Pitch-black reiatsu flowed slowly through the Dangai.
Ichigo stood where he was, his right arm completely fused with Tensa Zangetsu. He gave off little presence, yet the space around him trembled constantly.
Isshin watched his son, his expression gradually growing grave.
He had once mastered the Final Getsuga Tenshō.
Precisely because of that, he understood all the more clearly just how strong Ichigo was now.
"Yoriichi, be careful."
"All right."
Yoriichi drew Hekyō.
"Breath of the Sun, burn away all hollow filth, Hekyō."
The dark gray blade rapidly turned crimson. Golden-orange reiatsu flowed along its edge, and the surrounding temperature rose.
That was not the end.
Yoriichi raised his eyes, and the flame mark on his forehead rapidly spread. Scarlet reiatsu rose from his body, forming the image of a massive sun behind him.
"Bankai."
"Heavenly Illumination Sun Wheel."
The sun's image abruptly contracted.
The crimson sword transformed into a two-handed greatsword. Golden patterns emerged on its blade, while its guard took the shape of a three-legged golden crow.
A circular sun wheel hovered behind Yoriichi.
His eyes turned pure gold, and the flame mark spread from his cheeks all the way to the backs of his hands. Terrifying sun reiatsu rapidly blanketed the Dangai.
For the first time since gaining his powers, Yoriichi released all his reiatsu without holding anything back.
Isshin's expression changed.
Without any hesitation, he turned and ran toward the Senkaimon.
He had originally planned to stay nearby and watch.
Now, it seemed his life mattered more.
Ichigo looked at Yoriichi.
"Ready?"
"Come on."
The moment those words fell, Ichigo vanished.
There was no trace left by Shunpo, nor any disturbance from moving reiatsu. He crossed the distance between them directly, his right arm becoming a pitch-black blade that slashed toward Yoriichi's chest.
Yoriichi held his