The Seventh Is Dead, the Eighth Takes His Place

Dordoni's question was never answered definitively; Zero simply replied, "Come back and visit whenever you want."

The journey alongside Zero made Grimmjow and Dordoni realize that the world was different. For them, who were born in fear and indifference, Zero was truly dazzling.

Zero once told them that his current goal was to become the rule-maker, and to that end, Zero had been constantly getting stronger and improving. In order to get closer to his goal, he could even accept the Hollows parasitizing his body.

Compared to the Hollows parasitizing his body, having two Adjuchas as companions didn't seem so unacceptable.

For the Void, survival means constant evolution, becoming stronger than others to avoid becoming prey. They have no plan; they only know how to hunt down opponents weaker than themselves.

Zero had already devised a plan: what to practice each day, when to hunt, and when to move to find new hunting grounds. Hunting strong prey was the key to increasing evolutionary efficiency...

This planned and goal-oriented way of life was Grimmjow and Dordoni had never imagined. Their monotonous hunting life was given a different feel because of Zero's arrival.

Unbeknownst to them, the two Hollows had gradually become obedient to Zero. Even Grimmjow, who usually didn't answer verbally, would obediently follow Zero's orders.

Now that person has left, returning to his own world, they were caught off guard...

"That guy really said that? Tch, Soul Reaper and we're not on the same side after all. And what's with this talk about letting me develop on my own? Keep dreaming! I'm not going to rule Hueco Mundo..."

After hearing Dordoni's account, Grimmjow looked Hueco Mundo. "Unifying Hueco Mundo? I'm not going to do that. I'll become Arrancar first."

As for the grudge against Baraggan, I will definitely take revenge, but I can only do so after I find a way to break his abilities.

"Let's go! Let's find some useful guys to avoid being outnumbered again... Hmm, I'll set the joining criteria; anyone who survives three of my moves can join."

"Hey, hey, hey, you're Vasto Lorde, aren't you? With these standards, you're clearly not planning on hiring anyone!"

"Hmm? Then reduce it a bit. Anyone who can survive two hits is qualified."

"Still too..."

"Stop talking nonsense! With that bastard gone, I'm the boss. If you dare utter another word, I'll kill you first!"

Under Zero's influence, Grimmjow also learned to act by simple plans, while the more intelligent Dordoni was suppressed by Grimmjow's tyranny and dared not offer too much advice.

After seven days, Grimmjow completed his transformation, taking on an upright humanoid form. His leopard features were still evident, but his physique was more streamlined.

Long, blue hair reaching her waist, a mask covering her forehead, blue pupils, a small part of the mask had fallen off her eyes and nose, and blue eyeshadow extended to her temples.

In fact, Grimmjow's appearance at this time is like that of Arrancar who has undergone 'Resurrección', except that his mouth is still covered by a large mask with teeth arranged in a closed shape.

Even when he speaks, his teeth don't seem to open; perhaps they only open when he eats!

His chest and neck, which should have been a normal skin color, were wrapped in white bandages. These bandages were as tough as the 'silver bars' used to secure armor, capable of withstanding blade strikes.

Grimmjow's Reiatsu has also increased to twice that of a standard Captain-level. According to the measurement unit created by Rei and Hideaki Tsunayashiro, Grimmjow is now equivalent to 'two Hideakis', roughly equivalent to an upper-middle-level Captain.

However, his actual combat power is estimated to be lower than that of Hideaki Tsunayashiro after Bankai, since Reiatsu is used as the unit of measurement, not actual combat power. The combat power possessed by Bankai Shikai, and normal state is not constant.

Unfortunately, these zeros are no longer able to be accurately judged, nor do they know that Grimmjow and Dordoni are going to find powerful and reliable companions.

When he emerged from the Garganta space, he was already in North Rukongai.

Although he had been hidden and sealed once, his terrifying Reiatsu still caused many Reiryoku awakeners to faint and collapse.

The North District 10 of Rukongai is no longer the North District 10 it used to be; many changes have occurred, including... the downfall of the Nangong Family's power...

"The once-glorious Nangong Family has come to an end in just over a decade. What a pity."

"Vice-Captain Nangong Ling is gone, and he has no children. What can Ichinose Maki do? He's only a ninth seat now; he can't support such a large enterprise."

"Haven't you heard? Ichinose Maki has changed his surname to Nangong and is now called Nangong Maki, but it seems not many people respect him."

"Yes! Only Nangong Ling's Vassal are left; how pitiful..."

Listening to the discussions among those without Reiryoku on the street, Zero felt like a million alpacas were stampeding through his mind. There was a lot of information to process; it seemed like quite a few things had happened recently.

When members of the Gotei 13 go out on missions, they leave a trace of their Reiatsu within a special Barrier belonging to the Kidō Corps. This trace of Reiatsu can remain within the Kidō for decades without dissipating, as long as the Kidō doesn't dissipate or the person doesn't die.

When a person dies, their Reiatsu dissipates into the Kidō and becomes known to the Kidō Corps. (For example, when Ichigo was first disemboweled by Karasu, the Reiatsu Ichigo left inside Inoue dissipated upwards. I don't know how it was left there, but perhaps some unspeakable secret happened between them.)

"I'm dead? Hah, nonsense..."

Zero shook his head and chuckled, secretly thinking: Could it be that some on-duty Kidō Corps was in such a hurry to take a paid dump that he accidentally destroyed the Barrier containing my Reiatsu, and then declared me dead?

The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. It was all to cover up a work mistake! They could just create an even bigger error. Anyway, Zero hadn't come back yet, so they could just explain it as an accident when he did.

However, Zero really didn't expect Maki to decide to change his surname to Nangong without his consent, which was quite normal given Masaki's fanatical worship of him.

Filled with doubt, he used two incredibly long-distance Shunpo to return to the mansion. There was no one guarding the main gate, but there were a few people inside.

Kuzō and the others were cultivating, and only their retainers stayed by Vassal side. The hired staff had long since run away, so the group of rough men didn't know how to tidy up the courtyard, resulting in many places being overgrown with weeds.

A heavy Reiatsu came over him, and shock appeared in Kuzō's eyes, which then turned to joy. This was the Reiatsu he was familiar with.

"Lord Tsunayashiro, you're finally back!"

"Get lost, don't get your snot on me."

Kuzō the fastest and appeared in front of Zero first. Zero was startled by his tear-streaked face, especially the murky snot.

Half an hour later, Zero, having finished bathing, changing clothes, and trimming his beard, appeared at the family Dōjō. More than twenty Vassal sat on both sides, with those reeking of alcohol and who hadn't bathed for who knows how many days sitting at the end.

"A lot of big things have happened lately, Kuzō..."

"Yes, Your Highness, I will answer your question!"

As soon as Zero called roll, Kuzō indicated that he understood and began to recount the major events that had recently occurred, all of which he had learned from Maki...

Seven years ago, it is said that because Zero's ten-year vacation was coming to an end, the Kuruyashiki personally visited the Nangong Family to inquire when Zero would return. After discovering that no one knew, he forcibly granted Zero another ten years.

This angered some of the more powerful members of the 11th Division, but they dared not say anything.

In the years that followed, for reasons unknown, the Soul Reaper and Quincy engaged in several small-scale battles in the World of the Living, each suffering losses.

Hearing this, Zero tensed slightly. Just a few years ago, he and Grimmjow had gone to the World of the Living and killed two Quincy. This couldn't be a coincidence; there must be some reason behind it...

Five years passed, and two years ago, a large number of Hollows appeared in Rukongai. It was said that the Menos Grande were attacking Soul Society again, and this time they were defeated by Kuruyashiki.

This refers to the intelligence Zero obtained from Barragán's scouts: Szayelaporro led an attack on Soul Society and was killed by a man named Kenpachi Kushiyashiki. Zero concluded that it was Kenpachi Kushiyashiki who killed Vastod Iblin.

If only that had happened, it would have been fine, but at the 11th Division's victory celebration, Kuruyashiki was challenged and actually lost...

"Defeated? Killed outright?"

"Yes, the current Captains of the 11th Division are Eighth Kenpachi) Azashiro Sōya. However, because your Reiatsu has collapsed, although you were entrusted by Kuruyashiki, Azashiro has relieved you of your Vice-Captain position, but you will remain a registered Squad Member for the time being..."

Zero was a little incredulous; he hadn't even challenged him yet after completing his training, Kuruyashiki was already dead.

As for the person Kuzō mentioned, Azashiro Sōya, the current Kenpachi Azashiro, he had no idea who they were and had never heard of them before.

He is said to be a fallen nobleman, and he has always kept a low profile. His only reputation in Rukongai is that of 'Kamaitachi'.

Zero then inquired about the battle, but Kuzō said he didn't know. Maki didn't provide a specific description, and coincidentally, Maki had already gone out to carry out a mission at that time.

Ling said that they would discuss the rest of the business matters concerning the Nangong Family later, and immediately dismissed everyone to go back to their formal attire. He was going to see Kyōraku and ask about the details.

On the On the Road, Zero fell into deep thought: ' Captain Kuruyashiki even asked him to take care of me... It seems he didn't forget his promise even on his deathbed, but unfortunately, it can't be fulfilled now!'

'The fact that he accepted the request shows he's not an extremely cold-blooded person, but is he really better than Kuruyashiki?'

What Zero cares about most is Kenpachi Azashiro's strength. Kuruyashiki could easily defeat Vasto Lorde with his Shikai; once his Bankai was shown, he was invited by Zero Division, which shows how powerful he is.

Kenpachi Azashiro, who could defeat him, must have had a very high Reiatsu level, no matter how weak he was. Perhaps it was due to the unique nature of his Zanpakuto...

On the second floor of a pavilion in the Seireitei, Kyōraku was lounging around, slacking off, when Zero appeared using Shunpo, carrying two sake jugs and two side dishes, clearly intending to bribe Kyōraku.

The two chatted as they ate, and within minutes the topic turned to Azashiro and Kuruyashiki.

"He did have Zanpakuto, but I didn't see it. At the time, Kuruyashiki was defeated before he could Shikai, and while Kuruyashiki was being injured, Kenpachi Azashiro was also seriously wounded..."

Kyōraku sipped his sake and recounted to Zero the events of two years ago, expressing his deep regret over the death of his friend, Kuruyashiki.

But what could he do? That's the rule of the Gotei 13. Other teams can become Captains through strength tests, but there's only one way for the 11th Division to become Captain: defeat the previous Captain.

To date, the only 11th Division to succeed the 'Kenpachi' without defeating the previous Captain is the second Kenpachi.

That man was the first Kenpachi. After the first Kenpachi sealed his sword, he defeated several competitors to take over. Since then, every Kenpachi has succeeded to the position by killing the previous Kenpachi.

"Based on what you've said, we can conclude that his sword is at least in its permanent Shikai state and belongs to the Kidō-type. Knowing these two things is enough. Farewell!"

"Where are you going? Friendly reminder, you still have a century-old ban imposed by Yama-jii on you!"

Zero took a big gulp and got up to leave. Kyōraku, who had some suspicions, brought up the Captain-Commander, reminding Zero of the order he received after killing Hideaki Tsunayashiro.

"Then I'll just ask him to remove it for me, right? He didn't care when Azashiro challenged Kuruyashiki, but he can't do it when I challenge Azashiro?"

Zero sat down again, puzzled, and said, "Also, I don't quite understand why he gave me this ban. Isn't the Captain's position supposed to be given to the most capable person?"

Kyōraku remained as nonchalant as ever, chuckling, "Actually, this was an order from the Central 46. They fear your power and your disrespect for the personalities of high society figures."

"I knew it! If the Seireitei doesn't change its bloodline for years, it's bound to age Respira. Those old fogies who are stuck in their ways will suffer sooner or later!"

Zero suddenly clenched his fists and roared, really wanting to go over and chop them down. However, Kyōraku chuckled again, "Hehe, little brother, don't get excited. This is just a point. If Yama-jii doesn't agree, this order is useless. Do you know why Yama-jii agreed?"

As Kyōraku asked the question, his expression gradually became serious. Rei also thought about it carefully before answering seriously, "I don't know."

Kyōraku, who had been somewhat expectant, chuckled and began to explain in detail, "Well, that's normal. Actually, many Captains don't know the answer to this question. They're only concerned with their own squad's internal affairs and protecting Rukongai."

"Have you ever heard of the Quincy?" Kyōraku observed Zero's expression, noticing a slight twitch, and continued, "It seems you know them, and quite a bit at that. Let me tell you a little about it!"

"The Soul Reaper and Quincy have always been at odds. They attacked the Seireitei about 700 years ago but were repelled by the young Yama-jii. Recently, the Quincy's power has been growing."

"Although we've been seeking a coexistence strategy lately, it seems there hasn't been much progress, so... Yama-jii is accumulating Captain-level strength to deal with various unforeseen circumstances..."

As Kyōraku described it, Zero gradually came to understand that the reason Azashiro was able to succeed in the challenge was because no one thought he would win at the time.

Even Kuruyashiki couldn't use his Shikai, which was one of the reasons for his defeat.