"Yes." Aizen was very pleased with the Menos Grande's submissive attitude.
He nodded lightly, then turned around, his gaze fixed on the Dangai's exit, numerous thoughts flooding his mind.
"Your objective this time is to occupy every corner of the Seireitei, and defeat any living creature that appears within your line of sight."
"I want you to cause utter chaos there, Gantenbainne Mosqueda, you should be able to do it… No, you must do it."
The Arrancar named Gantenbainne Mosqueda was a strong man with an orange afro.
His Zanpakuto was called Dragon Fist, and he was once one of the Espada, his strength not to be underestimated.
Facing the order issued by Aizen, Gantenbainne agreed without hesitation, his resounding voice echoing in the Dangai:
"Yes, Lord Aizen, we will do our utmost!"
However, after speaking, he felt slightly strange and couldn't help but ask:
"Just defeat? Lord Aizen, this should be the first war between Hueco Mundo and Soul Society, right?"
"Isn't this approach…"
He really wanted to say the words "too merciful," after all, since it was a war, there was no reason to merely defeat and not eliminate the opponent.
His personality was relatively gentle compared to other Menos Grande.
For example, he always upheld the principle of repaying kindness; if he ever received a favor from others, he would definitely repay it manifold.
But when he had not received any favor, his actions were the same as other Arrancar; he was always merciless towards Shinigami, acting with ruthless decisiveness.
Aizen replied:
"Defeat and capture are your entire tasks. War is not just about slaughter…"
"Besides, my goal is not to destroy the Seireitei…"
At this point, he paused slightly, not offering much explanation.
His eyes merely deepened, and he then said, "You don't need to worry about this. Go and carry out the mission, Gantenbainne."
"Also…"
Aizen changed the subject, "Is the Picaro Legion ready?"
Upon hearing Aizen mention the words "Picaro," Gantenbainne's eyelids twitched slightly, and he spoke with a hint of hesitation:
"Lord Aizen, do we really need to use them? Those brats' temperaments…"
A worried expression appeared on his face, clearly indicating his many concerns about the Picaro Legion.
"No need to worry." Aizen's tone was quite casual, as if he had complete confidence in the Picaro Legion.
"They just like to play. As one of the Espada, Gantenbainne, you need to change your hesitant personality."
"Since the war with Soul Society has fully begun, there's no need to hold back. Grasp the power in your hands."
"Besides, the Picaro Legion is currently the strongest fighting force within Las Noches."
"Composed of hundreds of Arrancar Menos Grande, they can achieve unexpected results to some extent."
Each Picaro possesses combat power ranging from a regular Adjuchas to an Arrancar Adjuchas.
They appear to be a group of Hollows composed of many individuals, but in reality, they are a single entity.
Their evolution level is comparable to that of a Vasto Lorde.
Therefore,
This attack on Soul Society, to defeat those relatively weaker Shinigami, would entirely depend on them.
Gantenbainne fell silent for a moment, then finally spoke:
"Yes, I understand, Lord Aizen. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Picaro Legion should already be prepared."
"They are just waiting for your command to launch a full-scale assault."
Although Gantenbainne had a very low opinion of those unintelligent brats who only knew how to frolic.
But since Lord Aizen had said so, he couldn't refute him any further.
After all, in terms of numbers, combat power, and even evolutionary stage, the Picaro were indeed far superior to their group of individual Arrancar Menos Grande.
Aizen glanced at Gantenbainne.
Although he had already perceived Gantenbainne's inner reluctance, he did not take it to heart, but instead, self-assuredly gave the command:
"Act now. With absolute power, announce our arrival to Soul Society."
"Yes!"
…
Soul Society. As the Black Cavity opened, Aizen slowly emerged from it.
His actions this time were completely undisguised, simply because all of his previous elaborate plans had failed.
Sometimes, Aizen couldn't help but wonder if he had reached a point where his fortunes were turning from peak to decline.
He recalled the first half of his life, which had been smooth sailing, with his strength increasing at an extremely rapid pace.
When his peers were still struggling with how to become a Shinigami, he already possessed Vice-Captain level combat power.
After graduation, he became a Captain.
Thirty years after graduation, he reached the pinnacle of Shinigami.
At that time, the best among his peers was merely a mid-ranking Seat Officer.
After reaching the pinnacle of Shinigami, he found that he could not advance any further, so he began to research the Hōgyoku.
After nearly seventy years, he finally created the prototype of the Hōgyoku.
He originally thought it was the beginning, but he didn't expect it to be the peak.
Because he met Yoriichi Tsugikuni. As soon as this fellow appeared, his previously smooth-sailing luck took a sharp downturn.
So much so that he had to defect from Soul Society prematurely, hiding in Hueco Mundo to continue his research.
By now, Aizen had already lost count of how many times his plans had failed…
Anyway, he knew in his heart that Yoriichi Tsugikuni's interference was present in every failure.
He couldn't let this continue.
It was as if a top student, who always ranked first in their grade, suddenly encountered a transfer student.
This transfer student not only took over the first-place position but also, through this action, delivered a huge blow to the top student, causing them to be disheartened ever since, even falling to the bottom ranks…
Under such circumstances, if the top student wanted to turn the tables, they could only resort to some unconventional methods.
Seizing the soul candy was the unconventional method he adopted.
However, it was ruined by those foolish Dark Clan, and even the Hōgyoku inexplicably developed cracks.
There was no other way; Aizen couldn't just sit back and do nothing.
So he had no choice but to mobilize all the Menos Grande to attack Soul Society, using the captured Shinigami as leverage to exchange for the soul candy…
Of course, on the surface, it was an exchange, but in reality, he himself would personally seize it amidst the chaos.
As long as he could obtain the soul candy, no matter how many Menos Grande were killed or injured, it would be worth it.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.
Aizen mentally replayed the general plan.
After exiting the Black Cavity, the Menos Grande behind him surged out like a tide.
The spiritual pressure fluctuations they emitted, even after deliberate concealment, were still detected by Soul Society.
The hundreds of spiritual pressure fluctuations, each at Vice-Captain level or higher, immediately caused a huge stir in Soul Society.
A piercing buzzing sound instantly rang out in the Twelfth Division.
Kisuke Urahara had just returned from Yoriichi Tsugikuni's side and hadn't had time to rest for a moment or organize the information at hand when he heard this sound.
His expression instantly changed, his face, which had been tinged with fatigue, now filled with solemnity.
"What's going on?!"
Bang!
The research lab door behind him was violently thrown open, and Akon, who worked in the Radio Wave Measurement Research Department, rushed in with an anxious expression.
His panicked look was as if the end of the world was approaching. He said urgently:
"It's bad, Captain! Large amounts of spiritual pressure fluctuations have appeared in all four Rukongai, East, South, West, and North!"
"Every single spiritual pressure is no weaker than a Vice-Captain's, and their number is close to a thousand!"
Although a thousand might be an exaggeration.
But the dense dots on the computer forming a tangled waveform definitely exceeded all previous records documented in Soul Society.
Upon hearing this, Kisuke Urahara's mood instantly became heavy.
He knew that a huge crisis was about to descend upon Soul Society.
Even without knowing the specific details, he understood that this must be Aizen's doing.
Only he would be so deranged, and only his subordinates would possess so many powerful individuals.
Attacking simultaneously from all four Rukongai, East, South, West, and North—what was he trying to do?
Was he trying to surround the Seireitei and then completely destroy it?
These thoughts flashed through his mind, and he decisively issued an order:
"Go and inform Captain-Commander Yamamoto. Aizen's move is definitely not as simple as just surrounding the Seireitei and starting a war."
"His target is very likely the soul candy."
"Yoriichi… never mind, I'll inform him personally, Akon, act quickly!"
…
Just as Kisuke Urahara issued the order, Yoriichi Tsugikuni also sensed the traces of spiritual pressure emitted by the Menos Grande outside the Seireitei.
This was because he was currently on a Seireitei street near the Rukongai.
Those spiritual pressure fluctuations were like cool tides, gently brushing against his skin, bringing a faint chill.
When Yoriichi arrived at the Byakudo Gate of West Rukongai, he saw a dense crowd of Arrancar Menos Grande.
These Menos Grande acted without concealment; the residents on both sides of the street, affected by the spiritual pressure they emitted, fainted one after another.
Strangely, the Menos Grande, who were usually ferocious and would devour anyone they saw, were exceptionally well-behaved at this moment.
They didn't even look at the unconscious Rukongai residents, walking straight towards the Seireitei.
The guardian of the Byakudo Gate, Ichikanzaka Jidanbo, stood in front of the Menos Grande, holding two large axes, his face grim.
Although his demeanor and expression appeared resolute, his slightly trembling legs clearly indicated the pressure he was currently enduring.
At this moment.
Beep, beep.
A notification sound came from the Messenger God Machine at Yoriichi's waist.
Immediately after, Kisuke Urahara's slightly hurried voice came through:
"Yoriichi, please return to the Noble District immediately!"
"Aizen has sent thousands of Menos Grande to attack Soul Society; his objective should be to seize the soul candy!"
…
"Seize the soul candy?"
As soon as Kisuke Urahara finished speaking, Yoriichi instantly grasped the intent behind the Menos Grande's presence here.
They probably wanted to distract Soul Society, allowing Aizen to launch a surprise attack from the side and thus achieve his plan.
Thousands of Menos Grande here…
Yoriichi pondered for a moment. Although he wanted to leave immediately and protect the soul candy,
But if he were to abandon West Rukongai, and the Shinigami who were about to arrive as reinforcements,
And those Rukongai residents who might die as collateral damage in the battle between the two sides…
This was absolutely not his way of doing things.
At this thought, Yoriichi unhesitatingly drew his Zanpakuto and, with the power of Hell, swiftly pulled a First Generation Captain out of the Hell Gate.
After a brief explanation, Nigotsugu Saizo generally understood the grim situation before him.
However, understanding was one thing, but when the vast army of Menos Grande came into view…
Even though he was over a thousand years old and had experienced countless trials, he couldn't help but frown, a look of solemnity appearing on his face…
He slightly turned his face, while deftly drawing his Zanpakuto, and asked Yoriichi Tsugikuni,
"Kid, are you serious?"
"It's been a long time. Is it true that even Vasto Lorde are as common as Gillians in Hueco Mundo now?"
"Are you overestimating me by asking an old man like me to deal with them?"
Although his strength had reached the peak of Shinigami after fusing with the miasma of Hell, facing hundreds of Vasto Lorde right now…
Not to mention a Shinigami at peak combat power, even someone beyond the peak might not have a chance of winning.
"They are not Vasto Lorde." Yoriichi informed Nigotsugu Saizo about the existence of the Hōgyoku.
After hearing this, Nigotsugu Saizo understood a little more, but the heavy pressure still clung to him like a shadow, weighing heavily on his heart.
After all, even if they weren't Vasto Lorde, Arrancar Adjuchas comparable to Vasto Lorde were equally troublesome.
But it had come to this; he couldn't refuse.
Because behind him was the Seireitei.
Sighing deeply, Nigotsugu Saizo fixed his gaze on the approaching Menos Grande swarm near the Byakudo Gate, his eyelids slightly lowered:
"I understand, you want to stop them from getting close, right…?"
"I will do my best, kid. If you have urgent matters, leave quickly. There's no need to summon other First Generation Captains."
"One old man is enough."
Hearing Nigotsugu Saizo's affirmative reply, Yoriichi nodded, knowing there was no problem, then turned and left.
After Yoriichi disappeared from there, Nigotsugu Saizo instantly moved his body, appearing beside Ichikanzaka Jidanbo.
The sudden appearance of the old man truly startled Jidanbō.
He was just about to tell the old man to leave quickly.
Because this place was too dangerous, whether he was a Shinigami or not, just looking at his frail, elderly appearance, he probably wouldn't be able to continue fighting.
If anything unexpected happened, his guilt would be immense.
"Cough cough…"
Nigotsugu Saizo coughed twice, his voice sounding a bit weak.
He slowly raised his Zanpakuto, pointing it at the Menos Grande, his hunched figure exuding an undeniable aura of authority:
"Don't underestimate an old man, kid. When I was slaying Vasto Lorde back in the day, your grandfather probably wasn't even born yet."
Ichikanzaka Jidanbo didn't know what a Vasto Lorde was, but from the tone, he could tell that this old senior must have had a glorious past.
However, the past was the past, and now was now…
Jidanbō was about to send Nigotsugu Saizo away.
The next second.
"Kid, get back."
Nigotsugu Saizo's tone suddenly became urgent and curt, his words carrying an almost unyielding command.
At the same time, faint glows began to flicker on his Zanpakuto.
Jidanbō instantly sensed a dangerous aura, like a sub-zero wind sweeping through his heart.
It felt as if his entire body was being pricked by needles, sending waves of pain through him.
He wasn't sure where this sense of crisis originated.
But then, he understood that this old man possessed an unimaginable power.
Buzz buzz buzz—!
Accompanied by a spine-tingling buzzing sound,
As Nigotsugu Saizo's Zanpakuto was released, the black insects previously hidden within the blade surged forth like a broken dam!
They spread out, covering the sky and earth.
In the blink of an eye, they transformed into an endless tide of dark night, as if capable of devouring everything, mercilessly reflected in Jidanbō's terrified eyes.
Vast spiritual pressure poured down like an inverted ocean, carrying a destructive might; wherever it passed, the air seemed to be squeezed, emitting painful "hissing" sounds!
Even though Jidanbō always considered himself a hero, faced with this suffocatingly powerful pressure, his legs involuntarily gave way.
Thump.
He ungracefully knelt down.
This was no mere old senior…
This was clearly an old immortal!
This kind of spiritual pressure… He had seen Captains before.
But even the pressure Captains exerted on him was less than one-tenth of Nigotsugu Saizo's.
This was a sure win!
…
On the other side.
The vast numbers of Picaro gleefully defeated the guards of Seiryū Gate in East Rukongai, then transformed into winged creatures like dragonflies, crickets, and locusts, flying into the Seireitei.
They looked very young, even the largest Picaro among them was only about ten years old.
However, their strength was not to be underestimated, because they were a single entity, allowing them to share spiritual pressure.
Even if one Picaro was severely wounded,
Their companions could all share a portion of their spiritual pressure to sustain its life and heal its injuries.
That is to say, unless all Picaro were eliminated at once,
Otherwise, their vitality would be even more tenacious than that of Vasto Lorde with their ultra-fast regeneration.
Ninth Division Third Seat Komamura Sajin led a squad of men to the location immediately after the incident.
The Eleventh Division also arrived, even earlier than them, but they were currently engaged in a bitter struggle.
"Nishijima Eighth Seat! Why can't these Hollows be killed?!"
"Damn it! They can even use Cero…"
Bang!
No, it was a Bala. A Shinigami was instantly sent flying, crashing heavily against a wall, and violently spat out a mouthful of blood.
Only stronger Picaro could unleash Cero; some weaker ones, like the five or six-year-old looking Picaro, could only unleash Bala.
But even at their weakest, they were by no means opponents that ordinary Shinigami could handle.
Seeing this situation, Komamura Sajin shouted loudly:
"Everyone, leave this place to us!"
As soon as his voice fell, some Shinigami from the Eleventh Division noticed him.
Due to Komamura Sajin's distinctive appearance, with just one glance, those Shinigami knew which Division had come to support them.
Their faces immediately lit up with joy:
"It's the Ninth Division! Komamura Kenpachi!"
Their expressions were as if they had seen a savior.
After all, anyone with eyes knew that the current Ninth Division was the strongest Division apart from the Gotei 13.
It was only because these two Divisions had never competed; otherwise, even the title of strongest Division would probably have changed hands.
Both the Vice-Captain and the Third Seat are Kenpachi—what kind of situation is this?
When Komamura Sajin and the Ninth Division members joined the battle, the tide of the battle immediately turned in a one-sided fashion.
Although the Picaro, relying on shared spiritual pressure, possessed tenacious vitality and powerful offensive capabilities,
Komamura Sajin's Zanpakuto, after being modified, could completely counter them.
Just by using Shikai, summoning his arm, a single sweep of his arm reflected all the Cero and Bala back.
The residual force generated by his sword swing swept like a hurricane.
Accompanied by "Bang bang bang—!" explosions, in an instant, over a hundred of the nearly three hundred Picaro disappeared into thin air.
They successively fell from the sky, twitched a few times upon landing, and then stopped moving, clearly in a state of severe injury and near death.
"Horrible, this doggy is too horrible!"
"Let's run!"
Some Picaro, amidst the series of explosions, scattered and fled in all directions.
They lacked rationality and only thought about problems with a childlike mindset.
If you can't win, run—that's an eternal truth.
Bang!
Komamura Sajin suddenly stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the Picaro, and he snorted coldly:
"I am not a dog; remember, I am a wolf!"
"Bankai!"
"Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō!!"
A hundred-meter-tall armored warrior instantly rose from the ground, its majestic body blocking most of the sunlight in the sky.
The Picaro hadn't flown far before they were terrified by the grotesque appearance of the armor.
For a moment, they flapped their wings even faster.
Komamura Sajin would not go easy on them just because they were a bunch of "children."
Not to mention that they were all Hollows.
Just as children, the pure evil they possessed went against the justice in his heart.
Because it was fun, they destroyed; their evil deeds were unrestrained and exhilarating.
Must.
Be eliminated immediately!
Woosh—!
As soon as the thought formed, the wide black greatsword swept out instantly!
…
…
While Komamura Sajin was fighting.
On the other side, in the Noble District.
Aizen, having learned the current location of the soul candy through hypnosis, was rapidly heading towards the Tsugikuni Clan clan.
All Shinigami he encountered along the way were completely hypnotized by his Kyōka Suigetsu ability, making them perceive him as a fellow comrade providing support.
The operation was proceeding smoothly because Kyōka Suigetsu's hypnotic ability was completely unresolvable when one was unprepared.
He didn't believe Kisuke Urahara could develop a machine capable of countering hypnosis in just a few years.
In Aizen's view, there were only two ways to break Kyōka Suigetsu.
First, one's spiritual pressure had to be higher than his.
Second, to use the artificial souls developed by Hikifune Kirio to let them bear the hypnotic effect instead of Shinigami.
The former was not very realistic, and the latter was too costly, also not realistic.
Moreover, Hikifune Kirio had already left the Seireitei, and it was hard to say whether the Twelfth Division currently possessed such technology.
In other words, this operation he had meticulously prepared had finally succeeded for once.
Thinking of this, Aizen gently exhaled, a slight smile forming on the corner of his lips.
He was about to speed up his movements to quickly end this series of unfortunate events.
However, the next second, his rapidly moving figure suddenly braked sharply, coming to an abrupt halt.
Simply because.
Someone had appeared in front of him.