Post-Incantation Kurohitsugi

"You think you can do it?"

Aizen Sōsuke's tone remained full of arrogance and disdain. He raised a hand toward Chiba Makoto and spoke.

"Makoto, our exchange ends here. It is time to put an end to this tedious farce."

Almost as soon as Aizen Sōsuke finished speaking, his figure flashed, appearing before Chiba Makoto as Kyōka Suigetsu came slashing down at his head.

"Makoto, I will make you understand what a difference in realms truly means. Even if you possess the ability to resist Kyōka Suigetsu, you will never bridge that absolute gap."

At that moment, Aizen Sōsuke's spiritual pressure erupted almost completely, a deep, prison-like pressure hanging over the Seireitei.

Even though the many Soul Reapers of the Thirteen Divisions stood an enormous distance from Aizen Sōsuke, the pressure brought by that terrifying spiritual pressure made many of them go blank, their bodies unconsciously collapsing to the ground.

Boom!

As Kyōka Suigetsu fell, the air it instantly tore apart formed terrifying shockwaves. At the instant the blade descended, even the sky darkened for a moment.

However...

Clang!

All Things in Nature was held above his head, and Chiba Makoto steadily received the attack.

"Hm?"

Aizen Sōsuke seemed somewhat surprised. With a turn of Kyōka Suigetsu, countless afterimages enveloped Chiba Makoto completely.

Yet every blade trajectory that would have left even ordinary captain-class Soul Reapers dazzled and unable to see clearly was blocked by Chiba Makoto.

For a time, countless sparks scattered around Aizen Sōsuke and Chiba Makoto. Their slashing speeds grew faster and faster, leaving innumerable Soul Reapers staring in stunned disbelief.

Aizen Sōsuke's strength and terror had long hung over every Soul Reaper's heart like a colossal shadow.

But Chiba Makoto... this Vice-Captain who had already been dead for decades in the history of Soul Society was