Arima Shizuya died at Guiganjo's hands.
No miracle occurred, nor did the course of events reverse.
Like rules that had decayed and rotted, remaining unchanged for thousands upon thousands of years—though unseen, the sound vividly conveyed that fact.
And carried it to Tōsen Kaname's nervous system.
Accepting reality took time, but before that, Tōsen Kaname had already reacted more directly.
Every muscle in his body tensed in an instant. With his mouth slightly open, Tōsen Kaname stepped half a pace forward as though by reflex.
"Kaname, what do you intend to do?"
Aizen's voice came from behind him, unhurried and calm, as though everything was under control.
"As you can see, I'm going to..."
"To avenge him?"
There was a trace of mockery in Aizen's voice. His demeanor remained peaceful, though his tone now carried a hint of wistfulness.
"Despite being unable to see with your eyes, you are duller than the rest of us in this regard... Kaname, you are far too irrational."
The rebuke was not the point, so after saying that, Aizen added with a smile.
"Then let us briefly review what was taught at the Academy."
"Spiritual pressure represents the quality and density of a person's soul. Through the aura it emits, Shinigami can judge its strength."
"At the same time, by sensing the fluctuations and rise and fall of spiritual pressure, one can also discern another important fact."
"Whether the other party is alive or dead."
Aizen slowly stepped forward until he came to a stop at the edge of the building.
"Did you truly not sense it? This spiritual pressure has not weakened in the slightest. On the contrary, it is gradually growing stronger."
Aizen half-raised his left hand, slowly closing it as though cradling something invisible in the air.
His gaze softened, yet