At the edge of Sakahone, a massive ancient building stood in the desolate wasteland, adorned with black and white colors on the roof, outlining the eerie vibe it gave off.
Unlike the chaotic Zaraki, Sakahone was completely quiet.
Even if souls from other districts would occasionally come there to pay their respect, they never stuck around for long.
However, Sakahone seemed rather different today. Dozens of people emanating strong Reiatsu with different kinds of attire walked respectfully in the barren land.
They escorted several severely injured and unconscious captives towards the ancient building.
The look on their face was strange. It was as if they were being hypnotized.
The desolate land seemed like a monstrous entity that could devour all sound. Even though dozens of people were moving together, there was still no sound around.
Until...
They stopped about a hundred meters away from the ancient building.
The one leading the group wore a white sacred feather weave, with gray lining, and black hair tied into a ponytail hanging down behind.
Looking solely at appearance, he bore some resemblance to Ukitake Jushiro, but seemed a bit older.
This person clasped his hands together, and substantial Reiatsu rose around him, moving like a living creature.
"Begin the sacrifice!"
The hoarse voice seemed like some kind of signal, prompting others to draw their blades before beheading the captives on their necks without hesitation.
Splurt—
Blood gushed out, adding a different color to the desolate land.
Blood endlessly flowed into the ground.
Black patterns emerged on the ancient building, as if the blood had brought it to life.
One eye after another was reflected in the patterns.
Reiatsu covered the entire barren land, enveloping everyone with bottomless pressure.
Bam—
The Reiatsu was so overwhelming that it brought those people to their knees. Their expressions changed, and their skin turning red, as if enduring extreme pain.
However, their expressions became even stranger, and their gazes toward the ancient building became more and more like the eyes of some cult members.
All the black patterns gathered on the roof, forming an immensely huge arm.
An emotionless eye slowly appeared on the back of the hand.
And at the moment when this eye opened, the Reiatsu in the desolate land solidified, stopping everyone in track.
Only the leader could barely move despite the overwhelming Reiatsu.
He widened his eyes forcefully, blood splattering faintly from the corners of his eyes.
"Great Lord Mimihagi, accept our sacrifice!"
"Noble blood, body, and the divided souls!"
...
Tokikaze stood at the edge of the desolate land, looking towards the vicinity of the ancient building. Within a radius of hundreds of meters, a force similar to a Kido barrier sealed everything.
The Reishi was almost stagnant, and even the Reiatsu was completely suppressed within their bodies.
The colossal black arm stood on top of the ancient building, reaching into the dim and heavy clouds above.
In the huge eye, there was no trace of emotion.
"Mimihagi, the Right Arm of the Soul King?" Tokikaze's eyes flashed with confusion as he murmured, "Wasn't that thing already sealed within Ukitake Jushiro's body?"
The current development was somewhat unexpected for him.
On the other hand, Matsumoto Rangiku and Nanao Ise were shocked to the point of being dumbfounded.
"What on earth is happening?!"
"The information didn't mention anything like this!"
They couldn't fathom what was happening.
The black shadow on the massive arm covered a hundred meters as it reached down the bodies lying on the ground.
The majestic Reiatsu erupted once again, like an enraged volcano.
"The Cliff of Stillness, the Wind of the Unreachable Flame, the Divine Power that cannot be reflected."
The Ukitake Clan began chanting. Their solemn voices, enhanced by the Reiatsu, spread throughout the desolate land, generating echoes that lingered continuously.
"The darkness gathers, the power of sacrificing souls."
"Obey where the heart leads, guide within oneself."
His speech was extremely fast, and in an instant, the ritual was completed.
As the chant concluded, the black patterns spanning hundreds of meters instantly converged and gathered on his body.
In the next moment, countless patterns emerged from under his skin, forming one emotionless eye after another.
His Reiatsu, which was just at Rank 6 at first, suddenly intensified explosively and was currently at Rank 3.
The others around him were lifted off the ground and slammed onto the ground because of this Reiatsu.
"Creating a god?"
Watching the scene before him, Tokikaze pondered, "Ukitake Clan did find a shortcut."
He had a rough idea of these people's plan.
They sacrificed the lives of Ryodoji Clan to the "Great Lord Mimihagi," in exchange for strength.
However, as far as Tokikaze knew, Mimihagi bestowed blessings upon those who offered it anything aside from an eye, since it already possesses its own. In turn, its power stopped the progression of whatever is afflicting a body part or organ of those it blessed. However, at this moment, on top of the eyes, even the Reiatsu around it were completely stripped away, including the Ukitake Clan's.
With the disappearance of the "Right Arm of the Spirit King," the static barrier that had been maintained also disappeared, and spiritual particles began flowing again as a gentle breeze rose.
Ukitake Clan that stood in place suddenly turned around. The eyes on their bodies rolled, all gazing toward Tokikaze and the others.
"Those who saw the ritual must die!"
A surging Reiatsu erupted as the black shadow covered the sky, making the desolate land even darker, as if night had arrived.
"Although I couldn't prevent this ritual..."
Tokikaze gently drew his Zanpakuto with his left thumb, "I can still avenge you."
"Rangiku, Nano, take care of the rest."
"I'll handle this guy..."
However, before he could finish his words, another Reiatsu approached from a distance.
"Sprinkled on the bones of the beast! Sharp tower, red crystal, steel ring. Move and become the wind, stop and become the calm. The sound of warring spears fills the empty castle!" A weak voice came closer.
"*cough, Hado #63, Raikoho!"
In the next moment.
The dim sky was illuminated by golden lightning, and the sound of explosions echoed throughout the desolate land!