I Won't Listen!

Only two people present understood why Kyoraku and Jūshirō had taken their own lives.

"It seems the pressure you put on them was simply too much, Your Excellency Ross."

Aizen's low chuckle rang out in midair. He adjusted his glasses, his calm voice tinged with reflection.

Why had they killed themselves?

Because charging into battle while still alive might have looked brave, but Kyoraku and Jūshirō knew they would never get the ending they wanted.

Only those who drew their swords and charged without hesitation the moment disaster first struck could earn Ross's admiration and, in the end, be granted a death filled with honor and dignity.

That distinction belonged solely to the first Rebels.

But what of the Shinigami who had survived until now?

When they learned that Ross was the King of Hueco Mundo, a visitor from another world, they had not stormed over in outrage to demand answers. Nor had they found the courage to draw their swords and drive out the outsider.

They had chosen to endure. To wait and see.

Only today, after gathering a host of allies and riding the storm raised by the Kuchiki Clan, had they dared to confront him.

That was not bravery. It was cowardice hiding in a crowd.

By now, it was far too late.

Of everyone present, only Byakuya Kuchiki, the former head of the clan who had started this whole farce, had still been worthy of a swift and honorable end at Ross's hands.

In the first clash, Byakuya Kuchiki had offered up his life despite knowing he would die, using his death to rouse the Rebels' grief and fury.

That was why Aizen had been willing to act and grant Byakuya Kuchiki the respect of a direct death.

"People are fascinating creatures. Under pressure, some discover