The screen faded, freezing on the aftermath of Senjū Kōten Taihō's explosion.
Endless flames consumed the sky, the destructive energy nearly spilling from the screen.
As it went black, many across the Bleach world remained stunned—some shaken, others collapsed, as if they'd lived through the explosion.
Karakura Town, Urahara Shop
"Holy crap!"
"Store Manager, you're unreal! That finger-point was badass!" Tessai Tsukabishi danced with excitement.
Though he often teased Urahara, the sight of him annihilating an enemy ignited his blood.
"Ohohoho," Urahara fanned himself, nose high. "Senjū Kōten Taihō's just one of my many tricks."
"Shame the ranking ended there, or I'd keep showing off!"
As a participant, he found the video thrilling, like starring on a global stage.
"True, it's a pity," Tessai nodded. "You only showed Shikai and Hadō. If Benihime's Bankai came out, the Bleach world would lose it!"
"Right, but you reminded me of something," Urahara said, his excitement fading to seriousness.
Rubbing his chin, he squinted. "Back to the core issue—what are these battle scenes? Why did Isshin regain his Shinigami powers? Why were we fighting together? And who was that cicada figure nearing a new dimension?"
His questions piled up.
He'd hoped the video would offer clues, but it only deepened his confusion.
"No idea," Tessai shrugged.
After watching, he was sure this wasn't Urahara's prank—it was an unexpected anomaly.
The thought chilled him.
If even Urahara couldn't find a flaw, how terrifying was the one behind the video and screens?
Ring ring!
The shop's phone rang, startling them.
"Who's that?!"
Urahara glanced at the number. "It's Isshin's clinic!"
As expected, Isshin's roar blasted through:
"Kisuke Urahara! Explain this! When did I regain my powers? When did that battle happen? What's going on?!"
His frantic voice painted a picture of panic.
Like Urahara, Isshin was clueless after the video.
"You saw it too?" Urahara caught the key detail, not rushing to calm him.
"Why else would I call?! Stop dodging and explain! Is this your prank?!"
"Everyone suspects me," Urahara sighed. "If I say it's not me, you won't believe me, right?"
"It's really not you?"
"Come to the shop. We've got the same mysterious screen here."
Unlike others who'd revel in making the list, Urahara sensed a conspiracy.
Silence followed, then Isshin relented. "Fine, I'm coming. This isn't simple—let's talk in person."
"Agreed. Hurry, Isshin."
They hung up, aligned in their concerns.
"Store Manager, don't overthink it. The ranking's just started—14 more spots! Don't you want to know who's above you?" Tessai said, his worry giving way to curiosity.
Who was 14? Who else would make the list?
As Urahara's partner, Tessai was sure he'd rank too.
---
Las Noches, Inner Hall
"Tch…"
"Not all Shinigami are trash. That Hadō earned Urahara his top-15 spot," Grimmjow admitted, hand in his pocket, still shaken by the explosion.
"You looked scared," Nnoitra mocked from afar.
"Me? Look at your pale face!" Grimmjow shot back.
"Wanna fight?!"
"Bring it!"
The 5th and 6th Espada nearly came to blows.
"Enough!" Baraggan's heavy voice boomed, his regal aura silencing them.
"Hmph," Nnoitra and Grimmjow glared but backed off.
Provoking the Skeleton Emperor was suicide.
With Aizen absent and Starrk slacking, Baraggan was the strongest presence.
The hall quieted.
"With Aizen gone, all we can do is keep watching," Baraggan said.
"Right," Ulquiorra agreed, his green eyes on the black screen. "The ranking's just begun. I'm sure the Espada will appear."
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