Central Great Underground Prison.
The vast majority of Seireitei's forces were deployed to resist the invasion of the Wandenreich, leaving the defenses here virtually nonexistent.
The lowest level, Muken.
A figure emerged from the darkness and arrived at the cell holding Tokinada.
The newcomer removed the seal placed on Tokinada's head.
Sensing that part of the seal had been lifted, Tokinada opened his eyes, only to see an unexpected person.
Tokinada wore a look of mockery as he asked, "Isn't this Captain Tosen? What brings you to Muken?"
He was very curious how Kaname managed to infiltrate Seireitei and reach Muken, which is located beneath the First Division barracks. Had some major upheaval occurred in Soul Society?
"Tsunayashiro Tokinada, you know what I'm here for." Kaname's voice was utterly devoid of emotion.
Ever since he learned of Tokinada's location from Shin, he had been waiting for the right moment. Now, with the Wandenreich invading Soul Society and drawing the attention of the Shinigami, this was his best opportunity.
"Hahahahaha, it seems you still can't forget that woman."
"What a pathetic wretch. I still vividly recall the sight of you sobbing and weeping back then."
Tokinada was deliberately provoking Kaname, having long grown tired of waiting for death in the perpetual darkness of Muken.
"Tokinada, stop trying to provoke me. Do you truly believe death is a release? Don't worry, I won't let you die easily."
Kaname saw right through Tokinada and remained completely unmoved.
—
The battle had temporarily ended.
Seireitei's losses this time were extremely heavy.
Only one death was recorded on the Visoreds side: Love Aikawa, who was killed by 'X' Lille Barro.
Yamamoto lost his left arm and had his Bankai stolen, Shunsui was blinded in one eye, and Byakuya, Toshiro, Kensei, and Sajin were severely wounded.
More critically, countless ordinary Shinigami, including seated officers, were killed or injured. The death toll exceeded a thousand, leading to a massive reduction in the Gotei 13's forces.
Even though the Gotei 13 had prepared and set up defenses beforehand, ordinary Shinigami stood no chance against the Sternritter. It was essentially a unilateral massacre.
The most impressive performers in this battle were Zaraki and Unohana. After eliminating members of the Sternritter, they went on to kill a large number of Soldat.
As the Captain of the combat-focused 11th Division, Zaraki's strength was expected, but Unohana was different. Shinigami who were unaware of the hidden truth were stunned by her power.
The Sternritter also suffered a significant number of casualties this time.
The Sternritter 'O' The Overkill, 'J' The Jail, 'Q' The Question, 'Y' The Yourself, 'N' The Nausea, 'T' The Thunderbolt, and 'E' The Explode were severely wounded and captured.
However, this did nothing to quell the rage of the Shinigami. The Wandenreich had treated Soul Society like their own backyard, coming and going as they pleased, and the crucial point was that the Shinigami could do nothing but watch helplessly.
Unlike previous times, after this war ended, Yamamoto did not call a Captains' meeting, merely instructing each Division to rest and reorganize on their own.
—
At the Shihōin Manor.
Shin, Yoruichi, and the others were gathered here.
Ichigo and his two companions had already returned to the Human World. Ichigo's Zanpakuto was broken, and the matter of the Quincy powers within him greatly troubled him, so he planned to go home and question his father, Isshin.
"We owe you for the healing medicine you provided this time." Yoruichi patted her chest, looking relieved and slightly shaken.
She and Soi Fon had faced 'M' Gerard Valkyrie. That guy was too monstrous. No matter how hard she and Soi Fon attacked, they couldn't kill him.
If it hadn't been for the healing and sustained power provided by the Senzu Beans, Yoruichi and Soi Fon wouldn't have been able to stall Gerard at all.
Shin replied, "At least they proved useful. That's what matters"
With that, he took out all the remaining Senzu Beans, keeping only one for himself and handing the rest over to Yoruichi and the group.
"You can divide these up. I'll just keep one."
Shin thought, 'These are far more useful for Yoruichi and the others, the opportunities for me to use them are few and far between.'
Yoruichi and the others didn't stand on ceremony. This item truly was a miracle drug, absolutely capable of turning the tide in a crucial moment.
"By the way, what is the situation with Captain-Commander Yamamoto?"
Yoruichi had also noticed Yamamoto's unusual behavior. He was not only unwilling to let Orihime restore his severed left arm, but he also failed to come out and take charge after the war concluded.
Shin shook his head, admitting he wasn't entirely clear on the specifics.
He estimated that Yamamoto was somewhat disheartened. In the battle against 'Yhwach,' he failed to distinguish the imposter, made another critical misjudgment, had his Bankai stolen by Yhwach, and nearly died by his blade.
Riruka stated frankly, "If you ask me, your Captain-Commander is too rigid. Wouldn't it be better to just let Orihime heal his severed arm?"
Shin actually agreed with this point.
Nel pondered, "The Captain-Commander must have his pride."
Riruka argued, "That's just meaningless pride."
"Alright, it's getting late. Everyone should go rest now."
Finally, Yoruichi stepped in to interrupt the discussion.
—
In the room, Shin checked his remaining Points. He had 2500 points in total, enough for two spins.
'System, begin the gacha.'
The familiar scene flashed by.
One red and one white.
Unfortunately, Shin didn't recognize the characters on either of the two templates.
The red template displayed a silver-haired girl with blue-green eyes, wearing a lace-edged hair clip adorned with white bows, dressed in a long black gown, and barefoot.
[Template: Lieselotte Werckmeister]
[Abilities]
[Immortality: Capable of rapidly regenerating and creating new flesh, maintaining eternal youth, and even restoring the soul.]
[Pyrokinesis: Instantly cast scorching fireballs, any object hit is instantly vaporized.]
[Omnium Principia: A fireball rooted in high-density Reishi, absorbing all Reishi within a certain range, resembling a black sun.]
[Phantasmagoria]
[1) Creates a barrier completely isolated from the real world, capable of accelerating the flow of time.]
[2) Nullifies the enemy's abilities, enemies inside the barrier can no longer use their powers.]
[3) Dominates the five senses, reads the enemy's memories, forcing them to witness illusions in the most agonizing way, capable of extracting and presenting their deepest traumatic memories before their eyes.]
Shin took his time digesting Lieselotte's abilities, especially the final 'Phantasmagoria.'
The 'Immortality' ability allows him to possess true immortality, similar to the one granted to Aizen by the Hogyoku. Even if the soul perishes, it can be restored. Aside from not restoring stamina, it can replace the Senzu Beans.
As for Phantasmagoria's abilities—accelerating time flow, nullifying powers, dominating the five senses, and creating illusions—these powers are outrageously strong, though the practical combat effectiveness remains to be seen.