Execution

At the Sōkyoku Hill, Rukia had already been led to the execution ground. She stared blankly at the Sōkyoku above, who were about to execute her. According to the rules, all the captains and vice-captains of the Thirteenth Division should be present, but now there were only a few people.

Soi Fon turned around and said, "It's really not easy to get everyone together. Only the First Division, our Second Division, and the Eighth Division have all their captains and vice-captains present. We couldn't get the Fifth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Divisions to come. What are they planning to do? I didn't expect even Captain Unohana of the Fourth Division wouldn't be here."

Ye Yang said softly, "Who knows? But today is destined to be an extraordinary day." The last sentence was barely audible.

"Huh? What did you say, Brother Ye Yang?" Soi Fon was very close to Ye Yang, so she heard what he said.

"It's nothing, Byakuya's here too." Following Ye Yang's gaze, they saw Byakuya slowly walking over. Rukia's eyes widened when she saw him, and she exclaimed, "Brother... Brother!"

Byakuya seemed not to hear him, and walked to his place with no difference in expression from usual, as if the person being held on the execution platform was not his sister, but a stranger.

Rukia's eyes were filled with desolation. She lowered her head deeply, closed her eyes, and said nothing. At this moment Yamamoto asked, "Rukia Kuchiki, do you have any last words?"

Rukia slowly opened her eyes and said, "Yes, there's only one thing. If possible, could you release those Ryoka back into the World of the Living after my execution? They trespassed into Soul Society because of me."

Yamamoto considered for a moment and said, "Then so be it. After the executions, let those Ryoka return home safely."

"Thank you so much"

Only Isane murmured below, "That's really going too far. They clearly didn't intend for them to go back."

"This isn't excessive, Isane. It's just compassion. Since it's an inevitable ending, at least let her leave without any hesitation or lingering resentment," Unohana suddenly appeared from behind Isane.

"Sōkyoku released!" With Yamamoto's command, the personnel responsible for the release quickly broke the ropes binding Sōkyoku with a secret incantation, Sōkyoku was freed. Then, three cubes appeared in front of Rukia, and her ropes were also released. The three cubes pulled Rukia's body up to the execution rack, her body in a "T" shape.

Suddenly, flames enveloped the Sōkyoku, turning the enormous Sōkyoku into a pillar of fire. The pillar of fire then slowly transformed, eventually becoming a gigantic fire phoenix, leaving everyone present astonished.

Even Ye Yang was witnessing the unleashing of the Sōkyoku for the first time. At this moment, Yamamoto explained, "Kikōō, this is the true form of the Sōkyoku Spears after their release. When it pierces through the body of a sinner, the strike will also come to an end."

The Sōkyoku are said to possess the power of a million Zanpakuto. Ye Yang only took this claim with a grain of salt; otherwise, Ichigo wouldn't have been able to withstand such power and would have been reduced to ashes long ago. Moreover, judging from its imposing presence, it didn't seem to possess the awe-inspiring power one might expect. In Ye Yang's opinion, it was even less powerful than Yamamoto's Shikai.

The Kikōō flapped its wings and flew towards Rukia. It looked as if Rukia was about to be pierced through, and some people even turned their Rukia away because they couldn't bear to watch. But unlike what was expected, the Kikōō stopped as if something had blocked its path.

Upon closer inspection, it was Ichigo had stopped the Kikōō at the critical moment. Ichigo stood in front of Rukia, his Zanpakuto on his back, blocking the Kikōō, who was said to have the power of a million Zanpakuto. "Yo!" Ichigo greeted him naturally.

"Ichigo..." Rukia glanced at Ichigo calmly, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes. However, she quickly regained her composure and scolded, "Idiot! Why did you come back again? You should know very well that you can't defeat my older brother with your strength. I've already accepted that, so I don't need you to save me. Go away!"

Those below stared in astonishment at this scene. Soi Fon exclaimed in surprise, "How is this possible? Sōkyoku possesses the destructive power of a million Zanpakuto, yet she Zanpakuto to... who is she?!"

Ye Yang said softly, "It seems not all rumors are credible. As for that kid, he's one of the people involved in this Ryoka."

At this moment, the Kikōō began to retreat, preparing for a second attack. However, Ichigo remained full of fighting spirit, stood up, and charged forward with his Zanpakuto. But suddenly, a red rope appeared from the other side and tied around the Kikōō's neck.

This sudden turn of events caught everyone off guard. The other end of the rope was stuck in the ground, where Ukitake and his two Third Seats appeared. At that moment, Shunsui caught the object stuck in the ground and said to Ukitake, "Hey, you lecherous devil, you've kept me waiting!"

"Sorry, it took a lot of time to release it, but it'll work!" Ukitake shouted, taking out the spirit tool Ye Yang had given him.

The spirit tool bore the crest of the Shihoin Clan, Soi Fon recognized immediately. "That's the Shihoin Clan crest? Brother Ye Yang, what's going on?"

Ye Yang gently patted Soi Fon's shoulder. "I'll explain it to you after this is over. For now, what we need to do is remain calm and wait for the right opportunity."

Although Soi Fon didn't know what was going on, she naturally chose to believe what Ye Yang said, and then stopped talking and quietly watched the situation develop.

Ukitake and Shunsui simultaneously drew their Zanpakuto against the spirit tool. Two streaks of fire traveled from the spirit tool along the rope to the head of the Kikōō, instantly transforming him into a rain of fire.

At that moment, Ichigo destroyed the Sōkyoku formation, plunging everyone into shock once again. Renji finally arrived, and Ichigo immediately threw Rukia at Renji, saying, "Take her! Your mission is to take her away, don't let her go, even if it means death!"

Renji gave Ichigo a deep look, then picked up Rukia and ran away. Isane and Sasakibe prepared to give chase, but were stopped by Ichigo and defeated without even using their Zanpakuto. Byakuya then tried to use a Senka, but it was also instantly blocked by Ichigo.

The two Zanpakuto were pressed tightly together. Byakuya asked, "Why? Why do you try to save Rukia again and again?" Byakuya didn't understand Ichigo's actions. He didn't know why Ichigo would do such a thing, risking his life for Rukia.

Ichigo was equally puzzled. "I was just about to ask you that! You're Rukia's brother, right? Why didn't you save Rukia?" Just as Byakuya didn't understand him, he also didn't understand Byakuya. Isn't it only natural for an older brother to protect his younger sister? Like when Karin was captured by a Hollow, even knowing he couldn't defeat a Hollow, he still rushed to protect his sister without hesitation. Shouldn't that be how siblings should act?

The two have different understandings, which doesn't mean one of them is wrong. It just means they are on different sides and have different upbringings. Byakuya undoubtedly values aristocratic dignity, while Ichigo is the kind of passionate young man who would do anything for his family and friends. It's impossible to compare who is right and who is wrong.

Thus, only a battle remained! Both unleashed their Spiritual Pressure in a fierce confrontation, the outcome of which was of paramount importance.

Comparing the two, Byakuya is slightly stronger, after all, they are both a hundred years old and have been training for hundreds of times longer than Ichigo. Byakuya's foundation is very deep, and with the careful guidance of Ye Yang and Yoruichi when he was young, Byakuya's current strength is even greater than in the original work. Even among the captains, he is top-tier, with only Yamamoto, Unohana, Shunsui, Aizen able to reliably defeat him.

Ichigo only had three months to train. Although his strength improved remarkably, he would undoubtedly lose if judged solely on strength. The biggest variable in this battle is belief and willpower!

Byakuya's resolve is now wavering. Ichigo and Renji risked their lives to save Rukia, and he can't help but doubt whether his choice was right. He has broken his promise to Hisana. He already felt guilty about Rukia, but he never showed it on his face.

If Byakuya's conviction wavers, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding Ichigo, the outcome of this battle is unpredictable. The key lies in whether Byakuya can uphold his conviction.

Deep down, Ye Yang still hoped that Ichigo could win, hoping that he could wake Byakuya up. He thought Ichigo's ideas were too biased. If Byakuya lost this battle, he might gain more.

Putting aside the battle situation here, Ichigo initially knocked Isane and Sasakibe to the ground, and Kiyone, as the younger sister, naturally wanted to go and help her older sister. However, Yamamoto stomped his foot heavily and shouted, "Don't move!"

"It was the vice-captain who led the escape; we just need to bring him back. But what is unforgivable is you! You, as captains, did things you shouldn't have done. You know exactly what happened, don't you?" Yamamoto slowly opened his eyes, his words filled with anger. This time, things were unlikely to end well.

Just then, Kiyone ran over shouting, "Captain Ukitake, danger!"

However, Ukitake called out to her, "Don't come any closer, Kiyone," his tone serious as never before. Kiyone immediately stopped in her tracks. This was for her own good, after all, this level of battle was not something she could participate in, and it might even leave an indelible shadow on her heart.

"Alright, there's no other way. Let's run away first, Ukitake." Shunsui suddenly appeared behind Ukitake, grabbed his shoulder, and disappeared in Shunpo. If a battle breaks out here, too many people will be drawn in.

Yamamoto then followed them down, leaving only Ye Yang and Soi Fon on the field. Ye Yang sensed a Spiritual Pressure approaching and turned to Soi Fon, saying, "Shaoling, the person you've been waiting to see has arrived~"

"Hmm?" Soi Fon exclaimed softly. A golden figure swiftly passed before them, taking Soi Fon away. Ye Yang glanced at their shadows and then followed, only secretly...()