Throne of Heaven

Chōjirō's words drew everyone's attention, and they all looked upward.

A crack had appeared in the Eternal Prison, and it was continuously spreading, growing larger and larger.

For a moment, everyone grew tense, unsure whether this was good news or bad.

According to their previous deductions, if the Eternal Prison had been broken from within, the one they would likely see was Yhwach.

"Everyone, prepare for battle!"

Head Captain Yamamoto shouted his command and readied himself as well, though his aged eyes also carried hope for a miracle.

Bang—

As though glass had shattered in the void, the barrier of the Eternal Prison turned into black powder that filled the sky.

It was like a torrential black rain drifting above the Spirit King Palace. Within the curtain of rain, five figures emerged.

"L-Lu Li!?"

"Li!"

"Mr. Lu."

"Where's Yhwach?"

"I don't see Yhwach."

"Did Captain Lu win?"

"Kurosaki! Ishida!"

"..."

When the black rain scattered with the wind, everyone clearly saw the survivors within the Eternal Prison. Their previous tension vanished, replaced by wild joy.

"Hahaha..."

Head Captain Yamamoto also let out a hearty laugh. "You two brats really made this old man worry for nothing."

Kyōraku Shunsui and Jūshirō Ukitake both glanced at the Head Captain in surprise. They were older and had been among his first students, so they naturally understood the old man's personality. It was truly rare for him to say something like that so directly.

"Old man, are you saying you had no faith in your students? If I can win, doesn't that show how well you taught me?"

Lu Li said with a smile as he led the others down onto the grounds of the Spirit King Palace.

"Captain Aizen."

Aizen's Lieutenant, Ichimaru Gin, and his little fangirl also hurried over to check on