"So, this is what you call a 'blood-soaked brawl'?"
A few minutes later.
Renji's face twitched as he stared ahead with a dead-inside expression.
"Take this, Kai!"
"This is a real man's battle! So thrilling!"
"Damn, that actually hurt!"
"I'll definitely hit you with the next strike!"
In front of him, Kenpachi Zaraki—the man whose mere presence made it hard to breathe—was getting destroyed by Kai using just two fingers.
On the small screen, the game character controlled by Kenpachi was caught in a combo and instantly K.O.'d.
"Fantastic. I didn't know the World of the Living had such interesting things."
Kenpachi put down the game controller and grinned.
"Kenny looks really happy today! Thanks for the treat, Kai-chan!"
A little girl with pink hair walked over politely and bowed cutely to Kai.
Seeing this, Kai picked her up in one smooth motion.
In mid-air, Yachiru Kusajishi let out a happy giggle.
"You're welcome to challenge me anytime," Kai said with a smile, ruffling Yachiru's pink hair.
Honestly, the experience of absolutely destroying Kenpachi Zaraki in a video game felt pretty damn good.
"But the problem is, Kenny and I probably won't be able to come play with you for a while," Yachiru said, sitting in Kai's arms and puffing out her cheeks in a pout.
"Hm? Why is that?"
Kai's expression shifted.
Could it be related to the mission the Captain-Commander mentioned earlier?
And sure enough, Byakuya confirmed his guess.
"The Captain-Commander has personally issued your latest mission. You will be responsible for relieving the current Soul Reaper stationed in the World of the Living and will remain stationed there for a period of time."
Byakuya spoke calmly. He didn't tell Kai that this was the Captain-Commander's way of protecting him.
"Tch. Just stationing in the World of the Living? I'll just go visit you there," Kenpachi grinned.
"Captain Zaraki, unauthorized travel to the World of the Living is strictly prohibited. You'd best abandon that dangerous thought," Isshin Shiba walked out and reminded him.
"Out of everyone here, you're the one least qualified to say that, Isshin," Shunsui Kyōraku facepalmed in exasperation.
Isshin had been scolded by the Captain-Commander countless times for sneaking off to the World of the Living to drink.
Hearing him say that was the definition of hypocrisy.
"Now, now, let's not sweat the small stuff," Isshin laughed awkwardly, then extended a hand to Kai. "So, moving forward, I'll be in your care. I'm your Captain, Isshin Shiba."
"What? He's already been assigned to the Tenth Division?"
Izuru Kira asked in astonishment.
"To become a full-fledged member of the Gotei 13 before even graduating, and with a mission personally issued by the Captain-Commander... As expected of Kai-kun," Momo Hinamori looked on with admiration.
If it weren't for Kai, they would all probably be dead by now, right?
"Dammit..."
When the hell did you meet so many big shots?!
Just how many things have you done behind my back, you bastard?!
Renji thought about his zero score on the Kidō exam and how hard it would be for him to even get into a division next month. His mental state was crumbling.
Rukia's small face also showed a hint of joy, but her smile froze after just two seconds.
Reflected in her pupils was a blonde woman with a massive chest suddenly shoving Isshin aside and hugging Kai with her voluptuous body.
"I'm your Vice-Captain, Rangiku Matsumoto. So, Kai-kun... we're going to be interacting a lot from now on," Rangiku said with a smile, practically smothering Kai in her embrace.
Instantly, Rukia's mental state crumbled too.
So jealous! I want a body like that too!
...
A few days later, World of the Living.
In a warehouse, Kai sank deeply into a sofa, looking utterly relaxed.
"This is the life I wanted."
Kai rested his hands behind his head, feeling blissful.
Occasionally purifying a few unlucky Hollows, but otherwise, Kai had complete control over his time.
Most importantly, it was safe!
This fit his plan perfectly.
However, there was a tiny issue with the stationing location.
This was the Jūreichi (Heavy Spirit Ground)—Karakura Town.
"If I'm careful, there shouldn't be any problems, right?"
"As long as I avoid White—that physical cheat code—there's nothing else in Karakura Town I really need to worry about."
Kai rubbed his chin, pondering.
If he just quietly chilled for a few years, returned to Soul Society with zero achievements (slacking off) and zero displayed strength (hiding), on what grounds could they make him Captain of the Sixth Division or a high-ranking official?
He'd just be randomly assigned to some squad to coast through life.
Thinking about it, the future looked beautiful.
Kai almost laughed out loud.
Thump, thump, thump!
Rapid footsteps sounded outside, and a middle-aged man with a receding hairline burst through the door, panting heavily.
"Remember to knock, Yanagawa," Kai frowned, sitting up.
The middle-aged Soul Reaper before him was Yanagawa Saitō, a member of a lower-noble family in Soul Society. He had been stationed in Karakura Town for over a decade and was a permanent resident here.
"Lord Kai, we have a problem."
Ignoring Kai's remark, Yanagawa took a deep breath and spoke quickly. "A Menos Grande's spiritual pressure has appeared in downtown Karakura..."
"A Menos Grande?" Kai's eyes flickered with confusion. "Why are you telling me? Go tell 3rd Seat Okiya. That's an enemy he should handle."
"But Lord Okiya completed his full handover with you today and has already returned to Soul Society," Yanagawa said with a bitter face.
"???"
That bastard. So he wants me to deal with a Menos Grande?
"Understood."
Kai's face twitched a few times as he stood up expressionlessly.
"Location? Never mind, found it."
Sighing, Kai's figure blurred and vanished from the room.
Understood? You understand a hammer!
What a fool. He actually went.
Yanagawa's face turned ugly, and he nearly cursed out loud.
To be honest, he was just going through the motions. He didn't think a sixth-year student like Kai—a young master from a great noble family here just to pad his resume—could actually defeat a Menos Grande.
The best choice would have been to immediately notify Seireitei and wait for backup.
But unexpectedly, this "slacker" young master actually went for it.
"Idiot. If you're going to die, don't die here," Yanagawa cursed under his breath.
If Kai died here, the Kuchiki family would never let him off the hook.
He needed to notify Soul Society immediately.
Hopefully, backup would arrive in time.
...
Meanwhile.
BOOM!
In the bustling city center.
Skyscrapers collapsed one after another as if hit by invisible attacks.
Panicked pedestrians fled in every direction, and black smoke filled the sky.
BANG!
Another building exploded, sending flames and shockwaves rippling out, whipping up a fierce wind.
From the smoke...
A young girl with short orange hair, wearing a high school uniform, walked out slowly...