Bankai was the Shinigami's ultimate technique.
The pinnacle of Zanpakuto development.
However, after the Quincy developed the ability to steal Bankai.
It became the Shinigami's greatest weakness.
In this invasion, whether Vice-Captains who mastered Bankai or Gotei Captains proficient in Bankai—not one dared use it.
Because they feared.
First Division Vice-Captain Chojiro Sasakibe's tragic fate warned everyone.
Even Yamamoto Genryusai, called the strongest Shinigami, was no exception. His Bankai, after being displayed, was instantly stolen by Yhwach.
This was why he dared face this thousand-year-old nemesis head-on.
The war situation had completely changed from a thousand years ago.
A thousand years ago, precisely because of his vast Bankai, the Quincy were driven back repeatedly. Even Yhwach himself nearly died completely.
Thus, he painstakingly researched the power to steal Bankai.
Finally, in the battle between the advance force and Chojiro Sasakibe, his Bankai was successfully stolen, heralding absolute victory's arrival.
Yhwach only needed slight scheming to provoke his Bankai, then instantly complete the theft.
That Yamamoto Genryusai who once terrified them—after losing Bankai, no longer posed any threat.
However, for Yhwach, for all Sternritter—
Segawa Shigure's appearance became the Empire's greatest obstacle.
His extraordinary Bankai—since that half-release during the Captain's examination, the next release was in that Karakura Town battle.
Though that battle had been analyzed countless times, replayed countless times.
They still couldn't obtain the slightest information from it.
That was truly... unfathomably deep Bankai.
Even after Haschwalth's two years of surveillance, the information obtained still felt like the tip of an iceberg.
Too many unknowns, too many possibilities... too much unpredictability.
So Yhwach needed a vanguard force to execute the assault on Segawa Shigure.
The first purpose was to delay his steps, ensuring other parts of the plan proceeded smoothly.
The other purpose was to use Askin's Deathdealing ability to force out Segawa Shigure's Bankai for analysis and theft.
But now, before completing Yamamoto Genryusai's execution, Segawa Shigure had already arrived.
This already indicated... Askin's trio had completely perished.
Lethal Dose had no effect before him. He still appeared completely unharmed.
And now, Haschwalth possessing The Balance power was also instantly defeated...
Everything... was because of... his Bankai...?
Then... exactly when...?
When blocking my spirit particle blade just now... or... when releasing that Ura Hado...?
Yhwach slowly narrowed his eyes. Faint light flickered in his black pupils.
Just then, Shigure suddenly spoke:
"You might find it strange..."
"When exactly did I use Bankai..."
"...Correct?"
Watching the stunned Yhwach opposite, Shigure chuckled.
Hearing this, Yhwach withdrew his gaze, speaking coldly:
"Your Bankai..."
"If Aizen's judgment back then wasn't completely wrong..."
"Then... it should be spatial manipulation, correct?"
As his words fell, Shigure's expression showed no change. However, Yamamoto Genryusai's expression suddenly darkened.
He hadn't expected that even what Aizen said during that Karakura Town battle, Yhwach knew thoroughly.
Indeed, their grasp of "shadow" power had reached a bizarre degree—no one noticed at all.
Seeing Shigure not responding, Yhwach slowly raised his eyes:
"Back then, you didn't counter Aizen's attack."
"Rather, you directly drew his Reiatsu into 'a certain space,' then changed its direction, creating a counter effect."
"However, because Aizen was under your Bankai's pressure, he made an incorrect judgment."
"So even after Hogyoku evolution, he still couldn't escape the barrier."
"If that's the case..."
"Then why Haschwalth is now in this state where Reiatsu cannot be detected..."
"Isn't because his existence is being 'incinerated'..."
"But because... he's currently in that space created by your Bankai."
"Therefore..."
"I only need to... destroy your Bankai."
At these words, Yhwach's Reiatsu suddenly erupted. The black cloak behind him was instantly lifted by that explosive pressure.
BOOM!!!
Surrounding ruins were instantly pushed away at this moment. Oppressive force filled the entire area.
Seeing this, Shigure finally placed his hand on his Zanpakuto's hilt at his waist, lowering his eyes with a light smile:
"You're quite good at monologuing, Yhwach."
"However, I regretfully inform you... completely wrong."
"As for what you said about destroying Bankai..."
"Heh, haven't you clearly not even begun understanding my Bankai...?"
"..."
Hearing this, Yhwach instead opened his mouth, showing a cruel smile:
"Is that so...?"
"Seems I must teach you... what 'destroy' means."
As his words fell, Yhwach instantly raised his left hand. Blue-white Reiatsu storm instantly surged forth!
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