XX-level Hokage

The light, like the flames of hell, erupted from his body, instantly engulfing the surrounding ruins and forming a blazing wall of fire that shot straight into the sky!

"What?!" Kyoraku Shunsui's pupils constricted sharply, his signature straw hat trembling slightly under the impact of the violent spiritual pressure. "This power... is Ryujin Jakka?!"

“No, that’s not right.” Jushiro Ukitake’s voice was low and solemn. “This isn’t just simple flame…this power…is distorted!”

Within the wall of fire, Wonderwiss's shattered body was strangely reassembled. His body was no longer humanoid, but transformed into a terrifying entity composed of countless flames.

Those flames were not the fiery and pure flames of Captain-Commander Yamamoto, but rather carried an ominous, deep dark red, like cursed fire surging from the depths of hell.

"Ahhh!" The fiery monster let out a piercing roar, charging towards Captain-Commander Yamamoto with earth-shattering power.

"Captain-Commander, watch out!" Toshiro Hitsugaya shouted, instantly unleashing the "Hyōrinmaru" in his hand, its icy aura spreading outwards as he attempted to block the impact of the flames.

However, the moment the ice and snow collided with the flames, they were instantly engulfed by the dark red flames, leaving not even a trace of moisture behind!

"How...how is this possible?!" Hitsugaya Toshiro's eyes were filled with shock. His "Hyōrinmaru," known as the strongest ice-type Zanpakutō, couldn't even withstand it for a moment!

"Step back!" Captain-Commander Yamamoto's voice boomed like thunder, and his figure, like a shooting star, rushed towards the fiery monster. Although the "Ryujin Jakka" in his hand had been extinguished, his steel-like body still exuded an unparalleled aura of power.

"I have roamed the Soul Society for a thousand years, and what I have relied on has never been mere soul swords!" A rage more intense than flames ignited in Captain-Commander Yamamoto's eyes. "You lowly villains, do you think that sealing Ryujin Jakka will shake my will?!"

"So innocent!"

He clenched his fists, and his spiritual pressure erupted like a volcanic eruption, compressing the surrounding air to its limit in an instant, even producing a piercing sonic boom. "Dual Bone Extreme!"

Captain-Commander Yamamoto unleashed another powerful punch, this time even more terrifying than the previous "Double Bone" strike. The space itself seemed to be torn apart by the force of the punches, and a huge crater collapsed into the ground! The fire monster formed from the remains of Wonderwiss was instantly torn apart into countless sparks that scattered in all directions before this pure power!

However, the sparks did not dissipate. They rapidly reformed in mid-air, transforming into countless dark red fire arrows that rained down on Captain-Commander Yamamoto like a storm.

"Captain-Commander!" "Jushiro Ukitake and Shunsui Kyoraku attacked simultaneously, attempting to block the attack for Captain-Commander Yamamoto."

However, the flaming arrows seemed to have a life of their own, bypassing their defenses and heading straight for Captain-Commander Yamamoto.

"Hmph!" Captain-Commander Yamamoto sneered, waving his hands sharply. Pure spiritual pressure formed an invisible barrier, shattering all the fire arrows. However, his expression darkened slightly—these flames were showing signs of eroding his spiritual pressure!

“Interesting…” Aizen’s voice rang out again. He stood high in the sky, looking down at the battlefield, his eyes full of admiration. “Wandawiss may only be a half-finished product, but to be able to transform the flames of ‘Ryujin Jakka’ into such a form, it truly lives up to my masterpiece.”

"Aizen!" Kyoraku Shunsui gritted his teeth, his "Katen Kyokotsu" already unleashed, its blade pointed directly at Aizen. "Just how many more schemes are you hiding?!"

"A conspiracy?" Aizen chuckled, adjusting his glasses. "This is merely part of the plan. Captain-Commander Yamamoto is indeed powerful, but without Ryujin Jakka, he's nothing more than an old man with brute force. And you..." His gaze swept over all the Shinigami present, "are already exhausted and utterly incapable of stopping me."

Just then, a figure rushed over from a distance, carrying a sharp spiritual pressure, and headed straight for Aizen.

"Kurosaki Ichigo?!" Hirako Shinji was taken aback, then frowned. "This kid... why is he only arriving now?!"

Kurosaki Ichigo's figure drew an arc in the air. His "Tensa Zangetsu" had been released, and the blade was wrapped with intense black spiritual pressure, pointing directly at Aizen!

"Aizen! This farce ends here!" Ichigo roared, his blade slashing down with a massive black crescent moon, hurtling straight at Aizen.

"Getsuga Tenshou!" This strike contained all of Ichigo's power. The air was torn apart by the blade, emitting a piercing shriek!

However, Aizen merely smiled slightly, and with a flash, easily dodged the attack. His figure was like a ghost, instantly appearing behind Ichigo, and he lightly waved "Kyoka Suigetsu" in his hand.

"Too slow, Ichigo Kurosaki." Aizen's voice was calm and cold. "Your power is ultimately just that of a mortal."

"!" Ichigo whirled around, his blade clashing with "Kyoka Suigetsu" with a crisp metallic clang. However, Aizen's sword seemed to encounter no resistance whatsoever, easily flicking Ichigo back several steps.

"Ichigo!" Kisuke Urahara's voice came from afar. He and Yoruichi Shihouin appeared on the battlefield at the same time, trying to support Ichigo. However, Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tōsen quietly appeared beside Aizen, blocking their path.

“Mr. Urahara, Ms. Yoruichi, you’d better just watch quietly,” Gin Ichimaru said with a smile, his “divine spear” trembling slightly, emanating a dangerous aura.

“Ichimaru…” Kisuke Urahara narrowed his eyes, clutching “Benhime” tightly in his hand. “You bastard, you’re still on Aizen’s side after all.”

"Heh, Mr. Urahara, those words are quite hurtful." Gin Ichimaru's smile remained unchanged. "I just...wanted to see how this play would end." On the other side of the battlefield, Captain-Commander Yamamoto was still locked in combat with the reforming fire monster. Those dark red flames seemed endless, and each time...

Once scattered, it will quickly reassemble and transform into a new attack.

Although Yamamoto's spiritual pressure was powerful, it seemed to be suppressed in the face of this strange flame. "Captain-Commander!" Toshiro Hiya attempted to attack again, but was stopped by Shunsui Kyoraku.

"Don't go over there, Shiro!" Kyoraku Shunsui's tone was more serious than ever before. "Those flames... are beyond our capabilities." "Damn it..." Hitsugaya gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with resentment.

Just then, Aizen's figure slowly rose into the air. His spiritual pressure swept across the entire area like a tidal wave, making everyone breathless. The Hogyoku in his hand emitted a faint light, as if whispering some ominous prophecy.

"It's almost time." Aizen's tone was calm and confident. "Captain-Commander Yamamoto, your flame has been extinguished, and your hopes will be extinguished as well."

"Kurosaki Ichigo..." Aizen's gaze fell on Ichigo, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You are the final variable in my plan, but unfortunately, your growth is far from sufficient."

Ichigo gripped "Tensa Zangetsu" tightly, sweat beading on his forehead. His spiritual pressure was nearing its limit, but his eyes burned with an indomitable fighting spirit. "Aizen..." Ichigo whispered, "I don't know what your plan is, but as long as I stand here, you won't get it!"

"Oh?" Aizen chuckled. "Then let me see just how far your resolve can take you." Before he finished speaking, Aizen's figure suddenly vanished, and the next moment, his blade appeared in front of Ichigo.

"!" Ichigo barely blocked the attack, but the immense force sent him flying backward, crashing heavily into the ruins of a building.

"Ichigo!" Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi attacked simultaneously, but Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tōsen's interception prevented them from getting close. "It's useless." Aizen's voice echoed across the battlefield, "Your strength has long been exhausted by me, and now..."

He slowly raised the "Mirror Flower, Water Moon" in his hand, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "It's time to end this game."

Chapter 242: The Final Battle in Karakura Town (Part 12)

Aizen's words, like an invisible blade, hung over everyone's heads. His figure slowly rose into the sky, the light of the Hogyoku...

The light grew stronger and stronger, casting an eerie blue glow over the entire ruins of Karakura Town.

The Shinigami on the battlefield, whether they were captains of the Gotei 13 or members of the Visoreds, all felt an unprecedented sense of oppression. It was not just the suppression of spiritual pressure, but also the despair brought about by Aizen's near-perfect plan.

"Ichigo!" Kisuke Urahara's shout was tinged with anxiety. He and Yoruichi Shihouin were trying to break through the blockade of Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tosen, but Gin Ichimaru's spear "extended like a silver lightning bolt" in an instant, forcing them to retreat.

"Oh dear, Mr. Urahara, don't be in such a hurry." A playful glint flashed in Gin Ichimaru's fox-like eyes. "Captain Aizen hasn't had enough fun yet." Ichigo Kurosaki crawled up from the ruins, coughing up blood. He gripped his Tensa Zangetsu tightly, the black spiritual pressure still surging on the blade, but...

His body was already swaying precariously.

Aizen's attack, though seemingly casual, precisely struck his vital points, causing his spiritual pressure to become unstable.

Damn it... Aizen Ichigo wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes burning with an indomitable flame, "I won't... fall like this!"

Aizen merely smiled slightly and did not immediately pursue. His gaze shifted to the other end of the battlefield, where Yamamoto Genryu Shigekuni was still engaged in fierce combat with the dark red flame monster formed from the remnants of the Great Vyse.

The flames seemed to possess their own will; each time they were scattered by Captain-Commander Yamamoto's "Double Bone Extreme," they would reform at an even faster speed. The dark red tongues of fire sizzled in the air, emitting a crackling sound, and even the space itself seemed to distort slightly.

Although Captain-Commander Yamamoto's spiritual pressure barrier was powerful, the corrosive power of the flames was increasing, and charred marks had already appeared on his robes.

"Captain-General..." Kyoraku Shunsui's voice trembled slightly as he gripped "Katen Kyokotsu" tightly, yet dared not step forward rashly. Ukitake Jushiro's face was pale; his "Sougyo no Ritsu" was suddenly released, but it seemed powerless in the face of that eerie flame.

"I... said it before," Captain-Commander Yamamoto's voice was deep and firm. His figure suddenly accelerated, like an ancient beast, pouncing towards the fiery monster. "You... don't even think about... using my flames to turn against me!"

His figure stood tall before the fiery monster, his eyes showing no fear, only the unwavering will accumulated over millennia, as steadfast as a mountain.

"How could I possibly let you petty villains get away with this!" Yamamoto's voice boomed like thunder. He suddenly opened his arms, and pure spiritual pressure, like an invisible cage, completely surrounded the swelling fire monster.

The spiritual pressure surged out like a tide, forming a huge vortex that completely enveloped the fire monster.

The fire monster let out a piercing roar, trying to break free, but Captain-Commander Yamamoto's strength was too terrifying, and its body was pulled and compressed little by little.

"This is..." A look of shock flashed in Hirako Shinji's eyes. "He's going to... absorb those flames with his own body?!"

"As expected of the Captain-Commander..." Hiyori Sarugaki's voice was filled with awe, "But this is too dangerous! Those flames are the product of Ryujin Jakka being distorted and then erupting."

Captain-Commander Yamamoto showed no fear on his face; his eyes held only the majesty and determination accumulated over millennia. "My flame... was born of me... and will perish with me... You monster... will return to dust with me!"

The moment the words left his mouth, Captain-Commander Yamamoto abruptly clasped his arms together, and the ball of fire was completely compressed into a dark red sphere of light, which floated in his palm.

The sphere of light trembled violently, its internal energy accumulating like a volcano ready to erupt.

"Captain-Commander! Let go!" Hitsugaya Toshiro shouted, his "Hyōrinmaru" attempting to unleash its chilling power to support him, but Kyōraku Shunsui grabbed him. "Don't go... this is the Captain-Commander's resolve..." A rare hint of moisture flickered in Kyōraku Shunsui's eyes.

Aizen watched this scene from high above, his smile fading slightly. "Oh? Willing to injure yourself to stop the explosion? Interesting... But this is just a futile attempt."

At that moment, the energy within the sphere of light reached its limit.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto clenched his fist, and the dark red light erupted instantly. Rumble!

A deafening roar shook the entire town of Karakura.

The shockwave from the explosion swept out like a tsunami, instantly turning nearby buildings into dust.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto's figure was engulfed by the explosion. His left arm was completely blown apart in the blast, with blood and charred flesh splattering everywhere. However, his steel-like body managed to withstand most of the explosive force, allowing only a small amount of the aftershocks to spread to the outer edge of the battlefield.

As the smoke cleared, Captain-Commander Yamamoto knelt on one knee. His left arm was gone, the wound charred black, and his spiritual pressure weakened. But in his eyes, an inextinguishable rage still burned. "I... am not yet fallen... Aizen... your tricks... end here!" Captain-Commander... The hearts of all the Shinigami trembled.

This strongest Shinigami, who has protected the Soul Society for a thousand years, remains as immovable as a mountain, even after losing "Ryujin Jakka" and suffering severe injuries.

A hint of surprise flashed in Aizen's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. "As expected of Yamamoto Genryu Shigekuni, the most powerful Shinigami in the history of Tokishin World... But your era has ended."

Then, Aizen slowly descended and stood before Captain-Commander Yamamoto, his Kyoka Suigetsu sword, "Flash of Cold Light," gleaming in his hand. "You've... grown old."

The words had barely left his mouth when Aizen vanished. The next instant, his blade was already thrusting out from behind Captain-Commander Yamamoto!

"Pfft—!"

Blood splattered as Aizen's sword pierced through Captain-Commander Yamamoto's chest without any resistance.

"Captain!" The cries of all the Grim Reapers merged into a sea of ​​despair at this moment.

But Yamamoto did not fall. He suddenly turned around and grabbed Aizen's arm. His wrinkled hand was as hard as steel.

"Boy...you underestimate me too much." A final flame ignited in Captain-Commander Yamamoto's eyes. "Even if I lose Ryujin Jakka, I can still drag you into hell!"

His spiritual pressure reached its peak at this moment, and that power even caused Aizen's expression to change slightly.

Chapter 243: The Final Battle in Karakura Town (Part 13)

"A solemn and respectful burial!"

Captain-Commander Yamamoto's aged body suddenly emitted a blinding, eerie red light, and scorching spiritual pressure surged around him like magma—this was his forbidden technique, a sacrifice of his own soul, capable of dragging his deceased loved ones into the infernal hell of inferno; it was the most devastating final move in the century-long legacy of the Gotei 13.

The air distorted under this force, and even the rubble of the distant ruins sizzled as it was heated, as if the entire Karakura Town was about to be devoured by the flames.

A faint hint of surprise flashed in Aizen's eyes as he looked at Sousuke, but the emotion vanished in an instant, quickly replaced by his usual calm. He watched Yamamoto approach step by step, a nonchalant smile curving his lips: "An interesting technique... but useless against me."

Before he finished speaking, the Hogyoku in his palm suddenly emitted a soft yet extremely penetrating white light. The light wrapped around his body like a living thing, and before Captain-Commander Yamamoto's forbidden flame cage could close, it forcibly separated his figure from the control of the flames.

"boom--!"

The deafening explosions echoed across the battlefield once more, but this time it wasn't an attack on the enemy—Captain-Commander Yamamoto's body, under the immense force of the forbidden technique's backlash, collapsed heavily to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut. His body, which had once upheld the eternal majesty of the Gotei 13, now resembled a collapsing mountain, crashing into the scorched earth and creating a huge crater several meters deep, the rising dust obscuring half the sky.

The Captain-Commander's spiritual pressure rapidly weakened, with only the Zanpakuto "Ryujin Jakka" stuck beside him retaining a faint flame, as if mourning the old general's fall.

The focus of the battlefield suddenly shifted to Ichigo Kurosaki at this moment.

Ichigo managed to steady himself amidst the aftershocks of the explosion, his chest heaving violently, blood still dripping from the corner of his mouth. He took a deep breath, and his spiritual pressure surged forth once more. Black energy coiled around the power of "Kanso Zangetsu" and rushed towards Aizen.

He slashed out with a single stroke.

The black blade flashed and instantly slashed Aizen's arm.

Aizen glanced at Ichigo, then casually activated "Kyoka Suigetsu" and with a flick of his wrist, an invisible slash, barely perceptible to the naked eye, instantly sliced ​​through the air, striking Ichigo's abdomen with the precision of a sharp blade.

"Ugh!" Ichigo groaned inwardly as he was sent flying dozens of feet by the force of the slash, crashing heavily into the ruins behind him.