Chapter 248 – 248 ⥤ The Seireitei Falls Into My Hands!

Facing the mountain-like black armored warrior, Kensei froze. Despair lingered in his heart as countless curse words threatened to burst out.

Reason held him back. His urgent priority was escaping his opponent — otherwise, once this assessment ended, he would truly become a disgrace to the Captains.

But just as he attempted to act, a large furry hand suddenly gripped his right arm. Metal scraped against metal, Reiatsu collided with iron treads, and sparks flew.

In the next instant, crimson light shot skyward. Terrifying pressure permeated the surroundings as the ground trembled, and cracks appeared near the black armored warrior.

Under Kensei’s despairing gaze, the black armored warrior’s movements synchronized with Sajin, gathering Reiatsu for a mighty slash.

As he stepped forward, a shockwave exploded outward. Dust billowed up, the ground shattered, and even the Kidō barrier outside the arena rippled with waves.

Howling winds heralded the giant blade — tens of meters long — as it came down with mountain-splitting force, tearing through the air with thunderous roars.

When it fell, the boom instantly engulfed the entire 7th Division quarters, echoing in the sky above. The impact shattered the ground, and the vast arena collapsed under devastating aftershocks, webbed with dense cracks.

The Kidō barrier swayed precariously in the storm’s wake. Nearby Shinigami Officers turned pale with fear, their bodies going weak as if death stood at their doorstep.

Dust erupted wildly, testament to the terror of Sajin’s strike.

When everything settled, the once-pristine arena lay in ruins, its level ground destroyed. Only one towering figure remained standing firmly in place.

“Has Captain Muguruma been obliterated?”

“Muguruma really can’t compare to Komamura — Lord Kisaragi’s vision is profound indeed!”

“The examiner is gone, how should we score this?”

“Fool, he obviously passed!”

“Kekeke, my 11th Division grows stronger by the day!”

A figure flashed into the arena — Chōjirō, serving as referee.

His expression was troubled. Over the years, he had overseen many Captain assessments, but each time, either the candidate or examiner ended up in trouble.

“Where’s Captain Muguruma? You didn’t kill him, did you?”

Hearing this, Sajin gave a simple smile, reached out his large hand to dig through the ruined ground, and pulled out a barely conscious Kensei.

Then came the practiced shaking off and patting of dust.

Finally, he handed him over, saying simply, “He’s still alive, just unconscious.”

Chōjirō: “…”

His face showed resignation. He should have known — a strong commander has no weak soldiers.

If that Akira kid could cross swords with the Captain-Commander, how weak could his subordinate possibly be?

“Assessment passed!” Chōjirō announced the result, though he immediately faced another dilemma.

Today’s captain assessment originally had two rounds. Besides Sajin, there was another candidate — the 10th Division’s Lieutenant, Isshin Shiba.

The position had become vacant after the original Captain submitted his resignation.

Though the nobles’ influence was gradually weakening, their authority still dominated Soul Society’s upper echelons. The Gotei 13 had multiple divisions under noble control: the 2nd Division belonged to the Shihōin, the 6th to the Kuchiki, and the 10th to the Shiba clan.

Among the Five Great Noble Houses, the Shiba clan had always been the weakest. This was partly due to their small numbers, but also stemmed from their unique family philosophy. Unlike other nobles, most Shiba clan members lacked arrogance — they were approachable and willingly associated with those whom other nobles looked down upon.

Despite their relative weakness, the Shiba clan maintained firm control of the 10th Division, thanks in no small part to Genryūsai’s support.

As Lieutenant, Isshin was clearly the most suitable candidate for Captain. However, since he hadn’t yet mastered Bankai, the assessment process was necessary.

The second assessment’s examiner needed good judgment but couldn’t be too powerful.

“The second assessment…” Chōjirō’s gaze swept across the watching Captains.

Retsu Unohana? No, that woman might actually kill someone once she gets fired up!

Shinji Hirako? The blonde instantly turned away when their eyes met — he wanted no part in such troublesome matters.

Only Captain Shunsui Kyōraku seemed available.

Chōjirō deliberately ignored someone frantically trying to get his attention.

As he pondered, a steady voice came from behind.

“Since I caused this.” Sajin said sincerely, “Let me take responsibility. Senior Sasakibe, I can serve as the examiner.”

Looking at the blood-stained wolfman, Chōjirō was stunned. He furrowed his brow, “But your injuries…”

“It’s nothing — Captain Muguruma showed mercy at the crucial moment.” Sajin grinned confidently.

Back in the 11th Division, their battles were far more brutal than this assessment. Mere internal injuries wouldn’t affect him at all.

“Very well then.” After some thought, Chōjirō agreed to his request.

Soon, two figures stood facing each other on the devastated arena.

“Mr. Shiba, please don’t underestimate me.” Sajin warned, “Despite my current state, I’m actually quite strong!”

Across from him, Isshin smiled and nodded solemnly. Just from the pressure of that earlier Bankai, he wouldn’t dare be careless.

As Chōjirō announced the start, Isshin launched the first attack, instantly appearing before Sajin.

Draw sword, slash!

Sharp Zanjutsu erupted as materialized Reiatsu wrapped around his blade, making the air sound like tearing fabric.

However, when the blade fell, the previously unremarkable Sajin suddenly transformed. Fierce, violent pressure surged forth, overwhelming Isshin’s consciousness.

Caught off guard, Isshin was stunned for a moment.

Fortunately, Sajin didn’t press his advantage, choosing instead to give a friendly warning.

“Roar…”

⤫ Shikai: Tenken ⥤ Initial Release: Heavenly Punishment! ⤬

Reiatsu condensed into a giant black armored warrior’s arm, moving in perfect sync with his own.

This brief pause gave Isshin the opportunity to launch his counter-attack.

“Burn…”

⤫ Shikai: Engetsu ⥤ Initial Release: Scathing Moon! ⤬

Fierce flames erupted along the blade, wreathed in powerful Reiatsu.

“Watch yourself, Mr. Komamura!” Isshin flashed a confident smile, “This next attack packs quite a punch!”

⤫ Getsuga Tenshō ⥤ Moon Fang Heaven-Piercer! ⤬

As they say, mastery of one technique surpasses a thousand mediocre ones — and the Getsuga Tenshō, the Shiba clan’s hereditary technique, was legendary for its devastating power and lightning speed.

As Isshin swung his Zanpakutō downward, Reiatsu surged through the blade, unleashing a blazing crescent of pure energy that cleaved through the air.

BOOM!!

The battle-scarred arena shuddered under another massive explosion. Shockwaves rippled outward, causing the ground to buckle and collapse.

From above, the impact site resembled a meteor strike, with visible waves of force hammering against the Kidō barrier.

Gasps erupted from the crowd. While Sajin’s immense power had shocked them, they were equally amazed by this previously unknown 10th Division Lieutenant.

Who would have thought the modest Shiba clan had produced such a prodigy? The raw power of his Shikai rivaled some Captains’ Bankai.

His future looked bright indeed!

After their fierce exchange, Sajin graciously acknowledged his opponent’s strength and withdrew.

The Captain Proficiency Test was complete.

⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬

11th Division, Loyalty Hall.

Akira sat cross-legged at the head of the room, surveying his domain with satisfaction.

First, his powerful subordinate had become 7th Division Captain. Now, the 9th Division Captain had pledged his loyalty. Everything was falling into place!

Kensei glanced around the 11th Division headquarters — which looked more like a bandit hideout — and doubted his decision for the first time.

Could he really trust Captain Kisaragi?

But it was too late for second thoughts. Once you stepped through these gates, there was no turning back.

After a moment’s reflection, Kensei spoke earnestly, “Captain Kisaragi, I wish to learn from you!”

“Of course, of course.”

“Despite how things appear now, I’m actually very sincere…”

While Kensei attempted a lengthy speech to demonstrate his sincerity, Akira’s simple response left him speechless.

“Was it really this simple?”

“You agreed?” He asked, bewildered.

Akira grinned, “Why wouldn’t I? Do I look that unapproachable? Listen, Kensei, I understand your situation — being a Captain who’s repeatedly defeated by mere Seated Officers, not even Lieutenants. No wonder you’re doubting yourself.”

Kensei: “…”

He thought some truths were better left unsaid.

Akira threw an arm around his shoulder with a chuckle, “But that’s how Soul Society works. Losing is normal — if you’re weak, just train harder. Since you want me as your master, I’ll gladly accept you as my disciple.”

Kensei wanted to protest — he’d only come to learn a few techniques, not become anyone’s disciple.

But on second thought, expecting to learn someone’s true techniques without becoming their disciple was unrealistic.

So be it then. After all, one should respect the skilled as teachers.

“Kensei, listen carefully.” Akira’s expression turned serious, “The Genryū Style has three forbidden acts: first, never betray your master; second, never disrespect your superiors; third, never disobey your master’s orders. Can you abide by these?”

Seeing Akira’s gravity, Kensei nodded vigorously, indicating he would never commit such unthinkable acts.

After the lecture, Akira released a burst of Reiatsu.

As the walking dynamometer stood confused, a violent figure burst into the Loyalty Hall.

“Captain, want to fight?” Zaraki appeared with a serrated blade on his right shoulder and Yachiru on his left, his expression fierce.

“Kensei, meet the Eleventh Division’s Third Seat, Kenpachi Zaraki. From now on, he’ll be your opponent.”

Seeing the golden Reiatsu burning like flames around that madman, Kensei’s pupils trembled.

If memory served, this Zaraki had slain two veteran Captains during the recent Reigai incident.

Fighting someone like this — could he possibly survive?!

Watching Kensei tremble like a prairie dog, Akira clicked his tongue and shook his head.

This white-haired man, despite his handsome looks and decent abilities, had fallen to become a mere measuring unit. His biggest problem? The wrong social circle.

Just look at the original story — Kensei could defeat Captains with one punch during his initial Hollowfication. But after associating with those worthless Visored forces, his combat power had plummeted. He’d even started bragging about defeating mere Gillians.

Now joining the 11th Division’s circle, he would undoubtedly soar to new heights, dramatically raising the bar for the measuring unit!

With this increased upper limit, Akira reasoned, Soul Society’s overall strength would surely improve as well.

On this day, Kensei’s wails echoed throughout the 11th Division.

When others inquired, the muscle-bound men unanimously declared that their 11th Division harbored no such embarrassing person — he was merely a passerby auditing classes.

⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬

“You impudent brat!”

Thunderous roars erupted in the 1st Division training grounds.

Genryūsai glared at his wayward disciple, his eyes blazing with fury.

“Are you trying to send me to an early grave? Taking Kensei Muguruma as your disciple — what were you thinking? You’re still an apprentice yourself, yet you dare take on disciples!”

Akira grinned and said, “Kensei was very sincere. Besides, I felt bad about always bullying him.”

Hearing this, the old man let out a contemptuous snort. He saw right through this kid’s act from the moment it began.

What nonsense about feeling bad — pure excuses. The boy was simply bored and had decided to make Kensei his new entertainment.

“Since you’re so eager to be a teacher.” Genryūsai said with a fierce smile, “I’ll give you a task!”

Looking at the old man’s sudden change in demeanor, Akira nervously swallowed, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart.

“What task…”

⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬

After two new Captains took office, another piece of news rocked the Seireitei — the Genryū Style, dormant for a thousand years, would once again open for enrollment!

However, this time the person in charge would not be Master Genryūsai, but rather the much-anticipated—

11th Division Captain, Akira Kisaragi!

Even more shocking were the enrollment standards, set at an unprecedented height: Captain-level only.

Just when everyone thought they wouldn’t get a single student, a most unexpected figure became the first to walk into the 11th Division barracks.

⤫⤬⤫

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep