Chapter 251

Only then did Ichigo Kurosaki notice Senju Hoshiya’s presence.

"Did Itachi save Inoue?"

"Thank Itachi so much."

"Itachi're actually a pretty good person!"

It was clear that Ichigo Kurosaki was thanking him sincerely, and Senju Hoshiya responded reluctantly:

"This is what I should do; being able to take care of Miss Orihime Inoue, I am also very comfortable..."

Ichigo Kurosaki clearly didn't understand Senju Hoshiya’s words, but Orihime Inoue’s face turned slightly red.

Recalling the scene of their deep exchange last night, Orihime Inoue felt a wave of shyness.

But fortunately, they successfully signed the contract in the end, and the outcome was good, although it felt a bit scorching when they finally stamped it, but after all, it was exchanged for the Vortex Amplification Glove.

No matter how she thought about it, it wasn't a loss.

Just as Ichigo Kurosaki was distracted, Byakuya Kuchiki took the opportunity to launch an attack, and millions of cherry blossom blades instantly swallowed Ichigo Kurosaki whole.

Senbonzakura Kageyoshi’s attack was overwhelming.

To resist the attack of Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, Ichigo Kurosaki could only frantically slash at the surrounding web of swords.

The sound of blades clashing was powerful and resonant, and the sparks flying everywhere were awe-inspiring.

Orihime Inoue also seemed to feel the danger Ichigo Kurosaki was facing, and her expression looked a bit anxious.

"Brother Hoshiya, can Itachi help me save Ichigo-kun?"

Senju Hoshiya looked at Orihime Inoue and shook his head decisively: "Of course not!"

Senju Hoshiya would certainly not do such a thankless job as saving people.

Moreover, his goal this time was to have Aizen retrieve the Hogyoku from Rukia’s body; if he saved the person now, what would happen to the Hogyoku?

Without the Hogyoku, those so-called Menos Grandes in Hueco Mundo wouldn't be able to achieve Arrancar transformation in a short time, and their combat power wouldn't reach the required level.

Lacking the rule-based combat power of the Espada in Hueco Mundo, certain combat forces of the Wandenreich would be impossible to deal with.

Orihime Inoue certainly wouldn't understand Senju Hoshiya’s thoughts, watching as Ichigo Kurosaki was swallowed by Senbonzakura Kageyoshi.

Senju Hoshiya had no intention of stopping Orihime Inoue’s actions.

After all, this Vortex Glove was a reward for the blood and sweat Orihime Inoue had earned herself, so she naturally had the qualification to use it as she pleased.

Besides, Senju Hoshiya could take this opportunity to see what kind of role scientific ninja tools could play when facing power of this level.

"Ichigo-kun, don't worry, I'll come to help Itachi right away!"

After putting on the glove, Orihime Inoue recalled the usage method from before, using the spiritual power within her body to draw out the energy inside the Vortex Amplification Glove.

Accompanied by a piercing sound of air being torn, a rapidly rotating blue energy ball gradually appeared before everyone.

At this moment, Ichigo Kurosaki was still slashing wildly at Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, and to guard against Ichigo Kurosaki breaking through the defense, Byakuya Kuchiki was also very carefully managing his Senbonzakura Kageyoshi.

However, after the two had been deadlocked for a moment, Byakuya Kuchiki suddenly felt an extremely special energy appear abruptly.

"Sage Art: Jade Spirit Rasengan!"

The target of Orihime Inoue’s attack was precisely the position where Byakuya Kuchiki was surrounding Ichigo Kurosaki.

"Boom!"

After the sea of millions of cherry blossom blades in the state of Senbonzakura was hit by the Jade Spirit Rasengan, a violent roar erupted instantly.

The originally seamless net of heaven and earth was now torn open by force, creating a gap.

Seeing the sudden opening before him, Ichigo Kurosaki immediately seized the opportunity and unleashed the iconic skill of Tensa Zangetsu—

"Getsuga! Tensho!"

Accompanied by the blade’s air-cutting edge emitting a brilliant black light, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi was completely shredded this time.

Almost at the same time, Ichigo Kurosaki immediately put distance between himself and Byakuya Kuchiki.

Ichigo Kurosaki, having escaped death, was panting heavily, looking at Orihime Inoue with a surprised expression: "Inoue, was that powerful attack just now your ability? I didn't expect your strength to be so powerful."

Orihime Inoue looked at Senju Hoshiya with a blush: "Actually, this time it’s thanks to Brother Hoshiya’s help..."

"Hoshiya? This... this big brother?"

Ichigo Kurosaki looked toward Senju Hoshiya and said gratefully:

"Thank Itachi, big brother, for stepping in; not only did Itachi save Inoue, but Itachi also indirectly saved me."

Senju Hoshiya laughed: "No need to thank me; I’m just a person who likes to help others. Itachi two continue your battle."

Hearing the word "battle," Ichigo Kurosaki’s expression indeed became alert again, and he didn't forget to urge Orihime Inoue:

"This is a personal battle between me and Byakuya Kuchiki; Itachi’d better not interfere."

Although it was also for Orihime Inoue’s safety, the most important thing was that he wanted a fair duel with his enemy.

After Orihime Inoue walked away, Ichigo Kurosaki asked somewhat unwillingly: "Itachi know Rukia Kuchiki is your sister; do Itachi really have the heart to watch her go to her death?"

"To be precise, Rukia Kuchiki is not my sister, but the sister of my late wife," Byakuya Kuchiki explained.

Looking at the serious-faced Byakuya Kuchiki before him, Ichigo Kurosaki instantly felt speechless.

"Whether Rukia Kuchiki is your sister or your late wife’s sister, she is ultimately a relative of your Kuchiki family."

"Do Itachi have the heart to watch your own relative be beheaded?"

Hearing Ichigo Kurosaki’s words, Byakuya Kuchiki thought about it seriously, and then answered in a brisk, indifferent manner:

"A Kuchiki family member who has committed a mistake needs to wash away their sins for their wrongdoing."

"Rukia Kuchiki is doing this to wash away the reputation of the Kuchiki family; I don't think there is anything inappropriate about it."

Although he said that, Byakuya Kuchiki actually hoped in his heart that Ichigo Kurosaki and the others would succeed in saving Rukia Kuchiki.

This was also the reason why he was holding back.

Kenpachi Zaraki watched such a battle and instantly felt somewhat bored:

"Tch, I thought there would be a brilliant battle, but it’s just like children playing house."

Just at this moment, Ichigo Kurosaki, who had just broken free from Byakuya Kuchiki’s encirclement, suddenly lost consciousness and fell to the ground.

"Yo! It seems the time is almost up."

"I am also doing this for the safety of Soul Society; Itachi shouldn't blame me for interfering in the battle, right?"

Mayuri Kurotsuchi’s voice rang out.

"This Ryoka boy has been hit by my drug; let him rest for a while."

"According to the time, it seems we should proceed with the execution."

"Hehehehe!"

Accompanied by Mayuri Kurotsuchi’s sharp, piercing laughter, the huge Sokyoku Spear appeared on Sokyoku Hill.

Rukia Kuchiki stepped onto the execution platform and was raised into mid-air.

Almost at the same time, the Sokyoku Spear instantly ignited with raging flames.