1-2...

Oh my, is that the new Soul King, High Priest?

You should already know that there is no new or old when it comes to the Soul King.

What's significant is that there is still something we respectfully refer to as the Soul King here.

Is it one of those things where all of the power lies within the name?

In the worst-case scenario, Ichigo would've been sealed inside that name.

Isn't it a relief that things didn't end up that way?

I like that kid. I'd feel a bit sad if I couldn't talk to him anymore.

I'm happy he's safe.

That he wasn't killed by you and the others.

I'm not Yhwach, you know. I can't foresee the future.

In theory, Ichigo Kurosaki should not have been able to defeat him. Rather, we needed him to lose.

Fortunately for the kid, Yhwach had obtained all of the Soul King's power.

Because of that, regardless of Ichigo Kurosaki's triumph, the Soul Society managed to evade collapse.

High Priest, was that the will of the Soul King?

Or was it the "dying wish" of the founders of the Five Great Noble Clans?

Now, now, we must pay our respects to the honorable founders. You aren't doing a good job of hiding your hostility.

Is that how you view Byakuya Kuchiki and Yoruichi Shihoin as well?

Not at all. They are my fellow 13 Court Guard Squad members and my precious friends.

They have nothing to do with their ancestors' actions. That being said, they don't pretend those crimes never happened either.

Isn't that right, High Priest?

You could say that. But in any case, none of the founders of the Five Great Noble Clans are left.

Is that what you call the Soul King?

That's the rancid core of the Soul Society?

Hmm, you can't accept this, Miss Arrancar?

Right now, I'm nothing more than a remnant of a defeated army. I'm not qualified to say anything.

However, now I understand why the man who was our former king hated that thing.

Sorry for all of the trouble. We will repay our debt to you one day.