The Power of the Hogyoku

Once the torrent of spirit particle swords subsided, it had once again torn a massive opening through Las Noches' dome all the way to the ground. Chiba Makoto raised his eyes toward Aizen Sōsuke.

"Pfft!"

Chiba Makoto had shown no mercy whatsoever with that strike!

Thus, even as Aizen Sōsuke covered his chest with one hand and used Kaido, blood continued to gush from the wound.

And in that brief exchange, Chiba Makoto had, for the first time, truly sounded out Aizen Sōsuke's limits...

Very strong!

Moreover, Aizen Sōsuke was undoubtedly the sort of flawless all-rounder with no weaknesses whatsoever. There was not the slightest shortcoming to be found in this man.

Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Shunpo, Kidō, Spiritual Pressure, spiritual body...

By the limits of a Soul Reaper, Aizen Sōsuke had unquestionably reached the pinnacle of Soul Reapers.

Even if Aizen Sōsuke were to face Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni in a one-on-one battle, Chiba Makoto believed that after a prolonged war of attrition, Aizen Sōsuke would emerge victorious.

Perhaps Aizen Sōsuke's pure Zanjutsu was inferior to Unohana Retsu's, his destructive power was far below Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni's, and his speed was also slightly inferior to Yoruichi Shihoin's.

But Aizen Sōsuke's perfection without any flaws would absolutely allow him to claim the final victory.

Unless someone like Chiba Makoto, wielding power that had already surpassed the limits of Soul Reapers, forcibly shattered Aizen Sōsuke's combat rhythm and heavily wounded him in a single blow.

"Aizen, the outcome has been decided. As you are now, you are no longer my opponent..."

After a pause, Chiba Makoto glanced at the Hogyoku in Aizen Sōsuke's chest, which seemed to be growing increasingly restless, and said, "Even the Hogyoku is preparing to abandon you, isn't it?"

Following Chiba Makoto's gaze, Aizen Sōsuke looked toward the Hogyoku. Its