The crescent-shaped blade of blue energy advanced in absolute silence, slicing through the air like an inevitable tide. The petals rushing toward it were torn apart, dispersing before they could even touch the ground.
For the first time, Byakuya Kuchiki lost his composure.
Shock flashed through his eyes for a single instant-brief, almost imperceptible-but enough to betray the impact of that strike.
In the next moment, he twisted his body on instinct. Even so, he did not emerge unscathed. The energy grazed him, carving a deep gash into his shoulder. Blood flowed, slowly staining the white sleeve of his uniform.
- How… is this possible…?
Byakuya stared at the scene as if challenging logic itself.
Just a few weeks ago, that boy had been defeated without effort. A trivial opponent.
And yet now… he stood there, injuring him head-on.
- I warned you - Ichigo Kurosaki said, resting Zangetsu casually on his shoulder, his posture far too relaxed for someone in battle. - If you want to fight me seriously… use your Bankai.
Silence stretched for a brief moment.
- …Then it shall be as you wish.
Before tens of millions of viewers, Byakuya reversed his grip on the Zanpakutō, its tip touching the ground.
- The moment you witness my Bankai - he declared coldly - your end will be inevitable.
As he released the hilt, Senbonzakura seemed to merge with the ground, vanishing beneath his feet.
- Bankai.
- Senbonzakura Kageyoshi.
On both sides of Byakuya, countless colossal blades rose from the earth, aligned like a silent judgment descending from the heavens.
- This… is too beautiful.
It was exactly the kind of scene that only made sense when shared.
At that moment, Peter, the actor who portrayed Tōshirō Hitsugaya, was watching the episode with a few friends, all of them focused on the computer screen.
The image of Jasper Quin, wrapped in that noble aura as he released his Bankai, was impossible to ignore. There was elegance, control-an almost natural sense of dominance.
Even if he wasn't the strongest captain, Byakuya possessed something undeniable.
Presence.
- Hyōrinmaru isn't far behind either - Peter commented, his tone almost defensive, typical of someone who had barely left adolescence and entered the industry.
But the thought that followed made his shoulders slump.
Soon, his character would be effortlessly defeated by Sōsuke Aizen, portrayed by Alex.
The smile faded.
Within the series, the gap in power began to assert itself. Facing Bankai, Ichigo was pushed back, his body yielding little by little.
- It seems… facing a Bankai with only a Shikai really isn't enough…
Mark, in the role of Ichigo, rested on one knee. Blood ran down his forehead, yet the smile remained.
Byakuya frowned.
- You speak as though you've already mastered Bankai.
- Because I have - Ichigo replied, simple and direct.
Shock cut through Byakuya's gaze.
A few weeks.
That was all it had taken.
- Then witness it.
Spiritual pressure exploded around Ichigo, surging outward like violent waves.
- Bankai.
A series of detonations echoed.
When the dust settled, Ichigo emerged transformed.
A black mantle fitted tightly to his body, a dark cross-shaped blade resting in his hand. The wind blew, making the fabric ripple with a dry, almost ceremonial sound.
In the restaurant's private room, Bruce Walts let out a low laugh and clapped Mark on the shoulder.
- That look… there was no way it wouldn't work.
Mark didn't bother hiding his pride.
That was exactly why he had gathered everyone there.
The second half of the episode moved quickly.
Byakuya regained control of the battlefield, using refined variations of Senbonzakura, pushing Ichigo to his limits.
Then something changed.
A white, bone-like mask-resembling that of a Hollow-formed over Ichigo's face.
And shrouded in that unstable presence, he unleashed a black Getsuga Tenshō, forcing Byakuya to retreat.
The battle returned to equilibrium.
Both were exhausted.
- Shūkei… Hakuteiken.
Gathering what little strength he had left, Byakuya condensed all the blades. The white petals converged behind him, forming something akin to ethereal wings.
The reaction was immediate.
Screenshots. Sharp intakes of breath. Absolute silence.
That image had everything it needed to become a defining moment in Jasper Quin's career.
Ichigo gathered his last breath as well.
One final strike.
…
…
Perhaps the earlier wound had been decisive.
Or perhaps, in the final instant, Byakuya hesitated.
The impact resounded.
And in the end, he fell.
- Do you wish to know… - Byakuya said, covered in blood, his voice low - why I accepted Rukia's execution?
He turned his face, as if speaking both to Ichigo and to those watching from beyond the screen.
- Before the rules, emotions have no value. The Kuchiki family must be an example. If even we do not obey… who will?
Silence enveloped the scene.
Perhaps the audience had judged Byakuya too quickly.
Ichigo remained quiet for a few seconds before replying:
- I still don't understand… but if I were in your place, I would still fight against those rules.
Byakuya closed his eyes for a moment.
When he opened them again, there was something close to acceptance within them.
- Ichigo Kurosaki… I can no longer pursue Rukia.
- This battle… was your victory.
Before screens across the country, viewers of all ages reacted the same way.
Victory.
But what no one realized yet…
Was that this battle was not the end.
The true conspiracy of the Soul Society…
Was only just beginning.