“Yoriichi!” “Captain!” Three voices rang out almost simultaneously.
The first two came from Rukia and Ichigo Kurosaki; the last from Renji Abarai, who had just appeared behind Byakuya Kuchiki.
Renji’s eyes widened as he stared at the scabbard pressed against Byakuya’s neck, momentarily too afraid to move.
He hadn’t even seen when the boy had appeared.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni didn’t turn around, calmly looking at Byakuya before him.
“I know what you want to do.” “But I’m here.
You can’t touch him.” Byakuya’s expression was cold, as if the object pressed against his neck was merely an ordinary wooden stick.
“You’re the unidentified Shinigami from the Twelfth Division’s monitoring records?” His gaze fell on the Zanpakutō in Yoriichi’s hand, his tone devoid of any emotion.
“I didn’t expect you to be here too.” As a Captain of the Gotei 13, he had no reason to fear a boy of unknown origin from the Human World.
Even if the other was fast.
Yoriichi slid his blade back into its scabbard and turned to support Ichigo.
“Currently, my impression of Soul Society is very poor.” With that, he and Ichigo vanished simultaneously.
Byakuya’s pupils contracted slightly.
The next moment, Yoriichi appeared beside Rukia with Ichigo, handing the heavily injured boy to her.
“How is this possible…” Renji instinctively gripped Zabimaru.
Moving with a heavily injured person at such incredible speed.
Even Byakuya couldn’t stop him in time.
Uryu Ishida stood not far away, clutching the wound on his shoulder, his gaze behind his glasses filled with seriousness.
Still as exaggerated as ever.
Byakuya slowly turned, his right hand gripping the hilt of his sword.
“Perfect.
Let me confirm whether you pose a threat to Soul Society.” His Zanpakutō stood upright before him.
“Scatter, Senbonzakura.” The blade vanished from his hand, countless pink slivers scattering, appearing like falling petals in the night.
Each petal was sharp enough to slice through a body.
The sea of flowers abruptly shifted, sweeping towards Yoriichi and his companions.
“Ichigo!” Rukia caught Ichigo, leaving them no room to dodge.
Yoriichi stepped forward, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword.
His breathing remained steady.
The long sword was drawn, its dark gray blade tracing a perfect, swirling circle.
“Sun Breathing, Eighth Form: Solar Heat Haze.” A circular barrier of crimson spiritual pressure instantly unfolded, protecting Ichigo and Rukia within it.
The dense slivers of blade struck the barrier, producing a series of crisp, ringing sounds, but none could penetrate Yoriichi’s defense.
Byakuya raised his hand, and Senbonzakura quickly gathered.
However, Yoriichi had vanished.
“Captain, to the left!” Renji had barely uttered the words when Byakuya raised his sword to block to his side.
Clang!
The scabbard struck the blade formed from the Senbonzakura blossoms.
An irresistible force surged through Byakuya’s arm, instantly cracking the ground beneath his feet and sending him flying several meters backward.
Before he could regain his footing, Yoriichi was already upon him again.
No superfluous movements, no complex techniques.
Just a slash, a block, a step, and another slash.
Byakuya raised his sword again and again to defend, but could only retreat each time.
His Reiatsu was naturally restricted in the Human World, but more importantly, he was deliberately holding back his Bankai, deeming this human unworthy of it.
But what truly alarmed him wasn’t the difference in raw strength.
Rather, he couldn’t understand Yoriichi’s swordsmanship.
Each attack landed precisely where he couldn’t fully defend.
Shoulder, wrist, ribs.
In just a few exchanges, his white haori was already stained crimson with blood.
“Captain!” Renji wanted to rush forward to help, but a gust of wind from a sword forced him to stop in his tracks.
Yoriichi hadn’t even looked at him the entire time.
This guy…
he didn’t even have to use his Shikai.
Thinking this, Renji felt his brain starting to malfunction.
Another muffled thud.
Byakuya’s sword was knocked away, and he knelt on one knee, blood dripping down his arm.
Yoriichi raised his scabbard, preparing to knock him unconscious.
But a petite figure suddenly stepped between them.
“Yoriichi, stop.” Yoriichi stopped.
Rukia opened her arms, her eyes pleading.
“Stop fighting.
I’m returning to Soul Society to atone for my sins.” “This was all my fault to begin with.
Don’t cause any more trouble because of me, okay?” “Rukia, what are you saying?” Ichigo, bracing himself against the ground, tried to stand up.
“Don’t say anything, Ichigo.” Rukia turned to look at him, her voice trembling slightly.
“I’m already sorry for dragging you into this.” “So, let me go back.” Ichigo opened his mouth, but couldn’t utter a word.
He wanted to stop Rukia.
But right now, he couldn’t even stand up.
Rukia looked away and helped the injured Byakuya to his feet.
“Brother, Renji, let’s go.” Renji looked at Byakuya, then at Yoriichi, still somewhat dazed.
Before coming to the Human World, he had never imagined things would turn out this way.
They had indeed captured Rukia.
But their Captain had almost died here too.
The Senkaimon slowly opened.
Byakuya didn’t speak, but turned back before entering the portal, giving Yoriichi a deep, calculating look.
Yoriichi didn’t stop him.
This was Rukia’s own choice.
Just as the portal was about to close, Ichigo mustered all his strength to lift his head.
“Rukia!” “Wait for me!” “I’ll go to Soul Society to save you!” Rukia’s back trembled slightly, but she didn’t turn around.
The portal vanished completely.
The next second, the long-suppressed rain poured down.
Ichigo knelt in the rain, his hands clenched tightly.
“Oh my, it seems everyone’s still alive.” A familiar voice came from the other side of the street.
Kisuke Urahara walked out, holding an umbrella, his paper fan obscuring half his face.
“Looks like emergency treatment isn’t needed for now.” Ichigo looked up, frowning.
“Manager, what are you doing here?” “Of course, it’s at Rukia’s request.” Kisuke Urahara smiled.
“She asked me to save your life.
Our shop always takes requests from our big clients very seriously.” Ichigo was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, “Can you take me to Soul Society?” “Sure.” Kisuke Urahara’s smile faded.
“However, you must first regain your Shinigami powers.” “If you don’t regain them within 15 days, the lock on your soul chain will be completely consumed, and you will turn into a Hollow.” Ichigo didn’t hesitate.
“I’ll do anything to save Rukia.” Kisuke Urahara smiled again, gently waving his paper fan.
“Very good.
At least your resolve is up to par.” He turned to Yoriichi.
“Yoriichi-kun, want some help?” Yoriichi nodded, then looked at Ichigo.
“Ichigo.” “Starting tomorrow, you’ll learn swordsmanship with me.” Ichigo hesitated for a moment, then nodded vigorously.
“Okay.” Kisuke Urahara watched this scene, his lips twitching slightly.
He had prepared a complete, grueling training plan.
Now it seemed the underground training ground might need reinforcing.
Yoriichi helped Ichigo up, Uryu clutching his wound beside him.
Kisuke Urahara walked in front, holding an umbrella, but no one stood under it.
The four figures slowly disappeared into the heavy rain along the street.