"When facing me, you don't need too many distractions, because there is no point." In front of him, Ichigo Kurosaki's thoughts were clearly visible, as if the young Shinigami's mind was an open book.
This young human was very similar to Kisuke Urahara in some ways, and had too many unnecessary concerns in his heart. This was not good. Aizen still wanted to fully stimulate Ichigo Kurosaki's potential. He decided to put a little more pressure on this point later.
"How did you know that?" Kurosaki Ichigo was surprised, and the power of his "Holy Word D" mental barrier could hardly be maintained. "And what do you mean by meaningless?"
He thought of Captain-Commander Uehara who seemed to know everything. Could it be that these powerful figures can read minds!?
Aizen said calmly: "The meaning of meaningless is very simple. It means that these distracting thoughts of yours are completely unnecessary because they will not affect the result. I don't mean to look down on you. But the fact is, even if you activate Hollowification and Bankai together, it will not affect the result. Because whether it is a head-on battle or a sneak attack, your blade will never touch me. This is the fact!"
He did not deliberately emphasize his tone or speak loudly. But there was unquestionable confidence and strength in his simple and gentle words.
What he meant was very simple. He would not use Kyōka Suigetsu on Kurosaki Ichigo at all. All the other party's concerns are meaningless. Because there is no need at all, because even if the other party tries his best, he will never hurt him.
This is the demeanor of a strong man at the top of the Shinigami hierarchy - calm and domineering, absolutely confident, and absolutely powerful.
What's more, Aizen still has the Hōgyoku that is about to awaken in his body. In this battle, he has all the advantages and doesn't know how to lose.
Kurosaki Ichigo was very unconvinced: "I don't believe it!"
He didn't believe that his strength would be so weak compared to Aizen's. After all, he even defeated Ulquiorra, who had reached the second stage of his Resurrección. Although the victory was a bit inexplicable, it was still a victory nonetheless. And even if he couldn't beat Aizen, it's impossible that he couldn't hit him with at least one strike, right?
The logic seemed sound in Ichigo's mind. His confidence began to return as he remembered his previous victories, his growth, and his resolve. Surely Aizen was bluffing - no one could be that untouchable.
Kurosaki Ichigo, who had now activated his Hollow form, swung his sword and released the Getsuga Tenshō from a distance. The black energy crescent grew in size as it traveled, cutting through the air with a sound like reality itself being torn apart.
"As expected!" However, facing the black crescent moon that was sweeping across the sky and earth, Aizen dodged it easily. He came behind Kurosaki Ichigo and asked in confusion: "Why do you keep your distance from me? If our strengths are equal, it is understandable that you keep your distance. But now my strength is far beyond yours. In this case, your concession is equivalent to giving up victory. Kurosaki Ichigo, are you afraid of me? Does my strength make you feel scared and uncertain? This is normal and understandable!"
Ichigo Kurosaki was caught off guard by what he said, and then he was pulled emotionally by Aizen's words, feeling mentally numb.
At this moment, Aizen saw that the other party did not have enough killing intent, and once again poked Kurosaki Ichigo's lungs with words: "I said, your attack like this can't hurt me. Because there is no killing intent on your blade, how can such a blade hurt me? You came here, which means that Inoue Orihime has been saved. All your companions are out of danger and their lives are not in danger.
"Under such circumstances, you can't continue to hate me. You are just swinging the sword based on your sense of responsibility... Such a blade is like a hawk without wings, and it is impossible to protect anyone. Therefore, companions and friends who have no ability will only become a burden to you."
Aizen's words were calculated, each syllable designed to unsettle Ichigo. He knew that Ichigo Kurosaki has always been a kind person, even a little too gentle. Even if he set a trap for the opponent's companions, Ichigo Kurosaki would not always hate him. Without this murderous intent, the power of the slash will be greatly reduced.
Now Ichigo Kurosaki is like a tiger without teeth, and there is no threat at all.
Aizen's words revealed the biggest contradiction in Ichigo Kurosaki's heart. Before, he could firmly use strong murderous intent to unleash his hollow powers to destroy enemies, just to protect his companions. He had no choice.
But now it seems that he still has a choice. Because there are so many captains here, it is not necessary for him to fight. Moreover, Ichigo Kurosaki has always been wary of his own strength and dared not exert his full power. This limits his effectiveness significantly.
As Ichigo pondered these words, he felt himself wavering. Was Aizen right? Was he holding back because he didn't truly hate him enough? Because his friends were safe? Or was it fear? The doubt crept in like a poison, eating away at his resolve.
Seeing that Ichigo Kurosaki's expression was wavering, several injured captains and Visored approached, regrouping to comfort Ichigo Kurosaki while preparing to join forces to fight against Aizen again.
They did not force Ichigo Kurosaki to continue fighting with Aizen. Because this is their war, an internal struggle of the Gotei 13, a battle in Soul Society, and Ichigo Kurosaki has the right to stay out of it. The human world had already sacrificed enough for Soul Society's failures.
Facing the hollowfied Yadomaru Lisa and others, Aizen said confidently: "Stop it! I have conquered all the Ten Espada! As failed imitations of the Arrancar, what qualifications do you have to swing your swords at me? I will not allow you to attack me!"