Yamamoto Genryusai's body was instantly swallowed by flames, and the temperature around him rose hundreds of times over.
Within a hundred-mile radius, the area became a sea of fire in an instant.
The ice and snow that had initially been able to contend with it melted away at once, including the ice sculpture sealing Ichimaru Gin. Only the Ice Heaven Hundred Flower Funeral remained standing amid such temperatures, though the constantly melting water told everyone that it was only a matter of time before this towering ice sculpture melted as well.
"Great Fire Sword!"
A single explosive slash, a slash that ended everything. Beneath the blazing flames, all things were reduced to ash.
Aizen was blasted away like a cannonball. This was also the first time he had been forced back since the battle began.
A horrifying wound appeared across his abdomen, scorching pain continuously spreading through his body.
Had it been anyone else, they would have long since died from such injuries. Yet a smile appeared on Aizen's face, turning into uninhibited laughter a second later.
The Hōgyoku's power flowed endlessly into him, and the terrible wound fully healed within seconds, leaving not a single trace behind.
Aizen laughed. "Do you see it? This is the Hōgyoku's power. This is my current strength. Even your Zanka no Tachi, capable of destroying the entire Soul Society, is utterly useless against me."
As he spoke arrogantly, the Hōgyoku within him began to change. A powerful spiritual pressure erupted, taking on a milky-white physical form before completely wrapping around him like a cocoon before an insect's evolution.
Yamamoto Genryusai's eyes narrowed slightly. Without any further reaction, he held his Zanpakuto horizontally before him.
"Zanka no Tachi, East—Rising Sun Blade!"
The surrounding temperature began to drop as every flame was absorbed into Zanka