Seeing that Ichigo was about to lose his will completely, Shiroha clapped his hands mercifully. "Okay, let's stop here!"
As his voice fell, the Five Elements Barrier immediately dissipated, and Ichigo was released.
He still needed Ichigo to go out and make trouble—now was not the time for this kid to be trapped here.
However, to be honest, this kid's mentality was indeed a bit lacking. It couldn't be said that he was weak-willed, but rather soft-hearted and a little awkward.
"I'm really sorry for not giving Lord Uehara a chance to use his full strength!" Ichigo fell to the ground with a face full of shame.
He was a little stunned by the blow and didn't know what to say. He really hadn't expected that this Captain-Commander was so much stronger than the captains of the Gotei 13.
Once, he had been amazed at the strength of Byakuya Kuchiki and Kenpachi Zaraki, and thought that they were the strongest of the Soul Society. Now he understood what "there are people beyond people, and there are heavens beyond heavens" meant.
The waters of the Soul Society ran too deep. Fortunately, Shiroha wasn't standing on the opposite side, otherwise, they would have no chance of winning.
Looking at the protagonist who seemed a little dazed, Shiroha kindly comforted him. "Actually, you're not that bad. At least, you're now qualified to stand in front of me."
"Thank you!" Ichigo suddenly thought of something and asked in confusion, "Wait! I just completed Bankai, why did I have to be beaten?"
Didn't they agree he was just being taught Bankai? Sure enough, this wasn't teaching, but punishment. If he didn't achieve Bankai, he would be beaten. If he achieved Bankai, he would still be beaten. Was his Bankai for nothing?
"I'm sorry, your posture and momentum were so cool just now, I couldn't help it." Shiroha's serious expression made Yoruichi laugh.
After hearing this, Ichigo's fist clenched. If he couldn't beat Shiroha, he at least wanted to try.
"Okay, don't worry about these details."
Because the Five Elements Barrier had been promoted to the Transcendent level, Shiroha was in a good mood and offered some useful information. "Now that you've completed Bankai, your strength has indeed improved a lot. However, your power has no heart, so it's not stable. What you have to do now is to truly control your own power. Remember, Reiatsu also has a soul."
Currently, Ichigo was like a nouveau riche, who could only squander money meaninglessly. If he just bought some flashy luxury goods, it would be pointless, and he would probably lose his entire fortune.
Using money to build connections, security, and power was understanding how to use wealth. This was what it meant when they said money could make the world go round.
The same was true for using one's power. Without the corresponding heart and skills, power was like squandered money. It couldn't be called worthless, but it was certainly wasted.
Just like after opening the final Quincy form, Lille Barro possessed unparalleled abilities and powers. But because his use of power was too superficial and "unworthy of the position," he was nearly defeated by Shunsui Kyōraku.
And the skills in the world of the dead had never been pure. These skills were closely related to the mind and even the soul of the user.
Therefore, the special technique [Getsuga Tenshō] passed down through generations in the Shiba family could tear apart all four of Aizen's forms in the hands of Ichigo, who possessed a special soul.
The Hollowfied Kaname Tōsen, who was said to be superior to the Ten Espada, was killed by a sneak attack from Vice-Captain Hisagi. The reason was that his mentality had collapsed.
Although the Hollowfied Tōsen's power was very strong, his mind was fragile, so he was still vulnerable.
Therefore, when Shiroha was teaching Momo Hinamori, Rukia, and others, he emphasized the role of the mind.
In fact, it was about exerting the maximum potential of one's power and tapping into the characteristics buried within one's spiritual pressure.
However, Ichigo had no idea about this and said confidently, "I don't understand! What are you talking about?"
"Forget it, just continue to get beaten!" Shiroha suddenly lost interest in being a teacher.
Byakuya Kuchiki should give up his position as head of the family to you—you're the real Kuchiki!
These "cheaters" really had no technical skills at all!
Yoruichi beside him nodded in agreement.
Although she might not understand as much as Shiroha, she also knew the value of these words. Some nobles regarded them as secrets not to be shared, and even compared them to "true teachings." There were very few people in Soul Society who could truly understand this concept, and most of them understood it through physical experience and battles.
It seemed that Ichigo would only understand the importance of these words through practice.
...
At the secret entrance, Yoruichi watched Ichigo's departing figure and said worriedly, "Will he be okay? He must have used up a lot of energy just now!"
She had seen with her own eyes how several vines had almost pierced through Ichigo's body. He must have been seriously injured, and at the very least had consumed a lot of spiritual pressure and physical strength.
No wonder the boy's steps were a little unsteady just now!
Looking at her concern, Shiroha said irritably, "What are you thinking? I've treated the kid, he's in good condition."
The wood attribute in the five elements represented growth and vitality, and naturally had healing and strengthening effects. Although it wasn't as immediate as healing kidō, it easily treated ordinary injuries.
Moreover, as a "mixture of all things," Ichigo's recovery ability was extremely strong. He wasn't afraid of death, let alone mere injuries that would be fatal to others.
For this kid, those little injuries were just minor inconveniences.
" Byakuya has become much stronger. Can this kid win?" Yoruichi still had her doubts.
After all, the current Byakuya was truly formidable. It seemed that he had suffered greatly and had been pushed to new heights.
Shiroha said calmly, "You still don't understand! That kid isn't weak at all. As long as he can change his bad habits of greeting people first and hiding his ultimate moves before attacking, he could kill a mere Byakuya in seconds. Do you believe that?"
After all, he was the legendary "Merciless Ichigo," so he was still quite impressive. With Ichigo's extraordinary power, he could kill almost anyone in seconds if he went all out.
As long as this kid could use his Bankai to deliver a finishing blow right from the start of battle, there would be few who could even use their abilities.
Of course, Shiroha could do this too. And under the premise that he went all out, even if others used their abilities, few people could escape the fate of being killed in seconds. Having many trump cards meant he was truly invincible.
Ichigo didn't have this ability, otherwise there wouldn't be the famous meme "Carpet Ichigo."
"I believe everything you say. I'll go now." Sensing a familiar spiritual pressure, Yoruichi didn't dare to linger, and disappeared immediately in a flash.
Shiroha also felt Suì-Fēng's spiritual pressure, and couldn't help but complain, "You're so demanding! Sooner or later, I'll make you pay for this!"
However, both women were a bit "competitive," which could work to his advantage. When this matter was over, he should enjoy himself. After all, he had contributed a lot and needed to reward himself.
As he spoke, he skillfully activated his observation haki. In an instant, the entire Soul Society came into his sight. Any movement within the Soul Society couldn't escape his perception.
Under the effect of his power, he could even "see" the flow and composition of Reishi, as if he had a god's perspective. He also observed the movements of several captains.
At this time, under Aizen's influence, Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rangiku Matsumoto chose not to watch the execution, but quietly made their way to the central underground council hall.
This was, of course, not permitted. Especially during a wartime special order, it was an even greater offense.
However, Tōshirō made the choice without any hesitation.
It must be said that young Tōshirō had borne a burden that he should not have carried at his age.
When serving as a Third Seat, Isshin Shiba had coaxed him into completing the captain's duties. As captain, there was no reduction in paperwork, and Vice-Captain Rangiku Matsumoto only drank and never worked.
After Aizen's "death," Tōshirō even had to deal with a large amount of documents from the Fifth Division.
This was clearly the exploitation of "child labor." The Soul Society was truly inhumane.
Now this "Detective Conan" had to help investigate the case and expose Aizen's conspiracy. He simply took on everything silently.
Shunsui Kyōraku, who was still idle and not doing his job despite his age, should really take a look at others and reflect on his own behavior.
At the same time, Retsu Unohana, who rushed to the Sōkyoku execution platform, always felt that something was wrong with Aizen's body, and had formed some suspicions in her mind.
It was just that there were some details that she hadn't figured out yet.
Seeing this, Shiroha shook his head.
Aizen's intellect was too high—no wonder Unohana, the first generation Kenpachi, was confused.
In fact, it was remarkable that she could detect the existence of Kyōka Suigetsu with her experience.
Poor Tōshirō and Rangiku were being led by Aizen, more obedient than dogs.
Shiroha knew that there would be no immediate problem with the Sōkyoku.
So, he focused his attention on Kaname Tōsen and Sajin Komamura who were about to "lie down."
He couldn't help but sneer. "Tsk, pathetic!"
Two against one and still so embarrassed—it was really a disgrace for the captains.
More importantly, Kenpachi Zaraki hadn't even removed his eye patch.
No wonder Aizen didn't treat ordinary Shinigami captains as beings.
With the Five Elements Barrier at the transcendent level, Shiroha also experienced what it meant to be lonely as a master.
Now even if he faced old man Yamamoto's Bankai, he was confident of victory.
So next, he could act more boldly and didn't need to show respect to anyone.
Calculating the time, Shiroha felt that it was about time, so he flashed and rushed to the Sōkyoku.
It was impossible for him to work part-time. However, it was still acceptable to sit back and enjoy the fruits of his labor while exercising his body at the same time.
Moreover, this time, Shiroha was ready to make a big move.
After all, there weren't many opportunities to fight with the old man. He really wanted to see whether the strongest heat-type Zanpakutō was truly as invincible as they claimed.
At the Sōkyoku Execution Platform, Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto was presiding over Rukia Kuchiki's execution ceremony.
The captains in attendance were Suì-Fēng of the Second Division, Retsu Unohana of the Fourth Division, Byakuya Kuchiki of the Sixth Division, and Shunsui Kyōraku of the Eighth Division.
As for the other captains, Gin Ichimaru of the Third Division and Aizen of the Fifth Division were playing "hide and seek" with Tōshirō Hitsugaya of the Tenth Division.
Sajin Komamura of the Seventh Division and Kaname Tōsen of the Ninth Division were being chased and beaten by Kenpachi Zaraki of the Eleventh Division.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi of the Twelfth Division, who had been defeated by Uryū Ishida, was recovering from his injuries.
Jūshirō Ukitake of the Thirteenth Division was rushing over with the artifact of the Shihōin family.
The situation with the vice-captains was also complicated.
Renji Abarai was recovering from his injuries in prison because of Aizen's scheme.
Nanao Ise and Momo Hinamori were following Shiroha's orders, handling the affairs of the Teigun and stabilizing the situation.
Yachiru Kusajishi was rushing to the execution grounds with Orihime Inoue and the others.
Shūhei Hisagi and Tetsuzaemon Iba were still fighting with two tough guys from the 11th Division.
The other vice-captains were all with their captains.
Yamamoto waited for a while, frowned, and asked, "Sinner Rukia, do you have any last wishes? I will try my best to satisfy you."
He was old but not old-minded. He had long known that his captains had their own ideas. However, he was too weary to pay attention.
The minor actions of his subordinates were insignificant, as long as they did not affect the greater order.
Having lived for thousands of years, he had seen all kinds of scenes. Compared with the first generation of his old friends, these captains were considered "obedient children."
At this time, Rukia had accepted her fate of being executed. She said her last words calmly, "I hope the captain can let Ichigo Kurosaki and the others go. They just wanted to save me. Now that I'm dead, everything is over. Please tell Mr. Uehara that I'm sorry to disappoint him. I'm not qualified to be his apprentice!"
Yamamoto nodded. "Very well, as you wish, I will let those troublemakers go."
Hearing this, Unohana frowned and thought to herself, "Those ryoka will surely die; this is a lie. The Captain-Commander has gone too far. Even at this time, he still wants to deceive Rukia. But did Shiroha really give up on Rukia? Just because of the order of the Central 46? He doesn't seem like such a passive man! This man, like Aizen's corpse, something is wrong and it is hard to figure out."
The reason why she suddenly thought of Shiroha was because she had found a way to remove Zaraki's restraints. This might require Shiroha's cooperation.
So she had strong expectations and interest in this man, and even a hint of murderous intent.
Kyōraku was anxious and thought secretly, "Shiroha, Ukitake, if you have any ideas, use them now! It will be too late later! At the critical moment, no one can be relied upon!"
If it really came to the most dangerous moment, he would have to act. It would be too difficult for one person to stand against the old man's Ryūjin Jakka and the Sōkyoku after its release.
He wasn't afraid—he was really powerless. Well, perhaps he was a little scared. The angry old man was truly terrifying.
Compared to the anxious Kyōraku, Suì-Fēng and Byakuya appeared calm. Both of them looked like their "hearts were sealed with cement."
In fact, in their hearts, they were thinking about the same thing: whether to take action or not.
On one hand, there were the rules of the Soul Society and their own principles; on the other hand, there were confused thoughts and feelings.
Byakuya did not want to disappoint his wife's dying wish, and also regarded Rukia as his sister.
Suì-Fēng felt that Shiroha had saved her so many times, and it seemed that she should repay him.
Just when they were hesitating, the seal of Sōkyoku had been lifted, and it transformed into a huge flaming bird and rushed towards Rukia.
This phoenix-like "flaming bird" was the true face of Sōkyoku. Its high-temperature flame could complete the execution in an instant, completely evaporating the spirit of the Shinigami, leaving no trace.
But to be precise, it was only the initial unsealing form of Sōkyoku, which was equivalent to the first stage.
After a clear cry, the huge flaming phoenix flapped its wings and rushed towards Rukia.
Then at this moment, Kyōraku relaxed his body a little, held up his bamboo hat and whispered, "Unexpectedly, the first to arrive were the invaders. Brother Shiroha, what are you planning?"
He knew Shiroha very well. Therefore, he was sure that the other man would not give up on Rukia.
But even he could not guess what Shiroha was going to do next. However, he was certain that preparations had been made in secret.
In fact, the other Shinigamis and even the captains had no idea how incredible Shiroha's strength and methods truly were.
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