Chapter 275 – 275 ⥤ The Villains of the 11th Division

A howling gale erupted as a terrifying blade — dozens of meters long — was drawn from its sheath, slashing downward through the air. In its wake came a tremendous ripping sound like tearing fabric, as visible air currents split to either side.

The spectators gasped in surprise. Compared to his previous battles, Captain Komamura seemed even more ferocious now.

“He’s already made Captain and still trying this hard — won’t he give others any chance at all?!”

Several Captains known for their laid-back attitudes exchanged bitter glances and sighed collectively.

“How did it come to this?!”

Watching the blade plummet like a meteor, Kaname showed no panic, using Shunpo to instantly move away from its landing point.

The giant blade crashed down with a thunderous impact that echoed throughout the 11th Division, drowning out the cheers and shouts of the squad members. The ground split open with savage fissures.

This was an alloy ground jointly created by Kisuke and Mayuri, designed to withstand attacks from ordinary Captains. Had this evaluation been held in any other division’s grounds, it would have been reduced to ruins.

Missing his strike, Sajin remained unfazed.

He raised his Zanpakutō again, its blood-red maw revealing gleaming white fangs. Only now did his true ferocity emerge, as crimson Reiatsu materialized into light around his massive frame, making his muscles bulge.

Kaname flickered with Shunpo, appearing directly behind and to Sajin’s right. Though the 11th Division valued direct combat, he wasn’t one for head-on confrontation.

To attack an opponent’s strength with one’s own weakness was foolish. Victory required striking at their weakest point while their senses were deprived, with speed that left no room for defense.

Splurch—

The sound of tearing flesh rang out as a savage gash appeared on the wolfman’s body, blood immediately staining his fur red.

“Are you beside me?” Sajin’s voice rumbled deeply, ignoring his injuries.

As a member of the 11th Division, such a wound wasn’t enough to affect the battle. This was merely the beginning.

He swung his blade horizontally, predicting Kaname’s position from his understanding of his opponent.

Clang!!

Metal clashed against metal as the blades collided, creating shockwaves that spread outward and cracked the ground once more.

Before Kaname could react, the black armored warrior’s giant blade came crashing down with Sajin’s attack.

Boom!!

An explosive roar filled the air as dust clouds billowed and spread, engulfing the massive arena in swirling debris.

Kaname emerged from one side, his earlier elegance gone. His dust-covered Shihakushō gave him a bedraggled appearance.

At the critical moment, he had used Bakudō #39: Enkōsen (Round Lock Fan) to defend, but it hadn’t lasted a second before the black armored warrior’s giant blade shattered it. The terrifying force had blown him away.

In terms of pure destructive power, Sajin ranked among the top fighters in the 11th Division. His only weaknesses were his slow speed and lack of effective defensive measures — his Bankai was better suited for large-scale siege warfare.

“Haha, Kaname, you’ve definitely gotten stronger than before.” A satisfied smile appeared on Sajin’s face — seeing his dear friend grow stronger made him happier than anything else, “However, I won’t accept defeat in front of the Captain. This victory will still be mine!”

Under Kaname’s confused gaze, the black armored warrior suddenly stopped synchronizing with Sajin’s movements and dropped to one knee, bowing deeply. Though his senses had been deprived, the connection with his Zanpakutō couldn’t be severed so easily.

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Sajin raised his right hand, fingers clenched into a fist, and bumped it against the black armored warrior’s fist.

In the next moment, a deep red light blazed forth!

In the observation stands, Shunsui nudged Akira and carefully asked, “Little brother, you didn’t teach him this too, did you?”

Akira also seemed surprised, but then grinned, “I only mentioned it to Sajin once. I didn’t expect he’d actually develop his Zanpakutō to this level. But I have to say, well done Sajin!”

Hearing his two wayward disciples’ conversation, Genryūsai’s previously good mood suddenly soured.

Compared to Akira, this Shunsui had grown extremely lazy. First losing to his little brother, then to Jūshirō — at this rate he might even lose to Sajin.

This boy had no shame!

Thinking this, a flash of anger crossed his face as he quietly reprimanded, “Shunsui Kyōraku, after this evaluation is over, come see me in Squad 1! I’ll personally guide your training!”

Shunsui: “?”

How did it come to this, teacher? I haven’t even done anything!

His face was full of indignation, but he dared not object, fearing the old man would make him practice sword swings under a waterfall with weights. Based on his understanding of Genryūsai, the old man would definitely do it.

While master and disciple were bonding, everyone else’s attention was focused on the combat arena as they stared in shock at the hundred-meter-tall black armored warrior before them.

Fused with his Bankai, Sajin’s Reiatsu surged again — such a terrifying existence, no one could possibly withstand it! Just looking at its enormous form gave people an intense feeling of suffocation.

Kaname’s expression also showed some surprise.

This move was something Sajin had never shown during their sparring matches. To think he had specially saved it for him — truly worthy of being his dear friend. He would forever remember this friendship.

Fortunately, he wasn’t unprepared either.

The black armored warrior raised its giant blade, swinging down without hesitation. Sajin no longer needed to worry about Kaname’s sneak attacks now — the outer shell of Kokujō Tengen Myō’ō couldn’t be broken by ordinary attacks.

Come to think of it, this move was taught to him by Akira.

Sajin remembered clearly how his Captain had described a powerful ability called Susanoo to him. Its form was very similar to his Kokujō Tengen Myō’ō, likewise being composed of energy and able to envelop its user, achieving both offense and defense as one.

Only after extensive development did he finally master this ability.

“Kaname, don’t disappoint me!”

The giant blade plummeted like a meteor, its descent creating howling gusts that whipped through the air.

Boom!!

The combat arena lay in ruins.

Kaname flash-stepped away, manifesting Reishi platforms to take to the sky.

“Looking” at the enormous black armored warrior, he raised his Zanpakutō downward. The purple Reiatsu that had blanketed the arena withdrew completely, concentrating into his blade.

“Sajin, be careful!”

The wolfman started at the sudden return of his senses, then spotted the figure hovering above.

Kaname assumed a sword-drawing stance, readying himself for a final clash of raw power. Sajin met the challenge with a booming laugh, swinging his giant blade and releasing all his Reiatsu in a forward slash.

⤫ Riku no Ku: Hikari no Zetsudan ⥤ Six Aspects of Suffering: Severance of Light! ⤬

⤫ Kenpo no Michi: Yawaragi no Dageki ⥤ Path of the Sword: Soothing Strike! ⤬

The sound wave and giant blade collided mid-air, their impact unleashing howling hurricanes that devastated the battlefield.

Even behind the protective Kidō barrier, the watching Shinigami paled — the battle between Captain Komamura and Kaname had transcended their understanding of a Captain’s strength.

This far surpassed any previous Captain Qualification Test!

When the dust settled, two battered figures remained standing on the ruined platform.

Despite his wounds, Sajin offered a gentle smile, “Kaname, you pass the Captain Qualification Test.”

The waiting 4th Division members rushed forward to examine both fighters and escort them for treatment. Though their injuries weren’t severe, prompt care was still necessary.

As the spectators prepared to leave, Chōjirō returned to the platform.

With an unusual expression, he cleared his throat twice before announcing: “Next is the second round of Captain Qualification Tests. The Eleventh Division’s Fifth Seat Gin Ichimaru will challenge the Ninth Division Captain Kensei Muguruma.”

“?”

Everyone stared in bewilderment at the figure appearing at the platform’s edge.

Silver hair and narrowed eyes marked his features. Though he had grown since joining the squad, traces of youth still lingered on his face — young Shinigami did tend to mature quickly.

Meanwhile, the other Captains clustered around Kensei, offering pre-match encouragement.

“Kensei, you’re a veteran Captain — don’t lose face!”

“Yeah, stay sharp!”

“That’s right, he’s just a Fifth Seat — nothing to fear!”

Bolstered by Rōjūrō and the others’ words, Kensei took a deep breath and strode proudly to Gin’s side.

The other Captains nodded approvingly, “Good, well done!”

Gin offered a slight smile and greeted him with perfect politeness. Well-mannered and humble — compared to his insufferable Captain, he was like someone else’s well-raised child.

Kensei’s expression remained grave as he returned the nod.

Though Gin was only a 5th Seat, Kensei dared not underestimate him. During the last Reigai incident, this youth had stabbed right through him, nearly ending his life in the 9th Division. One more strike then, and Gin might have become Captain himself — of Kensei’s own Division.

Once squad members finished preparing the battle platform, both fighters took their positions.

“Begin the challenge.”

At Chōjirō’s command, Kensei immediately released his Shikai and charged forward at Gin.

“Blow it Away…”

⤫ Shikai: Tachikaze ⥤ Initial Release: Earth-Severing Wind! ⤬

After Akira’s Genryū training, he had grown far stronger. If his power before measured “six Lieutenants”, now it reached at least “ten Lieutenants”!

Captain Kisaragi truly had something special.

Their Zanpakutō clashed in an instant, sparks flying as their forms twisted and turned, leaving afterimages in their wake.

“Shoot to kill…”

⤫ Shikai: Shinsō ⥤ Initial Release: God Spear! ⤬

Gin unleashed his power with a reverse diagonal slash that sent Kensei flying. In that opening, he released his Zanpakutō.

A clear ring of steel split the air as a scorching smell filled the arena. A silver flash — too swift for the eye to follow — streaked through the sky straight toward Kensei’s chest.

Clang!!

Looking at the sharp tip pressed against Tachikaze’s blade, Kensei’s face broke into a fierce smile, “Is that all you’ve got?”

Indeed, once prepared, the threat of Gin’s Zanpakutō was greatly diminished.

The silver light flashed across the sky again, returning to its short sword form in his hand.

“Kid, you’re out of options! Just give up!” Kensei shouted, his Reiatsu surging as green wind swirled around him.

⤫ Bankai: Tekken Tachikaze ⥤ Final Release: Iron Fist Severing Wind! ⤬

From the observation platform, Genryūsai nodded in approval.

His wayward disciple’s teaching ability was indeed impressive — even a bottom-tier Captain like Kensei had grown so much stronger. When he succeeds as Captain-Commander in the future, he’ll surely lead the Gotei 13 to greater heights.

Facing the intimidating Kensei, Gin showed no sign of panic.

Having followed Lord Kisaragi to the Soul King Palace, how could he be defeated by a mere measure of strength?

“Let me show you the results of my training.”

⤫ Bankai: Kamishini no Yari ⥤ Final Release: God-Killing Spear! ⤬

Gin smiled at Kensei, a blue glint flashing in his eyes, “Captain Kensei, it’s already over.”

⤫ Butō ⥤ Null Step! ⤬

As the words fell, Kensei’s instincts screamed danger, and he immediately prepared to strike first.

But Gin’s attack was several times faster. A silvery-white flash tore through the air, instantly piercing his chest.

Slash—

The divine spear withdrew. Blood sprayed as the white-haired man’s expression froze. Unable to utter a word, he crashed to the ground, defeated.

The observation stands fell silent, the spectators’ expressions twisted into grimaces.

If Sajin and Kaname’s fight had provided the ultimate display of skill, this battle showed no pretense of being evenly matched. There was only merciless superiority.

Alas! The invincible Captain Muguruma had fallen once again!

The diligent 4th Division members rushed onto the platform, performed quick first aid, and carried Kensei away.

Chōjirō shook his head helplessly and began announcing the next Qualification match participants.

As Akira would say, “If you’re going to seek thrills, might as well go all the way.” Rather than letting the weak become burdens on the real battlefield, better to send the strong directly.

“The Eleventh Division’s Seventh Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa will challenge… The Third Division Captain Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi.”

Now it was Rose’s turn to turn pale.

{T/N: People refer to him by this name.}

After two rounds of Captain Qualification Tests, everyone had realized that the 11th Division members were all monsters — not a single normal person among them. Who knew what kind of bizarre Bankai this unknown Yumichika would bring to battle?

Learning from Kensei’s lesson, Rōjūrō didn’t hesitate, activating his Bankai the moment the battle began.

⤫ Bankai: Kinshara Butōdan ⥤ Final Release: Golden Sal Tree Dancing Troupe! ⤬

Golden threads spread out as his illusory musical theater took the stage.

Across from him, Yumichika gave a slight smile as his Reiatsu surged, azure light instantly enveloping the battle platform.

⤫ Bankai: Suishō Renge ⥤ Final Release: Crystal Lotus! ⤬

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep