In a sparsely populated corner of Rukongai, several figures materialized out of thin air—Lin Xuan and his companions.
Konan turned to Lin Xuan, puzzled. "Guild Master, why didn't we just push straight in?"
She'd already been ready to fight. Watching Itachi's battle earlier had left her itching for action herself.
But before she could move, Lin Xuan had pulled them away.
It wasn't just her—Jiraiya, Minato Namikaze, and the others were confused too.
They all knew how powerful Lin Xuan was. If he'd wanted to force his way into the Seireitei, it would have been effortless.
So why had he given them three days? Wasn't that just giving the enemy time to prepare?
Lin Xuan smiled. "Don't you think barging in like that would be a bit rude? We're on someone else's turf, after all.
Got to leave them some dignity, right?"
The others exchanged glances.
Since when did you show dignity to your enemies in a fight?
"Besides, plenty of strong fighters in the Seireitei aren't around right now. Don't you think it'll be more satisfying to let them gather every force they have—and then crush them anyway?" Lin Xuan added with a grin.
Konan and the others thought about it. That actually made sense.
Itachi's expression shifted slightly. He understood quickly.
If they'd attacked the Seireitei now, they might have caught the enemy off guard and won—but the enemy wouldn't have truly submitted.
Only by defeating them at their absolute strongest could you truly break their will.
Break the spirit, not just the body.
Wasn't that Lin Xuan's signature move?
It had worked the same way in the One Piece world. Every time the World Government thought they had enough force to destroy the Ninja Guild, they were crushed again and again.
Itachi couldn't help glancing at Lin Xuan a few more times, impressed. "As expected of Guild Master Lin Xuan."
Lin Xuan noticed Itachi's look and smiled faintly.
Showing off in front of "Itachi the God"—not a bad feeling at all.
Still, his face remained perfectly calm.
"Also, don't underestimate the people in this world. Some of them are very strong. Even you might not be a match.
Be careful you don't end up drowning in a gutter."
Everyone's eyes lit up.
None of them thought Lin Xuan was exaggerating or belittling them. If anything, they were excited.
Their anticipation for the battle three days from now only grew.
"Where do we go next?" Jiraiya asked.
Coming to a new world, they were all curious—especially after seeing Gin Ichimaru's fighting style. This world's combat system was completely different from what they knew.
Of course, they weren't worried either. They'd followed Lin Xuan through the One Piece world and the Dragon Ball world. They were used to this by now.
Even so, this world had captured their interest.
Seeing their excitement, Lin Xuan smiled. "For now, you're free to do as you please. Contact me through the cross-dimensional comm if anything comes up."
As always in a new world, Lin Xuan never kept them tethered to his side. He let them go their own way.
Maybe they'd even bring him some unexpected surprises.
Jiraiya's face lit up. "I spotted some great material for novels on the street just now. Konan, come help your teacher collect research!"
He grabbed Konan by the collar and dragged her down the street.
Konan struggled visibly—but in the end, she went along with obvious reluctance.
The others watched, speechless.
Minato, Itachi, Shisui, and the rest dispersed on their own.
As for Lin Xuan, he wandered through Rukongai at leisure. He planned to visit the living world later.
Meanwhile in the Seireitei, urgent news spread quickly to every captain and lieutenant.
All captains and lieutenants had been recalled for an emergency meeting.
That day, even those out on missions raced back to the Seireitei at top speed.
Soon, a major conference began.
Every captain of the Gotei 13 attended on time—except Third Division Captain Gin Ichimaru, who remained unconscious.
The meeting centered on the battle at the Seiryū Gate and the accusation that Rukia Kuchiki had colluded with Ryōka to destroy the Seireitei.
The Gotei 13's focus was on responding to the Ryōka threat. As for Rukia's case, everything depended on Central 46's final verdict.
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T/N:
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