"Oh no, Ichigo! The 13th Division's Senkaimon has been attacked!" Rukia exclaimed in panic!
"What!!?" Ichigo's pupils constricted!
With the grand spectacle of the Hollows attacking from the sky, Ichigo thought they aimed to destroy the Soul Society.
But he never expected their goal was simply to attack the Senkaimon!
Ichigo immediately asked Rukia:
"The 13th Division's Senkaimon is the largest, but there should be other smaller ones, right? Including some noble families having their own private ones? Can we have others go protect them?"
"I'll notify them right away!" Rukia raised her hand, pushed up her sleeve, and began drawing patterns on her slender arm.
"Silken net of black and white! Twenty-two bridges, sixty-six crowning sash; footprints, distant thunder, pointed peaks, revolving grounds, nightly prostrations, sea of clouds..."
The incantation for Tenteikura began!
Rukia wanted to quickly relay messages to other Captains' Reiatsu and also asked noble families to guard their own Senkaimon!
However, Rukia's incantation was interrupted halfway!
Rumble rumble rumble-
Multiple massive explosions erupted in various parts of the Soul Society!
And the locations of those explosions were none other than the sites of Senkaimon!
The Senkaimon throughout the Soul Society, all areas!
In the sky, 'seeing' this scene, Tosen smiled.
"Excellent. This way, these Shinigami cannot hinder Aizen-sama's plan anymore!"
"But don't let your guard down. The Soul Society has ways to reach the Living World besides Senkaimon… Garganta work too!"
"So, descend! Operation begins. Hold back those Shinigami for me!"
"Today is the day we prove our loyalty to Aizen-sama!"
Tosen declared loudly.
Subsequently, starting with him, seven Espada, along with the eliminated lower-ranked Espada, nearly a hundred ordinary Arrancar Fracción, simultaneously jumped into the Seireitei!
Behind them, through the holes created by the seven Espada, numerous Gillians and weak Hollows fell down like dumplings!
For a moment, the spectacle of enemies descending from the sky was incredibly grand!
And the Seireitei officially faced an invasion that might only be second to the Thousand-Year Blood War!
Almost instantly, fierce combat sounds and the cries of many Shinigami constantly rang out all over the Seireitei!
Looking at the White Road Gate before them, which was ignored by these invaders,
Ichigo knew,
The war had begun!
"Everyone, follow me~!"
Leading the 13th Division's members, Ichigo headed into the interior of the Seireitei!
Though wearing the form-fitting white robe of the Espada uniform,
Whether it was Rukia,
Or some of the veteran 13th Division's members currently following Ichigo,
They could all unmistakably confirm who the person before them was!
For a moment, the situation of a dead Lieutenant suddenly coming back to life shocked everyone!
And not just Rukia and these 13th Division's members.
The many viewers in Ichigo's live stream felt the same.
Nowadays, after months of Ichigo's live streams, accustomed to the Bleach World, few things could make them exclaim in surprise like they did initially.
But now?
What haven't they seen?
This, they truly haven't seen!
"What's going on? Really? Is that Shiba Kaien!!?"
"Yeah, I immediately checked previous stream recordings. This person looks exactly like Shiba Kaien!"
"It's truly unbelievable. The question is why is Shiba Kaien wearing Espada clothing?"
"Did Shiba Kaien reincarnate into Hueco Mundo after Rukia executed him back then?"
"Impossible. Those who die in the Soul Society normally enter the cycle of reincarnation. How could they go to Hueco Mundo?"
"Then explain to me what's happening now?"
"Uuhhh..."
Because of Shiba Kaien's reappearance, everyone fell into confusion!
It was as if Sephiroth told you he would just live in memories, and then he resurrected!
Everyone felt like they'd seen a ghost!
And among everyone, Rukia received the greatest impact.
In the past, she had held an indescribable admiration for Kaien.
Only because of Kaien and Shiba Miyako's fairy-tale romance, Rukia deeply buried her feelings, just being a shipper.
Personally executing Kaien was the greatest blow to Rukia, nearly causing her to collapse.
But now, seeing a living Kaien appeared before her again, with Ichigo by her side, Rukia felt only panic.
"Kaien-dono, why are you here?!"
Rukia asked incredulously.
Then Rukia's gaze wandered over Aaroniero's clothing.
By now, she had learned about the Espada uniform.
"And... what's with that clothing?"
"Have you become one of Aizen's subordinates?" Rukia questioned.
"Yes, Rukia! As you can see, I am now a member of the Espada under Aizen-sama!" Aaroniero spread his hands.
"Actually, that time, Rukia, you didn't kill 'me'. You only killed that Hollow!"
"And 'I' replaced the original Hollow's consciousness and went to Hueco Mundo, becoming a Hollow!"
"To be honest, I was also very surprised to be able to regain this face through Aizen-sama's Arrancarization method!"
Aaroniero explained carefully.
He stared intently at Rukia, continuing: "That's my story! Now, tell me about yourself, Rukia."
Looking at Ichigo and the 13th Division members behind him, Aaroniero took a few steps forward:
"Rukia, you've changed quite a bit. Is this the new 13th Division's Lieutenant?"
"From your appearance, you must be a cousin from my Shiba Family? Kurosaki Ichigo, I've heard your name in Hueco Mundo too!"
"Not bad, not bad! Much stronger than I was!"
"Rukia, you've found a good man!" Aaroniero praised.
"Is... is that so? Thank you, Kaien-dono..." Hearing Aaroniero's praise, Rukia became shy.
"Hahaha!" Aaroniero let out a hearty laugh.
"What's there to thank? Seeing my former junior find a good destination, I'm also very happy!"
Saying this, Aaroniero took two more steps forward, wanting to reach out and pat Rukia's head, who had involuntarily stepped forward upon seeing him.
Beneath the smiling exterior, a hidden killing intent flashed momentarily!