more arrogant!
Of course, after the initial shock of despair, some still managed to rally themselves. They had to find the strength to lift everyone's spirits once more.
[Kyoraku Shunsui]: We cannot give up so easily. This is merely a projection of one possible future.
[Kyoraku Shunsui]: This Yhwach must have absorbed countless powers and added the Soul King's strength to possess such terrifying abilities.
[Kyoraku Shunsui]: Therefore, we can definitely change this future. As long as we prevent him from reaching the Soul King Palace, we can find a way to deal with Yhwach.
[Hyoshubu Ichibei]: You speak wisely, Shinigami! The future can absolutely be changed. Do not be deceived by his boasting—perhaps he is merely bluffing.
[Ōetsu Nimaiya]: Exactly! If he truly possessed such overwhelming power, would he need to employ so many elaborate strategies?
[Kirinji Tenshiro]: He has calculated and schemed endlessly, always avoiding direct confrontation with Ichigo Kurosaki. It's almost as if he fears Ichigo's participation in battle. I refuse to believe he is truly unbeatable.
At this moment, everyone was desperately trying to maintain their resolve, staring intently at the screen and attempting to analyze any relevant information about Yhwach. As long as they could discover his weakness, it would provide even the smallest glimmer of hope for defeating him in the future.
Especially the exceptionally intelligent Shinigami like Kurotsuchi Mayuri and Urahara Kisuke—they were thinking furiously! Although there seemed to be no way to match Yhwach in terms of raw power...
Yhwach was simply too overpowered! His abilities had transcended normal combat and entered the realm of reality manipulation—strange powers like altering the future itself...
But they could not give up! Perhaps through careful analysis, there truly was a chance to discover Yhwach's weakness. If so, such knowledge would be crucial to Soul Society's survival!
[Aizen Sosuke]: Since Kurosaki Ichigo has proven powerless, I believe it is time for me to take the stage.
[Aizen Sosuke]: It has been far too long, and I still have not had the opportunity to appear. This is truly unreasonable.
[Aizen Sosuke]: Perhaps this Yhwach continues his game of cat and mouse not only to avoid Kurosaki Ichigo, but because he knows he must also avoid me.
[Shiba Isshin]: Fine, Aizen. I'm too exhausted to argue with you. I also expect something like this might happen... Asking you to help my son would be the redemption you owe.
[Aizen Sosuke]: Oh? You feel you have been absent from your fatherly role for so long—are you not the one who should seek redemption?
[Shiba Isshin]: Hmph, I'm too tired to debate with you. Of course, this father will also appear and play a crucial role. Father and son fighting together!
In fact, at this very moment in Hueco Mundo, Aizen's brow was deeply furrowed. He was genuinely concerned about Yhwach's abilities.
It seems Yhwach has indeed been orchestrating an elaborate scheme for the past thousand years!
This power has reached an apex that is extraordinarily difficult to contend with!
Not only can he perceive the future, but he can directly alter it as well?
This kind of administrator-like power over reality itself was something Aizen had never encountered before! He strained to analyze Ichigo Kurosaki's abilities, seeking to understand how one might crack Yhwach's omniscience.
At this point, Kurosaki Ichigo's raw power statistics are definitely superior to Yhwach's.
Yet Ichigo Kurosaki is completely outmatched by Yhwach.
He has no means of utilizing his abilities effectively.
How should one deal with a force that manipulates timelines, transcends common sense, and overrides the fundamental rules of existence?
The only solution would be to employ an equally broken ability...
Of course, Aizen refused to believe that Yhwach could truly alter the future completely! If that were the case, what would distinguish him from an actual god? If Yhwach were truly so invincible, would he need to employ so many elaborate methods? Humph!
Yhwach claimed he could perceive and even alter all possible futures? Then Aizen would make all those futures—every grain of sand—into a mirage, polluted by his own influence! How could Yhwach see through... let alone change... a future clouded by perfect illusion?
Slowly, Aizen conceived of a method to deal with Soul King Yhwach.
Moreover, Aizen thought of his own Hogyoku! The Hogyoku required constant recognition and belief from its wielder. Only through unwavering self-confidence could the Hogyoku continue to grant him evolutionary power! Therefore, Aizen would never allow himself to doubt his own capabilities. To do so would mean losing the Hogyoku's recognition!
Even if the source of power was more terrifying than his own Hogyoku, so what? Even if his opponent was omniscient, omnipotent, and capable of changing the future, so what? As long as he maintained his confidence and conviction, he had a chance to surpass Soul King Yhwach!
This was Aizen's royal pride!
With this thought, in Hueco Mundo, Aizen's spiritual pressure erupted with full force, holding nothing back! His pristine white robes moved without wind, rustling ominously. His killing intent was overwhelming!
He was absolutely domineering! All his subordinates gazed upon him with respect and admiration.
Aizen was already anticipating the moment when he would step in to replace Ichigo and face Soul King Yhwach in battle!
While everyone eagerly awaited the continuation of the projection, the screen slowly faded to black. The Three Realms Projection seemed to have no intention of continuing.
[Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni]: Why has the broadcast stopped? Just like last time when Kurosaki Ichigo fought Aizen—is some unknown power interfering again?
[Unohana Retsu]: Does this mean Ichigo Kurosaki no longer has any opportunity to demonstrate his abilities?
[Ukitake Jushiro]: That shouldn't be the case. The broadcast was also interrupted when Kurosaki Ichigo fought Aizen previously, but later he had another chance to show his power, correct?
[Kyoraku Shunsui]: It seems the outcome of this battle... may surprise us all, so they decided to maintain the suspense!
[Unohana Retsu]: Indeed, this battle between Kurosaki Ichigo and Yhwach will undoubtedly be spectacular.
[Aizen Sosuke]: I believe if this projection had to select a character to feature, it would definitely be my turn soon.
[Aizen Sosuke]: Perhaps during my segment, I will bring this war to its conclusion.
[Aizen Sosuke]: If anyone dares to attack my Soul Society, I will never forgive Yhwach.
[Aizen Sosuke]: I know not to what dimension Yhwach has ascended after absorbing the Soul King, but I have already transcended the level of a Shinigami. He cannot deal with me so easily.
[Tier Harribel]: You are absolutely right! Next will definitely be Lord Aizen's moment to shine!
Sure enough, not long after... the familiar mechanical voice of the Three Realms Projection returned.
BEEP!
Next, a new video series begins!
A true king!
He is a character intimately connected to Kurosaki Ichigo—one who can be considered Ichigo's creator: Aizen Sosuke!
He may be regarded as the most qualified father figure to Kurosaki Ichigo!
Former Captain of the 5th Division of the Gotei 13!
Later became the sovereign ruler of Hueco Mundo!
Creator and master of the Hogyoku!
He is also one of the Special War Powers acknowledged by Yhwach—a Special War Power renowned for his "Spiritual Pressure"!
The so-called Special War Powers are "unknown variables" beyond Yhwach's control...
He is the domineering king who came closest to reaching the pinnacle of heaven!
He is also the one who breaks the old rules and rebuilds them anew!
A series of grandiose titles—all affirming Aizen's supreme status! This endless stream of accolades made Aizen appear truly magnificent!
After hearing this, audiences across the three realms were stunned.
[Hitsugaya Toshiro]: Damn, is it really that bastard Aizen?
[Gerard Valkyrie]: What's with all these titles? They sound terrifying!
[Ichigo Kurosaki]: What are they talking about... Why isn't my video playing anymore? Will I still appear later?
[Aizen Sosuke]: It appears I must handle this myself! I cannot say whether you will be capable of fighting in the future, Kurosaki Ichigo...
[Aizen Sosuke]: But since you have already lost Tensa Zangetsu, your prospects are rather dim...
[Aizen Sosuke]: Therefore, at this moment, allow me—your father—to take your place!
[Aizen Sosuke]: Excellent. The Three Realms Projection has also acknowledged that I am the most qualified father to Kurosaki Ichigo!
[Shiba Isshin]: I am...
At this moment, Aizen was prepared to prove to Ichigo Kurosaki that your father is still your father!
Yhwach: Hmph, I know not why they refuse to continue showing my son's video, but it matters little. Your Soul Society will be destroyed eventually! No one can stop me!
[Aizen Sosuke]: Yhwach, are you truly so confident? I will not waste words—simply observe the next video!
[Byakuya Kuchiki]: If that is the case, will we also witness the final battle between Aizen and Ichigo?
[Rukia Kuchiki]: Yes, there are indeed many unresolved mysteries surrounding Aizen!
[Ulquiorra Cifer]: We can finally witness Lord Aizen's moment of glory! We must show them how Lord Aizen earned our loyalty in Hueco Mundo, so the audience will understand what a true king represents.
[Coyote Starrk]: The so-called King of the Quincy lacks any regal bearing whatsoever.
[Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez]: Well, compared to Yhwach, I still prefer Aizen as king.
[Gin Ichimaru]: Captain Aizen is finally going to take action! How exciting!
At this moment, Gin Ichimaru's emotions were extraordinarily complex. In the past, he had hidden beside Aizen solely to find an opportunity to kill him and reclaim Matsumoto Rangiku's complete soul. Aizen had been his greatest enemy!
But now... after witnessing Soul Society's future predicament, Gin Ichimaru's thoughts had changed considerably. Of course, honestly speaking, his attachment to Soul Society was not as deep as other Shinigami. However, he absolutely did not want Yhwach to succeed.
After all, if Soul Society were destroyed, his beloved Matsumoto Rangiku would also perish, wouldn't she? In this Thousand-Year Blood War, with such fierce battles raging, any Shinigami's life was like a candle in the wind, liable to be extinguished at any moment!
As a Vice-Captain, Matsumoto Rangiku would certainly be sent to the front lines... The possibility of her being killed by a powerful Quincy was disturbingly high.
Therefore, at this moment, Ichimaru Gin naturally wanted to end this war and completely eliminate these Quincy! Ichimaru Gin could guess what had happened. In the future, he had once placed his hopes of defeating Hogyoku Aizen on Kurosaki Ichigo.
Whether Kurosaki Ichigo had truly defeated Hogyoku Aizen could be debated later... But it seemed he was genuinely going to lose to Soul King Yhwach!
Soul King Yhwach had rewritten the future, directly shattering Tensa Zangetsu! And Kurosaki Ichigo had been drained dry by Soul King Yhwach...
Didn't this mean that Aizen truly might take over Kurosaki Ichigo's burden and battle against Soul King Yhwach?!
Judging from the unfolding plot, although Aizen was ambitious, his involvement might not be detrimental to Soul Society. At the very least, he would play a crucial role in the fight against Yhwach.
Protecting Soul Society meant protecting Rangiku...
With this realization, Ichimaru Gin no longer knew how to regard Aizen.
Simultaneously, other Shinigami—motivated by their desire to protect Soul Society and ensure its safety—shared similar thoughts to Ichimaru Gin. They too recognized Aizen's importance in defeating Yhwach.
It was no exaggeration to say that after Ichigo Kurosaki's failure, Aizen represented their greatest hope of defeating Yhwach!
This was promising indeed!