Shiba Kaien vs. White Hollow

In addition, the Thirteenth Division has many Soul Abilities.

But Gaoyu can't obtain them right now.

The entire Thirteenth Division is currently shrouded in grief, making it an unsuitable time to make friends with them.

He hasn't even spoken much with Rukia.

And the White Hollow didn't make Gaoyu wait too long either.

A day later, Jūshirō Ukitake summoned Gaoyu, Shiba Kaien, and Kuchiki Rukia.

"We've found the target's location," Jūshirō Ukitake said solemnly. "It's near Koi-fū Mountain. I'll accompany you, but unless you fall in battle, I will not intervene."

He looked seriously at Shiba Kaien, who nodded in return.

Gaoyu watched the two, contemplating his next move.

He really wanted to obtain Shiba Kaien's Similar Appearance and Rukia's 'Star'. This mission was a perfect opportunity to gain their favor.

As for Jūshirō Ukitake...

Gaoyu also wanted his Host, but thinking of Shunsui Kyoraku being stuck at level fifty, he lost interest in Jūshirō Ukitake.

These old guys who have lived for hundreds of years have walls around their hearts that are too thick. Dealing with them is like dealing with Shinji Ikari.

Heh, when I launch the Human Instrumentality Project, let's see if their walls are still thick.

Gaoyu inwardly grumbled about these immortal, century-old monsters.

But how should he...

act to protect the White Hollow while also gaining favor with Shiba Kaien and Kuchiki Rukia?

Never mind, he'll have to improvise later.

If worse comes to worst, he could sacrifice Shiba Kaien, but he absolutely must protect the White Hollow.

The White Hollow is not only related to his own Hollowfication but is also essential for his future 'conquest' of Ichigo Kurosaki. How could he let it be depleted here?

Therefore, when Gaoyu followed Jūshirō Ukitake to Koi-fū Mountain, even before they got close, he could already sense the White Hollow's evil Reiatsu.

The White Hollow had grown a lot. Its Reiatsu level was far more powerful than when it first transformed.

He glanced subtly at Shiba Kaien.

He...

couldn't win.

The White Hollow probably possessed Captain-level combat power now. Despite Shiba Kaien's talent, he wasn't strong enough to deal with it.

Gaoyu didn't know if Jūshirō Ukitake was aware of this, yet he still allowed Shiba Kaien to fight alone.

The three of them stood atop a cliff, watching Shiba Kaien leap down and confront the White Hollow.

At this moment, he looked up at the sky.

The sky was already incredibly dark.

Only a sliver of a crescent moon hung in the sky, doing its utmost to cast a faint light.

Other than that, there was nothing.

Gaoyu narrowed his eyes, gazing at the three gleaming Soul Abilities beneath the moon.

'Ascension'

'Viper'

'Spirit of Vengeance'

The first two were naturally Aizen and Gin Ichimaru's abilities, while the third belonged to Tōsen.

Because this ability was almost useless to Gaoyu, he hadn't paid much attention to it before.

'Spirit of Vengeance: Upon activation, generates a highly aggressive 'Spirit of Vengeance' that attacks targets with whom you hold intense hatred.'

This ability...

was quite good, too.

But the only problem was that Gaoyu had no enemies.

He had none in the past, none now, and likely won't have any in the future.

Enemies are not the same as hated individuals. If it could be used against enemies, this ability would be very useful.

But if it's fixed on the category of 'enemies,' its limitations are too great.

Gaoyu...

has no enemies.

He harbors no hatred in his heart.

As if noticing his gaze, Gaoyu sensed that someone among the three also looked at him.

These three people...

They really have too much free time.

In the original story, it was one thing for Captain Isshin Shiba to deal with White Hollow. After all, he was a Captain, and it was necessary to watch the data of the battle between White Hollow and a Captain.

But Vice-Captain Shiba Kaien, why would he be worth such a big fuss, having three people watch him together?

This is ridiculous.

Gaoyu looked down expressionlessly.

"Roar!"

White Hollow had already seen Shiba Kaien. Of course, it didn't know the hatred Shiba Kaien held for it, but since he was a Shinigami, he was its food.

"As expected, a strange Hollow..."

Shiba Kaien voiced the doubt in his heart and in Jūshirō Ukitake's mind.

Compared to other Hollows, White Hollow was indeed too strange.

Its black shell, its filled-in Hollow hole, its humanoid appearance, everything seemed to speak of its unusual nature.

"But no matter what, I..."

Shiba Kaien's angry face held a hint of solemnity as he whispered, "Let the water surge and churn, Nejibana!"

He had already judged that his opponent was a difficult enemy, so he immediately used his Shikai.

The Zanpakuto in his hand transformed into a deep blue spear shaped like a trident, but at the same time, White Hollow had already appeared in front of him.

So fast!

Shiba Kaien's pupils dilated. He had just released his Zanpakuto, and White Hollow had already launched an attack in front of him?!

He quickly raised his spear to block, but White Hollow was not only extremely fast, its strength was also immense.

With one blow, Kaien was rapidly forced back, but White Hollow relentlessly pursued, and in the blink of an eye, Kaien was forced into a desperate retreat!

"Captain!"

Rukia saw this and quickly said, "This is bad! Vice-Captain Kaien is no match for it, we have to..."

She didn't finish her sentence because she saw Jūshirō Ukitake's current expression.

His eyes were also filled with worry, and he had the urge to rush to rescue his subordinate, but he suppressed that urge.

He didn't move!

"This is... Vice-Captain Shiba's battle of pride,"

Gaoyu said softly at this moment. "If we go to help him, where will his pride be then?"

"But if we do nothing... Vice-Captain Kaien, he..."

"Will die," Gaoyu said softly.

"Rukia, remember one thing."

"Not everyone fears death. In some people's hearts, pride outweighs death."

"I... don't actually agree with this view, but I will respect those who hold it, and so will you."

"If you truly respect your Vice-Captain, don't move."

"Rukia, you should go back first," Jūshirō Ukitake said softly. "The scene that unfolds here next is not suitable for a child like you."

"I..." Rukia was stunned. She hadn't expected Gaoyu and Ukitake to say that, but she quickly replied, "No, I won't hold you back!"

Gaoyu ignored her and carefully observed the battle between the Shinigami and the Hollow below.

Shiba Kaien, worthy of being the genius Jūshirō Ukitake considered his successor. Although still a Vice-Captain, he probably already possessed the strength of a Captain.

Even though he was at a disadvantage at this moment, it wasn't entirely true that he was no match for White Hollow.

Perhaps, Shiba Kaien could still create a miracle