The Broken Blade × Stepping Stone

At least there is that potential—to end Aizen.

At this moment, Aizen was still immersed in the memory of that single slash from Nara Dan.

In that stunning strike just now, Aizen had sensed a hint of threat.

Not much, but it was a definite threat.

A swordsmanship that can ignore differences in Spiritual Pressure to amplify strength...

Capturing some kind of rhythm, condensing will, achieving a slash that transcends all...

Truly terrifying.

Aizen narrowed his eyes, the shadow in his heart gradually spreading.

Such talent, such speed of growth—even someone as arrogant as he felt a tangible threat.

If the battle with White Hollow had fully piqued his interest, then witnessing Nara Dan's close-quarters fight with Gin Ichimaru had undoubtedly deepened Aizen's awareness of Nara Dan's unfathomable potential.

This swordsmanship...

This power...

It doesn't rely on a Zanpakutō or the Spirit Body itself.

Essence, Energy, and Spirit are all invested in the blade.

Compared to ordinary methods...

It holds greater promise for surpassing limits.

Aizen's insight needed no elaboration. As a top-tier powerhouse and an exceptional scientist, he could perceive the essence of Nara Dan's swordsmanship.

On the surface, Nara Dan seemed to be practicing some form of swordsmanship, but in truth, this method of unleashing a heaven-and-earth-shattering slash had already transcended the level of technique.

It reached straight to the core of power itself.

That was Essence, Energy, and Spirit—will, imagination, and destructive force.

It had evolved swordsmanship meant for fighting men into a method of condensing will and immense destructive power, reaching the very heart of strength.

Perhaps I truly cannot let him grow any further.

At the very least, his growth must remain within my control.

Nara Dan's rate of progress and his unique power system had completely exceeded Aizen's expectations, stirring genuine malice within him.