Damn it! Aizen, I'll kill you for this—hiss! Wait… where the hell is my bird?!
The fusion of Shinigami reiatsu, Hollow power, and the Quincy's influence had twisted Aoyama's body into something monstrous: a man-shaped dragon, standing upright, but without his most precious appendage.
And uglier than ever.
Covered in scales that looked like Godzilla's hide, every time he spoke he felt a sharp ache below, which drove him into a spiral of dark thoughts. Could it be that during the operation, that bastard Aizen, the great mastermind himself, caught sight of his giant bird, grew self-conscious, and cut it off out of petty jealousy?
"Hssst…"
Aoyama felt a sudden cold emptiness below his waist. He clawed frantically between his legs, but found nothing. Nothing at all. His bird had become a relic of the past—something that once existed but was now gone forever.
Face dark with fury, Aoyama tore through the laboratory gates, charging like a beast gone mad. He smashed open the final set of doors—and at last, sunlight spilled across his monstrous form.
But his freedom lasted only a heartbeat.
A slash of sword pressure hurled him into the air before he even saw it coming. The blow was from Kaname Tōsen.
"The insect that dares defy fate… return now to the cage that is yours. Show me obedience, and I may be merciful enough to spare your life."
Tōsen was a Captain-level Shinigami, and his pressure pressed down on Aoyama no less harshly than Gin's did. Worse yet, he radiated an oppressive killing intent, the aura of a predator locking onto its prey. The sensation made Aoyama's hair stand on end, his instincts screaming danger.
In this near-complete Hollowfied state, only Aoyama's consciousness remained human. His body was wholly that of a Hollow—an ugly, dragon-like monster, with no bird beneath his waist. Standing again, the chill at his crotch felt sharper than ever.
Aoyama bared his teeth. "Tell me where Aizen is, and maybe I'll spare your life instead!"
But danger spiked in the air.
As Tōsen slowly raised his blade, the killing intent became tangible, like sharp steel pressing against Aoyama's face.
"If that is your wish, then I shall oblige," Tōsen said coldly. "Lord Aizen already told me—if you refuse obedience, you may be killed."
"Bear witness to my Zanpakutō's ability. Your death will be swift and painless, because…"
"You are not worthy to stand upon the stage!"
"Cry out—Suzumushi!"
The release of his Zanpakutō surged with pressure, and in that instant, a Captain's true power came alive.
Aoyama snarled like a beast and lunged forward, claws gleaming with condensed reiatsu, sharp enough to rend flesh and bone.
But then—
A terrifying aura swept over him, halting his pounce. Countless blades erupted around him, pouring down like a storm.
"Suzumushi Nishiki: Benihikō (Cricket's Second Form: Red-Crested Locusts)!"
Tōsen's blade created a barrage of twin-tipped swords, raining in a flood toward Aoyama.
His pupils shrank. Dropping to the ground, he crossed his arms before him and crouched low, bracing himself against the onslaught.
Shhk! Shhk! Shhk!
Almost every blade hit home. Each one was a true Zanpakutō's edge, impossibly sharp. They shredded through his guard, carving his monstrous hide.
"Damn it! If I had my Zanpakutō, I wouldn't be forced to block with my arms like this!"
"Wait!"
With a spark of will, a Zanpakutō materialized in his grip. Instantly, every wound left by Tōsen's blades closed and vanished. Not a scar remained—his flesh was pristine once again.
Tōsen's brow furrowed. "High-Speed Regeneration, is it? Hmph. A fine creation indeed… No wonder Lord Aizen said he was satisfied. In that case, I'll let you live."
As Tōsen turned to leave, Aoyama couldn't understand it. One strike, and he was walking away? With the Zanpakutō now in hand, Aoyama could feel his power surging further. He grinned savagely. "What, you cut me once and think you're done?!"
Tōsen's voice was grave. "If I continue, you will die. Yes, it may take time and effort, but even with Hollow powers, you are no match for me. High-Speed Regeneration does not make you immortal—it only delays the inevitable. I gave you a chance. Learn to cherish it."
"Tch. Then tell me—where is that bastard Aizen?"
"Aizen-taichō? Hmph. Telling you changes nothing. With your strength, you cannot stir up even a ripple."
Tōsen left, his form fading into the distance.
But new reiatsu flared on the horizon, rushing toward him fast. Several signatures.
"Quickly! The surge of reiatsu came from ahead! Everyone, prepare for battle—the Hollow presence is unmistakable. We cannot allow it to wreak havoc in Soul Society. By the name of the Shinigami—slay the Hollow!"
"Senior! Is that monster ahead of us the intruding Hollow?"
"What evil pressure…! New recruits, provide kidō support from a distance. Everyone else—advance with me and suppress its movements!"
Among the charging squad, Aoyama spotted familiar faces—classmates from Shin'ō Academy. Now they wore the uniforms of Shinigami, their blades bared, shouting for his death.
Looking at his twisted, monstrous reflection in their eyes, Aoyama understood why.
He grinned, feral and cruel. "Heh. A bunch of weaklings lining up to die? Fine. I'm in a foul mood anyway—so I'll slaughter you all."
"Charge!"
The first Shinigami flashed ahead with shunpo, his sword slashing down across Aoyama's arm.
Clang!
The blade rang uselessly against hardened flesh. Ordinary Zanpakutō could not pierce the hierro of a high-level Hollow. Aoyama's skin was iron itself.
"How—?! My swordsmanship was praised even by a Captain!"
"Don't panic, senpai! Watch me! Hadō #4: Byakurai!"
Aoyama flicked away the lightning bolt with a single finger. Tilting his head, he exhaled a foul wind and growled, "I told you—you've come here to die. Take your regrets with you to Hell."
Crack!
The first Shinigami fell, neck snapped like a twig.
The rest were even weaker. Compared to when he had first graduated Shin'ō Academy, their strength hadn't advanced at all. Their deaths were inevitable.
Then—flames.
A burning aura erupted in the distance. It rose into the sky, shaping itself into a phoenix that spread its wings across the heavens.
Aoyama sneered. So, Jōkaku Enjō… That explains it. No wonder Aizen didn't care. No wonder Tōsen found me a bother. They're already preparing to leave Soul Society…