BLEACH: SURVIVAL SYSTEM

[Congratulations to the Host for obtaining the "Excellent" level in Swordsmanship!]

At first glance, swordsmanship might seem like just one of the four basic combat skills—slashing, unarmed combat, footwork, and Reiatsu control—rather than a specialized technique. However, for Akira, this was one of the most critical skills he lacked!

"If my swordsmanship has reached the excellent level, then surely even the average Gotei 13 Captain can't match me in a pure sword fight?"

Akira was fully aware of his greatest weakness—prolonged close-quarters combat.

Until now, his combat style relied heavily on overwhelming enemies with sheer destructive force, utilizing light-based energy blasts and various applications of his Thunder Fruit powers. However, these were all ranged techniques. When it came to close combat, aside from his proficiency in elite-level hand-to-hand combat (Hakuda), his swordsmanship had remained mediocre at best.

"Even though I have near-invincible protection due to my elemental body, wouldn't that be useless against an opponent who infuses their attacks with powerful spiritual energy?"

His concerns were not unfounded. Take, for example, the future Kurosaki Ichigo—one of his key techniques involved wrapping the energy of Getsuga Tenshō around Tensa Zangetsu. This allowed each of his strikes to carry an immense, concentrated energy force, making him a direct counter to element-based opponents.

But now, Akira's final weakness had been resolved!

Feeling the flood of advanced swordsmanship knowledge pouring into his mind, he couldn't help but smile in satisfaction.

"Hah… I should get some rest. I'll need to recharge my energy and fully digest this knowledge tomorrow."

However, just as he returned to his quarters, intending to sleep, he suddenly sensed an immense surge of Reiatsu in the distance—one that was rapidly approaching!

"Hmm?"

Activating Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki), he instantly identified the source.

"Zaraki Kenpachi? I didn't expect him to come looking for me so soon—it's only just past midnight!"

Today was indeed the day Zaraki had promised their fight. Even if Akira had planned to ignore him, there was no way Kenpachi would simply let it go.

"Looks like this battle is inevitable…"

Akira furrowed his brows. He knew that Zaraki's strength was monstrous, but it was also a perfect opportunity to test his newfound swordsmanship. However, if he allowed Kenpachi to rampage all the way here, the entire Sixth Division's headquarters might be reduced to rubble.

With that thought, Akira extended his hand, summoning his Holy Sword.

The next moment, radiant golden energy gathered at the blade's tip, illuminating the night sky.

"Ex—calibur!"

A massive, concentrated beam of golden energy tore through the darkness, drawing the attention of nearly everyone in Soul Society!

Far in the sky, Zaraki Kenpachi caught sight of the incoming attack.

The light-speed slash gave him almost no time to evade, but instead of dodging, he simply grinned, his Reiatsu flaring wildly.

"Good! That's more like it!"

In an instant, Kenpachi's spiritual pressure erupted like a raging inferno, engulfing him in a brilliant golden glow—his sheer energy radiating like a miniature sun! With fearless excitement, he charged headfirst into the oncoming sword strike.

BOOM!

A violent explosion rocked the night sky, sending shockwaves across Seireitei!

The deafening impact was impossible to ignore, waking even the deepest sleepers.

Among those most surprised were the captains of the Eighth and Thirteenth Divisions—Kyōraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō—who had been sharing a quiet drink at the time.

Jūshirō blinked in disbelief as he stared at the massive fireball that had erupted above his division's barracks.

"Wait… was that Captain Akira and Captain Zaraki?!"

Exchanging a glance, he and Kyōraku immediately dashed toward the battlefield.

By the time they arrived, they found a large crater where Kenpachi had crashed.

From within the rubble, Zaraki Kenpachi slowly got to his feet, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the impact.

He smirked, eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Tch… That actually hurt."

This scene shocked both of them. They had just witnessed it—Zaraki Kenpachi took the terrifying attack of the Captain Akira head-on!

"Did he use an immense amount of Reiatsu to forcibly counteract the attack?"

The seasoned Kyoraku Shunsui quickly analyzed the situation, but even he couldn't hide his astonishment.

Only a monster overflowing with spiritual power, like Zaraki Kenpachi, could afford such a reckless method of defense within the Seireitei. However, even with his overwhelming Reiatsu, he hadn't managed to completely neutralize the attack, leaving him momentarily stalled in place.

Realizing this, both Kyoraku and Jūshirō Ukitake marveled at the sheer power behind Akira's strike.

"Shh!"

As if summoned by their thoughts, Akira had already arrived with Shunpo.

The moment he saw the two captains standing together, Jūshirō felt a strong sense of foreboding.

"Wait! You're not planning to start a fight with my Thirteenth Division, are you?!"

The sheer force of Akira's previous strike had effectively cut off Zaraki Kenpachi from the Sixth Division's territory.

"Hold on!" Jūshirō hurriedly called out. "Captain Akira, Captain Zaraki—please, don't fight here! Why not take this battle els—"

Before he could finish, Zaraki Kenpachi let out a thunderous roar.

"Who cares what you say?! The fight has already begun!"

With a wild grin, he raised his Zanpakutō and lunged at Akira, bringing it down in a ferocious slash.

Clang!

Akira raised his holy sword to meet the attack, and the force of their clash sent sparks flying, shaking the air with a heavy boom!

"Hahahaha! Your Reiatsu is impressive! This is getting fun!"

Zaraki laughed maniacally as he unleashed a relentless flurry of attacks. Akira, undeterred, matched him strike for strike. Their weapons became blurs, clashing with deafening force.

Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!

Each swing sent shockwaves through the surroundings. Walls were reduced to rubble, and cracks splintered beneath their feet with every step.

"You two…"

Jūshirō Ukitake opened his mouth as if to intervene, but Kyoraku Shunsui simply patted his shoulder with a knowing look.

"Give it up. Zaraki doesn't even listen to the Head Captain."

He was referring, of course, to Yamamoto Genryūsai—the one person in the Gotei 13 with the highest authority.

Jūshirō sighed, realizing the truth in his words. All he could do now was ensure that the battle didn't endanger the surrounding area.

"Who do you think will win?" Kyoraku asked.

"I'd say Captain Zaraki," Jūshirō replied after some thought. "I reviewed Captain Akira's battle data yesterday. His strongest technique requires a charge-up period… but Captain Zaraki excels in close combat. He won't give him the time to power up."

Kyoraku nodded in agreement.

In his eyes, the moment Akira's first strike failed to put Zaraki Kenpachi down, his fate had been sealed.

However, as they continued watching, their certainty began to waver.

Their expressions gradually shifted from confidence to shock.

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