Although he disliked his current state, Szayelaporro understood better than anyone just how powerful he was now.
As for Duan Mu's strength, he had conducted countless studies and had even collected various data from him at close range.
Although he could not sense Duan Mu's aura, this did not surprise him.
That was because the Shinigami known as Duan Mu possessed a trait that concealed—or rather, sealed—energy fluctuations. Using his blood as the foundation to inscribe a seal, he could even completely prevent the Hogyoku's energy from leaking out.
Being unable to judge the strength of his spiritual pressure did not mean his strength could not be determined.
Relying on the data he had collected on Duan Mu, Szayelaporro had carried out countless simulations and studies, devising many methods to counter his spiritual pressure and seal his release. Even if Duan Mu's strength exceeded his expectations, he was confident and certain that he could kill him with ease.
No matter how one looked at it...
Turning Duan Mu into his finest research material would not be difficult now.
However...
What had happened?
Szayelaporro turned his head with some difficulty and looked at the Zanpakuto in Duan Mu's hand.
Crack~
Under his gaze, the white-hilted, gray-bodied Zanpakuto gradually collapsed, eventually dispersing into spirit particles.
What had happened to him?
Szayelaporro's eyes were filled with confusion and disbelief. He wanted to question him, investigate further, and even... roar at him, asking why he had completely denied him the chance to display his full strength.
But he could no longer do any of that.
As Szayelaporro turned his head, a crimson line appeared down the center of his body. It grew from faint to deep, and finally...
Splurt~~
Blood sprayed into the air. His body, severed in two, fell onto the ruins, then