The air in Rukongai was so heavy it felt as if it would solidify.
The battle between Aizen and Yamamoto Genryusai had, with the slow passage of time, escalated to a white-hot intensity.
At this moment, Aizen knew full well that he was no match for Yamamoto Genryusai.
After all, he was aware that he absolutely could not withstand Yamamoto's Bankai.
That most powerful and ancient fire-type Zanpakuto—Ryujin Jakka—its extreme temperature was enough to ignite the entire Soul Society.
In terms of destructive power, Hado Number Ninety-Nine was like comparing clouds and mud to it.
Not to mention Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu; its complete hypnosis ability, while eerie, had no offensive power whatsoever.
Indeed, Ryujin Jakka possessed immense power, but it also had its drawbacks.
Too much power could potentially cause the Three Realms to collapse.
Precisely because of this, Yamamoto Genryusai, as Captain-Commander, with the sacred mission of protecting the Soul Society, would never easily use his Bankai unless absolutely necessary.
And this was Aizen's opportunity.
Under circumstances where Yamamoto Genryusai dared not use his trump card, the more times he engaged him in battle, the richer the data he could obtain.
In the future, Aizen would be able to develop countermeasures specifically targeting Yamamoto Genryusai's techniques.
This was why Aizen had specifically remained here, patiently waiting for Yamamoto Genryusai to arrive.
In the past, as a Vice-Captain, he had never even had the chance to speak with Yamamoto Genryusai alone.
Now that he was about to leave the Soul Society, he had to acquire data no matter what, only then could he justify years of meticulous concealment and disguise.
The next time they met, it would surely be the moment for a decisive kill.
Bakudo Number Eighty-One, Dankū, fired in quick succession, several continuous roars deafening.
Every flame ignited by Yamamoto's sword swings in his Shikai state was blocked by Aizen with all his might.
Aizen, relying on his keen intellect for simple calculations, had roughly assessed Yamamoto Genryusai's current stamina and reishi intensity.
If nothing unexpected happened, Dankū wouldn't hold out for too long.
The reason it could defend now was merely because it was only encountering the residual flames from Yamamoto Genryusai's swings.
Both remained silent in this extraordinarily tense situation.
Aizen silently calculated the time, meticulously planning methods to counter Yamamoto Genryusai.
Yamamoto Genryusai, meanwhile, focused intently on locating Aizen.
Whenever Aizen used Dankū, he would instantly rush forward, and Aizen would simultaneously shift his position.
The situation remained in a stalemate.
It was initially thought that this battle would end with Aizen's victory, with Aizen gracefully entering Hueco Mundo with a wealth of data on Yamamoto Genryusai.
But unexpectedly, about three minutes later, an uninvited guest rushed to the scene.
...
Outside the barrier, Tsugikuni Yoriichi arrived in a hurry.
What met his eyes were dozens of Kido Corps members sitting cross-legged on the ground, their faces solemn, diligently maintaining the barrier's operation.
Even without entering the barrier, Tsugikuni Yoriichi could strongly feel the scorching movement inside, as if he were in a scorching desert.
Large beads of sweat seeped from the foreheads of some Kido Corps members, clearly visible as they drenched their clothes.
Yoriichi saw Vice-Captain Hachigen Ushōda; his condition was slightly better compared to the others.
Upon inquiry, he learned that Yamamoto Genryusai had been inside for quite some time.
Although he didn't know exactly what was happening inside, a fierce battle was undoubtedly underway with an enemy.
Because he had never seen a barrier maintained by hundreds of Kido Corps members wavering to such an extent.
The battle erupting inside was at a minimum of First-Class Spiritual Pressure level.
Ordinary people, let alone intervening, would faint just by getting close; even regular Captains were no exception.
At this moment, Yoriichi's appearance and his questions made Hachigen Ushōda realize his purpose belatedly.
He widened his eyes and said with a look of disbelief, "Lord Yoriichi, you didn't come here to support the Captain-Commander, did you?"
"Is there a problem?"
"No problem, it's just that…" Hachigen Ushōda was momentarily at a loss for words.
While Second-Class Spiritual Pressure was indeed powerful, already at the level of some veteran Captains.
But to intervene in a battle between First-Class Spiritual Pressure… he tentatively said, "Perhaps you should reconsider?"
"No need to consider, I have my own plans." Yoriichi slowly shook his head, "Can you open the barrier?"
Hachigen Ushōda hesitated for a moment: "Yes, but regarding this matter, Lord Yoriichi, have you discussed it with Captain-Commander-sama?"
"Personally, I don't think Captain-Commander-sama needs your help."
"Because Captain-Commander-sama is the strongest Shinigami in Soul Society's thousand-year history; even if his opponent is equally powerful, they will certainly not be his match."
"You must have some faith in him."
Faith is one thing, but the hypnosis is quite troublesome.
If there were no hypnosis, Yoriichi might not have cared.
But with an additional method of controlling enemies, the outcome becomes quite unpredictable.
It just so happens that his Touhou Sekigan can be immune to all illusions.
If his teacher truly fell for it, then he could also offer him some help.
Considering all factors, Yoriichi chose to come.
He was not an impulsive Shinigami.
So, Yoriichi briefly explained:
"Something happened in Seireitei when you all left; the five senses of a large number of Shinigami were distorted, and even some veteran Captains fell victim and couldn't be cured."
"Although Teacher's reishi is strong, what if the opponent possesses reishi comparable to his and also has the ability to distort the five senses?"
"Senior Hachigen, what do you think the situation would be like?"
"This…" As Hachigen Ushōda listened, a trickle of cold sweat slowly ran down his face.
If that were the case, it would be a huge problem.
He didn't doubt the truth of what Tsugikuni Yoriichi said.
Because he had once taught Yoriichi for a period and knew his character well.
Therefore, Hachigen Ushōda only thought for two seconds before immediately granting passage.
As for Yoriichi's strength…
In his view, since he knew these things and was still willing to enter, then he should possess his own trump card…
As Vice-Captain of the Kido Corps, he only needed to obey orders unconditionally.
Watching Yoriichi's back as he gradually delved deeper into the barrier, Hachigen Ushōda suddenly felt the capriciousness of fate.
When Yoriichi graduated, he had said that if he joined the Kido Corps, he could take over his position in less than ten years.
He hadn't expected that in just over a year, his status would surpass that of the Vice-Captain of the Kido Corps, becoming a Captain similar to the Captain-Commander of the Kido Corps…
Thinking about it now, it truly made him feel ashamed.
If he had really followed his advice and joined the Kido Corps back then, that would have been a disservice to him, wouldn't it…
Such a genius…
...
"Hmm?" The moment the barrier opened, Aizen frowned slightly.
A profound, inexplicable sensation instantly enveloped him.
He looked in one direction; it was empty, with no reishi fluctuations whatsoever.
Upon careful sensing, there were only himself and Yamamoto Genryusai nearby, but why this strange intuition?
Yamamoto Genryusai's flames attacked, and Aizen slightly shifted his body, agilely dodging them.
Taking advantage of the dodge, Aizen quickly calculated the time, thinking that the Menos Grande should be arriving soon.
Thus, Aizen no longer had any intention of hiding.
Regardless of what was happening nearby, he extended both hands and softly chanted towards Yamamoto Genryusai:
"Hado Number Ninety-Nine: Five Dragons… Hmm?"
Before he finished speaking, a small, black, bean-sized flame flashed in his peripheral vision.
Though small, this flame felt extremely dangerous to his senses.
Aizen instinctively wanted to dodge, but unexpectedly, the flame's speed was even faster than his thoughts.
In an instant, Aizen was hit.
Then, with a loud bang!
"Devour him, Fuzan!"
...
Surging flames raged wildly over Aizen's body.
Yet, they brought him no temperature whatsoever.
He slowly extended a finger, attempting to touch the raging flames.
However, his finger passed through without any obstruction, as if these flames were merely illusory phantoms.
But the continuously draining reishi from his body truly reminded him that none of this was an illusion.
"Interesting."
Aizen's lips curled slightly, revealing a subtle curve.
The moment the voice on the opposite side fell, he had already guessed the source of this peculiar ability.
That child had also come; it seemed the relationship between these master and disciple was far deeper than he had imagined.
Aizen's gaze shifted slightly.
Even when Yamamoto Genryusai launched an attack at the same time, he remained composed.
Over the years, his mastery of the four combat skills—Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hoho, and Kido—had reached the pinnacle.
In this regard, even Yamamoto Genryusai found it difficult to match him.
He simply stepped lightly on the ground.
And like a ghost, he once again disappeared one step ahead of Yamamoto Genryusai.
At the same time, his gentle voice unhurriedly echoed around him: "Shatter, Kyōka Suigetsu."
Countless dream-like reflections instantly appeared in both their eyes.
Aizen noticed Tsugikuni Yoriichi appearing at the location he had just been.
If nothing unexpected happened, the scene of him releasing his Zanpakuto had already been fully witnessed by Tsugikuni Yoriichi.
Next, it would be his fierce struggle with Yamamoto Genryusai, because the effect of Kyōka Suigetsu had already influenced both of them.
Previously, Aizen had struggled to find an opportunity to affect Tsugikuni Yoriichi.
After all, their relationship wasn't intimate enough to reveal his Zanpakuto's abilities at any time.
He had planned to slowly cultivate their relationship, or to get Tsugikuni Yoriichi imprisoned through an incident.
Then create an accidental coincidence, forcing him to witness Kyōka Suigetsu's abilities.
But unexpectedly, Tsugikuni Yoriichi went to Hueco Mundo, and upon his return, he had already become a Captain.
Becoming a Captain was one thing, but his planted chess pieces were also discovered by him, leading to the exposure of his plan.
This series of events happened too quickly, leaving him no opportunity whatsoever.
He had thought he wouldn't be able to influence Tsugikuni Yoriichi again in a short time, but unexpectedly, he had rushed over at this moment.
This was undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Among the current Captains, he was the only one who had not yet been affected by Kyōka Suigetsu.
With a "ping" sound.
After Kyōka Suigetsu was released, Aizen's figure appeared before Tsugikuni Yoriichi.
He frowned tightly and instinctively parried with a sword.
Although his vision, sensation, and hearing all told him that the person in front of him was Aizen, his intuition told him otherwise.
He suddenly looked in one direction.
And at this moment, Yamamoto Genryusai once again swung his sword to attack.
Yoriichi regained his composure and instinctively used Fuzan.
Instantly, with a "swoosh" sound.
Yamamoto Genryusai's figure froze in place.
He watched a bit of his beard drift away with the wind, his eyes showing three parts disbelief and seven parts anger.
While Kyōka Suigetsu could distort the five senses, it could not affect subtle physical traces.
Just like a sudden change in technique during a high-speed slash.
If one couldn't react in time, some slight flaws would appear.
Yamamoto Genryusai keenly noticed this flaw; that suddenly appearing Fuzan was deeply etched in his heart like a brand.
Aizen would absolutely not use this technique.
Currently, in Soul Society, only two people mastered this technique.
One was himself, and the other was…
"You despicable fellow, how dare you toy with this old man like this!"
Yamamoto Genryusai angrily swung his sword towards his side.
Surging flames immediately swept through everything around him.
In his line of sight, "Aizen" disappeared from his spot, rushing towards an empty direction and performing a slash.
To others, this might be inexplicable behavior, but in Yamamoto Genryusai's eyes, this action was very thought-provoking.
If his guess was correct, "Aizen" saw Aizen, but he himself couldn't see him.
So…
Aizen's Zanpakuto was ineffective against that boy?
...
"You can see me?"
Aizen looked at Tsugikuni Yoriichi in front of him; his previously composed expression momentarily solidified due to Tsugikuni Yoriichi's sword swing.
He quickly raised Kyōka Suigetsu, attempting to block the incoming strike.
However, as soon as their blades touched, a massive force, as heavy as a mountain, emanated.
With a "clang" sound.
Kyōka Suigetsu trembled incessantly, and even Aizen's tiger's mouth was torn, a trickle of blood slowly seeping out.
This made Aizen frown slightly.
A moment later, he seemed to understand something.
He let out a genuine sigh of emotion: "Unbelievable."
Then, he softly chanted:
"Hado Number Ninety: Kurohitsugi."
A black coffin swiftly enveloped Tsugikuni Yoriichi.
Countless shadow blades extended from within the coffin, as if to pierce Tsugikuni Yoriichi into a porcupine.
Tsugikuni Yoriichi swiftly swung his sword, a strike that condensed sword pressure instantly shattering the coffin.
Shatter.
Black reishi fragments fell all around him, and he slowly walked out.
Aizen witnessed this scene.
He suddenly found that his reishi had dropped significantly.
Hado spells above number ninety could no longer even restrict Second-Class Spiritual Pressure.
The situation had gone slightly out of control, but Aizen remained unconcerned.
He took advantage of the moment Tsugikuni Yoriichi shattered Kurohitsugi, pulling a capsule from his sleeve and quickly swallowing it.
Then.
Boom!
His reishi returned to its peak once again.
Even the burning of Fuzan could only slow down the recovery speed, but it couldn't perfectly suppress it.
He watched Yoriichi disappear with a step, reappearing in front of him.
Due to the recovery of his strength, a smile involuntarily appeared at the corner of his lips.
"Fuzan, quite interesting."
Aizen's eyes reflected the image of a horizontal slash coming his way.
He casually extended his palm, condensing reishi at his fingertips, and lightly clenched his hand forward.
With a "bang" sound.
The sword pressure was shattered, but he himself was sent flying over a hundred meters.
This sudden turn of events completely caught Aizen off guard.
In his expectation, he should have shattered the sword pressure, remained completely unharmed, and firmly grasped Fuzan, causing reishi backlash to Tsugikuni Yoriichi.
Only then could it highlight his strength and composure.
But now, why was he sent flying?
Aizen barely adjusted his body, landing steadily.
His right hand was stained with blood, and as he recalled the scene just now, he suddenly discovered a crucial factor.
That was not a single slash.
After he shattered the sword pressure, Tsugikuni Yoriichi had, in an extremely short time, unleashed a second wave of sword energy similar to sword pressure.
Since it didn't carry any reishi, even his vision hadn't clearly seen it.
While a reishi disparity could offset some damage, sometimes pure power could break this rule.
No wonder.
If he hadn't taken that pill just now, the result wouldn't have been just a minor injury.
Power surpassing Yamamoto Genryusai.
Immune to Kyōka Suigetsu.
And extremely high combat prowess… Truly interesting.