Shigure's expression remained calm.
From the start, he knew ordinary Sternritter posed no threat to him.
Absolute strength disparity—Schrift abilities fundamentally couldn't bridge it.
Even Haschwalth's Balance was the same.
Much less these ordinary knights outside the Schutzstaffel.
As Yhwach's pawns, they no longer held any meaning.
So Shigure showed no mercy.
Now, Shigure had only one objective—end Yhwach and everything he'd constructed.
Nothing more.
Shortly after, just as the group approached the Ice Palace, suddenly—Reiatsu burst forth!
BANG!!
From the Ice Palace, several blue-white flame pillars shot out, directly engulfing Shigure's group!
Before Shigure could act, Toshiro Hitsugaya, Byakuya Kuchiki, and others beside immediately struck, instantly severing the flames!
The scattered flames were all reflected by Ukitake's Sogyo no Kotowari, attacking back toward the Ice Palace.
BOOM!!
The Ice Palace's main entrance finally completely collapsed.
Ice fragments flew. Cold mist swirled.
Just then, a black figure slowly stepped out.
Behind him—white figures.
Yhwach and his Sternritter.
Emerging from the cold mist, both sides simultaneously stopped.
This moment—absolute silence.
Both sides' gazes clashed. No one spoke.
Until after a moment, Shigure coldly spoke, breaking the silence—
"How was your sleep, Yhwach."
"I've come to end your resurrection."
Hearing this, Haschwalth beside Yhwach immediately raised his eyes slightly, heart stirring.
He truly... knew about the slumber and resurrection.
But even hearing this, Yhwach still wore a faint smile.
"Oh... Segawa Shigure."
"After merely one night's rest, you dare directly counterattack?"
"Under such strength disparity, you still dare rashly enter this Wandenreich..."
"Should I call you arrogant, or... praise your courage?"
Speaking, Yhwach slightly raised his chin, smiling:
"Speaking of which, it seems... my old friend, Yamamoto Shigekuni... didn't come here?"
"Is he unable to move due to old age?"
"Or... is he afraid of me possessing Zanka no Tachi?"
Finishing, Yhwach's grin widened, smile's meaning self-evident.
Hearing this, Komamura, Soi Fon, and others immediately showed disgusted expressions.
They naturally knew about Yamamoto Genryusai's Bankai Zanka no Tachi being stolen. But now Yhwach deliberately mentioning it—clearly mockery.
Just then, Byakuya Kuchiki beside said flatly:
"Merely inferior beings hiding in shadows. The Head Captain needn't fear."
"The reason he didn't come is simply because..."
"We are sufficient."
Hearing this, Yhwach's eyes flashed, smiling contemptuously:
"You are sufficient?"
"That's quite interesting..."
"By 'you,' do you mean... Segawa Shigure alone?"
Speaking here, Yhwach's gaze again turned to Shigure.
Undoubtedly, that brief battle in Seireitei had let him fully experience Shigure's formidable strength.
No exaggeration—now in every aspect, he'd already surpassed Yamamoto Genryusai.
Precisely because of this, Yhwach valued him so highly.
This invasion—among everyone who came—only Shigure alone warranted Yhwach's attention.
However, hearing these words, Shigure directly placed his hand on his sword hilt.
He looked at Yhwach without joy or sorrow, saying flatly:
"You're talking too much today."
"A dying man doesn't need so many words."
Speaking, Shigure unhurriedly drew his Zanpakuto, then suddenly turned his head, looking toward everyone behind:
"The Sternritter are yours."
"Proceed according to plan."
As his words fell, before others could respond, Kenpachi Zaraki immediately grinned:
"Tch... finally this moment..."
Surrounding members—Mayuri Kurotsuchi, Kensei Muguruma, and others—also immediately smiled, respectively looking toward their target Quincy opposite.
Earlier in Dangai, Shigure had already roughly discussed the counterattack's specific plan with the Captains.
Among it, Shigure had assigned opponents most advantageous for their combat.
So now, seeing those Quincy's appearances, the Captains instantly completed target lock.
Seeing this, Yhwach couldn't possibly not know Shigure's purpose. But then, he couldn't help chuckling:
"I see..."
"Detailed intelligence and planning—that's your confidence for this counterattack?"
"Then, I'll give you this opportunity—"
"Knights, within this Empire, annihilate the Gotei 13."
As his words fell, surrounding Sternritter immediately showed excited expressions.
To them, dealing with Shinigami not using Bankai—nothing could be easier.
This was also their best way to show loyalty.
Seeing this, Shigure turned his head back, holding his blade diagonally, back to the Gotei Captains, speaking softly:
"Begin."
As his words fell, the Gotei behind gave no response.
But everyone unhesitatingly immediately began using Shunpo one by one, charging toward the Sternritter ahead.
The targeted Quincy naturally also rapidly used Hirenkyaku to move.
They naturally also knew—battles Yhwach engaged in weren't ones they could participate in.
So distancing themselves actually benefited combat more.
After a moment, Soi Fon as the last Captain left via Shunpo.
However, just as she initiated Shunpo passing Shigure, she approached his ear, softly saying:
"Awaiting your victory."
Breeze came, seemingly wanting to scatter these words.
But Soi Fon's determined gaze faced forward, no longer hesitating, rapidly charging toward Sternritter K ahead.
Finally, remaining in place—only Shigure and Yhwach.
Watching the departing Captains, Shigure's lips slowly curved upward.
Changing this world's people and their fates—that was what Shigure had always hoped for.
Now, he believed he'd already achieved it.
So next remained his own finishing work—
Kill Yhwach.
Utterly kill him.
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