Chapter 562

After turning into yellow light particles and soaring into the air, Hōgyoku fired countless blinding light bullets toward Aizen Sōsuke.

The Three Great Generals struck simultaneously; their terrifying aura surged forward with unmatched might.

If anyone else had been in his place, they would have found it nearly impossible to withstand this terrifying blow.

Binding Spell Eighty-One: Danku

A massive transparent wall appeared, instantly blocking the Three Great Generals' attack.

Boom!

A tremendous explosion erupted, yet Aizen Sōsuke suffered no damage whatsoever—not even a speck of dust landed on him.

"Everyone, don't get so worked up."

"I have no ill intent coming to the human world—I merely came to borrow one thing."

Aizen Sōsuke landed on the ground with his two attendants, Gin Ichimaru and Tōsen Kaname.

His amiable smile conveyed to both sides that he meant no harm.

Yet from the wary glances of both parties, it was clear they held no goodwill toward Aizen Sōsuke.

If they could, they would have preferred to simply detain this man right here.

"What do you want, Aizen?"

Marlin furrowed her brow slightly; his appearance caught them all off guard.

But there was nothing they could do to stop him.

"I only wish to borrow something from Lord Meliodas—not anything particularly important."

Aizen Sōsuke smiled gently; that non-threatening smile made the situation feel even more ominous.

He slightly raised his right hand, and a broken blade hidden beneath the soil began to float upward.

It flew toward Aizen Sōsuke's right hand, crossing dozens of meters in an instant.

Just as it neared Aizen Sōsuke's grasp, Ban's figure moved instantly.

He seized the hilt and halted in place, but immediately Gin Ichimaru's arm appeared.

Each gripped one end of the short blade's hilt; both wore smiles, fully aware of the other's danger.

Neither could afford to let go now.

"This blade belongs to our captain—I'm truly sorry."

"Our captain is still unconscious, so we can't let you have this broken sword."

A faint smile appeared on Ban's face, and his grip tightened further.

Muscles on his arms erupted violently, immense force surging forth—even Gin Ichimaru looked startled.

His eyes slowly opened a fraction as he drew his zanpakutō directly from his waist.

"Kill him! Shikai: Senkei!"

Gin Ichimaru moved like a venomous snake ready to strike, his white blade flashing forward in a blinding streak of Bai Guang.

It pierced straight through Ban's arm and chest.

Blood sprayed violently around him; feeling the pain, Ban spat out a large gush of blood.

Yet his grip did not weaken—even as he bled, a triumphant smile curled his lips.

"As a Shinigami, your strength should be considerable."

Ban slowly raised his right hand into a claw shape.

He began instantly absorbing Gin Ichimaru's stamina and power.

Feeling his strength suddenly draining away, Gin Ichimaru's eyes widened in disbelief.

Senkei reverted to its short blade form and struck again from a new angle.

The wet, tearing sound of the blade piercing flesh made Princess Jade involuntarily close her eyes.

Boom!

The massive man behind Marlin moved instantly.

· ·······Requesting flowers····· ·····

"Ban, my power is too strong—you might as well die with this guy."

Escanor raised his enormous two-handed axe and brought it crashing down.

Gin Ichimaru's closed eyes snapped wide open; before him, Escanor's body seemed to swell violently.

Like a giant, and for the first time, Gin Ichimaru felt utterly insignificant.

He now wanted to withdraw his zanpakutō and release the broken blade to escape.