"Hadō #99. Goryūtenmetsu!"
The moment the words fell, the entire Hueco Mundo dimmed.
Five pitch-black dragons roared into existence in the sky, each composed entirely of destructive energy.
Crackle—
Golden lightning crackled across their massive bodies, radiating an oppressive force so intense it made the very air hard to breathe.
Even space itself began to twist and contort under the pressure.
Gulp.
Tier Harribel instinctively swallowed.
This kind of power… might actually be enough to destroy all of Hueco Mundo!
Roar—!
The dragons let out thunderous roars as they hurtled toward Lynn. Space collapsed wherever they passed.
The entire realm trembled violently.
The ocean below surged, rising in titanic waves.
Even Ulquiorra and the others—who weren't even the targets—had to summon their full spiritual pressure just to protect themselves. Despite that, they were still pushed back repeatedly by the sheer force of the aftermath.
But faced with this overwhelming attack, Lynn simply shook his head slightly.
He raised one hand, spread his fingers, and made a gentle "stop" motion.
Buzz—
The five black dragons instantly froze in place. The world turned stark black and white.
Then, as if erased by an invisible hand, the dragons began to vanish, starting from their tails, gradually fading away.
There was no explosion. No shockwave. No sound.
They simply ceased to exist.
Fwoosh—
A faint breeze passed, and silence returned.
"Th-This is impossible…"
Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez collapsed to his knees, staring at Lynn in the sky in disbelief. His voice trembled. "It was resolved… just like that?"
Just moments ago, the dragons had brought him the closest to death he'd ever been.
Even just the lingering energy made him feel a despair he couldn't resist.
Ulquiorra Cifer stared blankly. Even with all his composure, he reflexively swallowed, his Adam's apple visibly moving.
That kind of terrifying attack had…
No effect?
Across the field, Starrk said nothing.
But he knew—if he had taken that attack head-on, he would have been annihilated without leaving a trace.
But Lynn…
That man named Lynn…
Haa…
Starrk clenched his fists tightly. His nerves trembled with a rare anxiety.
Today, he had truly understood what it meant, there's always someone stronger.
Lynn… was far more powerful and terrifying than he ever imagined.
Aizen's bone armor now covered his entire face. Only his bloodshot eyes remained visible.
Even though he had maintained absolute confidence up to now, he could no longer hide the cracks in his defense.
He stared at Lynn, voice low and beast-like.
"Why… why can't I even touch you…"
He had pushed the Hōgyoku's evolution this far.
And yet…
He hadn't even scratched him?
Lynn gave no reply. He simply began walking forward.
With each step, invisible pressure pressed down on Aizen. His armor began to crack piece by piece, as though it couldn't withstand Lynn's presence alone.
"There's still a chance!"
Aizen had no intention of surrendering. He poured more of his will into the Hōgyoku.
Of course…
This time, he wasn't thinking about continuing the fight.
He was in trouble.
But…
As long as he could buy time, retrieve the Hōgyoku created by Urahara Kisuke, and obtain a complete version, he would succeed.
So—
He had to retreat. Temporarily.
It was a shame…
Las Noches would likely be lost entirely.
He had to admit, this encounter had completely disrupted his plans.
But—
He still believed in his goal.
Even if he had to go at it alone, he would see his vision through.
As for whether he could escape Lynn…
He couldn't hurt him, sure. But escaping?
He didn't believe he couldn't manage that much.
But just as he was about to open a Garganta, Lynn's cold, indifferent gaze met his.
"!"
Aizen's pupils shrank.
He's fast!
"Trying to escape?"
Lynn's tone was calm, almost casual. But everyone present felt an icy chill settle over their hearts.
Escape?
Grimmjow and Ulquiorra looked toward Aizen in disbelief.
In contrast, Starrk didn't react visibly. He simply thought quietly…
Honestly, escaping was probably the most rational choice at this point.
After all…
It was clear to anyone that Aizen had reached his limit.
Aizen paused for a moment, then gave a dry chuckle.
"So, you figured me out."
"That's… actually true?"
Grimmjow's voice cracked.
He felt something in his heart fracture.
His belief in Aizen's invincibility had shattered.
Ulquiorra said nothing. Just silence.
So this was the reality.
There existed someone… even Aizen couldn't stand against.
Ulquiorra felt lost.
"Escape?"
"Hahaha!!"
Barragan Luisenbarn suddenly burst into laughter. His eyes were filled with hatred and mockery as he stared at Aizen.
"You? You're the one thinking of running now?"
Barragan mocked him coldly.
Even though he wasn't on Lynn's side, that didn't stop him from ridiculing Aizen.
After all…
This time, he finally got to see it.
Someone had forced Aizen Sosuke to consider retreat.
Aizen only gave Barragan a passing glance and ignored him.
Lynn also paid no attention to the others. His voice was calm.
"Do you think you can escape?"
Aizen narrowed his eyes. The Hōgyoku in his chest pulsed like a heart.
And…
It was beating faster and faster.
He felt the rising strength surging through him. Despite the pain from his collapsing body, he managed a smile.
He spoke calmly.
"You'll never know…"
"Unless you try."
Lynn lowered his gaze to the purple glow on Aizen's chest, then raised his hand.
"I'd love to play along with you, but I really don't have the time."
"[Evil Piece] Space."
(To be continued.)