Long ago, Shigure already knew—
The Kototsu could be destroyed.
Though it was a theoretical existence, a phenomenon independent of Reiatsu.
It could still be destroyed.
The only method—Reiatsu far surpassing it.
Precisely because of this, for millennia, Shinigami researching the Kototsu believed it indestructible.
Because their strength was insufficient.
What Shigure knew was—Aizen at Hogyoku fusion's second stage could easily achieve this.
If so, Shigure himself could undoubtedly do it too.
So for him, from the start, the Kototsu wasn't any threat obstructing the plan.
Slaying the Kototsu—this small matter—had nothing surprising or exciting about it, hardly different from other enemies Shigure had slain.
However, for the Captains behind him, this was shocking.
The "Dangai rule" existing for thousands of years—so easily severed...
Moreover, he hadn't even used full strength.
No Bankai. No Shikai. Not even swordsmanship.
Just simply swinging his blade with Reiatsu.
Yet purely, overwhelmingly powerful.
"Alright, let's go."
Shigure ignored everyone's shocked gazes, chuckling as he sheathed his blade. Then his fingertip lightly tapped the air.
Instantly, like shattering glass, black fissure rapidly expanded outward from his fingertip. The Dangai passage reopened.
Then Shigure didn't hesitate, directly stepping inside.
Actually, even he didn't realize—this casual action would again refresh everyone's perception of his strength.
Because now in his heart, only the upcoming counterattack battle existed.
After obtaining true complete Bankai, at this moment, Shigure's heart was completely clear—no other worries or urgency remained.
He understood the responsibility and mission he carried.
Now was the time to formally complete that mission.
After Shigure stepped inside, Unohana Retsu and Soi Fon unhesitatingly followed quickly. Then other Captains rapidly followed.
Though they understood—once stepping out of the Dangai, preparations would end. The counterattack would officially begin.
Yet not one person showed hesitation.
In those gazes, only determination existed.
...
...
At this moment, in the Fourth Division council hall.
Yamamoto Genryusai, resting with closed eyes, suddenly opened them.
"They've returned..."
Murmuring, his weathered eyes flickered with unusual light.
Because he'd already seen that gradually splitting Dangai passage. The Reiatsu emanating from within—undoubtedly Segawa Shigure and others who'd left minutes ago.
The next moment, dazzling white light flashed. Everyone's figures simultaneously appeared in the council hall.
At the crowd's center, Shigure smiled, lightly nodding toward Yamamoto Genryusai:
"Didn't disappoint your expectations. Everything proceeded smoothly as planned."
Hearing this, though Yamamoto's expression remained unchanged, his heart involuntarily relaxed.
Though from the start he'd always trusted Shigure, naturally he'd felt some worry about such a bold plan.
Though even he hadn't noticed this point.
After a moment, Yamamoto nodded, then looked outside, slowly saying:
"Then, next—"
"According to last night's Tenchuuren message, Squad Zero's Tenchuren... should be descending now."
Saying this, his gaze returned to Shigure:
"How about it, Segawa? Want to meet them?"
Hearing this, surrounding Captains' expressions immediately grew strange.
Seems Yamamoto's earlier statement about fully entrusting the battle situation to Segawa Shigure truly wasn't empty words...
Even now, he directly handed this decision-making authority to Shigure.
As for this so-called Tenchuren, naturally they couldn't be unfamiliar—this was Squad Zero's mobile transport.
The Soul King Palace was located directly above Seireitei's high sky, firmly covered by seventy-two barrier seals. The only entry method—obtaining the King Key.
This Tenchuren was Squad Zero's transport for entering and leaving the Soul King Palace.
Since the Tenchuren was about to descend, meaning...
Squad Zero was coming.
From Yamamoto's words, seems he'd already received notification last night.
Hearing this, Shigure smiled.
But the next moment, he suddenly gently shook his head.
Seeing this, many Captains' gazes grew strange.
After a moment, Ukitake Jushiro suddenly spoke seriously:
"Segawa, you should think carefully..."
"Each Squad Zero captain's strength is extremely formidable. If they descend this time, willing to join our counterattack battle, perhaps..."
"Perhaps... they could become tremendous assistance."
Hearing Ukitake's words, Kensei Muguruma beside him slowly nodded, pondering:
"Captain Ukitake is right. Perhaps we should meet them."
As his words fell, the council hall immediately fell into dead silence.
No one else spoke.
However, including Yamamoto Genryusai, everyone waited for Shigure's decision.
He was the current battle situation's leader.
The next moment, Shigure suddenly turned, sweeping his gaze across all Captains' faces.
Finally, unexpectedly to everyone, he again shook his head, smiling:
"No need."
"Annihilating the Wandenreich doesn't require relying on their power. The current us are already sufficient."
"So, unnecessary."
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