At this moment, the audience was deeply concerned about both Ichigo Kurosaki and Urahara Kisuke!
[Sarugaki Hiyori]: And these guys all claim their abilities were granted by Yhwach. Don't they even need to train? Is this all Yhwach's power?
[Yhwach]: Have you Shinigami finally realized my true power? My subordinates alone are sufficient to destroy you all.
[Kurosaki Isshin]: Hmph, don't get too cocky. I believe Ichigo will escape from that prison soon. It'll just take some time.
In the projection at this moment, Ichigo Kurosaki was extremely agitated!
[He seemed able to hear his comrades' desperate cries for help! After losing his Shinigami powers, it was because of the spiritual energy given to him by his Shinigami friends that he had recovered his strength!
Through their spiritual connection, he could indeed feel the despair of Rukia, Byakuya, and the others. Therefore, grief and rage filled him as he continued unleashing increasingly terrifying spiritual pressure.
BOOM!
Ichigo Kurosaki was willing to exhaust all his strength to completely destroy this prison. Even in his previous battle with Quilge, he hadn't been this desperate.
But what made the audience anxious was that despite Ichigo slashing away with his Bankai for an extended period, he still couldn't break through the prison. In some close-up shots, they could see cracks appearing on Tensa Zangetsu's blade!
They had to worry whether Ichigo's Bankai might actually shatter...]
Seeing this, Aizen frowned. This "J" prison created by Quilge was proving troublesome even for Ichigo Kurosaki. That guy was no simple opponent! After watching his Arrancar being defeated one by one, he could only place his hopes on Ichigo Kurosaki. His most perfect creation shouldn't be held back by someone like this!
Even being delayed and unable to reach Soul Society in time would be shameful. Aizen could see that while Ichigo's current strength was far inferior to his peak period, it couldn't be ignored! Even among the Shinigami captains, he would rank among the finest.
The projection then accelerated, showing how difficult it was for Ichigo to crack the prison. Even at accelerated speed, it took considerable time.
[Finally, with assistance from Akon of the 12th Division and strange power awakening within his body, Ichigo Kurosaki succeeded in breaking the prison. However, he was now covered in dust and wounds, looking quite disheveled.
Simultaneously, Akon, who had helped Ichigo open the passage, was ambushed and struck down by a Quincy. The Quincy spoke proudly, preparing to boast:
"My name is Shaz Domino! The Schrift His Majesty has granted me is—"
Before he could finish, Ichigo killed him with a single strike.
SLASH!
A Sternritter possessing a holy letter was eliminated without another word. Everyone could see Ichigo's fury and grief.]
Witnessing this, the Shinigami breathed sighs of relief. Excellent! Ichigo Kurosaki had truly overcome the difficulties!
During Ichigo's flight, the audience witnessed for the first time Soul Society's tragic state under the Quincy assault. Flames of war blazed everywhere, lives were extinguished, broken walls and ruins scattered about. Against the backdrop of gray, rainy weather, the scene was unbearable to witness!
[The Soul Society that had once been so orderly and structured was now filled with rubble and debris. Blood flowed like rivers while the blue spirit flames of the Wandenreich flickered arrogantly everywhere, symbolizing their absolute dominance over the Shinigami!
At this moment, Soul Society was like hell itself for the Shinigami! The rage within Ichigo's body continued accumulating!
Through the spiritual pressure within him, he quickly sensed the location of the dying Byakuya Kuchiki. Upon arriving, Byakuya's miserable condition was revealed!
Not a single part of his body remained intact—almost any movement would cause him to crumble. This was exactly the damage caused by Sternritter "F" Äs Nödt and his Fear.
When he saw Ichigo approaching, Byakuya couldn't even lift his head, managing only to ask with dying breath:
"Are Rukia and Renji... still alive?"
Amid the rustling rain, his voice was like a candle in a storm, about to be extinguished. What was even more horrifying—the blood flowing on nearby walls and ground exceeded even the rainfall!
Hearing Byakuya's question, Ichigo simply responded, "Mm." Through his spiritual pressure perception, he could indeed sense their conditions.
Byakuya continued speaking faintly:
"Really? That's wonderful. I'm dying..."
"As a captain of the Gotei 13, I was unable to expel these despicable invaders, causing countless squad members to sacrifice themselves, and ultimately suffering such an embarrassing defeat..."
"I am so ashamed to face death."
Byakuya, worried about Soul Society and his comrades, moved everyone with each word.
"And you're a human—you shouldn't be involved in this battle, you shouldn't even be here..."
"But I have one more thing to ask of you."
"Please forgive my shameless behavior..."
"Please... please protect Soul Society!"
Though barely breathing and liable to stop at any moment, everyone could hear the pain and despair in Byakuya's heart. As a member of the noble Kuchiki family, Byakuya bore enormous responsibility! That's why he was so heartbroken at his inability to fulfill it!]
In the real world, seeing this scene, though everyone knew Byakuya had been seriously injured, it remained deeply saddening.
[Kuchiki Rukia]: Beating my brother like this is unforgivable!
[Ichigo Kurosaki]: Damn it! I won't let any of these Quincy escape! Byakuya, what shameless request?! Even if you didn't tell me, I'd take the initiative to help!
[Ichimaru Gin]: Interesting. I doubt even Soul Society could have imagined Ichigo Kurosaki would develop such deep feelings for them.
[Hitsugaya Toshiro]: And it's truly rare! Why is it raining in Soul Society at this time?
At this moment, how could the sharp-minded Captain Yamamoto not deduce the truth? In such a war, he would certainly participate, eliminating these invading enemies. As the leader, he would personally enter battle against the mysterious Yhwach from a thousand years past.
He would also need to use Bankai. After activating Zanka no Tachi, due to the violent water evaporation, heavy rain would fall once the flames died down. Could it be that he had already used Bankai? Was it that even after Bankai, there was no way to save Soul Society? So the other captains had to desperately beg for human assistance?
With this thought, the anger in Captain Yamamoto's heart seemed extinguished by this heavy realization. He chose not to voice this speculation out of concern for morale. But how could the closest captains who knew his abilities not guess? This fact was so heavy they neither wanted to nor dared speak it!
In the projection, after hearing Byakuya's request, Ichigo didn't speak.
[But at that moment, the raindrops falling from the sky instantly evaporated, forming a waterless zone around them.
HISS! HISS!
Ichigo's furious spiritual pressure made the audience tremble. It was the first time they felt Ichigo reveal such angry spiritual pressure! He was truly enraged.
Unlike the pain and despair when facing previous tragic situations, Ichigo had matured considerably. His will was extremely firm, with only one thought in his heart—to completely defeat these enemies.
BOOM!
Without saying a word, he leaped directly toward Yhwach's location.
But Byakuya could already see it—Ichigo had agreed to his request. This was Ichigo's character! Even without words, you could trust him without reservation!]
This scene moved the Shinigami deeply.
[Komamura Sajin]: It turns out Captain Byakuya isn't as cold as imagined! He simply keeps his mission as captain of a noble family in mind, appearing somewhat unkind on the surface.
[Kusajishi Yachiru]: Yes! Byakuya is really good—truly strong yet gentle!
[Ichimaru Gin]: Indeed, when Soul Society was about to be destroyed, he did lose composure. When he was about to execute Rukia, I thought he was cold-blooded.
[Suì-Fēng]: It's clear the relationship between Ichigo and us Shinigami remains somewhat distant. Even when Soul Society was first invaded, no Shinigami immediately sought Ichigo's aid. Instead, he took the initiative to help us.
[Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni]: This is understandable. I would certainly order all Shinigami not to casually request human assistance. After all, this is an internal Soul Society matter.
At this time, seeing human Ichigo Kurosaki repeatedly coming to save Soul Society left the Shinigami with conflicted feelings.
[Ichigo Kurosaki]: What are you all talking about? You're my friends—it's natural for me to protect you. No need for politeness!
[Kyoraku Shunsui]: As expected, still the stubborn old man! But... this is the old man we're familiar with.
[Ukitake Jushiro]: Ichigo has done so much for us before—we really don't have the face to ask for his help repeatedly.
[Shihouin Yoruichi]: It takes courage for Byakuya to proactively seek Ichigo's assistance.
[Byakuya Kuchiki]: Very well. Though it's somewhat embarrassing to rely on human help, since Ichigo has come, this is the end for you Quincy! Please, Ichigo Kurosaki!
In the projection, Ichigo burst forth at terrifying speed.
[He sensed Yhwach's spiritual pressure from a distance and hurled his Bankai Tensa Zangetsu toward the blood-soaked path ahead.
BANG!
Before seeing the person, his aura arrived first! Overflowing beyond the screen was tangible anger and murderous intent!
Yhwach, who had been preparing to leave, couldn't help but stop. There was a thunderous crash in the sky as Ichigo made his brilliant appearance.
In the Shinigami's hearts, it was just like when he appeared before Hogyoku Aizen! As if their savior had arrived!
Though now covered in scars and blood, no audience could underestimate Ichigo's rage and combat power at this moment! Fighting to protect his comrades, Ichigo's combat potential was limitless!
In Ichigo's red eyes, he finally saw Yhwach's true face. At first glance, he felt this person was very familiar. However, to protect his comrades, he had no time for further questions—he simply had to fight the enemy.]
But after seeing this scene, outside the screen, in sharp contrast to the enthusiastic Shinigami, there was the utterly dumbfounded Ichigo Kurosaki! He was shocked beyond belief, even forgetting the previous miserable scenes and the anger and pain they brought.
[Ichigo Kurosaki]: Wait! This guy... could this be the Yhwach you've all been talking about?! Isn't this my Uncle Zangetsu, just a bit older?
Ichigo was shocked as never before. This was indeed the first time he'd seen Yhwach's true face. He never could have imagined he would look like this.
[Yhwach]: I didn't expect to meet you in this manner, Ichigo Kurosaki. I look forward to our next encounter... or battle!
[Ichigo Kurosaki]: No, what's going on here? Uncle Zangetsu... Or rather, Yhwach—what should I call you?
[Yhwach]: Simply call me Yhwach! A name like Zangetsu is unworthy of describing me!
[Ichigo Kurosaki]: Ah! Why? Why have you been inside my body all this time? And you've been working hard to help me fight. What's your purpose?
All of Yhwach's past actions flashed through his mind. Ichigo remembered the first time he saw him—he'd helped awaken his Zanpakuto's power. He taught him Shikai. After that, he defeated Kenpachi Zaraki with his help. Finally, he learned Bankai as well.
How could such a person be the vicious Quincy King he was witnessing now?!
[Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni]: Actually, Ichigo, we wanted to tell you this before, but we feared you couldn't accept it. We're also very confused about Yhwach being inside you...
[Kyoraku Shunsui]: But since you've been helping us Shinigami, we believe in you! You're not a Quincy.
[Yhwach]: I didn't want you to learn the truth so soon, but I believe the following scenes will gradually reveal it. You'll understand what connection exists between you and the Quincy!
[Ichigo Kurosaki]: What are you talking about... Apart from having a frightening guy like you inside my body, what relationship could we have? Are you impersonating Uncle Zangetsu in my body, or is Uncle Zangetsu impersonating you?
As he spoke, Ichigo felt he couldn't convince himself. Why would the Quincy King pretend to be a Zanpakuto? Obviously, Uncle Zangetsu was Yhwach! Even if not his real body, at least his clone! They were inextricably linked!
However, since Yhwach remained cryptic for now, Ichigo still couldn't figure out what was happening. He only hoped his future self could explode with power and defeat this Yhwach! Then he could discover the truth about his situation.
In Hueco Mundo, after seeing this scene, Aizen wore a serious yet expectant expression.
Finally, time to deal with the Quincy King! Very good—I want to know what role Yhwach plays in his body as well. Will it be like Zangetsu? I hope Ichigo can defeat him!
After all, in previous footage, Ichigo had temporarily defeated him. If Ichigo couldn't defeat Yhwach, wouldn't that make him appear quite weak?
[Aizen Sosuke]: Ichigo Kurosaki, do your best! They have destroyed my Soul Society to such an extent... If I were there, I would never let you escape.