What's going on...
I calculated every step... With his personality, he'd definitely come to Las Noches himself...
Then he'd encounter Ulquiorra guarding the lab. With his power, he should easily kill Ulquiorra...
That would meet the conditions for soul seizure.
But how did he learn about the mark on Ulquiorra's soul...?
I never told anyone—not Gin, not Tōsen, not even Ulquiorra himself...
Aizen's eyes narrowed, millions of thoughts flashing through his mind.
But when he saw Shigure raise his sword, Aizen calmed down instead.
He lowered his eyes slightly, letting out an imperceptible breath, then looked up with restored composure.
Watching Shigure raise his sword, he said calmly:
"Since soul seizure failed, I'll just eliminate you."
"But what's this supposed to mean, Segawa? I thought I made myself clear."
"As long as you release your Zanpakutō and unleash lightning, Alleste can instantly contain it all."
"Before Thunder-Guiding Feather, your Zanpakutō is worthless."
"Even so, you still plan to fight with it?"
Shigure's calm face suddenly showed a gentle smile:
"Seems the Hōgyoku gave you such blind confidence."
"Even now, you still think my Zanpakutō is 'just lightning-type.'"
"?!"
Aizen's eyes flashed, not understanding.
But the next moment, his pupils contracted sharply.
Shigure's spiritual pressure was surging abnormally!
This wasn't ordinary spiritual pressure release—this was Zanpakutō liberation!
Impossible...!
His Zanpakutō was clearly still sealed in his hand!
The blade hadn't turned to lightning, no golden particles surrounded him, and Alleste's Thunder-Guiding Feather showed no reaction...!
This couldn't be his Zanpakutō's release!
Aizen stared at the sword in Shigure's hand, his breathing unconsciously slowing.
Shigure gently raised his sword, cold light reflecting his face:
"Aizen, that expression... is quite strange."
"I already hinted at this, yet you still... don't dare deduce?"
"This time, watch carefully."
Shigure's eyes showed faint amusement as he slowly pointed his sword forward, tip aimed at Aizen.
An air ring suddenly spread around the sword tip.
Then a tremendous roar!
BOOM!!
Violent air impact burst from the tip, instantly forming an invisible vortex storm that charged straight at Aizen!
The storm's howling grew louder after leaving the blade, producing sharp sonic booms!
Not only Aizen, but the captains and lieutenants below were completely stunned, minds going blank!
What?! How is this possible?!
They could clearly sense—this attack used no spiritual pressure compression techniques!
That storm erupted directly from his blade. It was his Zanpakutō's power!
Everyone held their breath as terrifying speculation arose...
Just before reaching Aizen, the storm suddenly split into four pale whirlwinds that surrounded him!
Aizen's pupils contracted. He used flash step to escape the pincer attack.
BOOM!!
The four whirlwinds collided where he'd been. The resulting pressure expanded like a hurricane, blowing hair and clothes high.
Alleste was nearly knocked over.
Then something strange happened.
The scattered storm didn't gradually weaken—it stopped abruptly!
The air fell into deathly silence, as if nothing had happened.
Flowing air was forcibly interrupted by bizarre power!
Aizen's expression finally grew serious, complex emotions in his eyes.
He understood now.
Looking at Shigure, he narrowed his eyes:
"I was indeed careless... I never expected your Zanpakutō to hide... storm-type power..."
"You've been concealing this other release all along...?!"
Shigure turned to look at Aizen, lightly raising his sword with a slight smile:
"Don't say such ridiculous things, Aizen."
"When planning to seize my soul, didn't you consider these possibilities?"
"When creating 'Thunder-Guiding Feather,' didn't you think I was deliberately misleading your understanding of my Zanpakutō?"
"Or did you never think you could be deceived... so you arrogantly assumed I'd used full power?"
Shigure's consecutive mocking questions darkened Aizen's gaze.
Then Shigure chuckled again:
"Besides, why look so shocked? Long ago... you already experienced its techniques, didn't you?"
"?!"
Aizen's eyes jumped as he began reviewing memories of past battles with Shigure.
But Shigure suddenly raised his sword, speaking calmly:
"Your reminiscing wastes too much time. Let me have you experience it again directly."
"Candle Dragon's Surrounding Binding Lock."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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