Harry had yet to answer when a heavy bell suddenly rang out across the plaza.
The time of execution had arrived. Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto stepped forward, his voice carrying through his spiritual pressure to fill the entire plaza:
"Rukia Kuchiki, for privately transferring Soul Reaper powers to a human and violating the laws of the Soul Society, you shall be sentenced to Sōkyoku Execution today in accordance with the law!"
The moment the Captain Commander finished speaking, the spear atop the Sōkyoku began to glow crimson. Vast spiritual pressure gathered like a tide, condensing into that ultimate strike.
The Soul Reapers in the plaza all held their breath. Even Kenpachi Zaraki put aside his impatience and stared fixedly at Rukia atop the Sōkyoku.
Rukia closed her eyes, yet a faint smile curled at the corner of her lips.
She knew Ichigo would come and risk his life to save her. And as long as she died, her friends would no longer be in danger.
But things did not go as Rukia wished.
Just as the golden light was about to descend, orange spiritual pressure suddenly erupted from outside the plaza. Like a meteor, it broke through the guards' defenses, accompanied by an angry roar: "Stop!"
Black Ichigo appeared on the Sōkyoku's attack path without anyone knowing when, blocking the fire phoenix formed from the spearhead.
Bandages wrapped his body, and his injuries were clearly not healed. Yet orange spiritual pressure now blazed around him like flames. Strengthened by his immense spiritual pressure, he actually stopped the Sōkyoku's attack!
He floated opposite Rukia, blocking the Sōkyoku's attack while staring at her atop it, his voice filled with resolve. "I won't let you hurt her!"
The moment Ichigo Kurosaki appeared and stopped the execution, the plaza erupted into chaos.
The Soul Reapers