Katerea's expression was peculiar.
In her magical perception, the outline of Tousen Kaname appeared with perfect clarity.
Even…
Even those outside the barrier could sense it clearly.
It seemed…
The so-called spiritual pressure in this world couldn't interfere with magic power.
But…
Aside from Katerea Leviathan, no one else noticed.
Midoriko saw the gray cocoon-like barrier surrounding Katerea and instinctively frowned.
She felt a bit uneasy.
Although Katerea had the power of a Maou, her natural arrogance and pride often placed her in dangerous situations.
Just like when she caused trouble for Lynn before.
Meanwhile…
Aizen Sosuke slightly raised an eyebrow. "You've already reached Bankai..."
"So it seems…"
"This enemy is more troublesome than I expected."
He mentally assessed Katerea Leviathan.
Then turned to Nelliel with a slight smile. "Nelliel, would you mind telling me the origin of the energy within your body?"
Hearing this, Nelliel paused slightly, then looked at Aizen with an emotionless gaze.
"I see…"
Nelliel said calmly, "You're interested in the magic power within us…"
No wonder he hadn't immediately acted against the ones who destroyed Las Noches. He must be gathering more information first.
Elsewhere…
Starrk and Harribel's eyes flickered with realization.
This…
It matched Aizen Sosuke's style.
But…
It was also clear he didn't view them as allies.
Of course.
Neither Starrk nor Harribel had any emotional attachment to this.
Having interacted with Aizen more than others, they understood his character well.
Or rather…
The longer they spent around him, the less they seemed to understand him.
However…
There was one thing Starrk and Harribel were certain of.
That was…
Aizen Sosuke truly didn't care about the Espada or Karakura Town.
The only thing that seemed to matter to him might be whatever valuable secrets lay beneath the ruins of Las Noches.
"Magic…"
Hearing Nelliel's words, Aizen narrowed his eyes, clearly latching onto that term.
Magic power. That must be the name of the energy within their bodies.
Memorizing the word, Aizen continued smiling gently, "Yes, I'm very interested in the magic power in your body."
Even though Nelliel had seen through his thoughts, Aizen showed no reaction. He openly admitted it.
Or rather…
He never intended to hide it in the first place.
"How about it? Mind sharing something interesting with me?"
Aizen acted like he wasn't even an enemy, casually asking Nelliel for information like a friendly neighbor.
Nelliel: "…"
Just like that…
Directly asking the enemy for intel?
Honestly.
She was speechless at Aizen's shamelessness.
"Are you serious?"
Aizen curled his lips slightly and said with a deep look in his eyes, "Please don't…"
"Don't underestimate the curiosity of a Soul Reaper…"
Faced with an entirely new power system, Aizen didn't believe he was the only one intrigued.
Even Urahara Kisuke wouldn't be able to resist his curiosity.
If the Soul Society found out, those old geezers would surely urge the Gotei 13 to imprison anything that could destabilize the balance of the Three Realms, right?
Even Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni would probably support it.
Nelliel stared at Aizen for a while. Realizing he was serious, she furrowed her brows and shook her head. "I'm no longer an Espada, so…"
"I'm sorry, but I can't do that."
"Ah…"
Aizen smiled helplessly. "As expected…"
He placed his hand on the hilt of his Zanpakutō and shook his head. "The result will be the same anyway, so why…"
"Why not make it easier?"
Clang—
As he spoke, Aizen drew his Zanpakutō from its sheath.
Under the refracted light…
The cold gleam of the blade sent a chill through the air.
"So you're finally making a move…"
Seeing Aizen's actions, Starrk narrowed his eyes slightly and murmured to himself.
At some point, Lilynette had returned to his shoulder, peeking out while trembling as she watched Aizen.
She felt fear from the bottom of her heart for this king of the Espada.
"Don't worry…"
Starrk comforted her, "For now at least, we're still useful to him."
But still…
Useful?
Saying that only made it feel even more unsettling!
Lilynette gave Starrk a resentful glance, almost making him laugh.
Meanwhile…
Nelliel's eyes filled with vigilance as she prepared for battle.
Aizen was incredibly strong!
But…
Nelliel didn't even know how strong she herself was in comparison.
Because…
Very few had ever seen Aizen in action.
His fight against Barragan Luisenbarn was probably one of the rare moments.
But…
Even then, no one could really see what he had done.
Because…
It ended too quickly!!
So…
No one truly knew the full extent of Aizen Sosuke's power.
Still…
Based on Barragan and Starrk's reactions, some guesses could be made.
At the very least, he was stronger than both of them.
That's how Nelliel assessed it.
But…
Even if he was only stronger than Starrk, that was already beyond what she could handle.
As for Midoriko…
Nelliel turned her head and looked.
Midoriko wore a calm expression, holding a flickering flame-like energy in her hand.
"You…"
"You're a soul too, aren't you?"
Seeing this, Aizen narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze lingering on the flame in Midoriko's palm.
(To be continued.)
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