The Gotei captains and lieutenants all wore surprisingly uniform expressions.
In fact, when they'd been at high altitude just now, they couldn't detect the situation below at all.
Though the Zanpakutō had materialized, their spiritual pressure differed somewhat in nature from the Soul Reapers'.
Combined with Muramasa and the others' deliberate concealment, they couldn't even clearly sense spiritual pressure from above.
Yet Shigure had been exceptionally decisive, directly determining Yamamoto's position within the cave below, the barrier's location, and... where those Zanpakutō were positioned.
Immediately after, he'd directly shattered the entire cave ceiling, letting everyone notice the situation below.
And in the first moment, he'd directly instructed them to instantly complete suppression of all the materialized Zanpakutō!
At this moment, looking at that massive pyramid barrier and Yamamoto within it.
The reason they wore such expressions now was because their hearts held even more amazement toward Shigure!
The situation below was actually... exactly as he'd described!
After a long moment, Muramasa finally narrowed his eyes slightly and said calmly. "Looks like you Gotei 13 are truly loyal to this Captain-Commander..."
"To actually find this place so quickly."
Speaking, Muramasa suddenly flash-stepped directly beside the barrier.
Immediately after, several previously restrained Zanpakutō—Sōgyo no Kotowari, Katen Kyōkotsu, and Wabisuke—directly escaped using flash step, coming to the barrier's side.
They positioned themselves at the four corners of the pyramid barrier.
Seeing this, Shigure's gaze shifted slightly. Then the corner of his mouth curved in a light smile as he turned around unhurriedly, looking over calmly.
At this time, Muramasa revealed a sinister light smile. His gaze swept rapidly across everyone's faces before continuing. "What a shame. Looks like you'll be disappointed."
"If you think finding this place means you can rescue him, that's far too naive."
"This seal's power... even your combined full strength probably can't break it!"
Saying this, sinister light flashed in Muramasa's deep purple eye sockets.
"..."
Hearing this, including Shigure, all the Gotei captains and lieutenants' expressions instantly became strange.
Even Kyōraku and several others' gazes held faint amusement.
If the current scene weren't inappropriate for loud laughter, several laughs would probably have already rung out.
After all, back at the earlier emergency strategy meeting, Shigure had already completely stated Muramasa's objective.
And the barrier they now saw, plus Muramasa's words... undoubtedly matched what Shigure had said.
Even now, Muramasa still didn't know his purpose had been exposed.
So he'd have those three Zanpakutō pretend to operate the "seal" at this moment.
And deliberately say things like "even combined full strength can't break it."
If they hadn't known his plan in advance, they'd certainly prioritize rescuing Yamamoto above all else.
But now, Muramasa's every word and action, in their eyes...
Was like a comical performance.
Everyone's gaze at this moment gathered on Muramasa's face, carrying slight amusement.
After a moment, Muramasa finally... began realizing something was wrong.
The smile on his face froze for the second time.
At this time, Shigure turned his head, looking toward the captains and lieutenants, laughing lightly. "Then... I'll leave these rebellious Zanpakutō to you all."
"As for the remaining Muramasa, leave him to me."
Hearing this, the other captains and lieutenants immediately indicated understanding with their eyes.
After a moment, Hisagi was first to speak. He pressed his blade against the black figure's shoulder before him, saying flatly. "Then... come with me, Kazeshini. If you want to fight, this probably isn't the right place, is it?"
Hearing this, Kazeshini immediately grinned in wild laughter.
"Haha! Suits me perfectly, kid!!"
As his words fell, Hisagi and Kazeshini immediately used flash step simultaneously, leaving through the cave opening above.
After that, the other captains and lieutenants also quickly left with their respective materialized Zanpakutō.
Zaraki and Yachiru left with Tenchō, Gonryōmaru, and several other Zanpakutō.
They naturally understood that staying here would instead interfere with Shigure's battle.
So after hearing Shigure's words, they left directly without any hesitation.
As for Shigure and the others' victory or safety, they had absolutely no concern.
Back on Sōkyoku Hill, the strength Shigure displayed had already far surpassed Muramasa's.
Moreover, he still had Candle Dragon.
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
As figures rapidly departed, only Kyōraku, Unohana, Ukitake, and their three Zanpakutō remained in the cave.
Shigure still stood in place, only now turning his head to look again at Muramasa ahead.
Muramasa's expression remained stiff, a trace of gloom flashing beneath his eyes.
"Hey... what's the meaning of this...?"
"Segawa... I already said, didn't I? With just your power... there's absolutely no way to break the seal!!"
"If you think you can break it with your power alone... that's far too naive!"
By the end, deep blue light flickered in Muramasa's dangling right hand, then rapidly condensed into a blade.
However, hearing this, Shigure laughed lightly again. "Heh, I must say... Muramasa, your mentality is quite good."
"Even at this point, you still think we've fallen into your trap... still think I'll be guided by you to attack this barrier...?"
"?!"
Hearing this, Muramasa's heart jumped sharply. His body stiffened violently, his breathing immediately stopping.
But Shigure's smile remained unchanged as he slowly drew the Zanpakutō at his waist, saying softly. "Come out for some air, Candle Dragon."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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