Gin Ichimaru could never deliberately put Rangiku in danger just to resolve the knot in his own heart. That went against his true nature.
However, Gin Ichimaru was always prepared to step forward for Rangiku's safety.
He narrowed his eyes, and a flash of white light streaked past. The persimmons in the shop that were meant to be made into Persimmon Cake were instantly chopped into pulp, turning into red juice that flowed into a basin.
"Teacher, I haven't been idle these past few years..."
Although his Zanpakuto had been confiscated by the Seireitei, Gin Ichimaru had never given up training over the past year or so.
At night, Gin Ichimaru constantly practiced "Blade Zen."
From Teacher Ailin, Gin Ichimaru had learned that after attaining Bankai, a Soul Reaper's training involved merging their Zanpakuto completely with themselves, allowing them to wield its power as their own.
Over the past year or so, Gin Ichimaru had achieved considerable results in training to incorporate his Zanpakuto's abilities into himself.
Even without a Zanpakuto in hand, Gin Ichimaru could now transform his own spiritual pressure into "ash" and use it to attack.
The next step was to make his spiritual pressure carry a toxin capable of dissolving cells and fuse it into that "ash."
Once he accomplished that, Gin Ichimaru would have completed his training of fully integrating his Zanpakuto's abilities into himself.
In the distance, Ailin suddenly paused, the corner of his lips curling upward slightly.
Whether it was Gin Ichimaru, Byakuya Kuchiki, Rukia, or Toshiro Hitsugaya, none of them had ever slackened in their training.
What kind of response would Yhwach make?
"Beep beep beep, beep beep beep..."
Within the Twelfth Division, several machines suddenly sounded alarms.
"H-how is this possible?"
Hearing the alarms, a Seated Officer rushed over to