Chapter 66 - Fear and Unease!

Chapter 66 - Fear and Unease!

The countless razor-sharp petals, resembling a flurry of cherry blossoms, once again surged towards Byakuya Kuchiki.

Caught mid-air, Byakuya could not evade and was struck again.

Seeing this, the retainers of the Kuchiki family felt a chill in their hearts.

To them, Senbonzakura was an invincible Zanpakutō, and not even their master could counter it.

Renji also realized how dangerous these seemingly beautiful petals were.

Rukia, knowing that Gilgamesh was fighting for her, felt warmth in her heart, easing her deep sadness.

Only Yoruichi, in her feline form in Rukia's arms, narrowed her eyes at Byakuya being struck again and softly murmured, "That's..."

Before anyone could react, Byakuya, who had lost his captain's haori, suddenly appeared beside Gilgamesh, raising his hand and casting a binding spell without an incantation: "Bakudō #61: Rikujōkōrō!"

Six rods of light appeared, shooting towards Gilgamesh from all directions, binding his body.

But it wasn't over. With Gilgamesh's hands still free, Byakuya couldn't afford to give him any chance. He raised his hand again, casting another binding spell: "Bakudō #4: Hainawa."

A yellow energy rope flew towards Gilgamesh, binding his hands.

After completing these actions, Byakuya walked leisurely towards Gilgamesh.

The others were bewildered. They couldn't understand how Byakuya, clearly struck by Senbonzakura, suddenly appeared elsewhere without any new wounds. How did he evade the attack?

They were confused, but Yoruichi understood.

Byakuya had used the advanced Shunpo technique, Utsusemi, making an afterimage appear struck while he moved away.

Seeing Byakuya using Utsusemi and his most adept Bakudō #61: Rikujōkōrō, Yoruichi knew he was completely serious now.

But she couldn't understand why Gilgamesh didn't dodge the Bakudō. She didn't believe that Gilgamesh, who could make even Aizen bow, would be unable to dodge these spells.

Knowing Gilgamesh had a plan, Yoruichi didn't interfere.

Others, unaware of this, reacted differently. Renji, behind Gilgamesh, immediately stood in front of him, full of vigilance towards Byakuya.

Believing in Gilgamesh's strength, Renji still unhesitatingly protected him.

Rukia also tried to rush over but was blocked by the retainers.

Relieved, the retainers thought, "I was foolish to doubt Master. This kid, no matter how talented, can't be a match for Master. Master must have shown mercy before."

Byakuya glanced at Renji, blocking his path, his brow furrowing slightly. Finding him an obstacle, he released his spiritual pressure, weighing down on Renji.

Renji's pupils dilated and trembled violently.

At that moment, Renji felt the world darken, his body heavy with invisible shackles, barely able to move a finger, his breathing labored.

"Renji, stand down."

Gilgamesh's voice cut through the oppressive atmosphere, pulling Renji back to his senses.

Byakuya retracted his spiritual pressure.

Given a chance to breathe, Renji obeyed Gilgamesh's command and stepped back, but his fists clenched in frustration.

He hated his own powerlessness. If he were stronger, he wouldn't feel so helpless, unable to protect his king, forcing his king to bear everything.

In that moment, Renji's desire for power reached an unprecedented height.

Byakuya didn't care about Renji, seeing him as insignificant.

To Byakuya, Renji was a mere insect, not worth noticing even if stepped on.

He looked straight at Gilgamesh, coldly saying, "Others' power isn't yours. This battle's outcome was decided from the start."

"As Senbonzakura's master, I know its weaknesses."

Looking at the petals flying around, not attacking him, Byakuya continued, "You haven't made Senbonzakura attack me because you know it won't work."

"But you seem unwilling to give up. What's your reliance?"

"Let me guess, is it Senbonzakura's no-harm zone?"

"Indeed, after Shikai, Senbonzakura has an 85-centimeter radius no-harm zone centered on its wielder, where the blades won't pass."

"But if you think this no-harm zone will leave me helpless, you're gravely mistaken..."

Before Byakuya finished, Gilgamesh's voice, penetrating the soul, interrupted, "Byakuya Kuchiki, haven't you noticed you're talking more?"

Byakuya paused, unable to continue.

Gilgamesh smiled, asking, "Why are you talking more? Is it the leisure of a victor?"

Without waiting for Byakuya's answer, Gilgamesh provided it.

His crimson eyes, shining with the Omniscient Star's brilliance, saw through Byakuya's thoughts.

"No, it's your fear and unease, making you seek reasons and excuses to comfort yourself, trying to find peace."

Byakuya frowned, anger flashing on his cold face, "Fear and unease? You think I, a captain, would fear a newly enrolled student?"

"Don't be ridiculous!"

Seeing Byakuya's crumbling composure, Gilgamesh's smile widened, "Have you thought, 'If he can control Shikai, can he control Bankai?'"

"Byakuya Kuchiki, this thought crossed your mind, didn't it?"

"This is the source of your fear and unease, but you don't want to admit it."

"Since that's the case, let me help you face this fear and unease."

Gilgamesh's youthful voice carried an undeniable authority, and under Byakuya's trembling gaze, he commanded, "Bankai!"

"Senbonzakura Kageyoshi!"

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