[In the projection, Aizen walked toward Ichigo's friends with deliberate, measured steps.
At this critical moment, Don Kanonji appeared before them, blocking Aizen's path.
Aizen looked mildly perplexed.
"What manner of being are you? Your body shouldn't be able to withstand my spiritual pressure."
Tatsuki Arisawa began protesting frantically.
"Kanonji! Run away quickly - you can't possibly beat him!"
Don Kanonji struck a heroic pose and declared boldly:
"How can a hero be allowed to flee? Children would never call someone who runs from battle a true hero!"
With that proclamation, he immediately charged toward Aizen, prepared to sacrifice his life to protect these young people.
Don Kanonji's spirit surprised Aizen somewhat.
"How extraordinary! A mere human. If he touches me, he'll simply vanish."
If Aizen had known this person was connected to Ichigo, he would probably have begun another philosophical monologue. Ichigo's power was truly unimaginable - he could inspire the people around him to become so strong in both spirit and determination.
However, at that moment, another key figure arrived - Rangiku Matsumoto, who hadn't died completely in the previous battle and could still barely fight!
She intercepted Don Kanonji, saying breathlessly:
"I'll handle these two! You need to run away immediately!"
Seeing the formidable Lieutenant Matsumoto, Don Kanonji had no choice but to flee with the others. After all, he understood the gap between himself and Aizen - it was like the chasm between mortals and gods!
Aizen seemed deliberately intent on delaying, so he didn't pursue them, instead continuing his leisurely conversation.
"When you say 'handle us,' do you mean allowing those two to escape, or do you mean preventing us from destroying Karakura Town to create the Oken?"
Rangiku faced this overwhelming enemy with a grave expression, unwilling to engage in dialogue.
Aizen continued:
"What's this? Don't you enjoy conversing with me?"
Gin took the initiative to interject:
"Excuse me, Captain Aizen. She's an old friend of mine - I'll take her aside for a moment."
Aizen glanced at Gin with a knowing half-smile, as if he could see straight through his subordinate's thoughts.
"It doesn't matter. There's still plenty of time - you can talk as long as you need."
Gin maintained his characteristic smile while speaking tentatively:
"That might interfere with your plans, Captain Aizen?"
Aizen remained utterly calm and unhurried.
"It's quite alright, Gin."
They all seemed to be performing in an elaborate theatrical display.
After watching Gin carry Rangiku away, Aizen simply smiled faintly.
"My, my! He's still the same fascinating individual as always!"
He resembled a chess master observing a turbulent game board - calm, composed, simply wanting to watch the drama unfold.]
Seeing this scene, the audience was equally surprised!
[Rangiku Matsumoto]: I never imagined... that it would be me coming to help them!
[Gin Ichimaru]: Rangiku... you truly caught me off guard...
[Rangiku Matsumoto]: But... can I really prevent this from happening?
[Kisuke Urahara]: It seems you might be able to delay things! After all, Aizen is just playing cat and mouse - he probably won't take immediate action.
[Toshiro Hitsugaya]: He's likely hoping to buy time so Ichigo can arrive sooner!
[Tier Harribel]: Lord Aizen's machinations are truly fascinating!
Witnessing this scene, Ichigo felt increasingly conflicted.
On one hand, Aizen was threatening his friends; on the other hand, he was deliberately provoking Ichigo to accelerate his growth...
His feelings toward the man were genuinely tangled! Ichigo honestly didn't know how to evaluate Aizen's actions anymore.
Meanwhile, in Hueco Mundo, seeing this scene unfold, Gin secretly drew a sharp breath, cold sweat covering his back.
Gin understood all too well - it was time for his confrontation with Aizen! Although he didn't know what his future self was truly thinking in the projection... it was obvious that Aizen had evolved to a point where he was incredibly difficult to challenge!
If he didn't act against Aizen now, there would never be another opportunity in the future.
And in the current scene, he was being forced to face Rangiku...
If he didn't eliminate her, Aizen would definitely become suspicious, wouldn't he? Otherwise, his mission would certainly end in failure...
What would his fate be then? He had been preparing for so many years. Would he have the chance to kill Aizen and reclaim his beloved woman's soul?
Thinking of this, Gin broke into a cold sweat, his breathing became labored, and goosebumps erupted across his skin. Though his expression remained composed, his heart was in complete turmoil!
After all, having witnessed the battle between Ichigo and Aizen, he understood perfectly how terrifying Aizen had become! Aizen was no longer a character from the same dimension as the rest of them.
Such a god-like Aizen was truly difficult to oppose! He could only leave everything to fate!
And now, with Rangiku appearing to complicate matters further, the situation became even more impossible to control.
Thinking of this, Gin's emotions churned with complexity.
[In the projection, seeing Rangiku struggling in his arms, though Gin felt distressed internally, he maintained his calm exterior. He continued holding Rangiku tightly, as if wanting to savor these last precious moments of warmth.
They reached the rooftop of a building, where Rangiku finally broke free from Gin's embrace.
Gin felt a pang of regret.
Gin kept his eyes narrowed like an emotionless serpent, making it impossible to discern his thoughts. He spoke flatly:
"You can barely stand upright. Why are you even here?"
Rangiku's heart ached as she looked at her former childhood friend, her emotions in complete upheaval. Suppressing the pain in her heart, she said in a low voice:
"I sensed your spiritual pressure vanishing, so I came through a Senkaimon. I know the location where the real Karakura Town was moved..."
Gin interrupted her.
"I'm not asking how you got here. I'm asking why you came when you can barely stand."
Rangiku replied with conflicted emotions:
"Do you really need to ask? Of course it's because you're here!"
"I can finally ask you directly..."
"Why... why do you follow Aizen?"
"Why did you betray Captain Hitsugaya, who trusted you so completely?"
Hearing this, Gin's smile finally began to fade slowly.
A major revelation seemed about to unfold!]
At this moment, many viewers shared similar thoughts to Rangiku's. Especially those Shinigami familiar with Kaname Tosen and Gin - they wanted to understand why these two had betrayed Soul Society.
Although they had been fighting against Aizen, they actually had virtually no understanding of Aizen and his followers' true motivations.
Was Aizen simply trying to replace the Soul King? Then why did Tosen and Gin choose to follow Aizen? Were they attracted by Aizen's personal charisma? What was the difference between Aizen and Yhwach?
These questions were crucial for understanding these defectors. They also wanted to know what kind of new order Aizen intended to establish!
Meanwhile, in Hueco Mundo, Gin's smile slowly solidified on his face, becoming almost mask-like.
What action would he take next? If his feelings for Rangiku and his rebellious intentions against Aizen were exposed... it was simply unthinkable!
He placed his hand on his Zanpakuto, ready to strike at any moment. Because he understood all too well... if he truly rebelled in the future projection, then whether he succeeded or failed, he would have to face Aizen's wrath in reality!