NOVEL NEXT CHAPTER 82:Aizen’s Gaze
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"How is it, Captain Zaraki? Still want to continue?"
Shiraha smiled faintly, his tone almost teasing.
Before unlocking the Gojo Satoru template, Zaraki Kenpachi's constant pestering had been a headache. But now, with the Infinity technique active, even Zaraki's relentless ferocity was nothing to fear. With the Limitless: Cursed Technique – Halt, Kenpachi couldn't even approach, let alone land a blow.
"Hmph. Forget it. This is boring."
Zaraki sheathed his Zanpakutō with a grunt. He had come to the World of the Living expecting at least one real fight—if not with the Vasto Lorde, then with Shiraha. Instead, he couldn't even touch him.
"Oye, Xiao Yu wins!"
Yachiru Kusajishi bounced in place, laughing like a child celebrating a festival.
Kyoraku Shunsui and Yachiru flickered forward in unison, appearing beside Shiraha in a blur of Shunpo.
"Ah, Shiraha… your Shikai's ability is frightening. Even Captain Zaraki can't close the distance. Care to share what your Zanpakutō does?" Kyoraku tilted his head, pressing the brim of his bamboo hat down to hide the glint in his eyes.
Shiraha's Shikai had manifested power unlike anything Kyoraku had seen from him before—an ability far beyond the ordinary. Even with his eyepatch and bells removed, Kenpachi's released Reiatsu was stronger than most captains. Yet under Shiraha's Shikai, he had been powerless.
Both Kenpachi and Yachiru stared at Shiraha now. Kenpachi's gaze was sharp and calculating; he was already trying to find a way to break through the unseen barrier.
"It's no secret. My Shikai prevents anyone from striking me unless their Reiatsu is at least ten times stronger than mine. Without that, they can't touch me without my permission."
The statement was a lie—bait meant for more than just the captains before him.
Far beyond the others' perception, Aizen Sōsuke and Ichimaru Gin watched from the shadows. When the Senkaimon had opened earlier, they had slipped through behind Zaraki and Yachiru, clad in black cloaks like Urahara's, concealing all spiritual pressure. On top of that, they had cast Bakudō #26: Kyokkō—bending light itself to erase their forms. Combined, even the faintest sound or trace of their presence vanished.
The reason Kyoraku, Zaraki, and Yachiru hadn't noticed, Shiraha guessed, was that they were already under the hypnosis of Kyōka Suigetsu, their senses gently redirected away from the intruders. Without his Observation Haki constantly mapping the surroundings, even he would never have sensed them.
Whether Aizen believed his "ten times Reiatsu" weakness or not, Shiraha couldn't know. In truth, even a thousandfold difference wouldn't matter. The only thing that could bypass the Limitless: Halt was poison—and within the Gotei 13, only Kurotsuchi Mayuri's Zanpakutō possessed such an effect. But Mayuri's raw combat ability was far too low to be a threat.
"Ah? Shiraha, are you sure you're describing your Shikai and not your Bankai?"
Kyoraku's eyes narrowed at the implications. To block all attacks outright—and for opponents to resist only by having ten times his Reiatsu—was absurd for a Shikai. In the entire Gotei 13, perhaps only Yamamoto's Bankai or members of the Royal Guard could reach that kind of overwhelming spiritual pressure. Even Kyoraku himself, releasing everything, couldn't match ten times Shiraha's output—especially since Shiraha's Reiatsu already rivaled or surpassed most captains, and Shikai would have increased it further.
"You're joking, Captain. I've only just learned Shikai. How could I possibly know Bankai already?" Shiraha replied lightly.
"Ah, Ken-chan, looks like you won't get to challenge Xiao Yu anymore," Yachiru chirped, hopping onto Zaraki's shoulder.
"I'll get stronger. Stronger than I am now." Kenpachi's voice hardened, his grip on his Zanpakutō tightening. He knew even unsealing all his Reiatsu wouldn't bring him close to ten times Shiraha's power. He would have to surpass himself completely.
"I believe you, Ken-chan," Yachiru said with a small smile.
"Yachiru. We're heading back."
Zaraki turned away.
"Xiao Yu, Ken-chan and I will return to Soul Society first," Yachiru called, waving. She drew her Zanpakutō, slicing open a shimmering gate, and the two vanished into the light.
Kyoraku remained, his easy smile fading. "This all feels a little too convenient. A Menos Grande appears here, then suddenly there's a riot in Muken. Both incidents pulled captains away at the same time. It almost feels like someone's targeting you. Have you noticed anyone suspicious in the World of the Living?"
Shiraha shook his head. "Unfortunately, no."
He knew the truth. But if even the Seireitei had no leads, a stationed shinigami couldn't simply claim otherwise without suspicion. Better to feign ignorance.
"Well, if that's the case… I'll take my leave. When you return to the Seireitei, drop by Squad Eight for a drink."
Kyoraku gave a small wave, then opened his own Senkaimon and disappeared.
Alone now, Shiraha exhaled. Without glancing toward the distant shadows where Aizen and Gin lingered, he vanished with a single Shunpo.
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