Yet Kirinji Tenshiro and Hikifune Kirio's anger failed to provoke even the slightest change in Hyōsube Ichibē's expression.
"So what?"
Hyōsube Ichibē retorted.
Kirinji Tenshiro's face twitched with fury, and his expression turned utterly grim as he said, "I'm done serving you!"
As his words fell, Kirinji Tenshiro raised the paddle-shaped Zanpakuto in his hand and swung it straight at the back of Hyōsube Ichibē's head.
Yet the instant Kirinji Tenshiro's Zanpakuto was raised, his entire body seemed to be controlled, leaving him completely unable to move.
Kirinji Tenshiro's eyes turned with some difficulty, filled with rage. He was clearly exerting himself, yet his body did not move at all. He stood there like a statue, unable even to speak.
"Have you forgotten again? Your bodies were remade by me through the Soul King's power, yet you dare dream of defying me?"
Hyōsube Ichibē said.
Kirinji Tenshiro answered him only with an increasingly furious glare.
"As mere pawns, do not overestimate the impact your own will can have. The only reason I allowed you to retain your consciousness and control your spiritual bodies in the past was to preserve the connection and image between the Zero Division and the Thirteen Divisions."
As Hyōsube Ichibē finished speaking, Kirinji Tenshiro's body moved like a manipulated puppet, acting in complete opposition to his eyes. With a calm, vacant expression, he lowered the raised Zanpakuto.
Then Hyōsube Ichibē looked toward Hikifune Kirio, who now resembled a bold, mature older woman. Behind her stood Nimaiya Ōetsu, whose expression was impossible to read.
Hikifune Kirio's gaze shifted subtly. She waved a hand and said, "Boss, I was only shocked by your objective. Defying you is impossible. After all, I am still a member of the Zero Division."
Hyōsube Ichibē's pale eyes revealed nothing of his thoughts.