Tsukihito Tsunayashiro's gaze was unfocused. The last glimmer of light deep within his pupils had already been swallowed by the ultimate terror of imminent body-and-soul annihilation.
He was practically dragged and supported forward by the execution squad. His legs were as limp as mud; without someone holding him up, he would likely have collapsed long ago.
All he could make were muffled "mmph" sounds—futile wails and curses blocked by the gag in his mouth.
At last, he was brought beneath the Sōkyoku execution platform.
The executioners deftly removed some of his shackles, leaving only the core restraints that suppressed his Spiritual Pressure, then roughly hoisted him onto the platform.
His body was firmly secured, facing forward, with his chest directly beneath the cold gleaming spearhead above.
From this angle, he could clearly "see" the weapon that would deliver his final destruction, worsening the last collapse in the depths of his soul.
Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto slowly opened his eyes, which seemed to contain molten lava.
He did not look at Tsukihito Tsunayashiro, who was fixed to the execution platform. Instead, his gaze went directly to the silent Sōkyoku.
He stepped forward and stopped several yards before its base, lightly tapping the ground with the ancient cane in his hand.
Thud!
Centered on Captain-Commander Yamamoto, an immeasurable Spiritual Pressure spread outward—not as an attack, but as a declaration and suppression.
"The execution begins—!"
Captain-Commander Yamamoto's voice fell like the hammer of final judgment.
Along with his words, a stream of Spiritual Power was precisely injected into a special groove in the base.
Bzzzzz—!!!
In an instant, the Sōkyoku, which had lain dormant for who knew how many ages, violently trembled!
The black, rough chain base seemed to come alive, releasing ear-piercing sounds of metal grinding and tightening.
Countless dark-red Spirit Particle