Mole City Kenpachi's offensive continued relentlessly.
After Gosuke Shigure deftly dodged the initial blow, Kenpachi followed up with another swing, unrelenting.
The concentrated Reiatsu, pressed into the blade of his Zanpakutō, was thick and violent. The air vibrated with raw power as the sword pressure was released once more.
This wasn't a Zanpakutō ability—no Shikai or Bankai released—just a pure, Reiatsu-forged strike. But such was the nature of battles among Shinigami: when spiritual pressure is vast enough, even a basic slash becomes more devastating than most Kidō spells.
Aizen once declared it: the battle of Shinigami is a battle of Reiatsu. Though exceptions exist, in most combat situations, that truth reigns supreme.
Just like now.
Gosuke Shigure faced Kenpachi's incoming attack with his own blade still sealed. Without releasing his Zanpakutō, he drew and struck. His counter-swing released a pale arc of white sword pressure that surged to meet Kenpachi's.
A tremendous explosion followed.
Boom!!
The two opposing energies collided mid-air, triggering a violent detonation. Smoke billowed outward. The surrounding reishi destabilized, triggering a chaotic vortex of spiritual particles.
Elsewhere in the Zaraki District...
A towering figure wielding a chipped, battered sealed Zanpakutō sensed the Reiatsu storm erupting in the distance. Covered in blood from his latest skirmish, he paused mid-swing.
He stared toward the distant storm with interest. A deep instinct stirred—there was someone powerful over there.
Someone worth fighting.
Without hesitation, he left behind his defeated opponent, whose spiritual body barely clung to cohesion, and set out in the direction of the collision. His steps were slow, but heavy with purpose.
Seireitei Research and Development Institute
Still under the jurisdiction of the Twelfth Division, the institute monitored the Soul Society's spiritual waves. Though Soul Society's bureaucratic systems were centuries old, this division remained one of its most advanced.
Long before Urahara Kisuke transformed it into the modern Shinigami Research and Development Institute, its scientists had already been detecting spiritual surges, developing soul-based technologies, and advancing reiryoku analysis.
Soul Society is a spiritual realm—everything within it, from the air to the soil, consists of reishi. All beings and events leave behind spiritual ripples.
Thus, when Menos Grande cross into the Soul Society via Garganta or surge with their overwhelming Reiatsu, the Institute's detection network records it. These sensors give the Gotei 13 enough time to intercept Hollows before they breach deeper into the Seireitei.
Now, two new spiritual pressures lit up the monitors—immense, erratic, and unmistakably dangerous.
"These two spiritual signatures..."
"Vice-captain level? No... One of them's easily at captain level!"
"A captain-level spiritual clash...in Rukongai?"
"Where exactly?"
"The... Zaraki District!"
The lab buzzed with alarm. Researchers whispered urgently. Several immediately looked toward the director for a decision.
"Send word to the First Division. Immediately."
"Yes, sir!"
A Hell Butterfly was dispatched at once.
The report soared through the Soul Society's communication channels, reaching the First Division barracks within minutes.
First Division Barracks
"Captain-level Shinigami... fighting in the Rukongai?"
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, the head captain of the Gotei 13, narrowed his ancient eyes. Though his posture remained still, the weight of his Reiatsu subtly increased.
"Mole City Kenpachi is one of the signatures," reported the officer. "The other is unidentified."
Though Kenpachi's battle with Tsuniyashiki had been permitted under the Eleventh Division's tradition—where the title of "Kenpachi" is claimed through mortal combat—any further violence against fellow Shinigami violated Gotei 13 law.
Still, what truly pushed Yamamoto to act wasn't merely the law—it was the mounting reports of soul disappearances in Rukongai. He had long suspected that a significant disturbance was behind it.
Could Kenpachi be involved?
As the Head Captain contemplated, the doors slid open.
Kyoraku Shunsui stepped in.
"Old man Yama!"
The Head Captain lifted his gaze, his eyes sharp.
"Speak."
"I've been investigating the vanishing souls in Rukongai," Kyoraku said quickly, "and I may have found a lead. But I'm not sure if I should—"
Yamamoto's glare intensified. Kyoraku sighed.
"I believe it may be connected... to Mole City Kenpachi."
The moment that name was uttered, the room's temperature dropped. Yamamoto's spiritual pressure flickered with restrained fury.
Without another word, Yamamoto ordered:
"You are to go to Zaraki District immediately."
"Kensō Kenpachi is already there."
---
Back in Zaraki District...
The clash between Gosuke Shigure and Mole City Kenpachi continued to devastate the surrounding wastelands.
Kenpachi was relentless. With each swing of his Zanpakutō, the land trembled. Sword pressure carved canyons into the ground, crushing stone and soul alike. His raw strength made it clear how he once slew the former Kenpachi—whether by coincidence or cunning, it didn't matter now. He had the power to justify the title.
Vasto Lorde-class Hollows had once fallen under his hand during the Quincy incursions. His strength was undeniable.
But the true surprise in this confrontation was Gosuke Shigure.
Yes, as vice-captain, he was expected to be formidable.
But Mole City Kenpachi hadn't anticipated this level of resistance.
Shigure had once exterminated six Gillians without effort, but what he now demonstrated was something else entirely. His blade met Kenpachi's head-on. His spiritual energy didn't falter. His movements were razor sharp.
This wasn't merely defense—it was survival.
And survival against a Kenpachi meant you were dangerous.
Kenpachi narrowed his eyes.
This man was not going to be easy to kill.