The space slowly dissipated, and Asano Kiyoshi's consciousness gradually awakened. He lay on the ground, his back itching slightly from the tender shoots that had just broken through the earth.
A wind carrying the scent of soil filled his lungs. He sat up, sunlight shining brightly around him, and Urahara's teasing voice rang out by his ear:
"Oh my~ The Xiao Qing Shop Employee is awake. How was your trip to the Wandenreich this time? You look exhausted. It seems it wasn't easy, hmm."
Asano Kiyoshi shook his head and took a moment to recover. Then, with a bitter smile, he said:
"Yes. To put the Wandenreich's strength simply, unless a miracle happens, even if the Soul Society and Hueco Mundo joined forces, our chances of winning would not exceed 0.01 percent."
Urahara was slightly taken aback. Then, in a half-relaxed tone, he said:
"Wouldn't that make it a battle we basically can't win~? Xiao Qing Shop Employee, you really know how to scare people. The Soul Society has the Captain-Commander and those great figures of Zero Division. How could we possibly lose~?"
Asano Kiyoshi knew Urahara already believed half of it. He was only saying that to confirm it once more, so he put on a serious expression and said each word distinctly:
"Urahara Shopkeeper, I have not exaggerated anything. Until we find a way to counter The Almighty, we will not have the slightest chance of victory!"
Hearing Asano Kiyoshi's words, Urahara dropped his smile as well. He opened his fan and covered his face, his voice becoming slightly low as he asked:
"Is it the kind of Almighty I understand? Power like that of a god?"
Asano Kiyoshi nodded and slowly said:
"In that state, he is roughly equal to the Soul King!"
"My, my, that really