Tree Binding—
Bury everything!
Before anyone could even react—
The five-layer Kidō barrier, which moments ago had been filled with raging water and crashing waves, instantly transformed into a sea of green.
As far as the eye could see, countless colossal vines and wooden tendrils intertwined and surged upward, stacking upon one another like a towering wooden mountain, crushing down upon Shiba Kaien.
No matter how desperately he struggled—
The bindings only tightened further.
The vines coiled mercilessly around his body, carving deep grooves into his arms and torso. His strength was drained at an alarming rate, until at last—
Even gripping the shaft of the trident became impossible.
Clang!
The sound of metal striking the ground echoed across the battlefield.
Heavy.
Resounding.
Like a thunderclap hammering directly into everyone's hearts.
The arena fell utterly silent.
So silent that a pin drop could be heard.
Though the morning sun still hung high in the sky, a bone-chilling cold spread through the air.
Around the five-layer barrier, the Thirteenth Division's officers and soldiers stood frozen—
Some stared blankly at the base of the massive vine-covered tree.
Others felt their pupils quake as they took in Kaien's utterly helpless state.
No one could find the words to speak.
"This is… brutal…"
"Captain Kaien's momentum had just reached its peak!"
"And it was suppressed in an instant!"
"That Wood-type Zanpakutō is way too terrifying!"
Only now did everyone truly realize—
The rumors were real.
Bai Chen's Zanpakutō, Wood Dragon, truly possessed destructive power on par with Ryūjin Jakka.
What they had just witnessed was the clearest proof.
With spiritual pressure equalized—
The strongest Flowing Water Zanpakutō, Nejibana, was utterly powerless before Wood Release techniques, shattering the moment it made contact.
The disparity between the two Zanpakutō was overwhelming.
"I lost…"
"Kaien… couldn't even fight back…"
Among the crowd, Shiba Miyako wore a deeply complicated expression.
Beyond the pain she felt for her husband, she suddenly realized just how shallow her own understanding of Bai Chen's strength had been.
Third Seat?
Vice-Captain?
Neither position truly matched Bai Chen's level.
The only opponent worthy of him—
Was Captain Ukitake Jūshirō himself.
Only such a battle could truly showcase the full might of Wood Dragon.
"This wasn't a battle to the death…"
"Otherwise, Vice-Captain Kaien would already be buried forever…"
Beside her, Kotsubaki Sentarō muttered in shock.
During the Tree Binding—
Had Bai Chen harbored even the slightest killing intent, Kaien would have vanished from this world entirely.
Sentarō soon noticed something even more unsettling.
Though Bai Chen had clearly held back, leaving Kaien without obvious physical injuries—
His spiritual pressure,
and the power of Nejibana,
were being continuously drained by the roots entwining his body.
Boom—!
The massive roots pulsed rhythmically, absorbing spiritual energy with every rise and fall.
Ignoring the surrounding uproar, Bai Chen focused inward.
So it's just as I thought…
After absorbing the Shikai-level spiritual pressure of Nejibana, the feedback was immediate.
The flowing, wave-like qualities of water were being converted into nourishment.
From now on—
The trees summoned by Wood Release would grow more smoothly, with greater range and flexibility.
Their durability and hardness had also increased noticeably.
In short—
This battle had directly upgraded Bai Chen's power.
"Enough…"
"If I keep going, Kaien really will be drained dry."
After several minutes, Bai Chen casually waved his hand.
The technique was released.
Boom—!
Before the crowd's fearful eyes, the towering vines dissolved into green spiritual particles, fading away piece by piece.
As the massive tree vanished, the violent fluctuations within the battlefield finally settled.
Freed from the bindings, Shiba Kaien collapsed, utterly exhausted, his body limp as he fell unconscious to the ground.
"Bai Chen—thank you!"
"If you hadn't shown restraint…"
"Kaien would've suffered permanent damage!"
As the five-layer Kidō barrier was dismantled, Ukitake Jūshirō rushed forward, his heart pounding.
Kaien's body still radiated clear signs of life—
Otherwise, Ukitake would have completely lost his composure.
"Captain Ukitake," Bai Chen said calmly,
"don't worry. After a short recovery period, Vice-Captain Kaien will return to full strength."
The moment Bai Chen said "Vice-Captain", everyone froze.
According to the rules—
In a fair duel, witnessed by the entire division—
Bai Chen had defeated Shiba Kaien decisively.
By all rights, the Vice-Captain position should now belong to Bai Chen.
Ukitake glanced at Bai Chen, then at the unconscious Kaien.
He sighed deeply.
For decades, he had grown accustomed to Kaien handling the division's affairs by his side.
But rules were rules.
Steeling himself, Ukitake spoke clearly:
"Your strength is beyond question."
"You are more than qualified to serve as Vice-Captain."
"From this moment onward—"
"Wait."
Bai Chen interrupted calmly.
"Captain Ukitake, there's something I must clarify."
"In my view, challenge and position are two different things."
"I'm a newcomer. I don't believe I'm suited to the Vice-Captain role."
"So—please allow me to refuse the appointment."
His tone was calm.
His gaze unwavering.
Before Ukitake could even finish announcing the promotion, Bai Chen had firmly declined.
The sudden reversal stunned everyone.
"What?"
"Did I hear that right?"
"He's… giving it up?"
Shiba Miyako stared in disbelief, her mouth slightly open.
Vice-Captain—
A position second only to the Captain.
The dream of countless Shinigami.
And Bai Chen rejected it without hesitation.
Beside her, Kotetsu Kiyone felt her admiration rise once more.
This wasn't just strength—
It was character.
"Bai Chen," Ukitake frowned,
"are you certain?"
Refusing an official appointment was no trivial matter.
But Bai Chen calmly explained:
"Captain Ukitake…"
"Because of your health, Vice-Captain Kaien has managed the division for decades."
"I just joined today. I'm unfamiliar with the division's operations."
"For the sake of stability, Vice-Captain Kaien should remain."
He wasn't pretending.
He genuinely had no desire to take the position.
Ukitake studied him for a moment, then nodded.
"I understand."
"If that is your wish, I won't force you."
He turned toward the crowd.
"Shiba Miyako."
"You're willing to yield your Third Seat position to Bai Chen, correct?"
She nodded without hesitation.
"No objections."
"Bai Chen is the most suitable candidate."
Ukitake let out a long breath.
"Then the seat challenge concludes here."
Third Seat—
Below only Captain and Vice-Captain.
This arrangement satisfied everyone.
Kaien's dignity was preserved.
Bai Chen was not undervalued.
And the division was united.
Ukitake looked at Bai Chen and murmured softly:
"A man with Captain-level strength…"
"Yet holding the Third Seat."
"From today onward…"
"He will be remembered as—"
"The strongest seat officer in the history of Soul Society."
◇ I'll drop one bonus chapter for every 10 reviews (leave a review/comment!)
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 60 chapters ahead on P@treon: patreon.com/KageNaruto