That's right!
This was the true reason Ichigo had sought out Unohana to learn swordsmanship!
What nonsense about weakening himself?
He, Kurosaki Ichigo, wasn't Unohana Retsu or Zaraki Kenpachi—his only goal was to grow stronger!
Strong enough that no one could ever threaten his loved ones again!
And what he aimed to learn was none other than Unohana Retsu's dual wielding technique!
Clearly, even Aizen Sōsuke was caught completely off guard by Ichigo's sudden move!
In Ichigo's left hand was a second Zanpakutō—pure white, slightly shorter than Tensa Zangetsu in his right, but not by much. It exuded an ominous aura.
For the first time, Aizen Sōsuke's expression turned grim.
How many years had it been? Ever since he had fully mastered Kyōka Suigetsu, Aizen had never once been injured.
And today, he had been wounded by Kurosaki Ichigo—just a child in Shinigami terms!
A child he had been watching all this time!
To Aizen, this was a grave humiliation!
Even Ichimaru Gin, who rarely opened his eyes behind Aizen, stared wide-eyed at the sight.
He never imagined anyone could injure Aizen head-on!
Even if it was a surprise attack, the fact remained—Aizen was injured!
To Gin, that was unimaginable.
Even Yamamoto Genryūsai, the strongest of the Shinigami, he doubted could wound Aizen directly.
Aizen's face darkened as he touched the wound on his waist, reiatsu already sealing it off to prevent more blood loss.
Though the bleeding had stopped, his image as the untouchable final boss had been completely shattered!
Ichigo said, a little disappointed, "Tch. Didn't manage to pierce all the way through. You're really tough, huh?"
A compliment that sounded like an insult in Aizen's ears.
If he hadn't reacted quickly, the injury would've been far worse.
And honestly, if Aizen were wounded any more severely, Gin might've turned traitor right then and there to let Aizen taste the full length of his Shinso.
"Kurosaki Ichigo… you're truly impressive," Aizen said coldly. "In all these years, you're the only Shinigami who has wounded me."
Looking at Ichigo, Aizen suddenly felt like this experimental subject of his was slipping beyond his control.
Ichigo stared back at Aizen and said, "I've waited a long time for this day! I know it was you—behind everything. You tried to kill Rukia, didn't you?!"
Aizen smiled. Ichigo still underestimated him. Aizen Sōsuke wouldn't go through all this just to kill one girl.
But before Aizen could reply, the sky split open as Shiba Kūkaku descended from the heavens, riding on Jidanbō.
She raised her lone arm and roared, "Hadō #63: Raikōhō!"
A no-incantation level-63 Kido shot down like a thunderbolt!
BOOM!
Even Aizen didn't dare take that head-on—not with an injury still fresh.
Just as Aizen dodged, Yoruichi and Soifon appeared at his flanks, pinning him down.
"Don't move!" Yoruichi pressed down on Kyōka Suigetsu.
Soifon held her Zanpakutō against his throat. "Move, and I'll take your head!"
Aizen didn't seem bothered, smiling at the two women.
Meanwhile, Gin Ichimaru purposely let Matsumoto Rangiku seize his Zanpakutō, wearing an obviously fake expression of guilt.
"Aiya, sorry, Aizen-sama. I got caught~"
Tōsen Kaname had his sword at his back, pinned by Hisagi Shūhei and unable to move either.
Then, led by Yamamoto Genryūsai, every captain and lieutenant-level Shinigami arrived at the peak of Sōkyoku Hill.
Unohana Retsu brought Rukia with her, and the moment they landed, Byakuya appeared and shielded Rukia behind him.
Unohana smiled. "No need to be so tense, Captain Byakuya. Rukia will be fine."
"Nii-sama?" Rukia looked confused.
Byakuya said nothing.
"Hmph. Aizen, you've got nowhere left to run!" Yoruichi said sternly.
But she also saw the wound at Aizen's waist—and her eyes narrowed in shock. She hadn't expected any Shinigami could actually wound Aizen!
"Criminal Aizen Sōsuke," Yamamoto Genryūsai said with quiet authority, "what do you have to say for yourself?"
"…Time's up," Aizen said with a smile.
At his words, a rift tore open in the sky above Sōkyoku Hill.
Yoruichi's face turned pale. "Soifon, move!"
Without hesitation, Soifon obeyed.
The two women just managed to dodge when a golden membrane enveloped Aizen.
Gin and Tōsen were also wrapped in the same golden shield.
Gin turned to Rangiku. "Sorry, Rangiku. Time's up."
The stone beneath their feet began to rise.
"This is… a Negación!" someone shouted.
"It's what the Menos use to rescue their own—it's completely impervious to both Shinigami and Hollow attacks," Unohana explained to Ichigo as she approached.
Of course, she was momentarily surprised to see Ichigo wielding two Zanpakutō.
"No one can break through it?" Ichigo asked, a bit eager to try.
Just then, Komamura Sajin—previously incapacitated—rose from the rubble and shouted at the sky, "Tōsen! Why?! Why would you betray the Soul Society?! Weren't you the one who believed in justice?!"
Tōsen stared down coldly at his old friend. "Aizen-sama is my justice."
Ukitake Jūshirō looked up at the ascending Aizen, furious. "Aizen, have you fallen so far? To join the Hollows?!"
At that, Aizen looked down at Ukitake. "Fallen? Ukitake, you're as arrogant as ever."
He took off his glasses and crushed them in his hand, then combed his hair back with spiritual energy, completely changing his hairstyle.
"Ukitake… no one is born standing above others. The throne of heaven has been empty too long. From now on, I shall rise and claim it!"
With the black garganta portal swirling behind him, it was a picture-perfect final boss moment.
"And Kurosaki Ichigo… you've given me more surprises than I could have imagined. I look forward to our next meeting!"
(End of Chapter)
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