Outside, the air quivered as Shiraha's Reiatsu began to surge violently.
A deep violet-blue light burst from his body, flooding the sky in waves that scattered spiritual particles into the air. The ruined ground beneath him trembled and disintegrated under the crushing pressure of his Reiatsu, breaking apart into fine dust that vanished into reishi motes.
Shiraha's silhouette stood at the center of that storm, his form wrapped tightly in a mantle of energy that pulsed like a living flame. The Zanpakutō at his waist began to gleam, its surface distorting as it shifted shape.
Instantly, alarms echoed throughout Las Noches. Under Aizen's intricate design, countless detection systems and barriers were woven through the palace.
"How fascinating," Aizen murmured, watching Shiraha with faint amusement. "That sudden spike in Reiatsu, and the Zanpakutō transforming… could it be Bankai?"
Aizen's eyes narrowed. Shiraha, of all captains, had never learned Bankai—everyone knew that. Yet his Reiatsu now swelled to a scale few could endure. Aizen speculated that some unforeseen resonance with the Hōgyoku had triggered an early awakening, forcibly evolving his power.
"Captain Aizen," Gin drawled with a crooked smile, "since he can't move right now, should we just kill him?"
"Gin," Aizen replied calmly, "killing is the lowest form of resolution. Besides, if Shiraha truly awakened Bankai, an attack might awaken him in full. He and I are partners, after all."
"Understood, Captain Aizen." Gin's smile lingered as he stepped aside.
Tousen bowed slightly. "Aizen-sama, even if we refrain from killing him, could the Hōgyoku be damaged under such pressure?"
"You worry too much," Aizen said lightly. "Shiraha's Reiatsu is indeed formidable, but even this cannot destroy the Hōgyoku. Not even I can."
Shiraha's power was undeniable, comparable now to veterans like Kyoraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō. Yet the Hōgyoku's composition transcended destruction; even Urahara Kisuke had been forced to seal it within Kuchiki Rukia's soul to prevent its collapse.
Ulquiorra remained silent, his cold gaze fixed on Shiraha, analyzing every fluctuation in the air. Soon, figures emerged from the various halls of Las Noches, drawn by the violent spiritual storm. The Espada assembled before Aizen, their expressions flickering with surprise and awe.
Only Coyote Starrk, Espada No.1, did not appear. The rest had sensed the massive Reiatsu, its density equal to Starrk's own.
"Aizen-sama," a thunderous voice boomed. "That's a Shinigami, isn't it? How dare he invade Hueco Mundo alone! Allow me to crush him!"
The giant Arrancar stepped forward, kneeling before Aizen. His dark skin glistened beneath the light, and his massive frame was crowned by four horn-like protrusions. Red markings lined his cheeks, and a mandible-shaped mask fragment rested on his chin. A gaping hollow hole marked his chest.
The number 10 was engraved on his left shoulder. He was Yammy Llargo, the Espada who embodied "Rage," capable of transforming his number from 10 to 0 upon releasing his true form.
"He is not an enemy," Aizen said coolly. "All of you, return."
Even under that calm voice, the Espada trembled. Aizen's detached tone carried a weight that brooked no argument. Each one bowed slightly, retreating to their palaces without a word.
Aizen's gaze returned to the glowing center of the storm. "Shiraha… show me the true form of your Bankai."
—
Within Shiraha's inner world, the palace of his soul stood silent and radiant.
He now held a transformed Zanpakutō—no longer the simple wooden blade it once was. The weapon was pure white, a meter long, its edge shimmering with an eerie, ethereal glow. It possessed a cold beauty, like a blade carved from frozen moonlight.
Before him stood his Zanpakutō spirit, the elegant woman in the silken kimono—Shirazuki. She did not speak, only watched him with quiet reverence.
"So this is my Zanpakutō," Shiraha whispered, running his fingers gently along its blade.
At the moment he spoke its true name, understanding filled him. His Zanpakutō did not command illusions, elements, or creatures. It governed something beyond all categories known to Soul Society.
It governed time.
"These two abilities…" Shiraha murmured with a faint smile. "They are absolute."
His Zanpakutō possessed two Shikai powers—Aging and Reversal.
The first, Aging, accelerated time within whatever it struck. A single cut could make an enemy's body age from one day to a hundred years in an instant. No matter how many strikes followed, the upper limit of aging was one hundred years.
The second, Reversal, turned back the enemy's time. A cut could rewind an opponent's body by as much as a hundred years, forcing them back to their state a century ago.
If one possessed the strength of a high-level captain now, but a century ago had only ordinary captain-level power, Shiraha's blade would reduce them to that weaker form.
Once afflicted by his Zanpakutō, the effect would persist indefinitely—until Shiraha's death or his own will released it.
Aging had its limits; ordinary humans seldom lived beyond a century. But among Shinigami and Hollows, whose lifespans spanned thousands of years, a hundred years meant little.
Reversal, however, was terrifying.
"Under a hundred years old, I am invincible," Shiraha said softly.
Anyone under that age—if touched by his blade—would be erased from existence. Even if Kurosaki Ichigo in the future could stand against Aizen or Yhwach, it would mean nothing. As long as Shiraha's blade cut him, his time would reverse to before his birth, erasing him entirely.
After all, Ichigo was still a teenager. Even a decade from now, he would only be in his twenties.
If Shiraha struck him now, even reversing twenty years would be enough to return him to nothing but a fertilized soul.
{ Enjoying the chapters? Please Support me on Patreon and unlock 100+ advanced chapters, with 3 new chapters released every two days!
The fanfic is also available for one-time purchase on Patreon – unlock lifetime access to the full collection, no membership needed! Don't miss out –support and own it forever!
patreon.com/Oreski}