The moment the Garganta opened, the Shinigami instinctively focused their attention on Shimo at the front.
According to the gathered intelligence, the decisive battle between Aizen and Soul Society would most likely be settled in Karakura Town. At a moment like this—one that could decide the fate of Soul Society—any Shinigami would feel anxious and uneasy about the uncertain future.
Yet to their surprise, Captain Shimo looked as relaxed as ever. There was not the slightest trace of tension in him.
Did he truly possess absolute confidence?
No one could answer that question. All they could do was place their hopes on the legendary Captain of the Third Division and pray he would once again turn the tide.
"We're departing," Shimo said, maintaining the Garganta with overwhelming spiritual pressure.
Unlike Mayuri's method, Shimo relied on pure Kidō to open the interdimensional passage. Without devices or tools, the spiritual pressure required was enormous—especially when transporting powerful individuals.
Unohana stepped forward first and entered the Garganta. Ichigo followed closely behind, his steps hurried. Finally, Shimo stepped in, and the Garganta closed like a giant mouth swallowing them whole.
Silence returned.
Within the dark void, a faintly glowing reishi pathway formed beneath Unohana's feet, guiding their advance.
All three walked in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
Ichigo worried about Karakura Town's safety.
Unohana considered how to face the upcoming battle and whether Kyōka Suigetsu could truly be countered.
Shimo wondered only one thing:
How far has the battle progressed?
---
Meanwhile, in the Fake Karakura Town, waves of spiritual pressure surged violently.
The city created as a battlefield had already become ruins—collapsed buildings, flames, scorched earth, and flashes of Kidō lighting the sky. No one would believe this place had once been a peaceful city.
High above the wreckage, figures stood suspended in midair—Espada against Captains, Fracción against Lieutenants.
The battle had reached a stalemate.
The injured Shinigami who withdrew from Hueco Mundo had returned. The remaining Visored in the Human World had also joined the fight.
Even so, the situation was grim.
The scales of victory were tipping toward Hueco Mundo.
"Aizen hasn't even made a move yet, and we're already being overwhelmed!"
"Why are the Espada this strong?!"
"What did Aizen do to them?!"
From the sky, Yamamoto watched everything unfold. The Shinigamis' disadvantage was beyond his expectations. Just three Espada had suppressed all the Captains present.
Even the lieutenants were barely holding on against the Fracción.
"What a troublesome group of subordinates," Yamamoto said, gripping his staff.
"To think the Head Captain must fight personally."
Aizen stood calmly, a faint smile on his face. Nothing on the battlefield seemed to concern him.
Flames suddenly ignited around Yamamoto's staff.
BOOM!
An unbearable heat split the battlefield apart. A sea of fire forced Szayelaporro back as he prepared to strike down Byakuya.
"Old man! Interfering in others' battles—is that the Shinigami way?!"
"As Head Captain, I cannot watch my subordinates die," Yamamoto replied calmly, Ryūjin Jakka blazing in his hand.
A towering inferno rose behind him, turning countless buildings to ash.
Aizen watched, eyes glinting.
"So the Head Captain has finally acted. But it's already too late."
Yamamoto's spiritual pressure locked onto him.
"You are the last true combatant left. Defeating you will secure half our victory."
Aizen smiled faintly.
"I never wondered whether I could kill you. I already have."
"Ridiculous!" Yamamoto roared.
In an instant, both vanished.
Slash.
The sound of a blade piercing flesh froze the battlefield.
Blood spilled from Yamamoto's abdomen as a sword pierced his side.
His eyes blazed.
"Aizen Sōsuke… I've caught you."
--------------------------------///
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