Kenpachi glared at Liuyu, his lone eye burning with defiance and anger, but above all with the... excitement of encountering stronger prey, a more dangerous game.
He could feel that the power contained within the white-clad man before him far exceeded his understanding.
Those chains were no ordinary Kido, either.
And then there was the promise of "more battles, stronger opponents"...
"Hmph..." Kenpachi finally snorted and stopped struggling, though the fighting spirit in his eye remained undimmed.
"Interesting. I'll stick around for now and see what decent opponents you've got here besides that guy crackling with electricity.
But if I get bored..."
"You're welcome to challenge me anytime," Liuyu said calmly. "Provided you're strong enough."
He waved a hand, and the chains vanished completely.
Kenpachi flexed his wrists, shouldered Nozarashi, and sauntered over to one side of the Throne, where he found a pillar to lean against.
He closed his eye to rest and said nothing more, but his savage reiatsu slowly subsided, like a ferocious beast lying dormant for the moment.
Liuyu turned his gaze away from him and toward the three men standing quietly below the steps.
Uchiha Tekka (Steel Bone), Uchiha Inabi (Swift Shadow), and Uchiha Yashiro (Fortress).
After several months of "adjustment" and "training" in Las Noches, they had gained an initial command of their Arrancar powers. Their hollow holes had stabilized, and their reiatsu had grown dense and solid.
Long exposure to reiatsu had lent their Three-Tomoe Sharingan a faint, unusual dark-purple sheen.
Their ocular power had also improved, firmly placing them at the elite Jonin level, with bizarre Hollow abilities and greater vitality to boot.
"Steel Bone, Swift Shadow, Fortress," Liuyu called.
"At your command, Your Majesty!" All three dropped to one knee, their expressions respectful.
"You will join me on this campaign. Our