Before his words finished, Ulquiorra's right hand moved to his Zanpakutō.
He drew the blade smoothly. Pointed it straight at Shigure.
Dark green spiritual pressure flickered along the steel.
"Two things are forbidden beneath Las Noches' dome."
"First: Only Espada can release Gran Rey Cero."
"Second: Sword release by any Espada ranked fourth or higher."
"Both could destroy Las Noches."
Ulquiorra's spiritual pressure climbed as he spoke. His eyes never left Shigure.
"Earlier, massive spiritual pressure erupted from the west pillar. Grimmjow fired Gran Rey Cero."
"He violated Lord Aizen's orders."
Shigure's eyes flickered. So that's why Aaroniero rushed over there.
Ulquiorra's power peaked. Wind whipped his robes and black hair.
"Unlike Grimmjow, I have Lord Aizen's approval for release."
"Even if it destroys this section of Las Noches, I'll kill you here."
"This is my mission from Lord Aizen—"
"You're lying."
Shigure cut him off.
"What?"
Ulquiorra's expression shifted.
Shigure's gaze stayed cold.
"You're lying, Ulquiorra."
"Aizen never gave you special privileges or kill orders."
"That's not his style."
"He told you to guard this place. Handle some task with that girl."
"This is your personal decision."
"You know I found out about the girl. You can't lead me away."
"So you'll fight me here instead."
"Right?"
Shigure finished. His water-like gaze stayed fixed on Ulquiorra.
Ulquiorra's pupils contracted sharply.
Direct hit.
The always-composed Espada would never react like that otherwise.
Shigure smiled slightly.
"Thought so."
Ulquiorra lowered his eyes. Raised his blade.
"Doesn't matter now."
"This battle is inevitable."
"This ends both my past and your future."
"Seal away... Black-Winged Demon."
BOOM!
Ulquiorra's spiritual pressure exploded. Shockwaves shattered the corridor walls!
Invisible force blasted upward.
CRASH!
The white ceiling cracked and burst. Debris scattered everywhere.
Shigure's eyes narrowed.
First-stage Resurrección Ulquiorra's spiritual pressure exceeded expectations. Way beyond Grimmjow's Pantera form.
The power radiating from his body felt similar to Shigure's own. It kept growing.
Interesting.
Shigure couldn't sense the exact composition, but his Resonance Eyes saw blue spiritual pressure mixed into that sky-piercing force.
That explained the massive power boost.
Ulquiorra's body transformed.
Black wings spread from his back. His white uniform merged into full-body coverage.
The skull fragment became a horned helmet. Black nails extended into claws. His hair lengthened. Gray tear marks deepened.
Dark green spiritual pressure rose from his feet like steam. Overwhelming pressure.
He stared at Shigure. No emotion in his eyes.
"Segawa Shigure. This is my released form."
"Compared to our fight in the World of the Living, this isn't simple power stacking. It's total breakthrough."
"Try not to be too shocked."
WHOOSH!
Ulquiorra vanished.
Next moment—behind Shigure. Hand raised, striking toward his back.
Dark green spiritual pressure gathered at his fingertips. The air ignited. Temperature spiked.
After Resurrección, his spiritual pressure attacks rivaled blade strikes.
Plus, Aizen had modified his body after his near-death experience.
One hit should shatter Shigure's defenses.
His fingertip reached Shigure's back. Spiritual pressure peaked.
Then—
WHOOSH!
His hand passed straight through!
No resistance. No collision. Like striking air!
Ulquiorra's eyes went wide.
"An afterimage?!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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