Chapter 104: Zero Squad Above the Thirteenth Squad! And Huangmu Still

"Zai Teng senpai, are you not smiling because you were born not to smile?"

Gengmu stared at the iron‑blue‑faced Zai Teng, pressing him. In fact, Gengmu only returned the words Zai Teng had said to him; he himself didn't like spouting so much nonsense before a fight…

"Damn little brat, do you think I'm really scared of you? Don't go overboard!"

Zai Teng wasn't a vegetarian either—at least her mouth wasn't; after Gengmu kept mocking her, she could no longer control her temper and retorted at Gengmu.

"Enough! Enough! You two, stop arguing…"

Huangmu, seeing that a 'mockery war' was about to break out between Zai Teng and Gengmu, immediately rose from his seat and tried to smooth things over for everyone.

"Hmph! On Huangmu's behalf, I'll spare you today."

After hearing Huangmu's words, Zai Teng stepped down the stairs, but her mouth remained defiant. At the same time, she secretly rejoiced—indeed Huangmu was on her side, and her years of effort had not been in vain…

"Hmph!"

As for Gengmu, after hearing Huangmu's conciliatory words, he let out a cold snort, too lazy to bother with the secretly pleased Zai Teng.

"You've got it wrong! I mean, no more idle talk—let's start the squad leader challenge right away!"

Just as Zai Teng was secretly rejoicing and Gengmu's anger flared, Huangmu's voice sounded again, slowly reaching their ears.

"Ha?!"

Upon hearing it, Zai Teng's previously upturned mouth immediately drooped, and the smile vanished without a trace.

"Hahaha…"

As for Gengmu, he laughed openly in front of Zai Teng, already pondering what gesture he would use as his 'ending scene' after victory.

"Captain Huangmu, don't you think it's too late today? Our squad members should already be resting; waking them up for this trivial matter doesn't seem right, does it?!"

Zai Teng blinked at Gengmu, trying to hint at something.

"No problem! It's still early, and few squad members are resting. Moreover, the squad leader challenge ceremony can't be a trivial matter—it's clearly a major event for our Eleven Squad!"

Huangmu, hearing this, spoke with righteous conviction.

"Eh?!"

Zai Teng saw Huangmu's righteous expression and his face immediately fell.

Without waiting for Zai Teng to say more, Huangmu already left the leader's room.

"Heavenly Straight Sky Net…"

"All members of the Eleven Squad who hear this, report immediately to the Swordsmanship Dojo!"

The moment Huangmu left the leader's room, he used Heavenly Straight Sky Net on all members of the Eleven Squad.

"Hm?!"

In an instant, whether they were resting early in the barracks or patrolling outside, the squad members, upon receiving Huangmu's command, rushed toward the Swordsmanship Dojo.

"Captain Huangmu, is there something you need?!"

"Captain Huangmu, you're looking for us?!"

The members yawned, saw Huangmu, Gengmu and Zai Teng already standing in the Swordsmanship Dojo, and waved hello.

"Members of the Eleven Squad! The reason I used the Heavenly Straight Sky Net to gather you isn't for anything else—just now, our squad member Gengmu intended to launch a squad leader challenge against the ageless Deputy Leader Zai Teng! Let's applaud the 'courageous' Gengmu and the 'formidable' Deputy Leader Zai Teng!!"

Huangmu announced the reason for the summons in front of the squad members.

"Ha? Gengmu just returned and immediately challenged Deputy Leader Zai Teng? That's that exciting?"

"Don't forget, Gengmu just got back to the Eleven Squad; after being educated by Captain Huangmu, the fierce challenger, he's surely stewing with anger…"

"As for our Zai Teng leader, what kind of person is she? You all know it well! She's probably mocked Gengmu countless times, but this time Zai Teng seems to have lost her grip! Gengmu isn't contesting the Eleven Squad's leader spot, but the deputy leader instead~"

Clearly, the Eleven Squad members understand Deputy Leader Zai Teng's personality thoroughly and instantly guessed the whole situation.

"Hehe, how many rounds do you think Deputy Leader Zai Teng can hold against Gengmu?"

"Since the founding of the Guard Court Thirteen Squad, Deputy Leader Zai Teng has always been a strong leader; she should be able to last at least a dozen rounds, otherwise it'd be embarrassing…"

"Hahaha…"

In an instant, the atmosphere among the Eleven Squad members grew cheerful, their words filled with doubt about Zai Teng's agelessness.

"Bastard! I heard everything, you'll see something good soon!"

In response, Zai Teng kept a mental record of everyone who spoke ill of her, waiting to see whether she would take revenge later.

"Then, no more idle talk…"

"Let Gengmu and Deputy Leader Zai Teng enter!"

As Zai Teng clenched her teeth, glaring at the squad members behind her, Huangmu's voice sounded again in everyone's ears.

"..."

After giving the squad members a deep glance, Zai Teng walked to one side of the Swordsmanship Dojo together with Gengmu.

"The match begins!"

Seeing Zai Teng and Gengmu ready, Huangmu immediately announced the start of the match.

"Bankai…"

Without a word, Zai Teng instantly drew the Soul‑Cutting Blade at her waist and activated Bankai.

"Devour, Wild Sun!"

Facing Zai Teng, Gengmu also unleashed his Soul‑Cutting Blade, going all‑out.

At this moment, Zai Teng and Gengmu weren't sparring amicably; it felt like a life‑or‑death duel…

"Tsk, what a grudge!"

This made the surrounding Eleven Squad members close their eyes.

The battle between Zai Teng and Gengmu ended quickly; in the blink of an eye, a winner was decided…

"Waaah…"

Soon, the Swordsmanship Dojo echoed with Zai Teng's ageless cries and the sound of Gengmu sheathing his blade.

Boring...

This is too boring!!

I thought Captain Saito could at least last a few rounds against Moreki, but this is it?!

Seeing Saito Immortal and Moreki decide the winner, the 11th Division members immediately voiced contempt—this match is boring as hell; they wanted to see rivers of blood, or at least an evenly matched fight! To have the outcome decided in an instant—what nonsense!

Am I really this strong?!

On the other side, Moreki stared at his sword in his hand, lost in thought; given his understanding of Saito Immortal's spiritual pressure, even if he would eventually win, it shouldn't have been decided so quickly……

'Araki, I can't get up—you gotta carry me~'

Just as Moreki was puzzled by his own strength, and the 11th Division members found the fight boring, Saito Miss, sitting limp on the ground, bared her fangs at Araki.

'Huh? Moreki's sword didn't even hit you, right? And your Bankai shouldn't be so easily cut apart…'

Araki looked at the slumped Saito and raised an eyebrow.

'Shut up! I don't care—I'm just feeling off today; if you don't pick me up off the floor, I'll never get up!'

Saito watched Araki start acting unreasonably.

'Tsk~'

Araki felt a headache seeing that.

'Let's go! Let's go……'

As for the 11th Division members, seeing this they all turned their heads; what comes next is not something ordinary members like them can interfere with.

'Huh?!'

For a moment, only Moreki remained standing there, clueless.

'Come on, Vice Captain Moreki……'

'You fought brilliantly today—you owe us a drink~'

The 11th Division members who had left the sword training hall saw Moreki, that foolish kid, still lingering inside, so they went back in and dragged him out.

'So I am the vice captain, right?!'

After leaving the training hall, Moreki looked at the surrounding members and asked.

'Of course, of course~'

Upon hearing that, the members nodded in agreement.

'Then it's settled!'

Seeing this, Moreki nodded satisfactorily.

And so……the next day!

The 11th Division's sword training hall also serves as their daily meeting room……

'In recognition of Saito Immortal's centuries of diligent service as vice captain of the 11th Division, I decide to retain his vice-captain status; naturally, Moreki, who defeated Saito Immortal, will be promoted to vice captain of the 11th Division! Henceforth, Saito and Moreki will share the vice-captain position……'

Araki stood before the members and announced wearily.

'Everyone, clap!'

As Araki's words fell, the revitalized Saito first clapped her soft little hands in agreement with his words.

'Clap clap clap……'

As Saito's applause rang out, the 11th Division members immediately joined in……

At this moment, all the 11th Division members feared that if their applause was slow, they would anger Saito, and thus, whenever they went on missions, Saito would leave them behind to 'guard the home' together.

Indeed, Saito has a loud nickname in the 11th Division: 'Guardian Captain'!

Whenever Araki goes on a mission, Saito is left to watch the house; as the 11th Division's vice captain, her sole privilege is to freely choose any member to join her in guarding the home while Araki is away~

'Guarding the home' is practically synonymous with happiness for members of other divisions, but for the battle-hungry 11th Division, those two words are practically a nightmare~

'Congratulations, Vice Captain Moreki!'

'Congratulations! Congratulations!'

'Congratulations……'

Amid endless applause, the 11th Division members, smiling, repeatedly congratulated Moreki. For a moment, the atmosphere of the 11th Division was beyond jubilant……

'……'

In this joyous occasion, only Moreki sank into contemplation.

Moreki turned around, seeing Saito—whom he had defeated—still holding the vice-captain position, his brows furrowed.

Suddenly, Moreki recalled Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni's words to him: 'Moreki, remember—this Seireitei isn't about fighting and killing; it's about human relations!'

'I think I'm starting to understand……'

After Moreki gazed at Saito in contemplation for a while, he lightly nodded—at that moment he had an epiphany.

Moreki's vice-captain inauguration ceremony lasted about an hour; after everyone had their fill, Araki called Moreki out of the sword training hall.

'Captain Araki, you called me?!'

Moreki looked at Araki standing in the 11th Division's garden, back turned, seemingly gazing at the blooming peach blossoms, in a pleasant mood, and spoke up.

'Oh! Moreki, you've come~'

Araki turned upon hearing that, saw the belated Moreki approach, and gave a small smile.

'What do you need me to do, sir?!'

Moreki continued to ask Araki.

'Moreki, what are you afraid of?'

Araki, hearing that, did not answer Moreki's question but instead asked him.

'What am I afraid of?'

Hearing that, Moreki furrowed his brows tightly; since birth he had never encountered anything that frightened him. Thus, he found Araki's words utterly perplexing, not knowing how to respond……

Speaking reasonably, with your spiritual pressure, you should have already mastered Bankai! But why can't you still achieve Bankai?!

Huang Mu looked at the young Geng Mu and asked softly.

I...

Geng Mu's pupils contracted sharply upon hearing that; he seemed to want to say something, but didn't know how to answer Huang Mu.

Are you afraid that after achieving Bankai and gaining greater power, no one will be your match, so you can no longer enjoy the fun of battle?

Before Geng Mu could speak, Huang Mu's voice continued to echo in his ears.

Upon hearing that, Geng Mu fell silent, just as Huang Mu said; after Geng Mu, with the help of Shan Ben Yuan Liu Zhai, completely mastered his Shikai and his strength grew ever stronger, he became a little afraid, afraid that if he kept growing stronger like this, no one would be able to fight him anymore; what Geng Mu had always wanted was not to become incredibly strong, but to be able to enjoy the thrill of battle together with many people.

Don't be shameless...

You couldn't possibly really think that if you successfully master your Zanpakutō's Bankai, you could surpass me, could you?

Huang Mu raised his eyebrows after hearing Geng Mu's words; this kid seems to have been getting a bit full of himself lately!

I...

After hearing Huang Mu's words, Geng Mu unconsciously scratched the back of his head with his right hand, clearly having been hit the nail on the head by Huang Mu.

To be honest, Geng Mu now enjoys the feeling of challenging Huang Mu but never being able to win; if he really one day accidentally defeated Huang Mu, he might then truly feel lost...

Come on, little brat!

Huang Mu looked at the downcast Geng Mu, his eyebrows involuntarily raising; this expression really doesn't suit Geng Mu at all~

Thinking that, Huang Mu directly grabbed Geng Mu's collar and walked toward the outside of the Eleventh Division's barracks.

Where are we going?!

Geng Mu looked at Huang Mu, who had lifted him up with one hand, and instinctively tried to resist, but Huang Mu's overwhelming strength gave him no chance to fight back; thus, Geng Mu had no choice but to ask Huang Mu about their destination this time...

To a place where your inner potential can be fully unleashed!

Having said that, Huang Mu and Geng Mu's figures instantly vanished from the spot.

The territory of the Shiba clan, one of the Five Great Noble Families...

The current head of the Shiba clan had already prepared everything for Huang Mu with utmost familiarity—nothing but practice makes perfect!

Let's go~

Having come many times, Huang Mu was naturally familiar with the Shiba clan; before using the Heavenly Pillar Palanquin to take Geng Mu to the Soul King Palace, he didn't forget to wave at the clan head as a greeting.

Bye-bye~

After waving at Huang Mu, the Shiba clan head immediately picked up the torch in his hand.

Boom!

As the Shiba clan head lit the fuse of the Shiba cannon with his torch, accompanied by a roar, the Heavenly Pillar Palanquin shot straight up into the sky.

What the hell is this?!

Young Geng Mu stood inside the Heavenly Pillar Palanquin, a flash of panic crossing his face; it was his first time flying this high.

Next, the place I'm taking you to is the highest point of the Soul King Realm, and indeed of all Three Realms!

Huang Mu looked at Geng Mu's shocked expression and spoke softly.

Huh?!

Upon hearing that, Geng Mu's eyes flickered with confusion.

Tens of minutes later...

After the Heavenly Pillar Palanquin, under Geng Mu's authorization, passed through a full seventy-two barriers and successfully registered on the Soul King's Table Reference Path, Geng Mu had already been clutching the trash can Huang Mu had prepared for him in advance, vomiting all the way.

This won't do? How else can I become the strongest?!

Huang Mu looked at the hopeless Geng Mu and chuckled.

Upon hearing that, Geng Mu grabbed a nearby rag to wipe his mouth, then pointed at Huang Mu's face but couldn't utter a word.

Come on~

Huang Mu didn't give Geng Mu a chance to speak, kicking him out of the Heavenly Pillar Palanquin onto the Soul King's Table Reference Path.

Then 'Monk', Wang Yue, Tian Shilang—I'll leave this kid to you guys~

After throwing Geng Mu into the Soul King Palace, Huang Mu greeted the three—Bing Zhu Bu, Wang Yue, and Tian Shilang—who were already waiting on the Table Reference Path, then prepared to use the Heavenly Pillar Palanquin to return.

Old brother Huang Mu, this place is after all the Soul King Palace, where the Soul King resides; you can't always treat it like a kindergarten!

Bing Zhu Bu looked at Geng Mu, who had been thrown into the Soul King Palace by Huang Mu, and sighed helplessly.

Since Bing Zhu Bu was schemed against by Huang Mu, he gave up playing hide-and-seek with him, turned around and acknowledged Huang Mu as his big brother; after all, Bing Zhu Bu has recognized many big brothers in his lifetime, and in the end, only he himself laughs last...

But this time, Bing Zhu Bu had a vague premonition that he might end up being a lifelong lackey.

No difference~

Huang Mu said that, then directly boarded the Heavenly Pillar Palanquin and fell toward the ground.

Eh...

Bing Zhu Bu watched the departing Huang Mu, originally wanting to say something, but as he saw Huang Mu continually piercing through the cloud layers and barriers, plummeting at high speed, he could only close his mouth.

In short, that's the gist of it...

Then, young Geng Mu, welcome to the Soul King Palace; we are members directly serving His Majesty the Soul King, the Royal Family Special Forces, the Zero Division!

After seeing Huang Mu off, Bing Zhu Bu first helplessly scratched his cheek, then turned his head toward Geng Mu and spoke.

"Zero Division"? Are you stronger than the Thirteen Court Guard Squads?

After hearing Bing Zhu Bu's words, Geng Mu voiced his question.

"Thirteen Court Guard Squads"? Don't compare that with our Royal Family Special Forces! Although we Zero Division members are only a handful, our combat power surpasses the combined strength of all thirteen squads!

Having successfully transformed his flesh into a King's Key, and using the Soul King's power to create his own detached temple, the Qilin Temple Tian Shilang, he bore his Zanpakutō and spoke arrogantly to Geng Mu.

Without a doubt, Qilin Si no longer considers oneself a member of the Thirteenth Squad, but rather sees oneself as the Royal Special Agent of the Zero Division……

Is the combat strength of the Zero Division greater than the combined strength of the Thirteenth Squad?!!

After hearing Qilin Si's words, Geng Mu's pupils contracted sharply. Qilin Si's words were like opening a skylight for Geng Mu, allowing this 'frog in the well' to finally see the vastness of the sky……

If that's the case, is the combat strength of the Zero Division also above that of Huang Mu?!!

The youth Geng Mu continued to ask Qilin Si.

Hahaha……

Qilin Si laughed directly after hearing the youth Geng Mu's words.

Hahaha……

At the same time, Wang Yue and the monk standing behind Qilin Si also laughed.

After the three laughed loudly for a while, they almost simultaneously closed their mouths, then, with a strange gaze, silently looked at Geng Mu.

Um……

This doubled the pressure on the young Geng Mu's heart.

It's impossible to surpass Huang Mu in combat strength!!

At this moment, the monk who had been silent spoke up.

Why!!

Geng Mu looked at the monk and asked, puzzled.

What else could it be? Because Huang Mu is also a member of the Zero Division……

At this point, Blade God Wang Yue took over the monk's words and continued speaking.

Moreover, Huang Mu is the strongest among us in the Zero Division!!

After Wang Yue finished speaking, Qilin Si added further.

The combat strength of the Zero Division exceeds that of the Thirteenth Squad! And Huang Mu's individual combat strength is even above that of us in the Zero Division!!

Just as Geng Mu was unable to understand what everyone was saying, the monk, smiling, explained to clear up Geng Mu's doubts.

At this moment, the monk's kind appearance really gave off a feeling of being an enlightened high monk.

Is Huang Mu…… that strong?!!

Upon hearing this, Geng Mu's pupils contracted sharply.

Huang Mu's strength far exceeds your imagination!!

The monk, seeing Geng Mu's shocked expression, immediately smiled slightly.