Amegakure Village, Five Kage Summit Venue.
Thanks to the intel provided by Yakushi Kabuto, the Kage had gained some understanding of Aizen's abilities and tactics. However, the atmosphere in the meeting hall had become even heavier than before they had this information.
It wasn't surprising. After all, ignorance breeds fearlessness. But now that they knew, they were finally realizing just how terrifying Aizen truly was.
"That guy is already this powerful, yet he's still building an army?" Oonoki's expression was tense, his brows furrowed. "This is really bad news."
Rasa also frowned. "Are those Hollow-like beings really that strong?"
"We can confirm that," Tsunade nodded and continued, "A ninja who successfully undergoes Hollowfication can indeed reach an entirely new level of power. I won't hide anything from you—Shisui has already mastered Hollowfication."
With that, she turned to look at Shisui. He gave a slight nod, then covered his face with one hand and pulled downward.
A pale white, bone-like mask suddenly formed over his face. A powerful wave of energy burst out from within him, filling the entire conference hall with an almost tangible pressure.
Though the force quickly subsided, it was enough to send chills down the spines of everyone present.
So this is the power of Hollowfication...
Just releasing his aura alone was overwhelming. If Shisui were to attack them right now, they might not even have time to react.
"What incredible spiritual pressure," Yakushi Kabuto murmured in admiration.
He wasn't just flattering Shisui—he genuinely meant it.
The spiritual pressure that Uchiha Shisui had just unleashed clearly met the standards of an Espada. In fact, he might even be one of the stronger ones.
It seemed Aizen really had taken special care of this close friend of his.
As he thought this, Yakushi Kabuto maintained his usual calm smile. "However, even with power , Shisui-kun's Hollowfication still isn't complete."
"What? This isn't the full version?" Rasa was visibly shocked.
"That's right." Yakushi Kabuto nodded. "If I'm not mistaken, Shisui-kun's current state has a time limit, correct?"
"I can maintain it for five minutes at most," Shisui replied as he waved his hand, making the mask vanish. "And after each use, I need about ten minutes to recharge that special energy... I believe it's called 'Reiatsu'?"
"Yes, that's correct. You've picked it up quickly, Shisui-kun." Yakushi Kabuto gave an approving nod.
Tsunade spoke up, "So what you're saying is... because Shisui can't sustain this form for long, it's considered incomplete?"
"It's not about how long it lasts." Yakushi Kabuto shook his head and grinned. "A true, fully Hollowfied form is irreversible. Their masks become permanent."
He flashed a sinister smile. "To be honest, they can't even be considered human anymore. They're something else entirely—beings known as... Arrancar."
Before Yakushi Kabuto even finished speaking, a sudden, unnatural distortion rippled through the space inside the conference hall.
A black void, like the gaping maw of a monstrous beast, opened up above the round table.
A figure in white stepped out from the void, slowly coming into view.
He was a stocky man, clad in a pristine white battle uniform.
But the most striking feature was the white mask covering his forehead and extending down the back of his head—making it look as though he were wearing a bone-white helmet.
"Enemy attack! Stay on guard!"
The moment the masked man appeared, Pain and the Kage all assumed combat stances.
"You... You're Iwakawa?" Oonoki's eyes widened in shock as he stared at the newcomer.
Though his appearance had changed significantly, Oonoki still recognized that face.
This was the same subordinate he had personally chosen and sent to infiltrate Konohagakure as a spy—only for the man to betray them and join Aizen, causing a major setback during the battle against Konoha.
"Oh, Oonoki," Iwakawa glanced at him with disdain. "You're as old and frail as ever. Still not ready to kick the bucket?"
Oonoki ignored the taunt and instead asked, "Is this transformation what you call an Arrancar?"
"Oh? You already know what I am?" Iwakawa shifted his gaze toward Yakushi Kabuto and sneered. "Looks like you've got a blabbermouth in your ranks."
Yakushi Kabuto adjusted his glasses and calmly replied, "It seems this Arrancar's target is me."
"Bingo, you insignificant worm." Iwakawa let out a cold chuckle. "You threw away the honor Aizen-sama bestowed upon you. Have you prepared yourself for—"
Before he could finish speaking, a flash of blue lightning suddenly struck.
Fists and palms clashed, sending out a powerful shockwave through the air.
"Hmph, the Fourth Raikage?" With his right palm blocking A's lightning-covered fist, Iwakawa smirked. "You're not that impressive."
As the battle in Amegakure Village's conference hall raged on, Konan diligently reported the fight to the group chat. The atmosphere among the spectators immediately became lively.
Doujin Artist: Is this Arrancar getting cocky? Everything he says and does screams arrogance!
Shark-Faced Guy: When someone gains too much power too fast, their ego tends to inflate. This isn't surprising.
Amegakure Village's Angel: He's just a disposable pawn. Keeping him in the afterlife wouldn't do us much good, so I figured we might as well put him to use.
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: Konan, you're really starting to sound like a housekeeper.
Doujin Artist: But let's be real, your first choice for 'waste disposal' was Pakura, right?
Amegakure Village's Angel: Well, Aizen-sama said she's useful, so I'll leave it at that. I wouldn't dare go against his wishes.
Doujin Artist: Whoa, what's with the jealousy? I can taste the vinegar from here!
Curly-haired Guy: Some things are better left unsaid, Airi. You know what I mean, right?
Aizen glanced at the chat but didn't join in, pretending nothing was happening as he focused on the screen in front of him.
The battle in Amegakure Village's conference hall had reached its peak. Facing the combined assault of the Five Kage, Iwakawa, who had been so full of himself earlier, was now clearly struggling.
Realizing he couldn't hold back anymore, Iwakawa finally decided to reveal his true power. With a flick of his wrist, he turned his Zanpakuto horizontally and ran his right hand along the blade.
"Shred them—Tsukikage Kamakiri!"
A surge of spiritual pressure exploded outward, completely enveloping Iwakawa.
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