Hearing Momo's words, Aizen was greatly moved:
"Thank you, Hinamori."
"Having a subordinate like you is truly wonderful."
"Thank you, Hinamori. Truly, thank you."
Aizen's words were sincere and warm.
Watching this scene, everyone was also very puzzled.
'What's going on? The Aizen who just displayed full big boss demeanor... is he about to turn back now?'
"Does Aizen really like this Hinamori Momo?" Someone asked in the live stream.
"No, not exactly. Or rather, not completely."
Ichigo answered the question Rukia had as well.
"Just think about it. Imagine someone like him. He possesses talent surpassing everyone else, a Zanpakuto capable of complete hypnosis on people. It's as if he was innately not on the same level as others. The problem is, he exists in this world."
"In such a situation, he is lonely, unable to have friends."
"Because there is no one on the same level of power. Everyone is as fragile as bugs before him. So he will go to higher places to seek his position."
"But in his heart, he might not have lacked the idea of living an ordinary life, having peaceful days."
"Momo is the microcosm of ordinary life in Aizen's heart!"
"The problem is, he has already decided to leave now. He is saying goodbye!"
Hearing this, Rukia was very confused. "Goodbye? How is he saying goodbye?"
Ichigo didn't answer directly but hinted from the side: "Think about it. For warriors like us, how do we say goodbye to our inner demons?"
Rukia thought for a moment.
'Saying goodbye to inner demons is more like slaying inner demons, slaying inner demons...'
"C-Could it be! Hinamori!!!"
Rukia realized what Aizen was about to do and immediately wanted to shout for Momo to leave.
But at that moment, Rukia's body suddenly felt lighter!
She looked over in surprise. It was Ichigo placing her in front of a tree, temporarily away from the battlefield.
"Wait for me here, Rukia!"
"I have to go finish a fight!"
As Ichigo spoke, he used the high speed of his Bankai to return to the field.
Meanwhile, after a brief silence, allowing both sides to enjoy the hard-won warmth once more, Aizen spoke again:
"So... goodbye."
His right hand, which had unknowingly stopped holding Momo's waist, gripped Kyoka Suigetsu and thrust forward!
The next second!
Screech!!!
A sharp, piercing metallic scraping sound came from the side!
A slender, fair hand appeared at the most critical moment, tightly grabbing Aizen's Kyoka Suigetsu!
"Hm?"
Aizen looked down in surprise.
Ichigo, wearing his Hollow mask, appeared in his vision.
Facing Aizen, Ichigo's face under the mask gave a wicked, strange smile and teased:
"The blade of Captain Aizen, who just wanted to stand in the heavens, can also become softened because of personal feelings!"
"Truly surprising, Captain Aizen! I felt it! Your feelings for Hinamori Momo!"
Aizen's expression changed.
An unconcealable killing intent burst forth from his eyes.
Instantly, a strong sense of crisis arose in Ichigo's heart!
His actions had truly angered Aizen!
"Kurosaki Ichigo, why do you always like to meddle in things you shouldn't?"
As he spoke, Aizen let go of the hand holding Momo. A dazzling sword light pained everyone's eyes!
But then, a black afterimage flashed again.
Simultaneously with the blood flowers blooming, Ichigo retreated, bringing the still-dazed Momo with him.
Looking at the bone-deep wound on his right shoulder, Ichigo grimaced:
"So ruthless, Captain Aizen. Is it just because I don't want you to sever your bonds? Is it worth it?"
"Some things, once lost, never return! Just like a saying goes, 'Once there was a sincere...'"
Boom!
Ichigo was sent flying again!
Aizen, his expression cold and hard like an iron plate, eyes filled with anger, appeared where Ichigo originally was.
Then, before Momo could say anything more, Aizen Shunpo'd and disappeared.
Not far away, high-speed combat began!
Of course, the so-called high-speed referred to Aizen.
Relying on Hirenkyaku, Sonido, and Shunpo, three movement methods, Ichigo intended to use his own speed and the hatred he attracted to kite Aizen.
But Aizen's speed was very fast. The moment Ichigo disappeared from one spot, Aizen followed the next second, even stopping faster than Ichigo.
Then came a heavy slash.
Barely blocking Aizen's sword, Ichigo's purlicue split open instantly. His entire body was sent flying under the great force.
But before Ichigo could adjust his posture in mid-air, Aizen appeared beside him again.
Kyoka Suigetsu pressed down on Tensa Zangetsu. The sharp blade carved a large gash on Ichigo's body. Even using Hierro and Blut Vene simultaneously couldn't defend against Aizen's slash.
Thus, Ichigo flew out again!
Like a ball, Ichigo was infinitely combo'd by Aizen, utterly unable to fight back!
However, Aizen didn't aim for vital points much, just swinging his blade repetitively as if venting his own anger!
But someone of Aizen's level, just swinging his blade was enough to make him unstoppable!
Ichigo flew all the way, blood splashing all the way, looking quite miserable!
Watching this, the live stream audience was puzzled.
"No, why? Why did Ichigo provoke Aizen? Is being cheeky that fun?"
"Did he forget he still has over 20 billion game coins pressed on him? Or can game coins affect his mind too?"
"Not sure. Ichigo's thoughts have never been something we can fathom. Brothers, you keep watching. I'll go check other streams and think about it."
"No need to think. I checked. The Captain-Commander's injuries are recovering quickly! I think Ichigo might be trying to buy time!"
"But how do you buy time? With his life?"
The live stream audience guessed correctly. Ichigo did indeed have a bit of an idea to stall.
Of course, not by actually putting his life on the line.
He just wanted to use Aizen to resolve the game coin crisis. Knowing Aizen wouldn't kill him, he wanted to try to change the plot a bit.
Also, being able to be cheeky like this was really quite enjoyable.
However, the possibility of Aizen losing control in anger was also considered by Ichigo.
Next...
Boom-
Ichigo, who had just Shunpo'd away, was struck and sent flying by Aizen, who suddenly appeared at his side again.
His body created a Mach ring and heavily crashed into the tree in front of Rukia.
The immense force transmitted through Ichigo's back. Instantly, the trees in the forest were like grass meeting a scythe, easily broken and harvested by Ichigo's body, wood chips flying everywhere.
Finally, Ichigo's body at the end of its strength heavily crashed into a large tree not far from Rukia, blasting open a large crater!
"Ichigo!" Rukia anxiously ran over.
And seeing Ichigo again, Rukia was shocked.
Under Aizen's attacks, Ichigo was now covered in large gashes. Blood gushed out like an opened floodgate.
In an instant, a pool of blood accumulated under the tree where Ichigo lay.
This wasn't because Aizen had cut a major artery, but because there were too many wounds. Even Blut Vene couldn't control it.
Clearly, with such injuries, Ichigo had completely lost his ability to fight!