In Jushiro Ukitake's gentle yet resolute eyes was an unquestionable concern. He tightly held the severely wounded Shunsui Kyoraku, whose lean yet resilient body now appeared exceptionally frail.
Around them, the aftershocks of battle still trembled through the air. Dust and shattered pebbles scattered everywhere, while the atmosphere was thick with the scent of blood and unyielding resolve.
Kenpachi Zaraki's eyes flashed with madness and a thirst for battle. Before him, Ichigo Kurosaki stood like an insurmountable barrier, firmly blocking him from advancing any further.
"Let's stop here. If we keep fighting, it won't do anyone any good."
Ichigo Kurosaki spoke.
That blow had nearly drained all of Shunsui Kyoraku's Life Force. His gaze gradually lost focus, and his body slipped weakly from Ukitake's embrace, like a fallen leaf on the verge of withering away.
Shunsui Kyoraku had been knocked unconscious by Kenpachi Zaraki's punch. The killing intent was eroding his body; if he endured it, he would still be weak for centuries, but if he could not, he might die.
Captain-Commander Yamamoto saw this as well, and Retsu Unohana hurriedly took over Shunsui Kyoraku's treatment.
But it did not look promising.
After all, Kaidō's effects were limited to begin with, let alone against Kenpachi Zaraki's killing intent, tempered through countless battles.
"Don't forget, there's still that schemer Sosuke Aizen."
Ichigo Kurosaki's words were like a bucket of cold water, sobering everyone present. Yes, amid this chaos, Sosuke Aizen had always been a presence they could not ignore.
He was like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, ready to deliver a fatal strike at any moment.
Yet Shunsui Kyoraku's condition did not allow them to continue arguing.
He lay in Jushiro Ukitake's arms, his face pale as paper and a trace of bloodstains at the corner of his mouth.