Meanwhile, in Karakura Town
After Yoshio made his move, the whole battlefield turned strange.
With the strength Yoshio had just displayed, killing any Captain present would be as easy as turning over a hand.
But it wasn't just Yoshio who moved—Angra Mainyu also joined in.
Facing this Arrancar, who had previously confronted Yoshio, people dared not relax their vigilance.
After all… he seemed to be on par with Yoshio.
"Isn't that guy… a bit too strong?" Askin, watching below, asked with doubt. "Why would someone so powerful be Aizen's subordinate?"
"He's not," Ichimaru Gin said, his eyes narrowed in a smile. "Yoshio is not Captain Aizen's subordinate."
"?" Askin was even more confused.
Gin stood up, looking at the sky. "Let me explain. Although Yoshio moves with us, he hasn't been overly involved in Aizen's actions. Correspondingly, Aizen hasn't interfered with Yoshio's affairs. Yoshio is an 'outsider' and an 'observer.'"
"Outsider? Observer?" Askin repeated in surprise. "How can such a thing exist?"
Even Gin didn't know Askin was actually Aizen's man. Aizen had started laying plans within the Wandenreich long ago. The Quincy tried to win over Aizen's Espada, but Aizen was also trying to win over Yhwach's Sternritter.
Askin was an opportunist, half-coerced into Aizen's circle. They only had a single line of contact with Aizen; at most, only Hinamori Momo knew some details.
Therefore, Gin didn't know about the Quincy's affairs, and the Quincy didn't know about Aizen's current circle.
It wasn't until Gin spoke of Yoshio that Askin understood a little.
"Well… perhaps only Captain Aizen knows that," Gin said, glancing at Yoshio, his narrowed eyes hiding his thoughts.
"Yoshio…"
Not far from Gin's area, Kisuke Urahara also looked up at Yoshio, his expression solemn, as if considering how to respond if Yoshio made a move.
Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit him—he dry heaved!
Then came another wave of pain.
Kisuke Urahara's pupils dilated; he almost fell to the ground, opening his mouth as if to vomit something out.
"Shopkeeper?!"
Tsukabishi Tessai, beside him, was alarmed. "What's wrong?!"
Kisuke's face was pale as he clutched his stomach. "My worst fear has come true. He truly isn't an opponent that can be easily dealt with."
"That's right! Kisuke Urahara!" Szayelaporro's voice suddenly came from Kisuke's body!
A single eye appeared on Kisuke's body, mocking him, followed by a mouth.
"Did you think you could kill me with such petty tricks? Naive! You are truly too naive!"
"You… didn't die?"
"Of course I didn't die. I am immortal; it's not about transcending death, nor infinite regeneration—for that is not truly perfect."
"A perfect being is one who incorporates its own death into its life cycle. The one who kills me becomes my 'Gabriel' and gives birth to me from their body."
Szayelaporro laughed. "Moreover, I can absorb nourishment from the mother who gives birth to me—your reishi and wisdom. Even your abilities will be mine! By then… everything about you will belong to me."
"…" Kisuke's mind raced. Perfect form?
Suddenly, he dry-heaved again, like a pregnant woman about to give birth.
He could feel Szayelaporro growing inside his body, ready to emerge at any moment.
No, not later—now!
"I had originally planned to use this technique on Aizen, but I didn't expect… to use it prematurely."
Kisuke's expression darkened. "Bankai, Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame."
Kisuke Urahara—had used his Bankai!
This might have been the first time he used his Bankai in such a situation.
Kisuke's Bankai ability had always been well hidden. He knew that, most times, Bankai could determine a battle's outcome, but if the enemy was prepared, its boost wouldn't be as significant.
So he kept his Bankai's ability secret, even during the Captain exam. It was not recorded in any document; no one else knew its power.
He'd wanted to save it for his fight with Aizen, hoping for a miracle.
But now, facing Szayelaporro, he knew he had to use it.
Benihime became massive. She had her eyes closed, wore a sleeveless kimono, her long hair in a classical updo. Her enormous figure looked benevolent, a gentle woman appearing behind Kisuke.
Upon seeing Kisuke use his Bankai, Szayelaporro—inside his body—felt something was wrong.
"Bankai… What is your Bankai's ability?" Szayelaporro demanded.
"Do you think I'd tell you?" Kisuke replied softly. "Even if I don't say it, they might figure it out… but it's better if you know nothing."
Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame's ability is 'reconstruction'. Within a certain area, all things can be reconstructed by Kisuke Urahara.
And Szayelaporro—foolishly entered Kisuke's body, meaning Kisuke could freely reconstruct him, and himself.
As a scientist, he wasn't as insane as Mayuri, but how could he lose control of his own body?
Mayuri's body contained a large amount of 'medicine', harmless to him, but deadly to intruders.
Kisuke wasn't that ruthless, nor did he reconstruct his own body in advance—he didn't need to.
Kisuke's Bankai could instantly reconstruct his body.
However, Szayelaporro was not ordinary. Even after being destroyed by Kisuke's reishi implosion, he was still the No. 2 Espada! His reishi was vast, even greater than Kisuke's.
It was almost impossible to eliminate Szayelaporro with Bankai. So Kisuke's purpose in reconstructing himself was not to kill Szayelaporro!
In an instant, Benihime's power acted. In a place unseen by others, a black line appeared on Kisuke's abdomen and below it.
"Shopkeeper…" Tessai still didn't know what had happened. Seeing Kisuke stand up as if nothing was wrong, he asked, "Is it resolved?"
"Ah…" Kisuke replied expressionlessly. "It's resolved."
Yes—he had resolved an Espada, just like that!
And the method was simple.
Szayelaporro entered another person's body, using that person as an embryo to give birth to himself anew.
So Kisuke fulfilled that wish, reconstructing his own body to create a 'womb' within himself.
Within it, Szayelaporro would become a true fetus.
In other words—it would take ten months to be nurtured.
As for what to do with Szayelaporro after ten months, that would be decided then.
If they won, Aizen's forces would be annihilated, and they could deal with Szayelaporro as they pleased.
If they lost, then Szayelaporro's reemergence would be meaningless.
Too many things could happen in ten months.
It was rather pitiful—a second-ranked Espada, now Kisuke Urahara's 'child', without even using his Segunda Etapa.
After all this, Kisuke exited his Bankai state.
At this moment, the battlefield was nearing its end.
The Arrancar were falling one by one, but the Shinigami were also not having an easy time. After the battle, only he and Yoruichi remained capable of fighting among the Shinigami.
Now, only two areas remained in battle: Harribel vs. Bazz-B, and—
Tōsen Kaname!
Tōsen's strength was indeed great, but Hirako Shinji's ability was strange, constantly dodging, making it hard for Tōsen to pinpoint his location.
But not long after Kisuke finished his battle, Tōsen finally adapted to Hirako's fighting rhythm.
"Kyūkōrinshō."
Tōsen suddenly swung his sword—a massive reishi blast surged towards a spot. Hirako's body appeared, spitting blood as he flew backward.
"It's not such a big deal after all," Tōsen said coldly. "It just requires some time to adapt."
Sakanade's ability was indeed strange, but as long as one could adjust to the reversals of perception, it wasn't difficult to counter.
The problem was, how to survive long enough to adapt.
Tōsen's strength was far superior to Hirako's, so time was on his side.
With this, the battle seemed much clearer.
The Shinigami side had achieved victory in their battle against the Arrancar—but it was a Pyrrhic victory.
Kyōraku and Ukitake almost perished with Starrk. Baraggan was slain by Yoshio, but Soi Fon sacrificed herself to elevate Yoruichi.
Szayelaporro caused no casualties; he only forced Kisuke to expose his Bankai and special techniques.
Harribel was still present, but she was at a disadvantage against Bazz-B.
The Espada's order seemed reversed; the lower numbers fell earlier.
However, Aizen's Royal Guard had achieved remarkable results.
Kira Izuru defeated two Lieutenants, Rangiku and Renji. Hinamori Momo defeated Ikkaku and Yumichika. Tōsen Kaname defeated Hirako Shinji, Komamura Sajin, and Hisagi Shūhei.
Others were fighting Arrancar subordinates; though victorious, they were also injured.
This was the current state of the battle.
It still seemed that the Shinigami held the advantage.
After all, three had not yet made a move—Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, Angra Mainyu, and Surtur.
Three individuals, representing a Shinigami, an Arrancar, and a Quincy. Coupled with the remaining Captains, their combat power was considerable.
"Time… it seems to be almost up," Yoshio said softly.
Time… almost up? This statement was puzzling, but everyone knew it wasn't a good sign.
Suddenly, the Garganta opened—!
From within, a strange reishi emanated. Someone walked out…
…
Back In The Garganta
Pfft!
Kurosaki Ichigo was locked in a deathmatch with Hikone.
The more they fought, the more Hikone's reishi surged, growing more evil. After a prolonged assault without success, Ichigo grew anxious.
He needed to get to Karakura Town—fast!
He swung his sword repeatedly, but now every strike was parried by Hikone; their clashing blades shook the Garganta's space.
Even when he managed to cut Hikone, he still couldn't overcome his Hierro and Blut!
At this moment, patterns appeared on Ichigo's body, resembling those on Hikone's. Ichigo didn't notice—he simply attacked again, out of habit!
He thought this strike would be like the others, but the result surprised him.
This strike's speed seemed even faster and more formidable than he'd imagined!
Before Hikone's sword arrived, Ichigo's blade had already cut into his opponent's body.
Based on previous attacks, this would have left only a shallow cut that healed instantly. But now, this strike sliced easily through Hierro and Blut, carving a deep gash!
What? Even Ichigo was surprised; blood splattered, even splashing onto his face.
He froze; even Hikone seemed unprepared for it.
Puff!
As the wound tried to heal, it reopened, pouring more blood.
His defense… had dropped?
Ichigo paused. Or was it his own strength… that had increased?
No time to think—Ichigo was simply delighted. He immediately launched another attack.
Hikone defended with all his might, but was now overwhelmed. Ichigo found another opening; parrying the blade, he gripped his sword with both hands and slashed down again.
With both hands, the power was terrifying, releasing a pressure that split Hikone from right shoulder downwards, his arm and flesh splattering out!
Not just flesh, but Hikone's Zanpakutō flew into the abyss.
Hikone's face finally showed pain. The next moment, a sword stopped at his neck.
"Alright, that's enough," Ichigo said. "Surrender. End this meaningless battle. You are no match for me."
"No. I cannot," Hikone replied. "Tokinada-sama's order is for me to stop you here. Unless you exit the Garganta, I will not stop."
"Can't you see? You can't complete this mission. You're no match for me!" Ichigo frowned.
"Even if it costs me my life, I must stop you," Hikone's tone was unwavering.
Ichigo grew angry. "Aren't you afraid of death?! Stop with all this 'Tokinada-sama'! You are yourself. Don't you have your own name? Why do you always care about others?!"
"That Tokinada just wants you to die! Are you still going to obey his orders?!"
"Yes!" Hikone nodded. "Even if Tokinada-sama wants me to die, I will happily obey!"
"You…!" Ichigo couldn't understand. Even an ant clings to life—how could someone be so unafraid of death? Jubilation at being sent to one's death?
No time to ponder. Hikone's body began regenerating; his severed arm grew back, and with a clench, a current of air surged below.
The Ikomikidomoe that had fallen into darkness was summoned back, instantly returning to Hikone's hand!
Ichigo's pupils widened.
Just as Hikone was about to strike, Ichigo launched another attack.
Pfft!
The patterns on Ichigo's body widened the gap in strength—Hikone couldn't block his attacks!
This time, Ichigo completed the waist-cutting strike, splitting Hikone in two!
"Alright!" Ichigo shouted. "I have defeated the enemy! You can let Rukia in now!"
"No, you cannot," Hikone replied. "Only if you kill me will Tokinada-sama let you leave."
"Otherwise, you will continue fighting me here or… be killed by me!"
"There's no such thing!" Ichigo shouted. "Winning is enough! Why do I have to kill him?! Don't you just need an explanation, Yamiko?!"
But Yamiko did not respond.
Hikone's severed body began healing again—forcing Ichigo to kill!
And it was to kill someone who looked like a child.
Though Hikone's appearance was terrifying, he was still just a child, no matter what.
Ichigo's hands trembled.
Should he… kill him?
Hikone's body regenerated, and he instantly gripped his Zanpakutō, swinging at Ichigo.
Ichigo instinctively parried; the clang of swords echoed through the Garganta.
Ichigo continuously inflicted damage, Hikone continuously recovered—seemingly immortal.
His reishi seemed endless; Ichigo had thought to exhaust him, but Hikone never tired, while Ichigo neared his own limit!
His Hollowfication was nearly over.
Originally, his Hollowfication lasted only ten seconds. After fighting Beelzebub, his mastery grew; after Ulquiorra, it improved further. Now, his time was greatly extended—but by enduring against Hikone, it was running out.
Once he lost Hollowfication, he might not be Hikone's match!
He had to decide—fast!
What should I do?
Ichigo was incredibly anxious.
"Ahhh!!"
Seeing time run out, Ichigo closed his eyes and yelled—
"Getsuga Tenshō!"
In the final moments of Hollowfication, he used Getsuga Tenshō!
The blue, patterned reishi surged into a pitch-black crescent moon, striking Hikone.
I'm sorry, but this is all I can do! I can't keep stalling here, and I can't die here! The battle in Karakura Town needs me—the lives of hundreds of thousands depend on me! I promised Rukia—I must bring her in!
Boom!
In an instant, the terrifying reishi swallowed Hikone's body.
How could he withstand such power?
In a blink, his body was cut in half from top to bottom by the crescent moon. The reishi continued destroying the corpse, as if—
—as if it had been gnawed by a beast.