Shigure stood still for a moment, contemplating his next move. Then, he turned to face the sealed wall.
Though the wall appeared to be solid, it was, in fact, a barrier formed by a special Kido seal—a wall of spiritual particles.
The black vortex that Zaraki Genjirou had opened before was the result of breaking the seal on this barrier.
Upon closer observation, the similarities in the incantations revealed that this barrier was almost identical to the one in the shallow blade chamber at the Shinō Academy.
The difference, however, lay in the presence of an additional "shackle" in front of the Black Corrosion Hell.
Seventeen white stone pillars stood around it, entwined with purple chains.
The key to unlocking this shackle was the Manji-shaped wooden token that Zaraki Genjirou had held.
"I must... come up with an appropriate plan," Shigure murmured, narrowing his eyes as he carefully considered his options.
Suddenly, his gaze sharpened as a thought struck him.
Without hesitation, he turned and walked toward a specific direction.
Stopping in front of the twenty-third cell on the right, Shigure smirked.
Inside the cell, a man lay slumped in the corner. Seeing Shigure stop before him, he slowly raised his eyes.
His face was pale, his body frail, and he looked like skin and bones—a figure clearly suffering from severe physical exhaustion.
While Shigure gazed at him, his Resonance Vision revealed something hidden within the man's body.
Inside... there was a spiritual power faintly resembling the Manji-token held by Zaraki Genjirou!
Shigure had vaguely sensed it before but had been interrupted by Sugisa's illusion attack, preventing him from investigating further.
Now, he decided to uncover the truth.
As he took a step forward, a sudden surge of spiritual pressure emerged from the darkness.
It was Sugisa.
Using Shunpo, Sugisa appeared before Shigure, extending his hand to block his path.
Stopping in his tracks, Shigure smiled faintly at Sugisa.
"Mr. Sugi, what are you doing?"
Without looking at him, Sugisa let out a cold laugh.
"Why not ask yourself first... what are you doing?"
Before Shigure could respond, Sugisa continued, "I knew it. With your level of spiritual pressure, you would eventually notice this thing."
"But I didn't expect you to recklessly try to obtain it."
Disappointment flickered in Sugisa's eyes as he spoke.
Yet, Shigure maintained his calm smile.
"Mr. Sugi, I don't quite understand. Could you elaborate?"
Without a word, Sugisa extended his hand. A surge of spiritual power followed.
From within the cell, the man writhed in agony as a black object emerged from his abdomen!
Oddly enough, his body remained intact.
Shigure's eyes narrowed.
The object was none other than the Manji-token!
Seeing Shigure's expression, Sugisa spoke coldly:
"I don't understand. You've already passed my test. You only need to wait three more days to leave. Why... would you attempt a breakout?"
At this point, Shigure knew Sugisa had seen through his intentions.
With a composed smile, he replied, "Because I have somewhere more important to be."
Sugisa's gaze sharpened. "Where?"
Still smiling, Shigure pointed downward.
"The fifth level—the Pit of Abyss."
"What...?" Sugisa's eyes widened.
"Don't worry. I'm only going there briefly," Shigure said calmly. "I won't violate any rules of Seireitei or the underground prison. Once I achieve my goal, I'll return immediately. You have my word."
Hearing this, Sugisa chuckled, his expression amused.
He looked at Shigure and said, "Aren't you afraid I'll report you to the Captain-Commander?"
Shigure laughed lightly. "You could report me, but I think you're more interested in my goal than in tattling."
Sugisa hesitated for a moment before letting out a dry laugh.
"You're right. I am curious. But I must say... you've walked into a dead end."
"A dead end?" Shigure asked, puzzled.
Sugisa raised his hand, revealing the black Manji-token floating in his palm.
"This Manji-token isn't the 'Open Token' that Zaraki held... It's the 'Seal Token,' specifically designed to imprison souls!"
"You're not the first to notice this token. But think carefully—why has no one ever managed to escape?"
Sugisa's cold eyes gleamed as he continued, answering his own question:
"Because this 'Seal Token' contains a Kido spell capable of devouring spiritual particles!"
"While its structure is identical to the 'Open Token,' the moment you try to use it to break the Black Corrosion Seal, it will consume your soul entirely!"
"This is the backup plan devised by the old men of the Central 46."
"If you had failed my test, I would have used it to completely seal your soul!"
"And this... is the true secret of the Black Corrosion Hell."
Sugisa's voice was grave.
Shigure's mind raced. "If it's a secret, Mr. Sugi, isn't it problematic for you to reveal it to me?"
Sugisa lowered his gaze.
"Even after hearing this... you show no fear?"
"What exactly is in the fifth level... that draws you so strongly?"
Shigure chuckled. "It seems you've agreed to let me go."
"Agreed?" Sugisa sneered, tossing the token toward Shigure.
"This isn't agreement—it's inevitability. The token has already been locked onto by your spiritual pressure."
"Even if I refuse, you'll force your way through."
"You've come this far, and now I'm even more curious... How exactly will you escape this place?"
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