Yamamoto narrowed his eyes and said gravely, "A declaration of war? With just you?"
The corners of Luders's mouth rose slightly, a hint of mockery entering his voice. "Head Captain Yamamoto, surely you don't think the Wandenreich spent all these years of silence idling away? His Majesty's power is far beyond what it was a thousand years ago."
"Arrogant!" Komamura Sajin stepped forward and roared, "A mere frontline officer dares spout such nonsense before the head captain!"
Luders ignored Komamura Sajin, sweeping his gaze over the captains present.
"In seven days, the Wandenreich will launch its official assault on Seireitei. When that time comes, Soul Society will meet its end."
Kyoraku Shunsui lowered his straw hat a little and drawled, "Seven days? You certainly have a taste for ceremony. But since you've come right to our doorstep, why not stay for a cup of tea?"
Before his words had faded, Kyoraku vanished from his spot, Katen Kyokotsu's blade driving straight for Luders's throat.
Yet the blade passed through nothing but an afterimage.
Luders's figure dissolved like ink, sinking into the ground. His voice rose from beneath it.
"See you in seven days, Soul Reapers. Enjoy your final days of peace."
Yamamoto's face turned livid. He was just about to order a pursuit.
Boom-!!
A deafening crash came from outside. The entire First Division Barracks shook several times, and fine cracks appeared in the reishi barriers over the windows.
"What's going on?!"
Several captains used Flash Step to rush out of the Division Barracks at once. The next instant, everyone's pupils contracted at the sight before them.
Outside the First Division Barracks, Chōjirō Sasakibe had been pinned to the wall by a spear formed from reishi.
"Sasakibe!" For one rare moment, Yamamoto's voice trembled.
Kyoraku Shunsui was the first to rush