Zaraki Kenpachi slowly regained consciousness.
His eyes, suddenly wide open, seemed like two burning flames, radiating a terrifyingly violent aura.
However, in just a moment, under the adjustment of his powerful willpower, that violence gradually receded, replaced by an endless fighting spirit.
At this moment, his posture was incredibly high-spirited.
Powerful spiritual pressure surged out like a raging tide, visibly solidifying.
The white bone mask spread inch by inch across his face as if alive, but he quickly noticed it.
He casually raised his hand and wiped it away.
Crack.
The mask scattered like snowflakes, disappearing instantly.
A moment later, Zaraki Kenpachi tightly clenched his fists.
Feeling the surging power within him, like a mighty river, a strong illusion arose in his heart, as if a single punch from him could shatter a planet.
After all, the amplification brought by Hollowfication was truly astonishing.
Immediately after, he recalled everything he had encountered in the spiritual world, and a ferocious smile gradually appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"nozarashi!"
"Excellent!"
Just then, Zaraki Kenpachi's gaze was suddenly drawn to the giant axe beside him.
He unhesitatingly reached out and firmly grasped the axe handle.
The next second, his gaze shot out like an arrow, fixed on Yoriichi Tsugikuni outside the house, his fighting spirit about to erupt.
…
Outside the house, Kisuke Urahara murmured, feeling the spiritual pressure fluctuations emanating from Zaraki Kenpachi, "Is he at First Grade?"
"This speed… No wonder nozarashi said he sealed his spiritual pressure."
"So, he's a genius just like you."
"No… Considering Zaraki Kenpachi's age, having First Grade spiritual power is reasonable."
"Yoriichi, what should we do next? That axe should be his Zanpakuto's Shikai, right?"
"Coming out suddenly, are you sure it won't affect anything?"
Kisuke Urahara's gaze swept over Yachiru.
Although he had previously thought Yachiru might be nozarashi's Bankai, that was merely a guess based on nozarashi's words.
Until that guess was confirmed, Shikai was also a possibility.
After all, Bankai is an extension of Shikai, such that after Bankai, some of Shikai's abilities disappear or evolve…
Now that Zaraki Kenpachi's Shikai…
Seeing Yachiru's expression was as usual and her aura was stable, Kisuke Urahara's furrowed brow gradually relaxed.
"It's good that she's fine."
He said, then turned his gaze to Yoriichi.
But Yoriichi's attention at this moment was not on Kisuke Urahara's words at all.
The moment he saw Zaraki Kenpachi release his Zanpakuto, he was closely monitoring Yachiru's state.
After realizing Yachiru was unharmed, he understood that the Shikai must have been nozarashi's own doing.
nozarashi had given her power to Zaraki Kenpachi…
Her goal must be to make Zaraki Kenpachi dependent on her, so that one day, when he uses Bankai, Yachiru would be absorbed.
He had to admit, it was a good plan, but unfortunately, it wouldn't work on Kenpachi.
If you ask why… just look at Kenpachi's current state.
Yoriichi quietly watched Zaraki Kenpachi slowly stand up.
Zaraki Kenpachi broke free from the Bakudo with unmatched strength, each step forward seemingly containing immense power.
With the giant axe on his back, a wild, bloodthirsty grin uncontrollably spread across his face, as if to say—let's fight!
"…" Yoriichi sighed faintly.
Having known Kenpachi for so long, even without him speaking, he could discern the meaning in his expression.
However, considering the surrounding environment… Yoriichi pondered for a moment.
"This place isn't suitable for fighting. Follow me."
His voice passed through the vanished barrier and into Zaraki Kenpachi's ears.
Zaraki Kenpachi's steps slowed slightly for an instant, then he saw Yachiru perched on Yoriichi Tsugikuni's shoulder.
Yachiru looked somewhat happy.
Although he eagerly desired to fight and didn't want to wait.
But for Yachiru's sake, Zaraki Kenpachi still nodded.
While trying his best to suppress his spiritual pressure, he took a candy Yachiru threw to him, picked one up, bit into it, and a deep voice followed:
"I saw that bastard. Even though she looked like Yachiru, I still recognized her."
"Kisuke Urahara, do you have a way to restore my Zanpakuto to its original state?"
Kisuke Urahara was startled and carefully examined the giant axe.
After thinking for a while, he replied, "I can, but are you sure?"
"This is your Zanpakuto's original appearance."
"Its previous form was due to your spiritual pressure being sealed, which resulted in a semi-Shikai. Now that your spiritual pressure has returned to First Grade, to restore it again…"
"I'm sure!" Zaraki Kenpachi interrupted decisively, "I hate it, I hate it more than ever!"
"Although I know everything it did was to help me regain my full power, I cannot accept it."
"It's just a sword, yet it presumes to control my life, my choices. What is it?!"
Kisuke Urahara fell silent.
Honestly, if those Shinigami who couldn't even achieve Shikai heard this, who knows how demoralized they would be.
Your Zanpakuto helping you regain power—isn't that good?
Alas.
Both prioritize power above all else.
But the Zanpakuto is undoubtedly more extreme, after all, it's a sword.
Zaraki Kenpachi's bottom line is Yachiru.
And the Zanpakuto wants to help Zaraki Kenpachi break that bottom line… Anyone with a temper would resist.
Slowly exhaling, Kisuke Urahara nodded slightly: "I understand. It's all for Miss Yachiru. Since that's the case, when do you want to start?"
"…After I finish fighting Yoriichi Tsugikuni." Zaraki Kenpachi didn't look back, his gaze fixed on Yoriichi Tsugikuni's retreating back.
As his words fell.
Yoriichi looked sideways, then picked up Yachiru from his shoulder and handed her to Hiyori Sarugaki nearby: "Please take care of her."
"Huh?" Hiyori's eyes widened slightly.
She was about to refuse, but Yoriichi's next words made her lose the inclination.
"A battle between First Grade spiritual powers is not suitable for Yachiru to watch. It would be bad if she got caught in the crossfire."
After speaking, without minding Hiyori's expression at the moment, Yoriichi turned to Zaraki Kenpachi:
"This should be the last time, right?"
"Your spiritual pressure has recovered, you've mastered Hollowfication, and you've mastered Shikai. Without sacrificing Yachiru, Karakura, if you lose again this time…"
"I know." Zaraki Kenpachi knew what Yoriichi Tsugikuni was going to say, and he waved his hand, cutting him off.
"If I lose this time, then I will never bother you again."
"I will obey your commands unconditionally. That should be enough, right?"
"Honestly, Tsugikuni, I have to thank you. If it weren't for your constant provocation, my strength wouldn't have advanced so rapidly."
"In just two years, I've achieved what would have taken me centuries… You are my lucky star, but I will not hold back."
"Since it's the last time, let's use all of our respective means."
He bared his teeth, "Don't pity me."
…
The two quietly arrived at an open space.
This was once an underground space meticulously constructed by Yoruichi Shihouin.
Usually silent, as if forgotten by the world.
Under normal circumstances, no one else would disturb it.
Yoriichi initially thought so too.
However, when he entered the place with Zaraki Kenpachi, he was surprised to find Yoruichi Shihouin cultivating within.
Judging by the commotion, it was probably Shunko.
At this moment, Yoriichi was about to turn and leave.
After all, the battle they were about to engage in was not suitable for others to witness, because Zaraki Kenpachi would use Hollowfication…
This was also why he didn't choose Rukongai as their battleground.
Only this place perfectly met the stringent conditions of being secluded and preventing spiritual pressure from leaking out.
But just as he turned, Yoruichi Shihouin's keen peripheral vision caught his figure like lightning.
Yoruichi quickly shifted her gaze, instantly suppressed her spiritual pressure, and chased after him at extreme speed: "Please wait!"
To see Yoriichi Tsugikuni here was truly an unexpected joy.
Her words from before had come true so quickly.
Yoriichi had completed the nature transformation of Shunko earlier than her.
Yoruichi should have been happy about this.
Because Yoriichi Tsugikuni's actions proved that her idea was achievable.
But unfortunately, she had been too severely defeated.
As the creator, she had spent decades and couldn't even step through the door of nature transformation.
Yet Yoriichi, on the other hand, had perfectly mastered it in just a few days, a dozen days, or even a few months.
Even though Yoruichi had many questions she wanted to ask, due to this huge gap, she didn't want to approach him anymore.
It was really a bit awkward, she needed some time to recover.
So, for these past few days, she had been training hard here.
She had planned to go out only after her Shunko technique had improved.
But unexpectedly, Yoriichi Tsugikuni suddenly broke in.
Since that was the case, she absolutely couldn't miss this opportunity.
Yoriichi was stopped in his tracks by her.
At the same time, Yoruichi Shihouin saw Zaraki Kenpachi appearing right behind him.
Even though she didn't know what exactly had happened between the two, a glance at Zaraki Kenpachi's appearance was enough to guess that they were about to have an intense battle.
How interesting…
Yoruichi couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
Her thoughts shifted, and she quickly spoke:
"Are you two going to fight? If so, let me be the referee."
"Yoriichi, don't be in a hurry to leave. I have some questions I want to ask you."
Yoriichi hadn't answered yet, but Zaraki Kenpachi spoke first: "Who are you?"
He tightly gripped the great axe, his cold gaze fixed on Yoruichi Shihouin, clearly not recognizing her.
He just found this suddenly appearing woman a bit annoying.
Speaking of which, where was this place?
Zaraki Kenpachi looked around.
A barren and empty scene met his eyes, and the lifeless landscape made his heart swell with a hint of satisfaction.
This was his ideal battleground.
"You don't know me?"
At this moment, Yoruichi Shihouin's voice quickly pulled Zaraki Kenpachi's thoughts back.
Zaraki Kenpachi looked at her again.
"Oh, I forgot. I was in a hurry to leave and didn't wear my haori."
She patted the dust off her clothes, her tone calm,
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am the current Captain of the Second Division, Yoruichi Shihouin. You must be Zaraki Kenpachi. Yoriichi often talks about you."
"You're pretty much as I imagined. You two came here to fight today, right? It's fine, don't mind me, I'll just watch."
"After all, I'm also a Captain, so don't worry about your battle's aftermath hurting me."
"Yoriichi, remember, don't rush off after the battle. I have something to ask you."
"Leave?" These words seemed ordinary, but they were very grating to Zaraki Kenpachi's ears.
The fight hasn't even started, and you already know Yoriichi Tsugikuni will win?
He, Zaraki Kenpachi, was no longer what he used to be.
Even if you want to look down on someone, there should be a limit.
Of course, he knew this was Yoruichi Shihouin's unintentional remark.
But the speaker had no intention, while the listener took it to heart.
Woosh!
Waving his great axe casually, Zaraki Kenpachi snorted: "So you're the Captain of the Second Division. Don't worry."
"Your plan might fall through."
"I am no longer the Zaraki Kenpachi you remember."
Having mastered Hollowfication and recovered to First Grade spiritual pressure, even without Shikai, Zaraki Kenpachi was confident he could fight Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
Not to mention having seized the Zanpakuto's power and gained Shikai.
In this state, he was stronger than ever before.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni was indeed formidable, but no one in the world could claim to be invincible.
Even the strongest Shinigami in a thousand years had been defeated once…
Why couldn't he be defeated?
Of course, he wouldn't say his win rate was 100%, but it should be 50%.
In response, seemingly sensing Zaraki Kenpachi's immense confidence.
Yoruichi Shihouin's mouth twitched slightly. She leaned closer to Yoriichi Tsugikuni and whispered: "Is he always this confident?"
"What kind of spell did you cast on him?"
"If I'm not mistaken, hasn't he already lost to you twice?"
"He still hasn't given up?"
Honestly, if it were her, she would have already submitted.
Because she clearly understood the huge gap between an ordinary Captain and Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
When it was difficult to catch up, showing goodwill was the best way to handle their relationship.
It's like knowing someone will become a great person, so before he becomes great, you constantly try to get closer to him.
Then, after he becomes great, out of consideration for past kindness, he might lend you a hand.
Although the Shihouin Clan didn't need this, having one more friend meant one more path.
Such a simple principle, could Zaraki Kenpachi not see it?
Yoriichi imperceptibly shook his head: "That's why he is Zaraki Kenpachi. If Kenpachi gave up easily, he wouldn't be worthy of that name."
"But this should be the last time. Confidence… perhaps. He has reason to be confident. You might not know it yet, but you will soon."
"However, I need you to keep it a secret."
A secret?
Yoruichi Shihouin raised an eyebrow: "Is it serious?"
In her impression, things that needed to be kept secret were usually forbidden matters of the Soul Society.
It was just a battle, yet it would lead to this?
Currently, Yoruichi Shihouin was unaware that Kisuke Urahara was developing the Hōgyoku.
Yoriichi quietly looked at her: "It's very serious, but it's all for the Soul Society. Don't worry, Captain-Commander Yamamoto knows about this."
"The current display is just for testing."
"Yoruichi, you should leave first."