Chapter 244

Yamamoto's voice echoed in the headquarters' conference room.

The silence lasted for about ten seconds.

Shunsui Kyōraku pushed his straw hat up a little.

"Then, I'll go first."

"The Wandenreich is hidden in the Shadow Domain. According to Mayuri Kurotsuchi's data, the spatial structure inside the Shadow Domain is more complex than that of the Seireitei, and the concentration of Reishi is far higher than that of Soul Society."

"The enemy has the advantage of terrain, so I suggest we divide into three echelons. The first echelon, led by Stealth Agitation Force, will be responsible for infiltration and intelligence gathering."

"Having obtained the necessary intelligence and avoiding being completely in the dark, Wang Xun led the 11th Division as the second echelon, using force to suppress the enemy and engage in direct combat."

"After that, Isshin Shiba and I were assigned to the third echelon, responsible for cutting off the enemy's reinforcement routes and rear communications."

"Captain Unohana is stationed in the Fourth Division; the wounded will be evacuated. Captain Hikifune is responsible for maintaining the stability of the entrance passage; if the passage malfunctions, none of them will be able to return."

"Captain Kuchiki and Captain Ukitake, please remain in Seireitei to guard against a sudden Quincy attack. They should also stay behind to defend the rear."

Ginrei Kuchiki remained silent.

His voice was soft but steady when he spoke.

"The Captain Hōraku is right. The Sixth Ban Division are responsible for guarding the outer defenses of Seireitei. After all the assault troops have entered the Shadow Domain, we must prevent Seireitei from being left undefended."

Yamamoto nodded slightly and looked at Wang Xun.

"Directly breaking through is the 11th Division's job, Wang Xun. What is the nature of your Bankai?"

Wang Xun pondered for a moment, then made no attempt to conceal anything.

After all, if one's own abilities are activated, it will be a devastating blow to friendly forces. If there is no prior notice, there is no guarantee that someone might encounter some unexpected mishap.

"My Bankai is a domain-type ability. Once activated, it suppresses all special abilities within its range. If it's Zanpakuto, it will revert it to its unreleased state."

A moment of silence fell over the conference room.

Aizen, who was present as the acting captain, had a flicker in his eyes.

At the same time, Ginrei Kuchiki, who was standing opposite him, slightly raised his eyes.

This ability to target Zanpakuto felt somewhat familiar, reminding him of his son-in-law who had been sealed and suppressed.

Kyōraku pulled his straw hat down further to hide his surprised look.

"You sealed everyone's abilities and then went to fight them with swords. You're Kenpachi, this Bankai... it really suits you."

Ukitake coughed lightly.

"Both sides are affected, meaning the captains can't use their Bankai within the domain. Captain Wang Xun, this ability of yours is a double-edged sword."

"You can't use your Bankai when there are allies around."

"That's right, I'll pay attention to that."

Wang Xun said.

Yamamoto remained silent for a long time.

"Then let this be included in the operational regulations and communicated to every captain and vice-captain who possesses Bankai."

"Wang Xun, since your Bankai can seal abilities, it's a trump card for our infiltration. Before we officially launch the infiltration, I'll personally test it out with you."

"Yes, Captain-Commander."

Yamamoto leaned on his cane with his hands folded, his gaze slowly sweeping across the faces of each captain present.

"There will be some time before the passage opens. All departments should prepare according to plan without delay."

In the Twelfth Division's workshop, Kirio Hikifune sealed the last box of equipment and handed it to Mayuri Kurotsuchi Mayuri Kurotsuchi nearby.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi leaned against the workbench, staring at the ceiling, a smile playing on his lips.

He twirled the pen between his fingers twice, then stopped and wrote a line in the notebook in front of him.

Research and Development Institute, First Director: Mayuri Kurotsuchi.

He tore this page out and pasted it on the blank wall in the center of the workshop, which had been empty for a long time.

Kirio Hikifune walked by, glanced at him, and said nothing.

After all, she's about to be promoted to Zero Division, so these things are no longer her concern.

At the same time, on the training ground of the First Division, Wang Xun took off his Captain's Haori and drew his Shackle Lotus.

Shigekuni Yamamoto stood opposite him.

Show us your solution.

Wang Xun nodded and drew his Zanpakuto.

"Bankai, Renge of All Kalpas Returning to Nothingness."

A powerful Reiatsu erupted, causing Yamamoto's shihaka armor to flutter loudly.

An invisible sense of constraint arose, Yamamoto felt that his connection with his Zanpakuto seemed to have been severed.

Yamamoto narrowed his eyes slightly, attempting to communicate with his Zanpakuto while chanting the release incantation.

"All things in the universe are reduced to ashes, Ryūjin Jakka..."

His Zanpakuto did not respond.

Yamamoto was stunned for a moment.

This ability can actually seal Bankai, and even Shikai... it can seal them all.

It was too terrifying for Soul Reaper to bear.

Then, Yamamoto raised his Reiatsu, and a terrifying Reiatsu soared into the sky. He recited the release incantation for Ryūjin Jakka once more.

The sky was filled with Reiatsu Fragment, which rained down and caused Wang Xun's Reiatsu to increase rapidly.

This time, Yamamoto's Zanpakuto reacted; propelled by immense Reiatsu, Ryūjin Jakka successfully achieved its Shikai.

"It seems that as long as the Reiatsu is sufficient, the effect of Shikai won't be suppressed, but Bankai..."

Hearing the voice beside him, Sasakibe turned his head in surprise and saw Aizen to the side.

"Lieutenant Aizen, when did you get here?"

"Oh, Vice-Captain Sasakibe, I came to report to the Captain-Commander on the Fifth Division's work. I just got here and unexpectedly saw the Captain-Commander's Shikai. It's truly magnificent."

"But it seems the Captain-Commander isn't available. If not, I'll come back later."

Sasakibe frowned, thinking that he was so engrossed in Yamamoto's Shikai that he hadn't noticed his surroundings.

"Really... It's alright, just wait a moment. It's just a test of Captain Wang Xun's Bankai, it'll be over soon."

With Sasakibe no longer paying attention to Aizen, Aizen breathed a sigh of relief.

The effect of the Kyōka Suigetsu was suppressed the moment Wang Xun his Bankai, exposing him to the Sasakibe's eyes.

Fortunately, he had made ample preparations...

We really need to be wary of Wang Xun.

Yamamoto was in the distance, withdrew his Shikai and summoned Sasakibe over to give it a try.

After all, even if Yamamoto couldn't activate his Bankai, he wouldn't dare to try it lightly.

Sasakibe stepped forward and tried to activate his Bankai, but no matter how much he increased his Reiatsu, he couldn't activate it successfully. Finally, he tried his Shikai instead, and that worked.

The group also gained a preliminary understanding of Wang Xun's abilities.

If one's Reiatsu exceeds that of Wang Xun, then one can achieve Shikai, but Bankai is indeed difficult to activate.

If one's Reiatsu is insufficient, it is difficult to even activate Shikai.

Once the conclusion was reached, the test was over.

Wang Xun sheathed his sword, turned around and walked out of the First Division training ground. As he passed the entrance, he saw Aizen greeting him.

"Captain Wang Xun, your Bankai is truly outstanding."

"Lieutenant Aizen... Thank you for the compliment."

The two exchanged glances and then passed each other.

Aizen also went inside to report on his work.

At night, Aizen sat in the office of the vice-captain of the Fifth Division, with an internal report on the latest personnel changes in the Gotei 13 spread out in front of him.

Retsu Unohana resumes her position as captain, Isshin Shiba becomes captain of the Tenth Division, Soi Fon becomes Second Division Captain, and Wang Xun becomes Kenpachi the 11th Division.

The vacancies were filled very quickly, much faster than expected.

He closed the file and took out the Hōgyoku).

Inside the transparent prism, the deep blue light shone even brighter than before.

We've collected a lot of soul fragments, and we've also obtained all the data from the captain's Hollowfication Experiment.

Only one piece of the puzzle is left.

The Hōgyoku needs a more powerful sample to complete its final transformation.

Kisuke Urahara...

Aizen put the Hōgyoku back into his arms.

However, the impending war might provide him with something he desires.

The Wandenreich, Silbern.

Haschwalth stood in the center of the operations hall, in front of a huge projection that displayed the deployment locations and statuses of all members of the Sternritter.

"What's happening at Seireitei?"

An adjutant stepped forward to report.

"The Soul Reaper is assembling its main force, and the spell for the entrance to the Shadow Domain is being constructed at an accelerated pace. Their operation is expected to take place within the next few days."

Haschwalth turned around.

"Cang Du."

Cang Du Opie stepped out of the Knights' ranks.

He wore round-framed sunglasses, had a lean and wiry face, and was a recognized and highly regarded instructor in the Sternritter.

"Your previous surprise attack plan can now be implemented. You will take a small team to Aizen's laboratory, focusing on sabotage to attract the attention of the Seireitei, but avoid prolonged engagements."

Cang Du bowed slightly.

"Clear."

Cang Du accepted the order and left, having chosen three men.

Berenice Gabriel walked along the side of the group.

His Schrift Q, the Question, can influence an opponent's actions with words, and even negate the enemy's abilities, making it very practical.

Jerome Kizbart is a massive, taciturn man with the Schrift R. He can the Roar, transform into a gorilla, and unleash sonic attacks through his roars.

Loyd Lloyd walked last, having remained silent since his return from his injuries. The Schrift Y, the Yourself, can perfectly replicate the target's appearance, Reiatsu, and memories.

The four crossed the edge of the Shadow Domain and appeared in the wasteland surrounding the Seireitei.

Aizen's original secret laboratory was located in the desolate mountains west of Rukongai. When the group arrived, they found that the original barrier and experimental equipment had been removed, leaving only an empty cave in the mountain.

Cang Du crouched at the cave entrance, sensing any remaining energy fluctuations.

There was nothing there.

The equipment was gone, the surgical markings on the walls had been completely erased, and the experimental residue on the floor had been cleaned up as if no one had ever been there.

But then, several figures appeared in the distance.

"Hey, you guys, you look unfamiliar. Are you locals?"

Cang Du frowned and looked at the newcomer, a stranger.

But his attire clearly identified him as a captain within the Seireitei.

The newly appointed captain?

Aizen...

He deliberately exposed this abandoned coordinate to the Soul Reaper, luring the Soul Reaper over.

He and his three teammates had just arrived when Soul Reaper.

The timing was perfect.

They were tricked.

Across from them, Isshin Shiba frowned slightly.

He came over personally after receiving a report from the patrol team about abnormal Reiatsu.

He saw the cave, and four white figures standing at its entrance, and his heart pounded.

This outfit looks exactly like the Quincy in the data.

Isshin Shiba placed his hand on his Zanpakuto.

Cang Du pushed up his sunglasses and stepped out of the cave.

The moonlight shone on his white combat uniform, and the round-framed glasses reflected a cold light.

"Looks like even the Soul Reaper's captain is starting to fill out the ranks."

Cang Du's voice was not loud, but it carried a hint of disdain.

Isshin Shiba words with him.

Flames erupted from the blade of the Blade of the Engetsu, and intense Reiatsu emanated from its edge, scorching the surrounding wild grass until it curled up.

"Burn, Engetsu!"

Flames erupted from the blade, transforming into a the Heat arc that slashed straight at Cang Du's face.

Cang Du dodged to the side, flames grazing his shoulder and leaving a scorch mark on his combat suit.

He conjured a Reishi short sword with his other hand and thrust it toward Isshin Shiba.

Isshin Shiba swung his blade horizontally, and the Reishi Short Sword collided with the burning blade of the Engetsu, only to be deflected.

Cang Du took a step back.

My wrist was numb from the shock, my palm stung, and a small gash was torn in the web between my thumb and forefinger by the recoil of the Reishi dagger, from which blood seeped out.

Come.

The new captain's strength was much greater than he had anticipated.

Isshin Shiba gave him no chance to catch his breath.

The Engetsu spun in his hands, slashing horizontally and vertically, each swing accompanied by a heavy whooshing sound.

Cang Du blocked several blows in succession, but the next moment, the Reishi short sword was knocked away, and fragments were scattered all over the ground.

He re-formed two Reishi short swords in his hands, but before he could even assume a defensive stance, Isshin Shiba was already upon him.

The Engetsu slashed upwards from below.

Cang Du leaned back to avoid the attack, the blade grazing his chin, the Heat Reiatsu scorching a small patch of skin at his collar.

He retreated to the cave entrance and raised his hand to shoot a volley of Reishi Arrow at Isshin Shiba's chest.

Isshin Shiba did not dodge, but used the blade of his sword to block the attack of the Reishi Arrow and pressed forward.

He concentrated his Reiatsu on the sword, and Engetsu's Reiatsu surged in that instant.

"Getsuga Tenshō!"

The flames condensed on the blade transformed into a massive crescent-shaped slash, crushing through the air head-on. The Reishi Arrow was suspended in mid-air.

It was swallowed up.

Cang Du forced a sidestep, Getsuga Tenshō grazed his left arm, leaving a scorch mark several meters long on the ground.

Cang Du's left arm hung down.

The sleeves were burned off, and there was a charred burn mark on the forearm with cracked skin.

He stared at the knife in Isshin Shiba's hand, his chest heaving violently.

Jerome let out a deep the Roar from behind, transforming into a gorilla and charging forward to push aside Isshin Shiba. He then let out a loud roar, the powerful sonic waves disrupting Isshin Shiba.

Berenice kept muttering to himself, trying to use his abilities to seal away Isshin Shiba's fighting spirit.

However, his voice was completely drowned out by Jerome's voice. The activation condition was that the target needed to hear his conversation, but Isshin Shiba heard nothing at all.

At that moment, Isshin Shiba Shunpo get to his side despite the sonic attack and cleaved him in two with a single slash.

He then looked at the fallen corpse with surprise. He thought the enemy was about to unleash some kind of ability, but he didn't expect the enemy to be so easily defeated.

"What are you saying in your gibberish? I can't hear anything..."

At that moment, Isshin Shiba looked behind him, his attention momentarily diverted.

Another version of myself has appeared.

He then realized that this was the Quincy described in the documents who could change his appearance.

The two exchanged blows, but the enemy's abilities proved to be quite troublesome.

Cang Du and Jerome was standing nearby, also gathered around, Isshin Shiba's pressure began to increase.

He was outnumbered and fought three against one, and after several exchanges, he also sustained injuries.

He gritted his teeth, and the flames on the blade surged once more.

Reiatsu surged wildly onto the sword, causing the flames to grow increasingly violent.

Cang Du looked at the Reiatsu that was rapidly gathering around Isshin Shiba.

He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, took out the Quincy Medallion from his waist, and looked gloomy.

Do you need it...?

In the distance, Isshin Shiba roared in fury.

"Bankai!"