406. Deicide 8 end of the Chrysalis Age

Summary:

A huge explosion, caused by Isshin's Getsuga Tensho, engulfs Aizen, leaving a crater behind along with several destroyed buildings. Urahara questions Isshin on its effectiveness, to which Isshin responds that he can no longer sense Azien's reiatsu since he transformed, indicating he doesn't know. Isshin then goes on to say that perhaps the only "one's capable of perceiving Aizen's power the way he is now are those standing in the same place as him". To Isshin's and Urahara's disbelief, Aizen emerges from out of the smoke with a large slash from his face to his stomach, though he is not bleeding, rather it seems his "skin" is falling off. Aizen then remarks that it was a "palpable hit" and that he "'understood'" the attack. He then raises his sword and says that it is time for them to understand his power.

Meanwhile, Ichigo notices a large explosion and looks back to see what occurred, to which Gin remarks that Ichigo should be paying attention to their fight. Gin then completely loses respect for Ichigo, comes down from the high ground, and says that he isn't "a warrior anymore". He goes on to say that Ichigo isn't a Shingami, Hollow or even a person anymore. He then remarks that Ichigo, slumped in a "half-assed state", could never fight an opponent like Aizen. Ichigo opens his mouth in a rebuke, but he relents and no words come out.

Gin then once again suggests that Ichigo should run as he is tired of him, and Aizen would be "disappointed" to see him as he is now. Gin remarks that he doesn't blame him because Ichigo understands Aizen's power and should be scared of him. Ichigo bows his head in despair and acceptance as Gin unsheathes Shinso and says that if he isn't going to run he will cut him down where he stands.

Before Gin can attack, an explosion of reiatsu occurs behind Ichigo, revealing Aizen after it subsides. As Ichigo gazes at Aizen, he notices the defeated bodies of Yoruichi, Urahara and his own father. He chokes out their names, as Aizen asks Gin what he was doing to Ichigo. Gin remarks he was merely "testing his [Ichigo's] strength". Aizen turns away from Ichigo and orders Gin to open a Senkai Gate to Soul Society, where the real Karakura Town is, as it will be easier to storm the Royal Palace with the Oken already there. Ichigo partially snaps out of his despair and yells at Aizen to wait. Aizen turns, but his "face" seems to be falling off, to which Gin remarks that Aizen's incubation period must be over. Aizen fully turns and reveals his old face under the chrysalis, although he sports longer hair and black sclera, reminiscent of a Hollow. He then declares he can watch the fall of Soul Society with his own eyes.

As Gin opens a gate, Aizen turns to Ichigo and says that they are leaving him there in fake Karakura Town. He then says "eating you can be done after all this is finished", and disappears with Gin inside the gate. Ichigo stares as the gate closes, but is reprimanded by his father for "just standing there". Isshin gets up and puts his arm around Ichigo, looking for support as he tells Ichigo to open a gate himself so that they can go and "protect Karakura Town".

Characters in order of appearance:

1. Isshin Kurosaki

2. Kisuke Urahara

3. Sosuke Aizen

4. Ichigo Kurosaki

5. Gin Ichimaru

6. Yoruichi Shihoin