Surging heat roared across the dome above. The enormous Sokyoku Execution Grounds were shrouded beneath a vast shadow, moisture in the air evaporating at a furious rate as the temperature climbed without limit.
Yet even such an overwhelming strike still failed to break the transparent, glass-like defensive barrier before Aizen.
Brilliant colors shimmered with crystalline radiance, becoming the only hues that differed within this world of flames.
The captains stared at the scene before them in disbelief, their understanding of the world suffering an unimaginable impact. Beliefs that had endured for a century were completely shattered at this moment.
The strongest Shinigami in a thousand years, Captain-Commander Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, could not break a barrier that appeared to be formed from spiritual pressure?!
"Hmph!" Yamamoto Genryusai roared. "Criminal Aizen, this old man will use every means at his disposal to make you confess and accept execution!"
Along with that cold snort, an incomparably massive pillar of flame surged upward and covered the heavens. Waves of fire churned ceaselessly, melting everything around them. Even the ground let out cries of unbearable agony.
The searing force of melting crackled. The ground beneath their feet turned glassy, and some captains had already begun retreating from the battlefield between the two.
They might be able to withstand the temperature, but the aftermath of the battle could easily strike them.
They had once doubted the title of strongest Shinigami in a thousand years, but upon witnessing what followed, that doubt was replaced by certainty.
His Shikai alone already surpassed the Bankai of most captains.
Looking across all of Soul Society, how many could endure even a few exchanges beneath Yamamoto Genryusai's Shikai?
Flames burned in Yamamoto Genryusai's eyes as he drew his blade to meet the slash, unleashing a fierce streak of sword light. Flames