The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, Unaware of the Oriole Behind / A Perfect, Straightforward Confession

Natsuki discovered that behind the Serpent Hollow was a gigantic figure, a full ten meters long, with an unknown number of legs. It was actually a giant martial art, the Centipede Hollow, with a human face on its back, very similar to Elder Centipede from One-Punch Man. The Cero she had just witnessed was launched by it.

Seeing that Kuchiki Ginrei's fate Saitō Fubōfu, Saito Immortal was about to rush out when Yamabuki Chidori grabbed him and Saitō Fubōfu.

"You can rush out without any problem, but he will fail the test. And calm down, feel his Reiatsu, he's not dead yet!" Yamabuki Chidori said calmly.

Suddenly, the Sea of Flames was dispersed by a powerful Reiatsu, Kuchiki Ginrei burst out of the Sea of Flames, slashing at the Serpent Hollow.

Kuchiki Ginrei was hit head-on by the Cero, but thanks to his strong Reiatsu, the attack injured him but was not fatal.

"Get away from her!!!"

With a flash of light, the Serpent Hollow was forced back. Kuchiki Ginrei, panting heavily, looked at the Serpent Hollow and the Centipede Hollow. She hadn't expected the tablet to have a mistake; three Adjuchas- level Menos Grande had appeared in the same spot. This was a huge problem.

The Cero just now severely injured Kuchiki Ginrei's left hand, rendering it useless.

"Run! Don't look back, leave this to me," Kuchiki Ginrei said to Natsuki.

Natsuki looked at Kuchiki Ginrei's bloodied left hand and said worriedly, "But, your left hand..."

"It's just an arm, it's nothing. Go and evacuate the villagers, otherwise I won't be able to use all my strength," said Kuchiki Ginrei solemnly.

Natsuki knew that staying here would only be a hindrance, so she could only go and evacuate the villagers.

A sinister smile appeared on the Serpent Hollow's face, "Your Reiatsu is incredibly strong. I know there are thirteen Captain-level among you Shinigami. Are you one of them?"

Kuchiki Ginrei, wielding a knife in one hand, said, "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not worthy of the Captain' yet. Are you coming at me one by one, or all at once?"

"We have no Bushido spirit! Charge!" The Serpent Hollow instantly lowered its body and attacked with Kuchiki Ginrei's legs, while the Centipede Hollow, relying on its huge size and indestructible shell, charged around like a small train, crashing into Kuchiki Ginrei's upper body.

The two Hollows had a clear division of labor, one above and one below. Just as Kuchiki Ginrei dodged the Serpent Hollow's attack from below, the Centipede Hollow charged at his chest. Its huge jaws were like iron pincers. Kuchiki Ginrei's left hand was severely injured and he couldn't move it. He could only use his right hand to hold the knife and fight back. However, the Centipede Hollow Power was astonishing. Kuchiki Ginrei's body was actually knocked away. Under such a huge impact, the bones in his body made an ominous sound.

Only then did they see that the villagers had woken up and were beginning to seek refuge.

"Our Zanpakuto have two forms, one called Shikai and the other called Bankai. You two are really unlucky, you're going to be the first victims of my Bankai!" Kuchiki Ginrei's eyes were filled with fanaticism. Although he had already mastered Bankai, the current era was too peaceful, so there were no test subjects at all.

I'll use them both as test subjects today.

"Bankai! Blood Luo Nie Jing!" Kuchiki Ginrei barely raised her injured left arm, then lightly Zanpakuto. Blood dripped onto her feet, and in an instant, the white sea of Higanbana beneath her feet turned blood red, a bizarre and eerie sight.

The two Hollows tensed up, realizing that this person's strength was definitely above theirs. They had only managed to severely injure Kuchiki Ginrei through a sneak attack; otherwise, given their personalities, they would never have appeared in front of Kuchiki Ginrei.

"Once I use Bankai, you will have no chance of escaping. Become fertilizer for the sea of Higanbana!" Kuchiki Ginrei coldly stared at the two Menos Grande before her.

"Are you kidding me?" The Serpent Hollow opened its huge mouth and spat out a Cero, blasting countless blood-red Higanbana away. But no matter how many it blasted away, these Higanbana seemed to have a life of their own and could turn back at the fastest speed.

and...

The Serpent Hollow stared in horror at its own body, which was disintegrating.

"My Bankai is extremely brutal. Even if you are not injured, these Higanbana will devour the Reishi in your body until your body completely collapses," Kuchiki Ginrei said calmly.

"Then as long as I kill you, your Bankai will naturally disappear!" The Serpent Hollow charged forward with a ferocious expression, its sharp claws grabbing at Kuchiki Ginrei's body, but Kuchiki Ginrei's body shattered into a pile of petals.

"Have you ever seen a pitcher plant? That strange plant devours small insects. You're just little flies trapped in a pitcher plant, waiting to be slowly melted away!" Kuchiki Ginrei's voice echoed from the entire sea of flowers. In the instant of her Bankai, Kuchiki Ginrei completely merged with the sea of flowers beneath her feet. Unless someone could destroy this sea of flowers, which spanned tens of kilometers in radius, once trapped in it, one's Reishi would be devoured until not even ashes remained.

"How could there be such terrifying power in this world?" The Serpent Hollow tried to escape, but he discovered that the sea of flowers beneath his feet was alive. No matter which direction he ran, the sea of flowers would follow closely. Even flying into the sky was useless, as these blood-red Higanbana could even bloom in the clouds.

After all, these aren't real flowers; they're just a fake flower field created by Reiatsu.

The Serpent Hollow and the Centipede Hollow were surprised by the immense power of this young Shinigami. Their Reishi were rapidly devoured. Shinigami and Hollows are all spiritual beings, their bodies composed of Reishi. In a short while, the Serpent Hollow discovered that a large chunk of his body was missing, with no way to escape and forced to watch helplessly as his body melted away.

Finally, with a roar of unwilling defiance, his body vanished completely.

Centipede Hollow's condition didn't improve much either; moments later, it was completely swallowed up by the flower field and disappeared from the world forever.

Chapter 65: The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, Unaware of the Oriole Behind

Having released his Bankai, Kuchiki Ginrei lay limply on the ground, gasping for fresh air. This was the first time in his life he had engaged in such a fierce battle, having defeated three Adjuchas in one fell swoop. He absolutely had to pass his test!

Natsuki had already returned by this time. Seeing Kuchiki Ginrei lying on the ground, she quickly helped him up.

"Are you alright?" Natsuki asked with great concern. Kuchiki Ginrei was in excruciating pain all over her body, knowing that being Cero was no joke, but upon hearing Natsuki's voice, all her injuries seemed to have healed.

"Of course I'm fine," Kuchiki Ginrei said defiantly. His Bankai ability was indeed very strong, but it also consumed a great deal of Reiatsu. In fact, he had very little Reiatsu left in his body.

"Let me help you to your room to rest for a bit." Natsuki helped Kuchiki Ginrei walk towards the room. They had only taken a few steps when they suddenly bumped into an invisible wall. Natsuki hit her nose and couldn't help but Hand Muff.

Kuchiki Ginrei bumped his forehead, staring curiously at the empty space before him. There was clearly nothing there, so why was there an invisible wall? He reached out to touch it and found that the wall wasn't smooth, but rather very rough and a bit gritty, the texture like stroking a lizard's body.

Kuchiki Ginrei felt a little nauseous and quickly pulled her hand back.

Wait, a lizard's body?

Kuchiki Ginrei's expression suddenly changed. By the time he tried to react, it was too late. He was thrown off his waist by a tremendous force, and he felt as if his lumbar vertebrae were about to break.

Kuchiki Ginrei flew more than ten meters away, clutching her waist tightly with both hands, spitting out a mouthful of blood. "Another enemy?"

At this moment, the invisible enemy revealed its true form. It was actually a giant lizard with a skull mask on its face, looking extremely ferocious. Moreover, it was even larger than the centipede from before, like a heavily armored truck.

No, there was more than one enemy. Kuchiki Ginrei sensed the Reiatsu of a second Hollow. Turning around, she found a Menos Grande, about three meters tall, staring coldly at her from a distance. This Menos Grande had a tail, like a scorpion's stinger.

Kuchiki Ginrei felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave. He had just gone through two fierce battles, and his Reiatsu had not recovered at all. How could he possibly be a match for two powerful enemies at the same time?

The Scorpion Hollow raised its tail and pointed its poisonous stinger at Natsuki. Natsuki was just an ordinary girl, and she was helpless in the face of this situation, so she could only stand there trembling.

The Scorpion Hollow its tail at Natsuki.

Natsuki was completely powerless to resist and could only wait helplessly for death. Suddenly, a figure appeared before her eyes, blocking her path. Kuchiki Ginrei didn't know where he got the strength from, but he rushed forward at top speed and used his body to block the poison needle. The 20-centimeter-long needle pierced his shoulder. The poison was extremely potent, and the moment it pierced his body, Kuchiki Ginrei felt his shoulder go numb. His Zanpakuto fell to the ground. Now, both of his arms were severely injured, and he was also poisoned. In this situation, death was inevitable.

"Run! Their target is me. They won't attack you until they've eaten me," Kuchiki Ginrei said with difficulty.

It's all my fault; I've dragged this girl down with me.

But at this moment, Natsuki made a decision that surprised everyone: she picked up the Zanpakuto on the ground and used the sword to protect the man who had risked his life for her.

Her movements were extremely clumsy, clearly indicating she knew nothing about swordsmanship. Her Reiatsu was weak, making her seem like just an ordinary person. She was also very timid, trembling all over in fear as she faced two monsters she couldn't possibly contend with, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face.

Even so, the girl still chose to use a knife to protect the boy.

Suddenly, the space in front of the girl shattered, Scorpion Hollow used Sound Steps to appear in front of her.

"Very brave, but also very foolish. You should listen to him and run. Although you will die in the end anyway, you will live a little longer!" Scorpion Hollow raised his heavy fist. With just a slight press of his fist, this beautiful girl would be instantly annihilated. Not to mention a punch, the powerful Reiatsu emanating from Adjuchas could reduce Natsuki to ashes.

It was already quite an achievement that she managed to carry it all the way to town!

Kuchiki Ginrei kept cursing, cursing her own incompetence. If she were stronger, if she were more careful, perhaps she wouldn't have fallen into such a desperate situation.

Scorpion Hollow power in his fist, and the oppressive Reiatsu made it difficult for Natsuki to breathe.

Farewell, brave little girl!

The Iron Fist landed.

Both Kuchiki Ginrei and Natsuki closed their eyes in despair, knowing they were destined to die, without exception.

One second, two seconds, three seconds...

The expected excruciating pain did not come, and Kuchiki Ginrei struggled to open one eye.

The first thing that catches the eye is a towering figure, as majestic as a mountain, with Captain's Haori moving in the night breeze.

Kuchiki Ginrei's eyes widened in surprise.

"We meet again, Kuchiki Clan kid." Yamabuki Chidori his head slightly, a smile on his face. He gently caught Scorpion Hollow's earth-shattering punch with his palm, without even causing a ripple.

"Chief... Chief Strategist? How could you..." Kuchiki Ginrei was definitely not stupid. In an instant, he thought of the answer. The examiner for this Captain's mission was Yamabuki Chidori.

"Chief Strategist, there's another Menos Grande that can turn invisible, be extremely careful!" Just as Kuchiki Ginrei finished speaking, a furious roar came from mid-air.

"Crush him! Wolf Fang!"

A massive iron hammer descended from the sky and slammed into the ground. The enormous shockwave blasted the invisible Lizard Hollow away. Precise strikes are useless against enemies that can become invisible; a wide-area AOE attack is the only solution. This is why Shijima Chiru never dares to provoke Saitō Fubōfu being.

The moment the Lizard Hollow's body was exposed, Saitō Fubōfu, smashed its head to pieces with a hammer.

"Captain! You're here too!" Kuchiki Ginrei looked at her Captain displaying great power, her eyes filled with the joy of surviving a disaster.

As Yamabuki Chidori watched the Menos Grande locked in a stalemate with her, her Reiatsu erupted slightly, instantly crushing the Menos Grande into Reishi, causing it to vanish completely from the world.

This time, all the enemies were defeated.

Kuchiki Ginrei wore a deeply guilty expression; he knew his Captain had failed the test.

The fact that two examiners personally intervened to save him hardly qualifies as a success.

Chapter Sixty-Six: The Perfect Straightforward Confession

Yamabuki Chidori did not reprimand her, but skillfully treated Kuchiki Ginrei's wounds. The bone in her left arm was already visible, and her right shoulder was pierced by a poisonous thorn. This poison was not particularly terrifying, and Yamabuki Chidori quickly prepared the corresponding antidote. Kuchiki Ginrei was spared from death.

"What are your thoughts now? Tell me about them." Yamabuki Chidori had a teasing expression on her face and glanced at Natsuki out of the corner of her eye.

Kuchiki Ginrei said in a very serious tone, "After this incident, I've realized my shortcomings, and I will earnestly correct them, but... I probably won't have a second chance!"

Yamabuki Chidori took out a small notebook from her clothes, which recorded all the big and small things that Kuchiki Ginrei had done along the way.

"Whether you pass or fail the assessment depends on me, not you. Don't forget, I'm the chief examiner for this assessment," Yamabuki Chidori said calmly. "I'll announce the results now. Do you want to hear them?"

Kuchiki Ginrei was still very excited, clenching her fists tightly as she awaited the final judgment.

"In terms of strength alone, you're barely qualified. You've mastered Bankai and even single-handedly killed the three-headed Adjuchas. That kind of strength is enough to be the Captain of a division," Yamabuki Chidori said. "So congratulations! When we get back, you'll officially become the Captain of the Sixth Division. I'm giving you my congratulations in advance!"

Kuchiki Ginrei was so excited he almost jumped out of bed; he thought he had definitely failed his test.

However, considering the task on the scroll, as long as he killed one Adjuchas, he could prove his strength. He had killed three, so there was no reason why he shouldn't succeed.

"But..." Yamabuki Chidori's tone shifted abruptly, her previously gentle expression turning extremely serious. "Apart from combat prowess, your scores in all other areas are zero. You must understand that becoming a squad Captain requires more than just strength; it also demands the ability to handle various situations. We've been following you ever since you left the Kuchiki Clan, so I don't need to elaborate on your performance, do I?"

Yamabuki Chidori reached out and tossed something over; Kuchiki Ginrei discovered it was her lost purse.

"Such a simple scam, anyone with a brain could see through it, but you still fell for it. What can I say about you? Kind-hearted naiveté? Or adorably stupid?" Yamabuki Chidori showed no mercy, Kuchiki Ginrei wished she could disappear into a hole.

Natsuki couldn't understand what these people were saying, but seeing how badly Kuchiki Ginrei was being scolded by Yamabuki Chidori, she felt a little indignant on his behalf.

Kuchiki Ginrei gave her a look, signaling her not to say anything.

"In short, being Captain is fine. After all, the most important ability to become the Captain of the Gotei 13 is to be able to fight, and you meet that requirement perfectly. As for other aspects... I plan to give you special training to brush up on your other knowledge and let you, as a young master, know how dangerous the world can be. Any questions?" Yamabuki Chidori asked.

"No." Kuchiki Ginrei nodded vigorously.

After this incident, he realized how severely he lacked common sense.

"That's good. I've healed your wounds and cleared the poison. Go back now," said Yamabuki Chidori.

"Huh?" Kuchiki Ginrei was completely confused. They were going back so soon?

"What are you doing here instead of going back? Celebrating the New Year? I'm going to cause trouble for others. I haven't even said anything to you yet. You asked to stay at a girl's house on your first meeting. If it were me, I would think you're a pervert," said Yamabuki Chidori.

Only then did Kuchiki Ginrei notice that her wounds had actually healed. Was this the ability of the Seireitei's number one healer?

"Chief Strategist, could you wait a moment? I need to talk to this girl. Could you...?"

"Got it, Saito, let's go over there and count the ants. Let's not be third wheels here," Yamabuki Chidori said.

"Say it to my face..." Saitō Fubōfu gossip spirit was burning brightly, but Yamabuki Chidori reached out and grabbed him by the waist. In a Flash Step, he disappeared from their sight.

Looking at Natsuki in front of her, Kuchiki Ginrei was at a loss for words, and the two remained silent for a long time.

"Actually, I am the head of the Kuchiki Clan, one of the Five Noble Clans. I left Seireitei this time to take the Captain's test. Thank you for your help!" Kuchiki Ginrei bowed slightly. "Then, I have a personal question I'd like to ask you!"

Natsuki had a vague feeling that the other party wanted to ask something.

"Um... I... I like you, will you marry me and be my wife? I will be good to you for the rest of my life." Kuchiki Ginrei went straight for the proposal, without any fancy moves, just a simple and straightforward proposal.

Natsuki's face turned as red as an apple. "I... I'm not ready yet... how...?"

"If you're willing, I'll take you back. No one can separate us. If you're not willing, I'll still be very grateful to you. Even if you marry someone else in the future, I will definitely help you if you ever have any difficulties," Kuchiki Ginrei said in a very firm tone.

Natsuki held her hands to her chest, swaying unsteadily, completely at a loss for words.

In this era, there is very little concept of free love; most marriages are arranged by parents or matchmakers.

"If you're too shy to speak, then nod or shake your head! Nod if you want to come with me, and shake your head if you don't," said Kuchiki Ginrei.

But Natsuki remained standing there, her face flushed, wishing she could bury her head in the ground, neither nodding nor shaking her head.

Although Kuchiki Ginrei appeared calm on the outside, she was actually incredibly excited inside.

What if... what if Natsuki rejects him? His youthful heart would probably be shattered beyond repair!

"You didn't agree... so you... refused?" Kuchiki Ginrei's face darkened when she saw that Natsuki hadn't responded.

"Okay, I understand. I'll leave now and won't interfere with your life anymore. You can come to me if you have any trouble in the future." Kuchiki Ginrei felt as if her heart had been pierced by a thousand arrows; the word "misery" couldn't even begin to describe it!

However, the moment he turned around, Natsuki reached out her small hand and gently tugged at his sleeve.