"Sōsuke Aizen…"
Glancing at the Arrancar emerging from the Garganta, Yamamoto grunted.
"Do you really believe these… rabble can challenge the Gotei 13?"
He sensed their reiatsu and sneered dismissively. While their spiritual pressure was considerable, he had no doubt about the battle's outcome. This generation of Gotei 13 captains was far stronger than the one that had faced Yhwach a thousand years ago. If they couldn't defeat Aizen's Arrancar, he might as well die.
"Rabble?" Aizen smiled faintly. Indeed, even in his eyes, the current Espada were… underwhelming. However, besides a select few, the Gotei 13 captains were equally unimpressive.
"My esteemed Espada, it seems Captain-Commander Yamamoto doesn't hold you in high regard. Show him the power of… rabble."
"Yes, Lord Aizen!"
Coyote Starrk, Baraggan Louisenbairn, and Tier Harribel, along with their Fracción, stepped out of the Garganta.
Yamamoto said, "Captains, these Arrancar are your responsibility."
"Yes, Captain-Commander!"
The Shinigami, with practiced efficiency, engaged the Arrancar, moving away from Yamamoto and Aizen. They knew their limits. They couldn't interfere in a battle of that level.
Gin Ichimaru narrowed his eyes, "Hmm, Captain-Commander Yamamoto, do you intend to face the three of us alone?"
Even Aizen was slightly surprised. Based on their previous encounter, Ailin should have been here. Why wasn't he present?
"Hmph. I alone am enough." Yamamoto's wooden cane dissolved into spiritual particles, revealing the hilt of his Zanpakutō.
"Hey, old man! Leave these three to us!" A group of figures materialized.
"You?" Yamamoto frowned, his grip tightening on his Zanpakutō. He recognized them. A century ago, he had personally ordered them to investigate the Hollowfication incident. And after they had been attacked, infused with Hollow reiatsu, he had abandoned them, allowing the Central 46 to judge them, to sentence them to "purification."
They had reason to resent him, to resent the Soul Society. However, based on their previous words, it seemed they were on his side.
"Don't misunderstand, Captain-Commander. We're not exactly on the Soul Society's side. We simply have a… personal score to settle with Aizen." Shinji Hirako grinned. "Of course, if you still intend to 'purify' us, we wouldn't mind fighting you first."
"Hmph. I'm not that senile," Yamamoto grunted. "But you alone can't defeat Aizen. Don't be naive."
"We appreciate your concern, Captain-Commander, but we'll manage." Shinji turned to Aizen. "Well, well, Aizen. Over a century, and you're still as repulsive as ever."
"A century, and you're still as lively as ever, Captain Hirako," Aizen replied calmly.
"My, my, Captain Aizen. It seems we're outnumbered," Gin commented, his eyes narrowed.
"It's irrelevant, Gin. No matter how many insects there are, they're still insects."
"You're all talk, baldy!" Hiyori Sarugaki roared, drawing her Zanpakutō and donning her Hollow mask. "Rend him, Kubikiri Orochi!" She charged towards Aizen.
"Hiyori, wait!" Shinji and the other Visored shouted, but it was too late.
Before Aizen could react, Kaname Tōsen stepped forward. He drew his Zanpakutō, flashing behind Hiyori.
Blood sprayed from Hiyori's back, her reiatsu plummeting.
"Hiyori!"
Clang!
Shinji intercepted Tōsen's blade before it could land the killing blow.
A golden whip snaked out, wrapping around Tōsen's Zanpakutō as he ducked to avoid it.
"Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi, the whip-wielding former captain of the Third Division.
"Shinji, I'll handle him. Take Hiyori to Hachigen for treatment."
"Alright." Shinji nodded, carrying the injured Hiyori towards a more level area.
"Hachigen!"
"Coming, Captain Hirako." Hachigen Ushōda, having seen Hiyori's injury, rushed towards them, avoiding the battle against Aizen's group.
"Bakudō #73 - Tozanshō!"
He chanted, creating a blue, inverted triangular pyramid that enveloped him and Hiyori. Tozanshō, besides being a defensive Kidō, also served as a makeshift operating room, protecting them from even captain-level attacks.
Seeing Hiyori's condition stabilize, Shinji nodded at Hachigen. "Thank you, Hachigen. We'll avenge you."
"Be careful, Captain Hirako."
…
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Gin swayed gracefully, evading Love Aikawa and Kensei Muguruma's attacks. He opened his eyes slightly.
"My, my. Two captains to face me? I'm flattered."
"Hmph. Gin Ichimaru, we might underestimate Aizen, but we wouldn't underestimate you. Ailin-sensei always said you were his most prized disciple. Knowing his strength, we wouldn't dare take you lightly." Kensei's tone was grim. Love and Kensei surrounded Gin.
"Heh. To be acknowledged because of Ailin-sensei… But do you really believe you two can stop me?" Gin placed his hand on his Zanpakutō's hilt.
Love and Kensei exchanged glances, then their reiatsu surged.
"Bankai! Tengu no Yari!"
"Bankai! Tekken Tachikaze!"
The battle between Gin and the two captains became the most chaotic of the many conflicts erupting across the replica of Karakura Town. Love's Zanpakutō, after his Bankai, gained fire attributes, while Kensei's controlled wind. Their combined assault created a synergistic effect, amplifying their power. Even Gin had to be cautious.
…
"Seichū Isshiki!"
Tōsen chanted. His Zanpakutō vibrated violently, shattering the golden whip that bound it. He drew his blade.
"Suzumushi Nishiki: Benihikō!"
"Shatter him, Suzumushi!"
Lisa Yadōmaru's voice echoed from above. She wore her Hollow mask. As the Visored's vice-captain, she knew the difference in strength between herself and a captain. She wouldn't hold back. Her Zanpakutō transformed into a massive lance with a flat, oar-like blade. She plunged downwards, attacking Tōsen.
Tōsen evaded her attack, extending his hand towards her. "Hadō #54. Haien!"
Lisa spun her lance, creating a whirlwind that deflected the flames. She continued her assault.
"Mashiro Kuna! Super Kick!"
Mashiro Kuna, the only Visored who could maintain her Hollowfication for over twenty-four hours, joined the fray, her mask covered her face, leaving only her eyes visible.
"Seichū Nishiki: Benihikō!" Tōsen's Zanpakutō blurred through the air, the path it traced transformed into countless blades that rained down on Lisa and Mashiro.
Blood sprayed. Their masks shattered. Their injured bodies fell from the sky.
"Mashiro! Lisa!" Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi cried out. Seeing Tōsen preparing to finish them off, he released his own power. He donned his Hollow mask, his reiatsu surging.
"Bankai! Kinshara Butōdan!" His whip dissolved into golden threads that then wove themselves into humanoid puppets, their heads resembled blooming flowers. They surrounded Tōsen. Rōjūrō's Zanpakutō had become a conductor's baton. Behind him, two large, golden hands mimicked his movements.
"Ocean Current!" he shouted, waving his baton.
A majestic melody filled the air. Tōsen felt as if he were trapped in a powerful whirlpool, being torn apart by the currents.
"Is this… an illusion?" Tōsen's Zanpakutō, Suzumushi, also possessed illusionary abilities. Its Shikai could create auditory illusions, while its Bankai could deprive opponents of four of their five senses, leaving only touch, amplifying their pain. A single attack from Kinshara Butōdan was enough for him to discern its power.
"Oh? Not bad. You've seen through my Bankai's ability." Rōjūrō wasn't concerned. Many had discerned his Bankai's power. And yet, he was still alive.
"But even if you know it's an illusion, you still have to endure the pain. The illusion might be fake, but the injuries are real!" He continued his assault.
"Volcano Messenger!"
The music intensified. If before, Tōsen had felt like he was being torn apart by a whirlpool, now he felt like he was being consumed by molten lava.