What an Ugly Sight

"Hey."

Ichigo's voice rang out from behind them, bringing everyone to a halt. They all turned their heads.

"Damn it, are you planning to... leave just like this?" Ichigo knelt on one knee, forcing a smile at the corner of his mouth.

Caryatid God turned sideways, glancing at him from the corner of his crimson eyes with a soft chuckle. "Ichigo Kurosaki, your Bankai certainly surprised me. But as you are now, you can barely stand steadily, can't you?"

"You'd better lie there obediently and watch us leave. That would be the most dignified ending for you."

"Dignified, my ass..."

Ichigo gritted his teeth and suddenly exerted force with his right hand. Heavenly Chain Moon Cutter gave a crisp hum. Using the blade to support himself, he slowly but forcibly stood up again.

"Put Ishida... and Miss Yoshino... down!"

"Stubborn fool." Koga Go snorted coldly. His tall body blocked Caryatid God, while Daruku rubbed her hands together excitedly, producing a harsh metallic scraping sound. "Mr. Kariya, go on ahead. Leave this brat to me."

Caryatid God said calmly, "This form is different."

Bankai, the Soul Reaper's ultimate form.

Even in Soul Society, very few people had mastered this ability. They could practically be counted among those standing at the pinnacle of the Soul Reapers. Even Ichinose had yet to master it.

The current Ichigo Kurosaki was not someone Koga Go could deal with alone.

"I'll join in on the fun." Yuki waved the folding fan in her hand. The iron chains rattled as she licked her lips. "This brat's spiritual pressure is incredible."

How powerful would I become if I could devour someone like him?

"Ichigo! Don't do anything reckless!"

In the distance, Rukia, who had regained consciousness, tried to stand, but her weakened body nearly made her fall again.