The so-called power equivalent to a million Zanpakutō refers to Sōkyoku's true form once it has fully unleashed its destructive potential upon piercing a sinner. At that moment, the King of Shell Breakers' power magnifies dozens of times over, truly reaching the might of a million Zanpakutō.
Before that, even Kurosaki Ichigo was capable of withstanding a strike from the King of Shell Breakers—so why wouldn't Akira be able to do the same?
"Crack—!?"
The King of Shell Breakers let out a furious roar. For the first time in its existence, it felt fear—fear of a Shinigami!
Until now, it had always been used to execute Shinigami, acting as the blade of judgment. But today, the roles had reversed.
Its so-called invincible form had become the hunted prey, and Akira—the predator at the apex of the food chain!
"Buzz!"
At that critical moment, the massive fiery entity suddenly shrank, its form collapsing. The released power of Sōkyoku dissipated, reverting to its original state. A long spear dropped weakly from the air, its energy completely drained.
"As expected of Sōkyoku. Quite the taste... I suppose that makes up for it."
Akira wiped the corner of his mouth, then turned his gaze toward Rukia. Her wide eyes trembled with disbelief.
"You… you're still here."
Rukia's lips parted slightly, and before she even realized it, tears welled in her eyes and streaked down her face.
"Yeah. Today, I'm really here to save you."
Akira smiled, raising his hand. In his palm, a searing flame burned brightly—the very power he had absorbed from the Self-Destruction Shell King.
Then, with one decisive strike—
"Crack!"
The execution rack groaned under immense pressure before shattering completely. Splinters and debris scattered through the air as Akira obliterated it in a single blow.
Rukia tumbled from the broken structure, but before she could fall, Akira caught her midair, holding her securely in his arms.
"Rukia, I destroyed the Senzaikyū yesterday, so you had a night to recover without the effects of the Sekkiseki stone suppressing your reiatsu. You should be able to run on your own now, right?"
Rukia hesitated before nodding. "Yes… but with so many Shinigami watching me, I won't get far without a Zanpakutō, will I?"
"Don't worry. They won't have time to chase you."
Akira landed and gently set Rukia down. His gaze shifted toward Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni.
"Because very soon… this battlefield will turn into a purgatory. If they want to survive, they'll have to think about escaping first!"
Facing an opponent of Yamamoto's level was beyond terrifying. Just enduring the sheer aftermath of his power required everything one had.
"Alright, then—take care!"
Rukia wasn't one for unnecessary words. Knowing there was no time to argue, she nodded and immediately began her escape.
"You people are far too arrogant!"
A sharp voice cut through the tension.
"Did you truly think I would allow Rukia Kuchiki to escape?!"
Chōjirō Sasakibe stepped forward, blocking Rukia's path with unwavering determination.
However—
"Boom!"
A sudden burst of lightning forced Sasakibe back. He barely had time to react before locking eyes with Akira, who had launched the attack.
Akira spoke calmly, his voice laced with quiet dominance.
"And did you truly think…"
He stepped forward.
"That I would let you stop Rukia Kuchiki?"
The veins on Sasakibe's forehead pulsed with rage.
He slowly drew his Zanpakutō, his voice low and resolute.
"Captain, please allow me to handle this."
"I share your anger toward these villains who trample on the dignity of the Gotei 13!"
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni remained silent, but he did not stop him. To Chōjirō Sasakibe, that was tacit approval.
Facing Chōjirō's imposing stance, Akira merely cast him an indifferent glance.
"Step aside. My opponent is not a small fry like you."
Chōjirō's expression darkened. "I warned you not to be arrogant!"
With a sharp glare, he rebuked, "Your control over lightning is impressive, but you're not the only one who wields such power!"
"Bankai—Kōkō Gonryō Rikyū!"
His Zanpakutō transformed, releasing a brilliant golden radiance. Among all known Zanpakutō, only Hyōrinmaru rivaled his in manipulating the weather, and now his Bankai had fully manifested in its resplendent form.
Reiatsu erupted from his blade, surging into the sky as dark clouds gathered, charged with electricity. A grand, oval-shaped canopy of purple lightning materialized above, its appearance reminiscent of a noble's pavilion, yet composed entirely of searing thunderbolts—evidence of Sasakibe's mastery over his lightning-based Zanpakutō.
Akira observed the phenomenon with mild interest. "Hmm… So this is the power that once left a scar on Captain-Commander Yamamoto?"
Above, the condensed lightning divided into eleven distinct beams, poised to strike at a speed impossible to follow with the naked eye.
It was said that Yamamoto's very title, Genryūsai, was derived in recognition of the strength Sasakibe had once displayed with his Bankai.
"It's good that you understand—"
Before Chōjirō could finish, Akira cut him off.
"But you take pride in merely scratching Yamamoto Genryūsai?" His voice carried disdain. "A man who boasts about such a minor feat is not worthy of being my opponent."
"The gap between us is vast. Though from the look on your face, I doubt you'll believe it…"
Flames and lightning simultaneously erupted from Akira's form, merging seamlessly.
"Then I'll make you understand—through pain."
"Come and face me if you dare!"
Chōjirō roared in defiance, but his expression soon shifted to one of shock.
Before his very eyes, Akira's flames and lightning fused perfectly—a feat thought impossible.
"Raienryū Mode!"
A terrifying aura surged around Akira. He sneered.
"Apologies, but your time in this battle is over."
As soon as his words fell, a monstrous pillar of flames and lightning surged forth, roaring toward Chōjirō Sasakibe.
"Raienryū no Hōkō!"
"Don't underestimate me!"
Chōjirō commanded Kōkō Gonryō Rikyū to unleash its full power, summoning a barrage of lightning to counter. But as soon as the two forces clashed, an overwhelming outcome became clear—
Sasakibe's lightning barely resisted for a moment before being completely overpowered, driven back at a speed too fast for the naked eye to follow.
"BOOM!"
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