Becoming One

The air over Sokyoku Hill had practically solidified.

With Yoshino, who had lost the ability to fight, kneeling behind him, Caryatid God walked straight toward Ichigo.

"It's not over yet!" Ichigo wiped the blood from his face and once again held Heavenly Chain Moon Cutter horizontally before him.

"Admirable spirit, but meaningless." Caryatid God's expression remained blank. He suddenly waved his right hand. "Misa, finish him."

Golden lightning exploded along the blade, instantly spreading densely toward Ichigo. Although Ichigo kept dodging with Flash Step, his stamina had already reached its limit, and his movements were noticeably a beat slower.

"Boom!"

A thunderous blow slammed into the blade Ichigo had raised to block. His entire body flew away like a kite with its string cut, plowing a long trail across the ground once again.

Yet at that moment, not one of the people nearby paid attention to the two fighters. Instead, they all stared at the Flame Doll that should have been running wild.

Yoshino watched Gett, who stood in front of her in an utterly weakened state, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

"I'm sorry... Gett." Yoshino reached out and touched the scorching Flame Doll. "Help me one last time."

"Yes, Yoshino."

Gett's voice was faint.

In the next moment, the Flame Doll's body collapsed completely, transforming into a storm of the purest flames that wrapped around Yoshino.

"Miss Yoshino!" Ichigo had just climbed to his feet. He was stunned when he saw this scene.

Sensing the disturbance behind him, Caryatid God turned around as well, narrowing his eyes slightly. "Is that..."

The expected scream never came. The instant the orange-yellow flames touched Yoshino's body, they surged wildly into her, like a tide that had found its destination.

"Mm... ah!!!"

Yoshino raised her head and let out a clear,