XX-level Hokage

However, Aizen simply raised his hand, and the crescent-shaped slash melted away like snowflakes when it touched his spiritual pressure barrier, without even causing a ripple.

“Too weak,” Aizen said calmly. “Your power is nothing more than the struggle of an ant before me.” Ichigo’s body was thrown back several steps by the recoil, and he spat out a mouthful of blood, but he did not fall.

His gaze swept over Urahara, Yoruichi, and Isshin lying on the ground, as well as Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tōsen in the distance, and a strong sense of responsibility welled up in his heart. "I...must stop him," he muttered to himself, forcing himself to stand firm again, preparing for the next attack.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, Yamamoto Genryu Shigekuni knelt on one knee, blood still seeping from the severed wound on his left arm; his "Ryujin Jakka" had been sealed.

The spiritual pressure also decreased significantly due to the previous explosion.

But in his eyes, an unyielding majesty still burned.

That aged face, etched with wrinkles, exuded an indomitable aura of dominance, like a wounded lion poised to unleash its final roar. Captain-Commander Aizen Yamamoto's voice was deep and hoarse, carrying an undeniable pressure, "I... will never allow you to stand in the Defiled Soul World!"

His mind flashed back to the history of the Soul Realm over the years, the days he had protected, the fallen comrades—it was all too painful for him to accept this ending.

He forced himself to stand up, his right fist clenched, and his spiritual pressure erupted like a volcano.

Despite losing "Ryujin Jakka," his body and will remain the strongest symbols in the Tokishin world. Every cell in his body protests, but his will is as firm as steel.

"Ichigo!" He charged at Aizen, his right fist carrying enough power to shatter mountains, slamming into the still-unfinished gate!

The wind howled as the fist struck, cracking the ground beneath its pressure, and the air exploded with a deafening roar, as if the entire space itself trembled in response. "Boom—!"

The force of the punch collided with the space, producing a deafening roar.

The portal trembled violently, the black light at its edges became unstable, and even a crack appeared.

Aizen merely sneered, and with a gentle wave of his hand, an invisible spiritual pressure barrier sent Captain-Commander Yamamoto flying back several meters. The force surged like a tsunami, causing Captain-Commander Yamamoto's body to tumble through the air before crashing heavily to the ground.

"Captain-Commander Yamamoto, your perseverance is admirable." Aizen's voice carried a hint of regret, "But your era has ended." There was no sarcasm in his tone, only a cold, aloof air.

Chapter 251: God’s Throne (1)

Yamamoto landed with a thud, coughing up blood. His body swayed precariously, the bones in his right fist shattered, but his gaze remained sharp as a knife.

"I...have not fallen yet...Aizen, you will never step through that door!" He stood up again, his spiritual pressure weak but carrying an ancient majesty, preparing to activate his final "Twin Bones," even if it meant burning his life force.

On the other side of the battlefield, the Visoreds are trying to break through the remnants of spiritual pressure left by Tosen Kaname. They are the former captain and vice-captain of the Shinigami, who were banished due to Aizen's conspiracy. Now they have returned to the battlefield, but they are facing unprecedented despair.

Hirako Shinji stood at the very front, his "Reverse Strike" already unleashed, the blade radiating a strange, reversing power.

A nonchalant smile played on his lips, but his eyes were filled with seriousness. "Damn it... this guy's spiritual pressure is beyond our reach, but we're not here to be spectators!"

Hiyori Sarugaki's "Golden Foot Killing Jizo" spewed out poisonous mist. The golden head opened its mouth in the air, and the poisonous gas surged towards Aizen like a cloud, trying to erode his spiritual pressure barrier.

Kensei Muguruma's punches came out like cannonballs. His body was as agile as a wild beast, and each punch carried a burst of shockwaves, aiming directly at the weak point of the Transcendental Gate.

Aikawa Rabu's Sekiken Meiju summoned a giant fire giant from the heavens, attempting to melt Aizen's defenses with its high temperature.

Lisa Shirabuchi's "Iron Dragon Fly" transformed into countless iron spikes, piercing Aizen with a sharp whistling sound. Rojuro Ootori's "Golden Sands" released golden sound waves, attempting to disrupt Aizen's spiritual pressure flow.

Yuzaki Hachigen's "Earth Shark rises from the ground as a giant mud shark, attempting to devour the base of the Transcendental Gate".

"Go! We didn't come here for nothing!" Hirako Shinji shouted, unleashing his "Reverse Slash" in an attempt to reverse Aizen's spiritual pressure and make the attacks hit more effectively.

However, Aizen's spiritual pressure was too terrifying, and their attacks were completely neutralized by an invisible barrier before they even got close.

The poisonous mist dissipated before the barrier, the punch was deflected, the fire giant was instantly vaporized, the iron spikes shattered, the sonic waves disappeared, and the mud shark disintegrated.

"It's useless." Aizen's voice echoed across the battlefield. "I have already exhausted your strength." There was a hint of impatience in his tone, as if he were shooing away a swarm of buzzing flies.

Hirako Shinji gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with resentment. "Damn it... Is this guy really invincible?" His "Reverse Touch" sword trembled, his spiritual pressure rising.

They were nearing their limit, but they did not back down.

Hiyori Sarugaki, panting, whispered, "Even if we die... we'll bite off a piece of his flesh!" Kensei Rokugurashi wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and roared, "Keep going! We are the Visoreds, not men!"

They launched another combined attack, their spiritual pressure weaving into a net, attempting to break through from multiple angles.

But Aizen simply waved his hand, and a storm of spiritual pressure swept over them, blasting them all away.

Hirako Shinji landed heavily, spitting blood from his mouth, but his eyes still gleamed with fighting spirit. "Is this... our last stand...? But... we won't regret it."

Just as Aizen was about to step into the Transcendental Gate, Ichigo's spiritual pressure suddenly surged.

Black spiritual pressure began to condense wildly on his "Tensa Zanju" sword, as if it were about to devour all light.

A strange light flashed in his eyes—a kind of enlightenment that transcended limits, as if a dormant power was awakening. Although his body was covered in wounds, a perfect fusion of Hollow and Shinigami was faintly emerging in his spiritual pressure, the potential inherited in his bloodline.

"Aizen!" Ichigo's roar echoed across the battlefield as he charged towards Aizen like a black lightning bolt. "I won't let you...destroy everything!"

His mind flashed back to the teachings of marriage, Urahara's guidance, Yoruichi's encouragement, and the sacrifices of all his comrades, and that power pushed him beyond his limits.

"Crescent Moon Strike!" This attack was more powerful than any before.

The black crescent slash was like a giant blade tearing through the earth, carrying Ichigo's entire will and power, rushing straight at Aizen. The air twisted under the impact, and the ground was carved with deep trenches.

A hint of surprise flashed in Aizen's eyes, but his movements remained calm. He raised his hand, attempting to dispel the attack with his spiritual pressure barrier once again.

However, this time, the crescent-shaped slash broke through the barrier, grazing his arm and leaving a shallow wound from which blood seeped out.

It was small, yet it proved that Ichigo's power had already reached Aizen's limits.

"Oh?" Aizen looked down at the scars on his arm, a hint of interest flashing in his eyes. "Your power... can actually touch me?" His tone was tinged with curiosity, as if he had discovered a new toy.

Ichigo gasped for breath, his body on the verge of collapse, but his eyes grew ever more resolute. "Aizen... I will... stop you!" His spiritual pressure continued to surge, a more powerful attack brewing within him.

High in the sky, Mashiro's gaze remained fixed on Ichigo, her clothes fluttering in the wind, her deep eyes reflecting everything on the battlefield.

Mashiro didn't interfere, but simply observed quietly, as if everything was within her expectations. A slight smile played on her lips, and a hint of anticipation flashed in her eyes.

"Ichigo-kun, your potential is finally beginning to awaken, but it's not enough... You need... even greater power."

Amidst the ruins, Gin Ichimaru struggled to his feet. His "Godslayer Spear" was riddled with cracks, and his spiritual pressure was almost completely depleted. His face, unusually devoid of his signature fox-like smile, was replaced by a resolute expression.

In those deep blue eyes, there flashed loyalty to Mashiro and hatred for Aizen.

“Mashiro…I…I’ve done my best,” he murmured, his gaze falling on Ichigo. “Next…it’s up to you, Kurosaki Ichigo.” He forced himself to stand up, raising the “God Spear” in his hand once more, despite his already tattered body.

Aizen... I won't... let you get away so easily... He suddenly charged at Aizen, his blade aimed directly at the gate, attempting to destroy its formation with his last bit of spiritual pressure.

The blade extended, carrying a trace of residual silver light, and pierced towards the core of the door.

"Gin, your persistence is laughable." Aizen sneered, and with a wave of his hand, a burst of spiritual pressure sent Gin Ichimaru flying again. His body crashed heavily into the ruins, and he lost consciousness completely.

But before he fell into a coma, a look of relief flashed in his eyes—his mission was complete.

Aizen's gaze returned to Ichigo, his spiritual pressure surging once more, white mist almost completely enveloping him, forming a butterfly-like shell. His voice carried a divine majesty: "Kurosaki Ichigo, you are the last variable. But your power is still insufficient to shake me."

Ichigo gripped Tensa Rengetsu tightly, his body swaying precariously, but his will was as unyielding as steel. "Aizen... I don't know what your plan is, but I know... as long as I live, you'll never get A!"

He charged towards Aizen with a sudden burst of power. The black spiritual pressure gathered on the blade resembled a black galaxy, rushing straight towards Aizen. This strike carried all his beliefs and hopes.

The air distorted under the slash, and the battlefield seemed to fall silent.

A cold smile flashed in Aizen's eyes as he raised "Kyoka Suigetsu," preparing to crush Ichigo's last resistance with absolute power.

However, at this moment, a strange aura faintly emerged from Ichigo's spiritual pressure—it was the prototype of the "Final Getsuga Tenshou," as if a brand new power was awakening.

Everyone on the battlefield held their breath. Captain-Commander Yamamoto, Kisuke Urahara, Yoruichi, Isshin, the Visoreds... their eyes were all focused on...

They knew that this might be Ichigo's last chance.

"Ichigo Kurosaki..." Mashiro murmured softly, "Your awakening will determine everything, and it will also determine whether I choose to walk the path of the Hogyoku."

Chapter 252: God’s Throne (2)

The sky over Karakura Town remained gray, with the clouds swirling into vortexes due to spiritual pressure, resembling an apocalyptic scene.

Aizen stood in the void, his body shrouded in white spiritual pressure mist, the butterfly-shaped shell on his back becoming increasingly clear, each wisp of energy like an extension of the rules of the world.

He silently surveyed the battlefield, his cold eyes devoid of emotion, only displaying the oppressive aura of a god overlooking all. Kurosaki Ichigo gasped for breath, blood dripping from his jaw, the "Tensa Zangetsu" in his hand trembling slightly.

Although that attack injured Aizen, it nearly destroyed his body. Every breath felt like a knife cutting through him, but his eyes remained resolute.

"The final... Crescent Moon Pass..." he murmured, as if confirming his inner decision.

In the distance, Captain-Commander Yamamoto knelt on one knee, his cloudy pupils fixed on the confrontation between the two. Even though he was covered in wounds, he still keenly sensed the abnormality in Ichigo's spiritual pressure. That black spiritual stream was not simply the power of a Shinigami, but rather a sign of some kind of fusion and transformation.

"This kid... is he going to sacrifice himself?" Yamamoto's heart trembled slightly. He understood that it was a way of fighting that would burn out his life force.

"Don't be impulsive, Ichigo!" Kisuke Urahara cried out, his voice hoarse as he endured the excruciating pain. "That power... once used, there's no turning back!"

Yoruichi looked up, her golden eyes flashing with anxiety. She knew Ichigo's strength—once he made up his mind, no one could stop him. Ichigo didn't answer, only held Aizen tightly. He had only one thought in his mind: he had to stop the man before him.

Aizen slowly raised his hand, his fingertips gathering a spiritual pressure that seemed to devour the heavens and earth. The pitch-black energy intertwined with the white mist, forming a vortex.

The sphere of light.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, your growth has indeed exceeded my expectations." Aizen's voice seemed to pierce through the heavens and earth, "But if potential cannot be realized, it is nothing but an unripe fruit. Your so-called determination is nothing but a futile struggle."

The sphere of light suddenly expanded, and the oppressive feeling it emitted made everyone on the battlefield tense up. Despite being seriously injured, the members of the Masked Army still struggled to their feet.

Shinji Hirako wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and muttered through gritted teeth, "Damn it... no... even if we fight with all our might, we can't withstand that level of attack."

Hiyori Sarugaki, panting and hoarse, said, "As long as Ichigo can successfully awaken... it'll be worth dying for." Ha... easy for her to say. Kensei Rokugurashi grinned, but there was no sign of backing down in his eyes. "But I agree."

They understood that this was no longer the time for them to control the battle. Their only hope rested on the young surrogate Grim Reaper.

Just as Aizen was about to unleash his power, Ichigo's spiritual pressure suddenly surged—"BOOM—!"

The black spiritual pressure spread like a tide, instantly enveloping the entire battlefield. It was not simply the power of a Shinigami, nor the aura of a Hollow, but a being that had completely transcended all others.

Urahara's pupils constricted sharply, a sudden shock washing over him. "This spiritual pressure... is completely different from that of a Shinigami, and different from that of a Hollow... Could it be that Ichigo...?" Yoruichi's golden eyes flashed with shock, her body trembling involuntarily. "He... is abandoning his humanity?"

Around Ichigo's body, black spiritual energy condensed into wing-like shapes, his long hair danced in the air currents, and his face was gradually covered by black patterns. It was a prelude to the "Final Getsuga Tenshou"—he would sacrifice himself to become Zangetsu himself.

"Aizen!" Ichigo roared, his voice seemingly piercing through the entire region. "I told you... I wouldn't let you have it!" He raised "Kanso Zangetsu" high, its blade completely blackened, its edge like an abyss.

"The final... Crescent Moon Sky Slash!!!" In an instant, the world changed color.

A massive black blade descended from the sky, cleaving through the clouds and tearing through the air.

That strike carried the will of all his fallen comrades, and also Ichigo's resolve to burn out his life.

Aizen's pupils contracted slightly; this was the first time he had felt a true crisis. He raised "Kyoka Suigetsu," attempting to use an absolute spiritual pressure barrier to withstand the attack. "Crack—!"

A piercing cracking sound rang out, and cracks appeared in Aizen's barrier. The black giant blade tore through the defense with overwhelming force, heading straight for his chest.

"How is this possible!" Aizen's heart trembled suddenly. He had already assimilated with the Hogyoku and should have surpassed the limits of Shinigami and Hollows. Why was he shaken?

In an instant, the giant blade exploded, and a black shockwave swept across the entire battlefield, tearing the ground apart and ripping the sky, as if the entire Karakura Town was about to collapse.

"Aaaaaah!" Countless people were thrown back by the shockwave. Members of the Visored fell like wolves. Urahara and Yoruichi used their last strength to protect Isshin as he fell.

Dust and smoke filled the air, and the world seemed to fall silent for a moment.

As the dust and mist gradually dissipated, Aizen's figure reappeared.