Chapter 85

Even so.

He had done his utmost to prevent any drain on the Soul Society's strength.

But in the end, Heaven does not bend to human will…

The others.

Kyoraku Shunsui, Ukitake Jushiro, and the rest all let out soft sighs.

Just now.

Qianye has already told the full story of what happened.

Everything.

Was Tosen bringing ruin upon himself.

He had struck at Kuchiki Senya in the first place, which was already a violation of orders.

Even if he didn't die.

He would still have to face punishment.

And Kuchiki Senya.

Had only acted with a touch too much force in self-defense.

There was nothing at all to pick at.

What's more, beyond his identity as captain of the Second Division, he was still the head of the Kuchiki house!

Even the Gotei 13 had no way to punish him! It would have to be reported up to the Central Forty-Six Chambers!

"However."

"After this battle, Kuchiki Senya is no longer the Soul Society's number one genius."

Kyoraku Shunsui sighed softly.

The others, too, watched Kuchiki Senya's departing back and nodded slightly.

A genius.

Is merely a word for a weakling who hasn't yet grown.

And now.

Kuchiki Senya, who possessed the strength to crush two captains.

Had already grown into a true top-tier combatant of the Soul Society — a transcendent powerhouse!

Perhaps even…

He had already reached captain-general level combat strength!

……

Kuchiki Senya.

The news of his crushing two captains with ease spread like wildfire across the entire Soul Society at a staggering speed!

Earlier.

The pressure that had blanketed all of Seireitei had let people feel the razor-sharp scent of destruction.

It had made everyone shiver with dread.

Now.

The truth of the matter had finally come clear — this was a great battle involving three captains!

And an internal conflict of the Gotei 13, no less!

Such explosive news.

Became an even hotter topic of frenzied discussion!

……

Underground training ground.

The black cat lay quietly on the hillside, a touch of blankness in her eyes.

She hadn't expected.

That in just fifty years.

Kuchiki Senya would have grown to such heights!

Climbed to the very pinnacle of combat strength in the entire Soul Society!

While she and Urahara Kisuke were still stuck at captain-level strength!

"So this… is the gap between a genius and an ordinary person…"

Yoruichi gave a wry smile and gently shook her head.

She knew perfectly well that Kuchiki Senya had been slacking off, yet even with that level of slacking, he could still reach such terrifying strength!

"However."

"Fortunately, given his personality, he won't interfere in Rukia's rescue — otherwise we'd have absolutely no chance at all!"

Yoruichi sighed softly, looking at the two figures before her.

One with a shock of Huang Mao.

Kurosaki Ichigo, brimming with resolve.

A head full of red hair.

And Abarai Renji, with tattoos on his head.

"Remember this well — never make a move on Kuchiki Senya. Given his strength, even if you master Bankai."

"You won't be able to take a single slash!"

Yoruichi's expression was solemn as she warned the two of them.

"As long as he doesn't block my way ahead, that's fine." Kurosaki Ichigo nodded, his fists clenched tight.

Abarai Renji wore a face of agreement.

Fighting that kind of pervert — isn't that just asking to be abused?

Kuchiki Bai Zai was already the goal he would spend his whole life striving to surpass.

As for the even stronger Kuchiki Senya…

At the very least, he had to surpass Kuchiki Bai Zai first before talking further!

"My Bankai is already complete. Keep at it, Ichigo." Abarai Renji rose and patted Kurosaki Ichigo on the shoulder.

He picked up Snake Tail and walked toward the outside.

He was heading straight for the prison! To rescue Rukia!

……

Huxindao.

The Central Forty-Six Chambers.

Ichimaru Gin stood respectfully, still wearing his familiar slit-eyed smile, the corners of his mouth curving into an exaggerated arc.

On ordinary days.

Although Tōsen Kaname seemed utterly unremarkable within the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.

However.

They both served under Aizen.

He knew Tōsen Kaname's strength all too well.

He had always been hiding his true ability — his real strength was already at the peak of a Captain!

And his Bankai, Suzumushi, was an incomparably powerful Kidō-type ability.

But even so.

He was crushed outright and slain on the spot by Kuchiki Senya!

Not the slightest chance to resist!

It seemed.

Kuchiki Senya's strength was far greater than he had imagined — strong enough even to cross blades with Aizen!

At the same time.

The Aizen before him.

Still wore his square-framed glasses, a lock of brown hair draped across his forehead, still bearing that warm, gentle smile like sunlight.

Tōsen Kaname's death.

Had not caused the slightest ripple in his heart.