Chapter 313 – 313 ⥤ Destined Confrontation

“Yes, teacher!” Upon hearing Aizen’s words, Ichigo immediately straightened his back.

Unlike the other Shinigami, Quincy, and Hollows present, he was born into a unique family that combined both Shinigami and Quincy lineages.

Though blessed with a fulfilling family life and happy childhood, Ichigo often found himself alone with few companions. Despite his parents’ boundless love, he still yearned for recognition beyond his family circle.

Then he met this man in the Soul Society. Gentle yet modest, wise yet elegant, kind yet courteous — Aizen’s genuine regard touched him in a way he had never experienced from a stranger before.

After spending time together, when Aizen offered to become his teacher, Ichigo accepted without hesitation.

The Shiba couple enthusiastically supported this arrangement.

In their eyes, Mr. Aizen — who could effortlessly match the Captain-Commander — was undoubtedly one of the most brilliant minds in the Sangai. Entrusting their son’s education to such a person brought them complete peace of mind.

Isshin bowed deeply in gratitude, declaring, “We leave him in your care, Mr. Aizen!”

Beside them, Akira grinned and nudged Aizen’s shoulder, “What did I tell you? He should be thanking us.”

At first, Aizen had resisted taking Ichigo as his student.

However, after beginning to teach him, he discovered that this young man possessed an intelligence far surpassing his father’s, easily grasping complex scientific concepts. More remarkably, his Reiryoku talent exceeded that of ordinary Shinigami.

Like his counterpart from the parallel world, he was born with the qualities of a Soul King, harboring unfathomable power within.

While other Shinigami gained strength through training, Ichigo’s training simply unlocked the vast power already dwelling within him. Once fully developed, he would naturally transcend ordinary existence.

Indeed, he was the most extraordinary being Aizen had ever encountered, save for a certain brute husky.

Aizen strongly suspected Ichigo’s existence was intimately connected to the Soul King. After returning from the parallel world, he had considered orchestrating this world’s Ichigo’s birth, but heeding Akira’s counsel, he allowed events to unfold naturally.

Yet Ichigo still came into being — an unprecedented transcendent existence unifying the powerful forces of Shinigami, Quincy, Hollows, Fullbring, and Hell into one singular being.

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Blood-covered Sajin collapsed after enduring one of Zaraki’s Ryōdan sword techniques, instantly losing consciousness.

The wild warrior was also gravely wounded.

Such was Zaraki’s nature — though he possessed the power to defeat opponents instantly, he deliberately held back to match their level, savoring the thrill of battle. As a result, he often ended up covered in wounds himself.

He hoisted the large dog Woof onto his shoulder and strode from the arena.

Though they appeared brutal on the surface, the two 11th Division members shared a genuine friendship, often sparring together in private. Even the fearsome Zaraki would sometimes help Sajin walk his sword-wielding dog, Goro.

Remarkably, under Sajin’s guidance, Goro trained alongside the 11th Division members. The dog had become skilled enough to challenge lower-ranked Officers with his swordsmanship.

Many Shinigami Officers, chagrined at being outmatched by a dog, now devoted themselves to training with renewed vigor, determined to someday defeat Goro.

The next match paired the 10th Division Captain’s son, Ichigo Shiba, against Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, one of the Lanza of Hueco Mundo.

“A kid? Really?” Grimmjow scoffed, eyeing Ichigo, who stood half a head shorter. He turned toward the platform and called out to his God-King, “Your Majesty, I request a different opponent. This runt looks so weak, I might kill him by accident!”

Akira shook his head, “Don’t underestimate Ichigo — he’s remarkably strong. Tell you what: if you win, I’ll make you the Primera.”

Surprised by these words, Grimmjow took a second, harder look at the youth before him.

Having been on the receiving end of many beatings, he knew Akira well. Though their lord often seemed carefree, he rarely deceived his subordinates — Lord Aizen being the occasional exception.

If His Majesty made such a claim, there had to be substance behind it. This kid must be more formidable than he appeared.

Alert now, Grimmjow’s Reiatsu flared to life, surrounding him in azure light, his presence growing menacing.

“Kid, since His Majesty vouches for you, I won’t hold back. Better surrender now before you suffer.”

Ichigo shook his head and calmly replied, “I promised my teacher I would perform well this time.”

Seeing his opponent wouldn’t back down, Grimmjow’s expression turned fierce. His wild Reiatsu swept outward like a storm, sending a dazzling pillar of light straight into the sky.

Like in previous matches, he immediately revealed his trump card.

“Grind…”

⤫ Resurrección: Pantera ⥤ Returning Blade: Panther King! ⤬

As the Reiatsu storm dissipated, a panther-man clad in white bone armor materialized in the arena’s center. His powerful presence washed over everyone, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Though not favored to win, Grimmjow ranked among the strongest competitors, and rumors suggested he had yet to reveal his full power.

Many spectators held high hopes for this Lanza, especially given his opponent’s apparent youth.

“Just a wet-behind-the-ears kid — how strong could he be? Does he think he’s Lord Kisaragi?!”

Facing Grimmjow’s surging Reiatsu, Ichigo remained perfectly calm.

His right hand spread open, gathering vast amounts of Reishi to form a sharp-edged Heilig Bogen. Unlike typical Quincy bows, his resembled a frost-emanating blade.

Grimmjow’s brow furrowed at his opponent’s stance. Without hesitation, he fired a standard Cero to test Ichigo’s strength.

To his astonishment, the Shinigami youth in his Shihakushō responded with several Heilig Pfeil.

The beams collided in the arena’s center, creating an intense shockwave that ignited the air. The violent boom resonated throughout the arena.

Grimmjow’s eyes widened — he hadn’t expected his Cero to be blocked by such a casual attack. But what truly shocked him was…

This guy’s Reiatsu!

When Ichigo fired the Heilig Pfeil, Grimmjow sensed the presence of death — a feeling he’d only experienced before with Akira.

Could this kid truly be on par with His Majesty?

No way!

⤫ Desgarrón ⥤ Returning Blade: Panther King’s Claw! ⤬

A massive azure light trace extended from his fingertips, emanating a sharp aura that seemed capable of tearing apart space itself.

Grimmjow activated Sonído, its explosive sound echoing through the arena as he appeared before Ichigo. With a savage grin at point-blank range, he already envisioned his victory over the brat.

That earlier sense of danger must have been his imagination.

However, just as Desgarrón was about to strike, his target vanished, leaving only deep trenches carved in the ground by the light trace.

Ichigo disappeared with the explosive sound of Sonído.

“It’s over, Mr. Grimmjow.” A voice rang out behind Grimmjow.

Unlike other Quincy, Ichigo didn’t draw the bowstring but swung his Heilig Bogen forward forcefully. A black crescent-shaped blade of pressure burst from the bow, tearing through the air.

Sensing the danger, Grimmjow instinctively swung his Panther King’s Claw to block.

But the supposedly unstoppable azure light trace shattered upon contact with the crescent blade, dispersing into countless particles of Reishi.

Though the blade pressure dissipated, a Cero-like beam erupted from the bow, carving a straight fissure through the air toward Grimmjow.

Caught off guard, he took a direct hit. His flesh tore open as blood sprayed — his prideful Hierro as fragile as paper against Ichigo’s attack.

Unwilling to admit defeat, Grimmjow used High-Speed Regeneration to restore himself, then combined Sonído with Desgarrón’s ferocity, briefly managing to pressure Ichigo.

But with one shout of “Getsuga Tenshō”, Grimmjow fell, engulfed by a torrent of black Reiatsu. His sturdy body erupted with countless wounds, instantly drenched in blood.

Under Aizen’s careful training, Ichigo had transformed his potential into real strength. Though not quite transcendent yet, he wasn’t far off. Grimmjow’s crushing defeat was inevitable.

“Winner, Ichigo Shiba!” Amid the audience’s cheers, Kisuke announced.

Looking at Grimmjow lying in a pool of blood, Ichigo smiled apologetically and, following Zaraki’s example, extended his hand to help him up and leave the arena.

After the maintenance staff’s repairs restored the devastated arena, the martial arts tournament continued.

Warriors from Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and the Wandenreich took to the stage one after another.

The medical teams from the 4th Division, 12th Division, and support staff from Hueco Mundo and the Empire worked tirelessly to treat the injured competitors and restore the winners to fighting condition. Thanks to their advanced medical techniques and technology, all situations remained well-managed through to the finals.

Among the notable matches was not only the battle between Sajin and Zaraki, but also an impressive showing from 1st Division 3rd Seat Rangiku Matsumoto.

Her clash with Tier Harribel was so intense it nearly shattered the arena’s Kidō barrier. Reiatsu seeped through the cracks, blanketing the venue and leaving spectators breathless as they witnessed the raw power of the Sangai’s elite fighters.

Rather than cowering, the bloodthirsty crowd grew even more excited, cheering that they’d gotten their money’s worth.

Harribel ultimately emerged victorious.

Using newly developed sub-Hōgyoku technology, she had mastered the technique of becoming a Hōgyoku Lanza with Beyond Resurrección. Her enhanced High-Speed Regeneration and Hierro defense proved decisive in defeating Rangiku.

“His Majesty doesn’t belong to you alone.” Harribel declared to her opponent, wiping blood from her mouth.

Another pair of competitors also drew Akira’s attention:

6th Division Lieutenant Byakuya Kuchiki and 10th Division Lieutenant Tōshirō Hitsugaya.

These Soul Society newcomers left their mark on the tournament, displaying prowess far beyond their official ranks as they dominated veteran fighters.

Like many others, they had received private instruction from Captain-Commander Kisaragi. While Aizen focused on teaching Ichigo, Akira had taken countless students under his wing — anyone whose name or face he recognized had benefited from his guidance.

Everyone cherished this debt of gratitude, and his influence in the Sangai grew steadily. Yet Akira remained seemingly oblivious, spending his days cheerfully avoiding work and occasionally overwhelming Kisuke with his antics. His popularity soared.

As the tournament progressed, excitement in the venue reached a fever pitch.

At last, the championship match arrived.

Kisuke entered the arena, his voice booming throughout:

“Will the competitors please enter: Non-affiliated participant, Ichigo Shiba! Eleventh Division Captain, Kenpachi Zaraki!”

As his words echoed, two figures materialized in the arena’s center. Their imposing presence surged forth, sending invisible currents rippling to both sides as fierce winds rose from the ground, making clothes whip violently.

Up on the high platform, Akira leaned close to Aizen with a mischievous grin.

“Come to think of it, Zaraki counts as my disciple too. What do you think — can he beat Ichigo?”

Aizen glanced at him coolly, analyzing, “You should know Ichigo’s strength better than I do. Don’t make such thoughtless remarks.”

However, to his surprise, Akira’s smile only grew more confident, “Want to make a bet? Ichigo won’t win!”

Aizen frowned, suspecting this man had been plotting something behind his back.

Based on experience and caution, he declined to bet with this trickster. The man regularly created miracles — who knew what might go wrong this time?

Looking at the two figures facing off in the arena, Aizen’s original confidence wavered significantly.

A five-in-one ultimate hybrid who could even fight against the previous Captain-Commander — given more time to develop, he’d undoubtedly reach Soul King level in the future.

Where did this man get such confidence from?

Zaraki’s injuries had fully healed, and he faced Ichigo with a savage, crazed smile.

Ichigo looked back at him with intense focus, his Reiatsu instinctively building. Unlike previous competitors, this opponent radiated pure danger.

As Zaraki raised his serrated blade, his voice thundered throughout the arena:

“Come on, Ichigo. Let’s kill each other!”

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep