In fact, it was not just Mu himself. For the Uchiha Clan, what they valued most was a person's courage and resolve.
They believed that only those who dared to face difficulties and challenge themselves could earn their recognition.
Gender, race, and strength had nothing to do with it.
Thus, when Byakuya displayed this brave, fearless spirit, Mu's opinion of him changed.
"Hey, what's your name?" Mu looked at Byakuya, a faint smile appearing on his face.
At Mu's question, Byakuya gradually calmed down as well.
He took a deep breath, then slowly answered, "Byakuya Kuchiki!"
Without any title or status, Byakuya gave only his name.
He knew that in this life-and-death contest, titles and status no longer mattered. Only strength could prove anything.
"Byakuya Kuchiki, is it? You're quite good. I'll remember you. My name is Uchiha... Mu. To express my appreciation, this time, I'll defeat you head-on."
The corners of Mu's mouth lifted slightly in a confident smile. As his words fell, he voluntarily dispelled his Hollowfication, and his aura instantly receded.
Yet the next moment, a powerful presence erupted from him, blasting back the white desert around him.
Immediately afterward, a layer of faint black Tengu Armor rapidly covered Mu's body.
At the same time, his right hand unhesitatingly drew the sword at his waist, its sharp blade gleaming coldly.
Mu did not often use blades, but that did not mean he could not wield one.
Quite the opposite: over the years, he had become good friends with Kakashi and learned quite a few sword techniques from him.
Though his swordsmanship was not as refined as Kakashi's, it was by no means something an ordinary person could rival.
At that moment, a layer of transparent energy covered his blade-the fluctuations of spatial energy.
"Space-Rending White Fang Slash!"