With a chilling resonance, the three gaping black rifts tore across the sky—oozing a presence so oppressive, it struck terror into the hearts of those watching.
Within the cavities, viscous flows shimmered faintly—wriggling like sentient beasts.
"What… is that?"
The unknowing squad members gasped, stunned. Only a handful of captains who had been quietly observing now wore deeply conflicted expressions.
Kyōraku Shunsui didn't even bother adjusting the brim of his straw hat—his face twisted in shock.
"Whoa, whoa… is this for real? They seriously pulled out something like that?"
Ukitake Jūshirō looked equally grim, brows knitted tight.
"If they've brought this out… it means these guys have been preparing for a long time."
Sui-Feng, clearly agitated, shouted out.
"What?! What are you even talking about?!"
She'd basically said what others were thinking.
Given her temperament, and the sudden chaos—they couldn't really blame her.
Which was why a calming response was needed.
"Take it easy, Sui-Feng."
Yoruichi placed a hand gently on her shoulder, stepping forward, voice calm and measured.
"That's a Garganta. For us Shinigami, it's similar to a Senkaimon."
"It's one of the essential gateways used for spatial travel."
"But this one leads to Hueco Mundo… so it makes sense you've never really seen one."
No sooner had she finished speaking—
Several glowing red points lit up inside the pitch-black void.
White masks. Savage, terrifying visages.
"Hollows!!!"
Someone screamed—immediately drawing attention from all around.
"Now, of all times…!"
"Gather the wounded! If you can still move—get ready to fight!"
"Don't freeze! Prepare for combat!"
Hollow invasions weren't unheard of in Soul Society.
Even in the Rukongai, rogue incursions weren't uncommon.
But this? This was on another level.
Especially now—with Seireitei in ruins.
It was utter chaos.
A perfect word to describe the current state of the Shinigami.
Standing atop Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō's hand, Sui-Feng clicked her tongue, lifting a foot as if to charge in.
"Wait."
Yoruichi pressed down harder, restraining her.
"They're not here to invade Soul Society. I think their goal lies elsewhere."
That touch—subtle as it was—sparked a noticeable reaction in Sui-Feng's expression.
She instinctively wanted to shake free. But after a pause, she relented.
She didn't resist. She just turned her head slightly and asked:
"Then… what is their goal?"
Before Yoruichi could reply—
Multiple beams of light shot down from the sky, enveloping Aizen Sōsuke's group and Seiya below.
The traitors stood calmly—clearly expecting this.
Only Seiya glanced around curiously, examining the beams of light with interest.
He tapped on it lightly with his hand.
It felt solid—somewhere between metal and fluid. Flexible, yet firm.
Ah.
"So this is the Reverse Membrane."
According to public data, the Reverse Membrane was an ability used by powerful Hollows to protect allies.
"It's said to isolate the inside from the outside world."
"Once someone's inside, they're in a separate space. No one outside can reach them."
"In essence, it's an incredibly potent defense—probably stronger than Danku."
Yoruichi explained calmly, though Sui-Feng's shock was clear.
Bakudō #81: Danku was one of the most powerful barriers known.
And this surpassed even that?
Before she could respond—
Kyōraku Shunsui silently drew his blade.
Hadō #78: Zangerin.
Golden energy rippled through the air, darting toward the Reverse Membrane like ripples across water.
With a booming crash, smoke burst into the air.
But Seiya—untouched—simply looked over with a calm expression, rising slowly within the light.
"Yep, no good~"
He kept up his relaxed tone, but the disappointment in his voice was clear.
Shunsui frowned. Ukitake looked like he wanted to say something, but—
Byakuya Kuchiki couldn't hold it in any longer.
His face twisted, hand clutching his Zanpakutō—veins bulging.
"You've got to be kidding me… Get down here! Get down right now!!!"
He couldn't accept this.
His sworn enemy, leaving like it was nothing.
And worse—his own helplessness.
Shame. Humiliation.
Rage. Despair.
All those emotions surged forth—breaking through his composure.
Byakuya howled as he released his Zanpakutō.
"Senbonzakura!!!"
Thousands of petals surged upward like waves, crashing against the Reverse Membrane.
And Seiya—standing calmly inside—gazed down with an all-too-familiar look.
The same expression he wore decades ago, when teaching Byakuya.
"No… Don't look at me like that…"
His teeth clenched. His body trembled.
"You… You've done so many horrible things, and now you're just going to run away?!"
If you've got anything left to say—say it now!
Byakuya's anguished roar echoed like a dying beast.
But Seiya, after a brief pause, spoke softly.
"How pathetic."
So unbecoming of a Kuchiki—frantic, unhinged.
"Byakuya. Let me teach you one last thing."
Seiya raised a finger.
"If you want to intimidate someone, don't scream like a child."
"Saying things you can't back up…"
"Only reveals your weakness."
Over and over—he trampled Byakuya's pride.
And Byakuya couldn't retaliate.
Driven to the brink, the nobleman screamed.
"Aaaaaaaaaghhhhh!!!"
"Do you hate me? Hah… well, of course you do."
Seiya's figure grew smaller as he ascended, but his voice lingered like a whisper.
"Then grow stronger, and come find me."
"Next time… I won't go so easy on you."
"So, until Hueco Mundo…"
Unlike Hinamori, with someone like Byakuya—mature and different in temperament—
Seiya had to use a different method.
Better to make him give up entirely and turn into an enemy.
He was a clan leader, after all. Time to act like one.
By the time these thoughts settled, Seiya had returned to Aizen's side.
Now standing among the other three, Aizen gave him a wry smile.
"How do you feel?"
Seiya chuckled dryly and shook his head.
"Messy. I handled it too sloppily. Seems like I need more training."
Weakness of heart. One of Seiya's own most frustrating flaws.
But Aizen didn't see it that way.
"To kill or spare—that is the privilege of the strong. Only those who stand above others can choose."
"Cruelty or mercy… both are signs of strength."
"So, Seiya… don't think of it as a flaw. It's who you are."
Is that so?
Aizen had a peculiar way of making things sound acceptable.
"In that case, thanks for your understanding, Aizen-sensei."
"No need. More importantly—get some rest."
Only Aizen could truly sense how drained Seiya was.
Just as he was about to say thanks again—
A loud burst rang out from behind.
Yamamoto Genryūsai, unscathed, burst forth with Unohana Retsu at his side.
"…Oh? He's already out?"
Seiya could only marvel.
"I used half of Seireitei's Reishi to build that barrier… and he broke through in under ten minutes?"
That was the power of Soul Society's strongest.
How far did Seiya still have to go?
But before more thoughts could form, a figure stormed forward.
Ukitake Jūshirō.
His stern face said it all.
This wasn't a social call.
But this was a victory moment.
And Aizen's pride wouldn't let him shy away.
With a mocking air, he met Ukitake's gaze.
"What? Still got something to say?"
"You're taking that thing into Hueco Mundo… Aizen. What exactly are you planning?"
What, indeed?
Aizen paused.
Then replied, his smile calm and unwavering.
"I'm just searching for an answer."
To that all-controlling force…
Does it truly wield ultimate power?
If he didn't see it himself, Aizen would never accept it.
Ukitake seemed to understand—and his frown deepened.
"You're too arrogant, Aizen!"
"And you're too self-righteous, Ukitake."
There's no such thing as sacred or absolute.
Tradition. Law. Convention. All of it is fabricated.
"No one stood atop the heavens from the beginning."
"Not you. Not me. Not even God."
"But—"
Aizen lifted his right hand, removing his glasses.
"That intolerable void on the throne of heaven—ends now."
Behind him, Seiya watched blankly as Aizen enacted his signature hair-flick moment.
Wow.
—Witnessing an iconic moment from up close? This is kinda insane.
Crack!
As the glasses shattered, Aizen's voice rose.
"From this moment forward…"
"I shall—"
No.
He paused.
Then smiled, stepping back beside his protégé.
Placing a hand on Seiya's shoulder, he declared:
"We shall stand upon the heavens."
"…Huh."
A bit unexpected.
Seiya looked at Aizen, surprised by the slight shift in line delivery.
As the Reverse Membrane shimmered and faded, Aizen's group stepped into the Garganta.
And as they vanished—
Aizen's disdainful voice echoed back.
"Well then, farewell."
"You arrogant Shinigami…"
"Until we meet again."
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Powerstones?
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