The Kenpachi Challenge within the 11th Division could be considered the only fight in the Seireitei exempt from the prohibition on releasing Zanpakuto.
One might assume that the noble families of the Seireitei a thousand years ago didn't have the courage to demand that someone like Unohana, a figure of such infamous brutality, abide by their rules.
Did they really think that if they dared to make such a demand, Unohana Yachiru wouldn't simply draw her sword and slaughter them all?
Even though Unohana had Yamamoto above her to keep her in check, the Yamamoto of a thousand years ago was not the 'Captain-Commander' of today… he was the leader of a mercenary killer group.
Even with his dream of 'protecting the Seireitei', he was not someone the nobles could easily control.
Thus, for the past thousand years, the Captain of the 11th Division became the only position in the Gotei 13 not nominated or recommended by the other Captains.
Last night, due to the Ryoka invasion, the Seireitei temporarily lifted the ban on Captains releasing their Zanpakuto.
Unfortunately, the battle between Aikawa and Zaraki didn't have many spectators.
The members of the 7th Division, including Lieutenant Jinemon, had all been attacked by either Zaraki or Yachiru.
Though no one died, they were all severely injured and were still being treated in the 4th Division's medical ward.
In other words, aside from Kyoya and Yachiru, none of the other Shinigami in the Gotei 13 had witnessed the fight between Aikawa and Zaraki.
So, when news spread that the 11th Division would be holding a Kenpachi Challenge, Shinigami from various divisions rushed to their respective Captains' offices, hoping to witness a Captain-level fight.
"Yoruichi-sama, can we go watch the 11th Division's captain battle too?"
Though Sui-Feng wasn't particularly fond of that brat who was about the same height as her but already stood at the pinnacle of the Seireitei, she was still curious about a Captain-level battle.
"Sui-Feng, a battle between Captains isn't something so simple."
Though Yoruichi didn't want to dampen her enthusiasm, she still explained the severity of the situation.
"To observe a Captain's battle, one's Reiatsu can't be too far below theirs."
"Otherwise, if you can't even withstand the full force of a Captain's Reiatsu, how could you possibly follow their movements?"
"…"
Sui-Feng's eyes sparkled with golden stars.
In her mind, Yoruichi was just that incredible.
However, Yoruichi's next words completely deflated her.
"Sui-Feng, with your current Reiatsu, you'd probably have to stay at least a kilometer away just to remain conscious."
"So, unless something unexpected happens, even if you want to watch this battle, you won't be able to."
"How can that be?"
Sui-Feng pouted, her face full of frustration.
She knew Kyoya was strong, but she couldn't accept that the gap between them was so vast.
Seeing her like this, Yoruichi grinned and wrapped an arm around Sui-Feng's shoulders, pulling her close: "However, if Sui-Feng-chan sticks with me, I can use my Reiatsu to shield you and let you see for yourself just how powerful a Captain really is!"
"Really?! Yoruichi-sama is the best!"
Leaving aside Yoruichi and Sui-Feng of the 2nd Division, the other Captains, after receiving permission from Kyoya and Zaraki, also brought their trusted subordinates to the 11th Division to observe the battle.
This would not only allow them to witness the strength of a Captain, inspiring their own training fervor, but also instill a sense of reverence for the Captains, ensuring they wouldn't recklessly provoke one in the future.
Ah, here we need to specifically mention the 12th Division's Lieutenant, Sarugaki Hiyori.
This person, relying on the doting favor of the former 12th Division's Captain, Kirio, had repeatedly attacked both the 5th Division's Captain, Shinji, and the current 12th Division's Captain, Kisuke.
The problem was, both of them, out of respect for their significant ties with Kirio, never truly fought back against her.
If this continued, there was no telling whether Hiyori would grow even more brazen, extending her troublemaking to the Captains of other divisions.
Thanks to the 'example' set by Shinji and Kisuke, other Captains might find it inconvenient to discipline Hiyori if she ever crossed the line with them.
Under such circumstances, letting them witness the true might of the Captains firsthand could effectively prevent someone like Hiyori from overestimating themselves and presuming they could act recklessly based on past favors.
Thus, when Yoruichi arrived at the 11th Division with Sui-Feng in tow, the Captains and Lieutenants of the other divisions were already standing on the training ground's spectator platform.
"Oh? Seems like my luck is holding up."
Sitting down beside Kisuke, Yoruichi grinned.
"No, it's just that Kyoya decided to wait a little longer since you were the only one missing." Kisuke corrected, revealing the real reason the battle hadn't started yet.
"Hah, I knew Kyoya was a nice guy."
Yoruichi gave Kisuke a hearty slap on the shoulder, showing not an ounce of guilt for making everyone wait… instead, she seemed proud that Kyoya had delayed the fight just for her.
"Now that everyone's here, let's begin!"
Standing at the center of the 11th Division's training ground, Kyoya glanced at the surrounding Captains and the division's Shinigami before addressing Zaraki.
"Tch, about damn time!"
A savage grin split Zaraki's face.
"Let's fight!"
Boom!
Without holding back in the slightest, Zaraki unleashed his immense Reiatsu, forming a towering golden pillar of energy. The sheer force of his Reiatsu erupted outward in a devastating shockwave, radiating from his body.
"Tch… this Reiatsu... it's insane!"
"Not good-"
"Everyone, brace yourselves!"
Under the weight of Zaraki's Reiatsu, most of the 11th Division's observing members were overwhelmed, their minds and bodies trembling.
This level of Reiatsu was something they had never experienced before.
During the previous battle between Kyoya and the former Captain, Kiganjo, the Reiatsu released by both had been formidable… but compared to what Zaraki was unleashing now, it paled in comparison.
Under this kind of oppressive force, forget fighting… most of them could barely even stand.
Boom!
Boom!
One after another, bursts of spiritual pressure erupted from the surrounding Captains.
Though none formed towering pillars like Zaraki's, the Captains shielded the nearby Shinigami with their own Reiatsu.