In the empty forest, the sky was dark and gloomy.
Thick, pitch-black clouds blanketed the sky as though they were about to crush down upon the earth, casting a faint shadow over the world.
At that moment, within the rain-soaked forest.
Hidan was sprawled tightly against the ground, looking utterly miserable. Wet, muddy puddles mixed with crimson blood smeared across his body, making him look even more wretched than a beggar.
He struggled with all his strength to raise himself, but it was all in vain!
It was as if an invisible giant hand were pressing heavily upon his entire body, leaving him utterly unable to resist. He could only remain in that humiliating position, lying prone on the ground.
Just then, however, he heard a conversation coming from in front of him.
The moment he heard that magnetic voice, his heart jolted.
A-Aizen... He seemed to have heard that name somewhere before!
At that thought, his pupils contracted. A look of horror appeared on his miserable face as he thought in shock.
N-No way! Could it really be that guy!?
Just as he was stunned by the conclusion he had reached, a magnetic voice from before him drifted slowly into his ears.
"I think he has already learned enough of a lesson. In that case, release him, Gin."
As that magnetic voice faded, Gin's irritatingly frivolous voice rang out in Hidan's ears once more.
"If that is Captain Aizen's request, then naturally, I will obey without hesitation."
"However, you should be careful in case this fellow does something disrespectful."
Hearing that, Aizen seemed to smile, his magnetic voice calm as he said, "I do not think he would do such a thing."
As Aizen's words fell, Hidan, who had been lying on the ground, suddenly felt the immense pressure