Above the ruins of Central 46 in Soul Society,
one of the most ambitious and talented Soul Reapers of the past thousand years and a powerful Tailed Beast from another world—three eyes in all—stared at each other from a distance.
There was no earth-shattering pressure or surge of power. Both sides seemed exceptionally calm.
Clearly, their appraisal of each other didn't last long. Samehada soon lost interest and looked away.
In its eyes, the guy in front of it was nothing special. He didn't seem worth the trouble its master had gone to.
By Samehada's simple reckoning, a guy like that could be crushed on sight.
I'm the real Ten-Tails Samehada now.
I'm not afraid of anyone.
Samehada was feeling rather pleased with itself.
After all, it had truly evolved ten tails, representing an endless supply of power, instead of merely manifesting them like before.
Fortunately, Samehada still had a reasonable grasp of its own abilities. It wasn't stupid enough to think it could beat Nara Dan and turn on its master.
It knew perfectly well that the original owner of the fruit it had eaten had been beaten to death by Nara Dan, one punch at a time.
It's about time...
I've completed the task my master assigned me...
Time to head back...
Ignoring Aizen's intrigued gaze, Samehada turned the enormous Nine-Tomoe Rinnegan on its body.
A ripple of spatial energy passed through the air. Samehada slowly turned transparent and vanished from where it stood.
Spatial techniques...
Does everyone know them?
Aizen's competitive streak and curiosity had been thoroughly roused.
He knew perfectly well that the octopus-like creature probably wasn't the true mastermind. Like him, it was likely an exceedingly cautious individual with multiple layers of disguise.
I'll catch you...
I've received your warning this time.
But next time...