The moment Shimo finished speaking, his figure gradually vanished from where he stood.
In the next instant, when he reappeared, he was already behind Aizen.
The long blade of his Zanpakutō allowed him to launch attacks from countless unimaginable angles.
Boom!
With Szayelaporro no longer interfering, Shimo was finally able to fully unleash his spatial abilities.
Compared to Szayelaporro's crude use of space earlier, Shimo's control was clearly far more refined.
Layers of stagnant space condensed along the blade, making the raised sword seem as if it carried the weight of an entire mountain.
Aizen turned slightly and countered with a backhand slash. The surge of spiritual pressure from his blade offset the force transmitted from Shimo's Zanpakutō.
This was Aizen's way of dealing with the attack.
At that moment, Aizen's spiritual pressure had already surpassed that of every captain present.
The tangible spiritual pressure swirling around him disrupted the surrounding order of space itself.
Shimo's eyes flickered as he sensed the spatial disturbance.
Because of Aizen's countermeasure, the power of Shimo's strike was reduced considerably.
Seeing this, Aizen's gaze shifted slightly, and a faint smile appeared on his face.
"As expected."
"Stopping time cannot serve as a standard combat method."
"It is more suitable for delivering a finishing blow."
"Right now is not the optimal moment to use it."
"In contrast, spatial abilities are far more practical for repeated use."
After the first attack had been completely neutralized, Shimo's Zanpakutō and Kyōka Suigetsu collided with a clear ringing sound.
A visible shockwave erupted from the point where the blades met.
The swirling clouds that had only just dispersed were once again torn apart.
"Shimo… your mastery of swordsmanship is no weaker than that of any captain."
Aizen spoke calmly.
A faint blade of spiritual pressure formed along his sword and slashed out the moment his words ended.
Facing the attack, Shimo showed no intention of dodging. Instead, he moved forward to meet it head-on.
The raised crimson blade became the most striking sight above Karakura Town.
The collision of spiritual pressure against spiritual pressure produced a thunderous roar that shook the world.
"Thank you for the compliment. You're strong as well."
Shimo closed the distance, forcing Aizen into close combat.
The way the two fought left the spectators below staring in confusion.
Based on their usual demeanor, both of them were known for their calm and calculated personalities.
So why did their current fighting style resemble that of Kenpachi Zaraki, captain of the Eleventh Division?
The relentless advance, the reckless exchanges of blows—both resembled Kenpachi at the height of battle.
However, after a brief clash in close combat, Aizen was the first to change tactics.
When Shimo's next slash descended, Aizen raised his left hand slightly.
In an instant, spiritual pressure spread out before him, forming intricate patterns that assembled at dazzling speed.
Within a blink, a massive transparent barrier shield formed.
The barrier expanded rapidly, intercepting Shimo's descending strike.
Boom!
A piercing explosion rang out as the blade struck the barrier, sending sparks and spiritual pressure flashing across its surface.
At the same time, Shimo extended his left hand.
A sphere of black light gathered within his palm.
A darkness capable of devouring everything slammed against the barrier.
Ultimate Cero, point-blank release!
BOOOOOOM!!!
Two overwhelming forces of spiritual pressure erupted simultaneously, and the resulting shockwave swallowed everything within sight.
The tremendous turbulence lasted several seconds before finally fading.
High above the battlefield, the two figures faced each other—both completely unharmed.
Their Zanpakutō remained poised just inches from each other.
After a moment, Aizen lowered his gaze slightly and chuckled.
"Shimo, just as I said earlier…"
"I have already seen through your Zanpakutō."
"A Zanpakutō possessing both spatial and time powers would rank among the most exceptional in the history of the Soul Society."
"Even compared to Ryūjin Jakka, Captain-Commander Yamamoto's blade, it would not fall short."
"But unfortunately… it is useless against me."
Aizen smiled calmly.
Seeing that Shimo remained silent, he continued.
"Just like in our brief exchange earlier."
"Once isolated by my barrier shield, the only way you could attack me was through Cero."
"This barrier shield was developed using the power of the Hōgyoku."
"It possesses a spiritual pressure density exceeding a thousand layers."
"Under such a barrier, attacks composed of spiritual pressure are rendered ineffective against me."
"In this clash… it seems I have the upper hand."
Hearing this, Shimo's lips curved into a smile.
"Aizen… when did you start believing that this is all I'm capable of?"
"It's only a barrier shield."
The moment the words fell, Shimo once again raised his Zanpakutō—
And slashed into empty space before him.
Aizen's eyes froze slightly.
Before he could react—
Something abnormal occurred.
An intense pain suddenly spread across Aizen's entire body.
To his shock, numerous deep wounds appeared across him in an instant.
Bright red blood burst from the cuts.
Above Karakura Town, it seemed as though a rain of blood had begun to fall.
For a moment, Aizen's thoughts went completely blank.
'What… just happened?'
His attack should have been completely blocked by the barrier shield.
Then what was this?
For the first time, true shock appeared in Aizen's eyes.
The attack had not dealt serious damage—
But the disgrace it carried was immense.
At that moment, the Hōgyoku embedded in his chest emitted a faint glow.
Spiritual pressure surged.
Within an instant, all of Aizen's wounds were completely restored.
In the blink of an eye, he had returned to perfect condition.
If not for the lingering shock in his eyes, one might have believed the previous scene was nothing more than an illusion.
Seeing this, the Shinigami and Arrancar watching below could hardly believe their eyes.
Shimo's attack had exceeded the limits of their understanding.
At that moment, Jūshirō Ukitake's eyes flashed with realization.
As if remembering something, he cried out in shock:
"…A slash that bypasses dimensions?!"
---------------------------------///
Advance Chapters on Patreon!
p(a)treon(.)com/HudaLin
-Remove the parenthesis to access patreon normally
Thanks for the Support!