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Boom!
The slash, condensed from the light of Fullbring and Reishi, was like a deep green moon, incredibly dazzling even under a clear sky.
Compared to it, Ishikawa was as tiny as an ant beneath this bright moon.
Rumble!
Smoke permeated a void with a radius of several tens of meters, and the impact spread out like a tide… Even Hachiun Hane and the other two on the ground felt as if they had been pushed hard, retreating several steps in unison.
When the three stabilized themselves, their faces were all filled with shock.
Just by condensing his own Reishi, he could unleash such a terrifying slash. Could the Reishi of that human holding a greatsword already be strong enough to rival a Captain-level Shinigami?
Nagayo Kashio stared intently at the center of the smoke, his expression extremely tense.
"Come out!"
In mid-air, Ginjo Kūgo sneered, "Or do you think I can't even sense Reishi?"
His words received no response, as if there was no one at all within that smoke.
Ginjo Kūgo's eyes showed a hint of mockery. As his body distorted, his sword moved with him, and the massive greatsword spun in a circle in mid-air!
Buzz—!
The sound of air trembling emanated, and a deep green slash roared forth. The smoke gradually dissipating in mid-air, as if it had become solid, was actually cut into two by this slash, then dispersed by the impact.
However…
Empty!
"Hmm?"
Ginjo Kūgo's pupils contracted. Within the smoke, a wisp of Reishi gradually dissipated.
How is that possible!?
He was certain that he had been locked onto the opponent the entire time, not just their Reishi, but also their presence. With the strength of that black-haired youth, even if his Reishi concealment technique was extremely strong, it would be impossible for him to escape his detection, let alone divert his attention with a mere wisp of Reishi.
But all of this happened before his eyes, leaving him no choice but to believe it.
Suddenly, Ginjo Kūgo sharply looked down and discovered that the black-haired youth had appeared beneath him at some unknown point.
At this moment, the black-haired youth's body was covered in blood, and his sword-wielding right arm was as if it had been cut by countless blades, becoming a bloody mess. However…
There was no trace of despair or pain on his face. As Ginjo Kūgo looked on, Ishikawa's left hand moved through the void, and the Reishi in the atmosphere rapidly gathered.
"…Iron Chain of the Hollow City!—Bakudō #63. Sajō Sabaku."
Thick, python-like chains arrived in the blink of an eye, instantly coiling around Ginjo Kūgo!
Ginjo Kūgo frowned, subconsciously activating the Reishi around his body. He found that the chains were far stronger than the Rokujō Kōrō that had previously bound Tsukishima.
Full incantation?
This black-haired youth's own Reishi wasn't strong, probably between a high-ranking Seated Officer and a Vice-Captain, but his combat awareness and Kido mastery were strangely powerful, completely unlike what a Shinigami of his Reishi strength should possess!
"Wall of iron sand, tower of monks, glowing iron, because of its firmness, it finally becomes silent…"
Ishikawa's incantation continued, and with almost every word he uttered, blood spilled from his mouth.
The gap was too wide!
Even with all his Reishi focused on defense, under that one slash, his Reishi defense was instantly shattered like tofu, only serving to weaken the attack.
The reason Ishikawa didn't die was entirely due to his powerful physique, enduring that strike head-on!
Although his Reishi was limited, his physique was not affected in the slightest.
"Bakudo #75: Gochūtekkan!"
Ishikawa tossed his Zanpakuto, clasped his ten fingers together at his chest, and roared.
Five giant, glowing iron pillars descended from the sky, striking directly at Ginjo Kūgo.
Boom—
Amidst a heavy whistling sound, Ginjo Kūgo, bound in mid-air by 'Sajō Sabaku', was helplessly smashed towards the ground by the five massive iron pillars crashing down on his head.
"Cough, cough, cough—"
In mid-air, Ishikawa caught his Zanpakuto. Forcibly releasing Bakudo #75 caused blood to continuously spill from the corners of his mouth.
Was it too reckless to directly withstand a Captain-level slash with just his physique?
Vice Captain!!
If you don't get the limitation release approved soon, I really won't be able to hold on any longer!
Ishikawa composed himself and glanced at the five iron pillars on the ground. He wouldn't be so naive as to think that this forcibly released Bakudo could restrain Ginjo Kūgo.
He could even foresee that the iron pillars would crumble in a few seconds.
However…
He needed precisely these few seconds.
Compared to the powerful Ginjo Kūgo, the other person was even more troublesome for Ishikawa.
Ishikawa stomped his foot in the void, then turned directly and pursued Tsukishima in the direction he had flown.
In terms of strength, Tsukishima's own Reishi was only Vice-Captain-level, but his Fullbring ability was extremely troublesome.
Unlike Shinigami and Hollows, among Fullbringers, besides destructive Fullbring like Ginjo's, there are also many rule-based Fullbring.
Moreover…
Their rules are so powerful that they can even ignore differences in Reishi.
Strictly speaking, when it comes to Fullbring alone, Ginjo Kūgo also possesses a rule-based Fullbring, capable of plundering others' power to strengthen himself.
And Tsukishima's ability is far more terrifying than Ginjo Kūgo's. Almost immediately upon confirming the opponent's identity, information about his ability had already surfaced in Ishikawa's mind.
—Book of the End!
He can use a bookmark as a medium, like Ginjo Kūgo's greatsword, to transform into a blade, possessing considerable attack power and sharpness.
If it's only used in combat, its power is merely acceptable.
But in addition to its destructive power, that blade also possesses the ability to Insert Presence, which can insert one's own existence into the opponent's past without harming them and alter their memories. It can even read the memories of the person cut before the insertion point.
Shinigami combat is Reishi combat!
Whether Hollows or Shinigami, this statement can be used as a standard; powerful Reishi can even nullify many rule-based abilities!
But…
This statement does not apply to Fullbringers!
Ishikawa clearly remembered that although the opponent's own Reishi was not strong, his 'Insert Presence' ability was able to be used regardless of Reishi difference, which was proven both in his battle with Kuchiki Byakuya and in reforging the Zanpakuto for a certain Substitute Soul Reaper!
Not just Fullbringers, but many rule-based abilities can ignore this iron rule.
This statement is nothing but a joke to beings other than Shinigami and Hollows.
It was precisely to guard against this…
That Ishikawa picked up Kido, which he had originally planned to abandon.
Cannot be cut by it!!
Kill him as much as possible, and even if he can't be killed, he must be completely incapacitated.
Otherwise, even if the limitation release is approved, Ishikawa would have no spare capacity to pay attention to Tsukishima, who is hidden in the dark, while fighting Ginjo Kūgo.
He wasn't afraid of Tsukishima inserting into his past, because no matter how good their relationship was in his memories, Ishikawa was confident he could cut down anyone who wanted to kill him without hesitation.
But his memories absolutely could not be read by Tsukishima, especially memories related to the system!!
…
Below, Hachiun Hane, who had been affected by Ishikawa and Ginjo's battle, immediately called Ōmaeda after stabilizing himself.
Although he didn't know Ishikawa's identity, he was familiar with the Vice-Captain of the Second Division.
However…
"Explain the situation."
The voice from the Denreishinki was a cold female voice.
"Soi Fon-sama?" Hachiun Hane asked hesitantly.
There was a moment of silence from the Denreishinki, then Soi Fon's tone became even colder: "Your matter can wait. What happened in the Human World? Who is fighting Ishikawa?"
Hearing this, Hachiun Hane suppressed the fear in his heart and habitually said in the Onmitsukido's tone: "Reporting, Corps Commander, that Shinigami-sama is currently fighting two humans. The two humans are extremely strong, and their Reishi is very strange. From their companions' mutual address, one is called 'Ginjo' and the other 'Tsukishima'. That Shinigami-sama asked me to contact Vice Captain, requesting assistance!"
"Ginjo!?" Soi Fon murmured.
Then…
Beep beep beep—
Hachiun Hane's Denreishinki buzzed with a busy signal, indicating that the communication had ended.
"Hmm?"
Hachiun Hane frowned. From Soi Fon-sama's tone, it seemed she knew the name 'Ginjo'. Was that human on the Onmitsukidō's wanted list?
…
In the forest.
Tsukishima moved quickly. Although that Byakurai came suddenly, he didn't suffer much damage thanks to his instinctively activated Reishi defense.
But the previous scene still filled him with lingering fear.
If it weren't for Ginjo, he might have died at the hands of that black-haired youth just now.
Who exactly is he?
Tsukishima frowned, somewhat hesitant whether to continue entangled with him, because the commotion from this battle was simply too great and must have been detected by the Soul Society. Both of them had to leave before the Soul Society's reinforcements arrived.
I can't drag this out any longer. After meeting up with Ginjo, it would be best if we could eliminate that black-haired youth. If not, we must leave this place immediately!
With this thought, Tsukishima's feet flashed with green starlight, and his speed surged again.
And just then—
A long blade appeared abruptly in his vision, and behind the blade, Ishikawa's cold face came into his sight.
This made Tsukishima's pupils contract.
He didn't sense any Reishi!
Tsukishima didn't even know when the opponent had appeared.
He couldn't dodge, nor did he have time to raise his blade to block.
However…
The Fullbringer's light shone under Tsukishima's feet, and as he retreated, the long blade that had been hanging by his side flashed with light, transforming into its original bookmark form.
Clang—!
The clash of metal was deafening.
Tsukishima held his long blade, looking at Ishikawa through the gap where their blades met.
It was true that he didn't have time to raise his blade to block, but that didn't mean he couldn't block this strike. As the long blade transformed into a bookmark, the bookmark instantly transformed back into a long blade, but instead of hanging by his side, it was now held vertically in front of him.
The previous clashes had made Tsukishima wary of the black-haired youth in front of him, and almost immediately after blocking, he poured all his Reiryoku into the long blade in his hand.
The green Fullbringer's light and Reiryoku intertwined.
Clang—!
Accompanied by a crisp sound far louder than before, both figures simultaneously retreated.
Tsukishima stabilized himself immediately, looking up towards Ishikawa. The sight that met his eyes made a strange look flash through them.
Because when he looked, the black-haired youth had not stabilized himself and was still in a state of retreat.
This scene made a hint of confusion flash in Tsukishima's eyes, and then he realized…
Although he had almost died several times at the opponent's hands, it was never in a direct confrontation, but rather the opponent ambushing him by concealing his Reiryoku.
This also meant…
His Reiryoku strength couldn't contend with him directly!
As long as he could force him into a direct fight, even without Ginjo's help, he could completely defeat this youth on his own.
With this thought, Tsukishima took a step forward, and amidst the flashing green light, he burst forth.
Ishikawa's heart tightened at the sight, and he instantly understood the opponent's intention, but he could only passively raise his blade to block.
Just as Tsukishima thought, direct confrontation was extremely disadvantageous for Ishikawa.
So, from the start of the battle until now, Ishikawa had not chosen to confront the two directly, relying entirely on his ability to conceal his presence and Kido to ambush and restrain them.
Troublesome.
Ishikawa frowned, but troubles never come singly!
Just then, Ishikawa suddenly felt an incredibly powerful Reishi fluctuation from behind him.
Even without turning his head, he knew that Ginjō Kūgo had caught up.
With Ishikawa at the center, Ginjo and Tsukishima attacked Ishikawa simultaneously, one from the front and one from the back.
As Ginjō Kūgo charged, he concentrated all the Reiryoku in his body onto the greatsword in his hands, causing the Reiryoku on the greatsword to change from dark green to black-green, a sneer appearing on his face.
Regardless of whether this strike landed on Ishikawa…
This battle was over!
Ishikawa's face was incredibly grim. He didn't turn his head but stared at Tsukishima, who had already rushed in front of him.
The next second.
Rumble—!
A black-green blade glow shot up into the sky, pulverizing everything in its path.
When everything cleared, a bottomless trench appeared on the ground, extending all the way to the end of the forest, as if the entire world had been cut in half by this single strike.
Ginjō Kūgo stood in place, frowning.
And Tsukishima, who was beside him, also looked puzzled.
Because…
The black-haired youth, under their pincer attack, actually ignored Ginjo and focused all his attention on him from beginning to end.
Judging solely by the power of the attack, a normal person would choose to block Ginjo's attack, not his own.
Originally, he had intended to use this strike to ascertain the opponent's identity. For this, he had deliberately weakened its power, precisely to make the opponent underestimate him and turn to defend against Ginjo's attack.
But what neither of them expected was…
The opponent not only didn't underestimate Tsukishima, but even knowing he might die, he didn't expose his back to Tsukishima. In the end, Tsukishima, to avoid being caught in Ginjo's attack, had to abandon his original plan!
"Is that kid an idiot?"
Ginjō Kūgo sneered, not paying too much attention.
Although his original plan was to make him defend against his attack, then disperse the Reiryoku on his sword and use Tsukishima's ability to Insert Presence into his past.
But this was fine too.
He was just a minor character anyway; his identity was not worth caring about.
Tsukishima's tightly furrowed brows, however, did not relax. Because upon carefully recalling what happened after encountering the black-haired youth, he realized that the opponent had maintained an extremely high level of vigilance towards him from beginning to end.
Moreover, several times he ignored Ginjo, a powerful enemy, and single-mindedly wanted to kill him.
To this, Tsukishima could only think of one possibility.
That was…
The opponent understood his ability!
"He's already dead, why are you still dwelling on it?"
Ginjō Kūgo looked in the direction Ishikawa had flown: "Let's go confirm. If he's lucky enough not to be dead, we'll absorb his Reiryoku. It'll be an unexpected gain."
Tsukishima nodded at this, the Fullbringer's light shining under his feet as he followed closely behind Ginjo, quickly heading towards the end of the forest.
Just as Ginjo said, there was no need to dwell on a dead person.
As for luck…
Given the black-haired youth's Reiryoku strength, even with the most incredible luck, he absolutely could not have survived Ginjo's strike.
In the blink of an eye, the two arrived at the end of the forest, at the end of the trench created by that slash, where a blood-soaked figure lay, devoid of any life.
"Already dead?"
Ginjō Kūgo clicked his tongue, saying with some disappointment, "I should have held back some power."
"Even if you had held back some power, with his Reiryoku strength, he wouldn't have survived."
Tsukishima looked at the lifeless corpse on the ground and shook his head: "Let's go. Soul Society's reinforcements could arrive at any time. With those three noble young masters and ladies, this trip won't be in vain at least… Hmm…"
Tsukishima's words trailed off, and his gaze, which had already shifted, returned to the corpse on the ground.
No!
"What's wrong?"
Ginjō Kūgo asked, somewhat confused.
"The amount of blood is a bit off."
Tsukishima frowned. Although the corpse looked miserable, there was very little blood on the ground, as if the bleeding had stopped soon after it started.
No sooner had he finished speaking than a Reishi fluctuation suddenly appeared on the back of the corpse in his sight, covering the huge sword scar.
"This was my oversight."
The originally lifeless corpse slowly stood up from the ground. Although it was miserable and disheveled…
A Reishi far exceeding its previous level emanated from its body, making the air in the entire area viscous, forming a pressure like that of the deep sea.
"I didn't expect that rushing to stop the bleeding would become a loophole."
"How is that possible!?"
Both Ginjō Kūgo and Tsukishima's expressions changed, and they instinctively distanced themselves from Ishikawa.
After Ishikawa stood up, he didn't look at the two of them, but instead turned his gaze to his chest.
The pattern originally inscribed on his chest had already vanished without a trace!
Current Experience: 0
Reiryoku: High (70960 / 100000)
In fact, at the moment Ginjo's attack arrived, Ishikawa had indeed planned to use all his power to block Ginjō Kūgo's attack. Although this would allow Tsukishima's ability to glimpse his memories.
But when a person is about to die, who cares about memories?
Just as he was about to invest all his experience into Reiryoku and prepare to turn and defend against Ginjō Kūgo's attack, the limiting pattern on his chest heated up.
At this critical moment, the limitation was released!
Upon discovering this, Ishikawa instantly changed his mind, changing the 'Byakurai' that had been integrated into his body to 'Raikōhō,' and concentrating all his Reiryoku on his back, enduring Ginjo's strike head-on!
The dramatically increased Reiryoku combined with his advanced physique.
Taking Ginjō Kūgo's strike head-on, while it severely wounded him, did not immediately kill him or incapacitate him from battle.
"Next…"
Ishikawa slowly raised his head, a smile curving his lips. This smile was very calm, but it gave off a sense of suppressed madness, causing both Ginjō Kūgo and Tsukishima's hearts to tighten.
And along with the smile, a strange, eerie aura simultaneously emerged from the depths of Ishikawa's soul, intertwining with the long blade in his hand.
For a moment…
The temperature of the entire area turned cold.
"It's my turn!"
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