- How long has it been… since I last saw the Master in this state?
Standing before them, Yamamoto Genryūsai no longer seemed human. His presence evoked something older, crueler-like a being that had stepped straight out of a burning hell.
Sweat ran down Jūshirō Ukitake's forehead, only to vanish the next instant, evaporated by the oppressive heat radiating from Ryūjin Jakka. The discomfort was physical, suffocating-but the true weight came from somewhere deeper.
Only once…
Only once have I felt this fear carved into my soul.
The oldest and most powerful fire-type Zanpakutō in the Soul Society… Ryūjin Jakka.
In front of countless screens, the reaction was not much different.
Millions of viewers shared the same tense silence, the same restrained breathing, as if any careless movement might shatter that moment.
Much of it came from Jack Creed's performance.
He wasn't acting as the Head Captain.
He was the Head Captain.
- My God… - young viewers murmured in front of computers and phones alike. - This old man is absurdly stylish…
More than a few, at that moment, drifted into silent fantasies: wielding a Zanpakutō like that, crossing unknown worlds, reducing everything to their own will.
…
…
On screen, Yamamoto took a single step forward. The flames around his blade seemed to come alive.
- What is it? - he said, his voice deep and unshakable. - Did you truly believe you could face me without releasing your Zanpakutō?
Shunsui Kyōraku's and Jūshirō Ukitake's expressions changed instantly.
Without exchanging a word, both lowered their gaze and drew the swords from their waists.
- Flowers in the wind, petals in disarray…
- The god of flowers weeps, the heavenly demon laughs!
- Katen Kyōkotsu!
- The waves shall be my shield…
- The thunder, my blade!
- Sōgyo no Kotowari!
The moment the release commands echoed, their blades transformed, assuming their twin forms.
Yamamoto observed them briefly.
- Katen Kyōkotsu… Sōgyo no Kotowari… - he remarked calmly. - The only two twin Zanpakutō in the Soul Society. Truly… a rare sight.
In the next instant, his eyes narrowed.
- Come.
And that was not the only battlefield.
Elsewhere in Seireitei, captain-level clashes erupted almost simultaneously-
- Bankai! Suzumushi Tsuishiki: Enma Kōrogi!
- Bankai! Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō!
The air itself seemed to warp.
Then, laughing loudly, Kenpachi Zaraki tore off his eyepatch, unleashing a crushing wave of spiritual pressure.
- Hahaha! Now this is more like it! - he roared. - No more games!
At that instant, millions of viewers felt a chill run up their spines.
Especially the men.
After all… what man has never dreamed of wielding a legendary sword and fighting in another world?
Inside the restaurant's private room, Bruce Walts couldn't hide his shock.
- This is bullshit… - he muttered, mouth hanging open. - Mark, why didn't you call me for this series?!
Bruce had talent, looks, experience-but he had never truly broken through. To many, he was still just "Mark's best friend."
Mark rubbed the bridge of his nose, a bit awkward.
- I… I honestly didn't think it would become this big - he admitted. - But later, I can mention your name to Alex. How about that?
Bleach's production still covered only the Seireitei arc. Hueco Mundo would come later, followed by the decisive battle in Karakura.
New characters would still appear.
- Mark… could you help me too…? - Talita ventured cautiously.
- Bro, get me in there - Terry added.
- Just one chance… - Talita finished, almost in a whisper.
Faced with those hopeful looks, Mark began to seriously regret having gathered everyone there.
Since when did asking for favors become this competitive?
If I recommend everyone… won't Alex replace the protagonist out of spite?
He sighed in surrender.
- Let's… let's keep watching - he said, trying to change the subject. - The best part is still coming.
And it truly was.
Among all the battles unfolding in Seireitei, none drew more attention than this one.
Ichigo Kurosaki… versus Byakuya Kuchiki.
- I won't allow you to execute Rukia - Ichigo declared, resting Zangetsu on his shoulder like a war blade. - I will defeat you, Byakuya Kuchiki!
- Futile - Byakuya replied, his voice cold and distant. - Neither your fate… nor hers… will change.
Portrayed by Jasper Quin, Byakuya looked as though he had been born for the role. The flawless posture, the serene gaze, the aristocratic aura-everything fit with almost cruel precision.
- Then use it - Ichigo challenged, raising his sword. - Show me your Bankai!
Byakuya lifted his Zanpakutō with absolute calm.
- Insolent boy… a thousand years are still too soon for you to witness my Bankai.
The blade rose.
- Scatter… Senbonzakura.
The sword dissolved into thousands of pink particles, like cherry blossom petals dancing through the air.
Combined with Jasper Quin's face, it took only an instant to draw audible sighs from countless female viewers.
Bleach possessed that rare talent.
It offered spectacle for everyone.
Men thrilled at the battles, the absurd powers, the unique Zanpakutō.
Women… well, with the right faces on screen, that had never been a problem.
Byakuya.
And before him… Sōsuke Aizen, portrayed by Alex.
A shame he had exited far too early.
Facing the storm of petals rushing toward him, Ichigo twisted his wrist sharply and cleaved the air.
A massive crescent-shaped blade of blue energy tore across the battlefield.
And at last, he shouted the line the audience had been waiting for since the trailer:
- Getsuga Tenshō!!!
The screen exploded in light.
And in that instant, no one-absolutely no one-managed to look away.