Bleach: The Shinigami Who Inherited Hashirama

The spiritual pressure surging from Bai Chen's attack carried no trace of a Hollow's violent aura.

Yet—

in both color and destructive form—

the technique he had condensed was unmistakable.

A true Black Cero.

As the crimson storm in the sky was suddenly swept aside and replaced by an even more terrifying darkness, even someone as composed as Aizen felt his calm crack.

He had seen countless battles.

Manipulated countless situations from the shadows.

But even he had never imagined that the technique forming at the edge of the Flame-Extinguishing Fan would reach this level.

For the first time in years—

Aizen's heart stirred violently.

If even Aizen reacted like this, then Gin and Tōsen were naturally even more shaken.

Gin's expression froze again.

His fox-like smile stiffened.

As for Tōsen Kaname, the emotional whiplash hit him like a roller coaster plunging straight down.

Just moments ago, he had been thrilled by Hollow White's overwhelming counterattack.

But before he could even enjoy that moment—

everything flipped.

"Impossible…"

"This is absolutely impossible!"

"How can Bai Chen use a Ten Espada-level technique?!"

"And his Black Cero is clearly even stronger!"

Although blind, Tōsen's spiritual perception screamed with warning as the Black Cero's pressure spread through the air.

His scalp tingled.

A deep sense of danger flooded his mind.

And that unbearable truth pushed his emotions to the edge.

Why?!

Why was Bai Chen winning again?

And worse—

Bai Chen had once again crushed Hollow White using abilities outside the realm of Soul Reapers.

The humiliation was unbearable.

Tōsen's voice turned cold and furious.

"If Hollow White is suppressed again…"

"Allow me to strike."

"I will use Suzumushi's Bankai and eliminate Bai Chen from the shadows."

His voice trembled with killing intent.

He could no longer tolerate seeing the masterpiece he helped create being trampled repeatedly.

Even if it meant risking exposure—

he was willing to recreate what they had once done to Shinji and the others years ago.

Normally, Aizen's cautious nature would have rejected such an impulsive move.

But this time—

Aizen had clearly been shaken.

After a moment of silence, he nodded slightly.

"Very well."

"Tōsen… act when the opportunity appears."

Not only did Aizen approve—

he even calmly explained the perfect timing.

"When the Ceros collide…"

"When the explosion reaches its peak…"

"That will be the best moment to approach Bai Chen and deliver a fatal strike."

The fact that Aizen personally pointed out the attack window proved something rare:

Even he had begun to feel a trace of danger from Bai Chen.

The Cero Collision

At that moment—

the red Horned Cero and Bai Chen's Black Cero launched simultaneously.

They met in midair.

And then—

BOOOOOOM!!!

A catastrophic explosion erupted above Karakura Town.

The rain clouds were torn apart instantly.

The entire sky turned blindingly bright with red and black light.

Even the ground shook beneath the impact.

"Ugh—!"

Isshin groaned as the shockwave struck.

Even though he had already retreated and released his Reiatsu defensively—

the blast still sent him and the Tenth Division soldiers flying backward.

Every barrier he had erected—

Rikujōkōrō, Dankū, and the rest—

shattered within seconds.

"This is insane!"

"If explosions like this keep happening…"

"Karakura Town will turn into ruins!"

Isshin muttered, still shaken while tumbling through the air.

Fortunately, the two beams had collided head-on, partially canceling each other out.

If either beam had swept across the city alone—

entire districts would have vanished instantly.

Aizen's Order

Amid the chaos and blinding light, Aizen's group finally made their move.

"A perfect opportunity."

"Do it now."

Aizen's voice was calm and cold.

"Tōsen."

"Yes, Aizen-sama."

Truthfully, Tōsen hardly needed the order.

His killing intent had already reached its peak.

The next instant—

his cloaked figure slipped into the explosion's shockwaves.

He concealed his Reiatsu perfectly while rapidly approaching Bai Chen.

As long as he could close the distance—

before the light of the explosion faded—

he would draw Suzumushi.

One strike.

That was all it would take.

With Aizen present, Tōsen wasn't worried about exposure.

They could even pin the blame on Isshin—

or kill him afterward.

Everything had already been calculated.

And the distance between Tōsen and Bai Chen shrank rapidly.

But there was one thing Tōsen didn't know.

From the very beginning—

every movement he made had been seen clearly.

Through the crimson gaze of the Three-Tomoe Sharingan.

Bai Chen stood calmly within the blinding light.

His eyes were already active.

Watching.

Tracking.

Anticipating.

"So you're trying a close-range sneak attack?"

"Some habits never change."

Bai Chen's lips curled into a cold smile.

"In front of my eyes…"

"That trick doesn't work."

His gaze pierced straight through the explosion's fading light—

locking precisely onto Tōsen's approaching figure.

His expression carried nothing but mockery.

And in that instant—

Bai Chen made a decision.

If Tōsen wanted to ambush him in the dark—

then Bai Chen would show them something even worse.

A technique he had long prepared to use.

A power that surpassed even Suzumushi's Bankai.

Bai Chen slowly raised his hand.

And within the fading light—

darkness began to spread.

"Let me show you…"

"The advanced form of your Bankai."

"The true power of darkness."

Dark Travel Technique.

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