Arrogant Humanity & Cruel Fate (5K)

—But it still happened.

In the Rukongai's Rustface District, the members of the Tenth Division were ambushed and trapped by the enemy, including the Vice-Captain. Upon receiving the intelligence, the Third Division, which was acting as a support team, was immediately ordered by Iori to Kyoraku Juro a quarter of the elite soldiers to attack!

However, Iori himself did not act rashly. If it was just ordinary turmoil, then Kyoraku's strength would be enough to deal with it. But if there was some huge conspiracy... he could not be led by the nose.

As expected, similar distress calls soon came from the other two districts of Rukongai. Iori then sent Tenkai and Komamura to provide reinforcements, and also sent Hell Butterfly to the Captain-General to explain the situation.

Then, just half an hour later, the front-line combat forces of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads were mobilized, with the Eleventh Division leading the way to suppress the Rukongai —at this time Seireitei believed that the situation was still under control.

Surprisingly, the Eleventh Division failed to resolve the battle quickly and was instead dragged into a protracted and arduous struggle by the enemy.

Just as everyone was lamenting the decline in the Eleventh Division's (especially Kenpachi's ) fighting strength, news came from the front lines:

The enemy was numerous and fearless, with many heroes from Rukongai participating. Most of them didn't wield true Zanpakuto (Asauchi), but rather a strangely shaped special sword that almost everyone could True Name Release. Their abilities were also incredibly varied, and under the leadership of a few skilled fighters, they managed to hold off the Eleventh Division!

Based on this intelligence, the higher-ups quickly connected it to the "Bakyō Blade" researched by the Sumori clan, whose characteristics matched perfectly, and they were immediately enraged:

They gave Sumori a chance to handle the matter himself out of consideration for the dignity of the nobility, but now it seems that they did not destroy the technology at all, but instead handed it over to the heroes of Rukongai, using the power of these villains to fight against the Thirteenth Division!

This behavior is no longer within the scope of a power struggle; it has clearly become a rebellion!

These are no ordinary nobles; we must strike hard!

Feeling tricked, the Central 46 granted Yamamoto full authority, ordering him to quell the rebellion in Rukongai as soon as possible and, incidentally, to physically elevate the Sumori family!

Upon receiving the order, Yamamoto rush to the scene with his sword. As the Captain-General, he could not act rashly and also had to maintain the order and stability of the Seireitei. Therefore, he did not convey the battle order to each squad, but only instructed them to be on alert and manage their respective territories.

Because the matter involved nobles, it was entrusted to the Sixth Division, with Kuchiki Ginrei personally leading the team.

However, considering that Sumori should have made preparations in advance, he also notified the Second Division and Third Division in case of any unforeseen circumstances, instructing them to take "control" of the Sumori family by force.

The team was led by Yoruichi, who was nominally the Vice-Captain but had gradually taken over the Stealth Force Yoruichi, and Iori, who led the remaining elite troops.

To deal with this high-ranking nobleman, they directly sent two captains plus a future captain... the show of force was definitely enough.

"It all depends on whether they know what's good for them or not."

Standing on the wide and clean bluestone avenue, with towering white walls on both sides and imposing black-roofed mansions in the distance, a sense of solemnity and grandeur washes over you.

Yoruichi seen a lot in life. Although the Sumori family was a prestigious family, it was still not as prestigious as the Shihoin.

The nearby streets had been cleared by the Stealth Force, and with the addition of the sealed-off Kido, not even a mosquito could fly out. The Third Division and Second Division surrounded the mansion, while Kuchiki Ginrei did not want to harm the women and children inside. He led his team in to try to negotiate with them, or rather, to persuade them to surrender.

From an objective standpoint, the Sumori family is incapable of directly confronting the Thirteenth Division. Even with that Bakyō Blade, the difference in raw strength cannot be bridged by petty tricks.

Ginrei felt that there was still a good chance of persuading them to surrender, but he did not expect that the Sumori family would insist that Seireitei had betrayed them first, and that Sumori, with the moral high ground, would fight against Seireitei to the end!

This is just being incredibly rude...

Ginrei was just kind-hearted because of his age, but he wasn't a sentimental person. He immediately ordered a military attack on the Sumori Mansion, and a fierce battle suddenly broke out like fireworks.

As the captain, Iori took the lead and easily defeated Sumori's retainers. The elite Shinigami following behind him immediately filed in to suppress the resistance forces in various places.

The leader of the team, Tousen Kaname a man of principle. Under his control, the team deliberately avoided women and children, and when they encountered them, they only used Bakudō to control them. However, those who resisted by force were killed. They quickly completed the suppression of most of the mansion.

"What a pointless battle."

Shihōin Yoruichi to the shouts coming from all directions, "What is the head of this family thinking? Does he really think he can fight against the Seireitei all by himself?"

"Didn't they say they were forced to rebel... Although the higher-ups only ordered them to seal the forbidden techniques, who knows what really happened behind the scenes?"

Iori also seemed rather troubled, looking thoughtful. "Bakyō Blade..."

"In any case, the outcome of this battle is no longer in doubt."

Yoruichi composed herself and patted Iori on the shoulder. "Looks like I won't have to do anything. The battle will be over soon."

"... Are you serious?" Iori turned her head and looked at her with a wry smile. "The closer you get to the end, the less you should say things like that."

"Huh?" Yoruichi was stunned.

Just then, a powerful spiritual pressure exploded in the very center of the mansion, a gale swept up into the sky, and streaks of blood-red Kido power swept up, instantly destroying the surrounding buildings. Various pieces of debris flew in all directions like cannonballs.

"Careful!"

"You don't need to tell me... something really happened."

Iori sighed softly. Just as a flying rock was about to hit him, an invisible barrier unfolded, separating him from the world. All the fragments flying in that direction were deflected.

Immediately afterwards, another wave of spiritual pressure erupted, and this time a white figure appeared among the things that flew out. Upon closer inspection, it was none other than the Kuchiki Ginrei that had been entered earlier!

"Bakudō Number Thirty-Seven: Tsuriboshi!"

A glowing bed net made of spiritual energy appeared in the air, blocking the trajectory of the flying Kuchiki Ginrei. The old captain was hindered by this flexible force for a moment, but the powerful impact was released. He quickly adjusted his state and arrived on the ground in a Shunpo.

Thank you.

"Even without Kido, Captain Kuchiki will be fine. I hope you don't blame me for meddling."

Iori looked toward the center of the ruins where the storm was subsiding, and a strange figure exuding a powerful aura gradually became clearer under the swirling dust.

"What exactly happened?"

"... It's the Bakyō Blade."

Kuchiki Ginrei took a deep breath and added, "Captain Aizen, be careful, that's Bakyō Blade that can seal Bankai!"

"Hiss!"

Iori gasped, "Shocked!" and exclaimed, "Can't we use Bankai? That's really troublesome!"

Chapter 235: Arrogant Humans & Cruel Fate (5K)

The figure emerging from the smoke may or may not still be considered "human."

The object held in his right hand had a texture that was a mixture of metal and bone. Its shape could barely be identified as a greatsword, but from the huge, shell-shaped hilt, things that looked like cables or tentacles extended, clinging to his arms and body and deeply embedded within them. From time to time, streaks of light like electricity flashed across its surface, which were Reishi that were extremely active.

Half of its body was covered by a shell of tentacles and secretions, including its head. Long, thin tentacles protruded from under its skin and clung tightly to its blood-red eyes, creating a stark contrast with its cloudy black pupils on the other side.

This is less about people using weapons and more about weapons parasitizing people.

Anyone would categorize it as "evil" or "demonic," which explains why the Central 46 was so determined to ban this technology.

But setting aside factors such as safety, stability, and aesthetics, its spiritual pressure is indeed quite considerable.

This mutated guy is in no way weaker than a veteran captain like Kuchiki Ginrei... his ferocious and bloodthirsty aura is even stronger!

According to intelligence, the Sumori family should not have any Bankai masters; the strongest members of the family are only the Vice-Captain and high- Seated Officer... If this one in front of us is really Captain-level being created using the "Bakyō Blade," then it's simply revolutionary technology!

"Captain Kuchiki— "

"Aaaaaah! Blow it away!"

Iori's voice was interrupted by a hoarse roar. Hundreds of crimson wind pressures were released as the "greatsword" was swung, almost blotting out the sky. They then compressed and fell towards "one point" like a tornado!

"This power!"

Kuchiki Ginrei's pupils shrank sharply. Although he could dodge it, the wind pressure would sweep away the entire mansion in an instant, and ordinary soldiers would probably suffer heavy casualties.

Therefore, even though he was injured, he planned to use Kido and Shikai to forcefully block it!

"Will it be too late...?"

"Rude!"

—— [Splitting Void]!

An invisible barrier, like an indestructible city wall, stretched across the sky, colliding violently with the descending wind pressure. The powerful spiritual pressure poured out with destructive force capable of blowing away a street, but it was firmly blocked by this thin wall of the Kido and was not shaken in the slightest!

"Hmm!"

Kuchiki Ginrei slowed his movements and looked at Iori in surprise, who was displeased at being interrupted.

"Spell Discard Chant? But this level of [Splitting Void]..."

On the other side, the parasitized enemy, his eyes bloodshot, was about to launch a pursuit when a lithe figure flashed past, a straight flying kick like a javelin thrown from a crossbow, sending him flying!

"The Bakyō Blade? Ha, bring it on, whatever tricks you have up your sleeve!"

Shihōin Yoruichi unleashed her lightning-fast Shunpo, launching a barrage of attacks on her enemy. "I can take you down without even using my Zanpakuto!"

"Awooo—!!!"

It seems Yoruichi — Iori glanced at her before turning to Kuchiki Ginrei and continuing their previous conversation.

"Captain Kuchiki, you said the Bakyō Blade can disable Bankai? Really?"

"... Yes, at least that's the case in my situation."

Ginrei didn't urge Iori to rush forward and help. Instead, he was pleased with Iori's cautious and steady attitude and explained earnestly, "But not every Bakyō Blade can... This thing, like Zanpakuto, can also develop all sorts of abilities."

However, the Bakyō Blade previously shown to Central 46 were all normal Kido and Physical types; this was the first time Zanpakuto like this, capable of affecting others, had appeared!

"I see. It seems to be a special ability rather than a common characteristic of the Bakyō Blade. Then there's no need to worry too much."

By the way, what exactly does "Bankai" feel like?

"Um?"

"Specifically, is the Bankai ability being negated by an opposing force, or is it simply impossible to unleash it, or has one's spiritual pressure been weakened?"

"This..."

Ginrei pondered carefully. As a senior captain, he had a solid foundation in both strength and theoretical knowledge. After a moment's thought, he said, "It feels like a chaotic spiritual force has been inserted into my thoughts, making it even harder to connect with my Zanpakuto. It's fine when Shikai, but when I try to Bankai, it feels like I'm trying to pick up a needle through gloves."

"I see, I understand now."

Iori nodded, then raised her hand and pointed into the distance—

A dazzling bolt of Lightning Bolt, like a soaring dragon, ripped through the sky and struck the enemy instantly, causing a deafening roar!

Yoruichi was nearly caught in the blast. She pressed her hand against the ground to free herself, and after regaining her balance, she turned around and demanded, "What are you doing? I almost—"

"Calm down, this battle is not that simple."

"Varied..."

Isshin knew that Iori wouldn't speak without reason, so she calmed down and observed the enemy's reaction. She found that the enemy's body surface had become charred black under the whip of Lightning Bolt, but this carbonized shell quickly shattered, and at the same time, new flesh and blood tissue grew from underneath.

"Ang ang ang!"

The wind pressure dispersed the Lightning Bolt, and the enemy that reappeared had almost two-thirds of its body covered by tentacles. However, as the spiritual pressure continued to surge, those tentacles gradually transformed into armor-like forms, like a Shura that had fused flesh and steel together. After being attacked, it became much more powerful and ferocious than before!

What is particularly striking is his right shoulder, where the hand guard of the Bakyō Blade has now extended to his entire arm, with more than ten emerald green beads inlaid on it. At the end of his shoulder is a fist-sized red gem, with black mist swirling around it, resembling the vertical pupils of a ferocious beast.

"You still have energy left?" Yoruichi was surprised and looked at Iori in disbelief.

This person... even though she was standing so far away, she understood the enemy's condition better than she did, even though she was personally involved in the battle!

If Yoruichi continues fighting without being prepared, the situation will be reversed instantly once the enemy reveals their second form, right?

"The spiritual pressure has increased again. It seems those beads are the key."

Iori walked up empty-handed without drawing her Zanpakuto.

"It is said that the Bakyō Blade can rapidly enhance the power of a Grim Reaper, but it is also listed as a forbidden technique by the Central 46. Considering the large number of mysteriously missing souls recently, and your current ghostly state, its mechanism is quite obvious—"

"Isn't that an evil weapon that relies on devouring souls to enhance its power?"

"Gotei Thirteenth Division... Iori Aizen!"

"Oh? You can even teach me my name in this state? I'm truly flattered."

"The Bakyō Blade... The Bakyō Blade is the perfect weapon! It surpasses even the Asauchi!"

The man, who had been almost completely assimilated, was unrecognizable and likely had little rationality left. However, this seemed to be his obsession, and he still spoke with fierce intensity.

"It's clearly like this! It should be like this... Why... isn't it an evil path! The Bakyō Blade isn't an evil path!"

Bang!

The ground shattered, the atmosphere was instantly cleared, and the enemy appeared above Iori as if by teleportation, unleashing a vacuum-creating slash—

Snap!

Iori deftly dodged to the side, and the seemingly heavy sword landed on the ground. The crimson sword pressure instantly tore through the soil and rocks, slicing open a huge crack nearly a hundred meters long.

"Behold, this power... is the proof!!!"

The sword turned to the side and slashed diagonally towards Iori, but it was interrupted midway through the swing.

An ordinary, fair hand rested on what should have been the hilt of a sword. Though made of mortal flesh, it possessed immense strength. Its clothes fluttered wildly amidst the surging crimson sword pressure, yet its arm the Unassailable.

The swordsman who was stopped did not immediately understand what this meant, but Yoruichi and Ginrei, who were watching from a distance, and the soldiers who had gathered around, widened their eyes.

"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!!!"