Chapter 89

Just as expected.

The very next moment of the execution.

The fire phoenix that howled toward the sky was blocked by a man wearing a jet-black shihakushō, with a head of yellow hair.

At the same time.

The Sōkyoku Hill's platform was severed, and Rukia was carried off fleeing by another red-haired man.

Off to one side.

Kuchiki Senya watched all of this.

Sure enough.

The current Kurosaki Ichigo has already learned Bankai.

As for Abarai Renji…

In the intelligence from two days ago, he tried to force his way into the Seireitei prison and was beaten half to death by Bai Zai.

Now his injuries have been healed, and he has joined the operation to rescue Rukia.

However.

Unlike the original.

This time, Kenpachi Zaraki did not help the protagonist's group.

Members of the protagonist's group—Inoue Orihime, Shi Tianyu, and others—were not released either.

Even more.

Right now, Shi Tianyu is still being subjected to all sorts of inhumane research by the one he hates most—Mayuri Kurotsuchi.

The true combat power of the protagonist's group.

Is only captain-level Yoruichi, Kurosaki Ichigo who has reached the captain's limit through Hollowfication, and vice-captain-level combat power, Abarai Renji.

"Aizen."

"Is about to start putting on his act."

Various powerful reiatsu erupted from Sōkyoku Hill.

And Kuchiki Senya lazily took a sip of wine, watching the fire from across the shore.

His gaze rested on Kuchiki Byakuya.

Captain-level combat power—only Bai Zai alone. As for Old Man Yamamoto, he is destined to be engaged by Kyōraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō.

Same as the original.

Bai Zai's opponent is still Kurosaki Ichigo!

Fighting Kurosaki Ichigo is also a kind of growth for Bai Zai.

As an older brother, he only needs to protect Bai Zai at the right moment.

……

On an empty plot of land nearby.

Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni's eyes narrowed slightly, and his originally stooped figure straightened a little.

Although.

On the outside.

He was nothing but an ordinary old man.

His entire presence was like a primordial fierce beast, a vast ocean—Wang Yang.

The mere leakage of a little was enough to make countless hearts tremble!

At this moment.

He cast a sidelong glance at the unmoved Kuchiki Senya.

Then.

His sharp eyes fixed tightly on the two favored disciples before him.

Kyōraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō!

They.

Had also joined in Rukia's rescue.

And taken on the great task of holding back Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni!

"Rukia's crime does not warrant death. We acted only for the justice in our own hearts."

"Two ungrateful disciples!"

"You disregard the justice of the world itself—how can you speak of the justice in your hearts!"

"You have disappointed this old man greatly. I had always assumed it would be Kuchiki Senya who stepped forward."

"I never expected…"

Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni shook his head.

He drew his Zanpakutō; the upper half of his clothing exploded apart, revealing a powerful body of knotted muscles covered in scars!

Half the sky was madly scorched by raging flames!

The ground melted into lava, forming a surging sea of fire!

Ryūjin Jakka!

The strongest and oldest fire-type Zanpakutō, unleashed here!

……

At the same time.

On the other side.

GLOSSARY:

Byakuya, Xiong Xiong, Yangyang, Shi Tianyu, Yellow Hair, Tian Yulong, Elder, Ichigo learns, is destined to, Genryusai Shigekuni

Two figures gave chase, able to traverse hundreds of meters in an instant!

Not long after.

They came to a halt in a stretch of woods, and two captain-level spiritual pressures shot skyward! Locked in a frenzied standoff!

A dark-skinned older-sister type in yellow clothes, her purple hair tied into a single ponytail, was quietly watching the bangs-framed girl before her.

Suì-Fēng.

Her original name was Hōshō Aya.

She was a subordinate noble of the Shihōin clan, heir of the Hō family.

And once before.

Shihōin Yoruichi's most outstanding subordinate.

"Suì-Fēng."

"Fifty years ago…"

Yoruichi's face was full of apology.

Fifty years ago, she had fled Soul Society together with the present-day Masked Corps and Urahara Kisuke.

Abandoning her capable right-hand woman, Suì-Fēng.

Now.

Seeing her again.

A thousand words welled up, yet none could find voice…

"You needn't say it."

Before Yoruichi could finish, Suì-Fēng shook her head and cut her off.

"My mission right now is simply to defeat you and drag the fugitive Rukia back."

In the original work.

The resentful, furious Suì-Fēng was long gone.

Serving as deputy to that hands-off boss Kuchiki Senya for fifty years, buried daily in an ocean of paperwork.

Had long since made her heart colder than the chill iron in the abyss.

Whatever had passed between Yoruichi and her had long since vanished like smoke.

Now.

It was simply a matter of completing the mission.

Her superior was Kuchiki Senya — and no one else!

Before her.

Yoruichi was briefly taken aback.