Establishing Authority, Unwelcome Visitors

Chapter 389: Establishing Authority × Ill Intentions

'He won't even draw his Zanpakutō...'

Kitahara Kaiichi's anger had already been stoked to a certain degree.

As the foundation of a Shinigami, the Zanpakutō carried roughly nine-tenths of an ordinary Shinigami's combat power—

except for those in the Stealth Force or the Kido Corps.

Thus, Kira Izuru's refusal to draw his Zanpakutō and instead face the enemy with empty-handed Hakuda made Kitahara Kaiichi believe he was being looked down upon.

'Then let me teach you a proper lesson!'

Kitahara Kaiichi unfolded Shunpo, instantly closing in before Kira Izuru. A sharp slash lashed out, the wind lifting Kira Izuru's bangs.

'A straightforward slash, huh...'

Kira Izuru calmly stared at the incoming blade, predicting the possible Shikai ability that might follow.

'Looks like it's not a Kido-type Zanpakutō.'

Generally speaking, Zanpakutō were divided into Kido-type and direct-attack types.

The so-called direct-attack type, as the name implied, focused primarily on direct offense. Such Zanpakutō usually had simpler abilities with fewer variations, but their power was greater.

Kido-type Zanpakutō, on the other hand, were more versatile or centered on elemental attacks.

Kira Izuru's and Renji Abarai's Zanpakutō were direct-attack types.

Meanwhile, Ryūjin Jakka and Hyōrinmaru were Kido-type Zanpakutō.

Kira Izuru watched the incoming blade, sidestepping it by a hair's breadth. Just as he extended his wrist to counterattack—

"Huh?!"

A stinging pain came from behind. The fabric on Kira Izuru's back was instantly torn open, as if slashed by an invisible blade.

Startled by the sudden turn of events, Kira Izuru quickly distanced himself.

"Confused?"

"You dodged the slash."

"Yet you were still cut?"

On the other side, Kitahara Kaiichi began his explanation.

"This is the ability of my Shadow Spy..."

"Clone Slash."

"After Shikai, Shadow Spy can split off a transparent blade."

"It strikes together