At that moment, the sky and earth were connected by a mass of inky clouds, accompanied by a thunderclap that erupted from the ground.
That mass of inky clouds turned into a pitch-black downpour, falling upon this land that represented holiness.
The black rain concealed the entire world. For a time, every color was swallowed by blackness. Raindrops scattered across the platform, sending ripples spreading endlessly.
The ground seemed to have become a water's surface. Upon this land formed from a black tide, Kojiro's body trembled slightly. Even so, he stepped forward and slashed fiercely toward Asano Kiyoshi!
It was a blade of light that seemed capable of splitting the darkness apart, but not every light could cut through darkness.
An incomparably vivid red slowly emerged from the center of the ink-black world. It was a crimson pavilion beyond description.
Upon the pavilion, the three words "Gate of the Underworld," forged from blood, seemed to imprint themselves upon everyone's hearts, dragging them into eternal ruin.
The blade light struck the pavilion, yet failed to stir even the slightest ripple before being swallowed by boundless darkness!
An utterly bewitching sea of flowers emerged behind Asano Kiyoshi, carrying an intense fragrance that seemed capable of freezing even the air. In an instant, it flooded the entire platform.
As a gentle breeze passed through, flowers danced across the sky. A scarlet petal landed in Byakuya's hand. Feeling the icy chill in his palm, Byakuya nodded faintly.
Aizen stood in the stands, gazing at the sea of flowers filling the sky as he murmured, "What a beautiful release."
Gin said nothing. Whether Aizen could see it or not, he simply nodded to himself.
Kaname Tōsen stood there. He could not see the sea of flowers, but he could smell their fragrance. That scent brought