In the 6th Division barracks, Byakuya Kuchiki once again challenged Kōga Kuchiki for the lieutenant's position. More than a year had passed
In the 6th Division barracks, Byakuya Kuchiki once again challenged Kōga Kuchiki for the lieutenant's position.
More than a year had passed since Byakuya Kuchiki's previous, crushing defeat—not a long time in the lifespan of a Shinigami.
In terms of spiritual pressure and combat ability, Byakuya Kuchiki actually surpassed Kōga Kuchiki.
However, Kōga Kuchiki was a master of intra-Shinigami warfare; his Zanpakutō, Muramasa, possessed the ability to hypnotize and manipulate other Zanpakutō, making him a formidable opponent. Even the prodigious Byakuya Kuchiki had fallen victim to this tactic.
"Byakuya, though you're a family prodigy, you're not yet ready to defeat me," Kōga Kuchiki said with a smile, facing Byakuya Kuchiki in the 6th Division's training grounds.
Kōga Kuchiki was wary of his nephew; despite being members of the same clan, a rivalry existed between them. As an outsider who married into the Kuchiki family, Kōga Kuchiki could never become the head of the clan.
However, if he could become a captain of the Gotei 13 before Byakuya Kuchiki, and maintain his superior strength, he would have significant influence within the family. Conversely, if Byakuya Kuchiki surpassed him, his position as an outsider would become precarious.
Therefore, Kōga Kuchiki took Byakuya Kuchiki's challenge very seriously.
Byakuya Kuchiki's expression remained calm. "Kōga, 3rd Seat, whether I can defeat you will be determined in the match."
Due to the Kuchiki family's strict traditions, in professional settings, members only addressed each other by their rank, not family titles.
Yusuke Uchiha, acting as the referee, observed Byakuya Kuchiki, who wasn't carrying his Zanpakutō, guessing that this challenge was carefully planned; Byakuya Kuchiki likely intended to use abilities outside of his Zanpakutō.
Shinigami typically utilize four main combat methods: swordsmanship, Shunpo (flash steps), Hakuda (hand-to-hand combat), and Kidō (spells). As a versatile fighter, Byakuya Kuchiki could effectively utilize the latter three even without his Zanpakutō.
The outcome of this match—whether Kōga Kuchiki would retain his position or Byakuya Kuchiki would rise—was uncertain.
"6th Division 4th Seat Byakuya Kuchiki challenges 3rd Seat Kōga Kuchiki. The match begins!"
With Yusuke Uchiha's command, the noise from the onlookers ceased; all watched intently.
Byakuya Kuchiki struck first, launching himself with a powerful leg thrust and appearing instantly beside Kōga Kuchiki.
Kōga Kuchiki, noticing Byakuya Kuchiki's lack of Zanpakutō, immediately understood his strategy. While his Shikai was rendered useless, his Zanpakutō still provided an advantage.
He swung his Zanpakutō, aiming to force Byakuya Kuchiki back.
However, Byakuya Kuchiki's close-quarters combat skills were highly refined. He narrowly avoided the blade, closing the distance and striking Kōga Kuchiki's ribs with a powerful palm strike.
The concentrated spiritual pressure in his palm delivered a forceful blow. A loud clang echoed as Kōga Kuchiki was sent flying; the sound was the impact of the Hakuda strike against the Zanpakutō blade.
"Bakudō #21, Sekienton."
Without a chant, Byakuya Kuchiki unleashed the Bakudō spell, instantly engulfing the arena in a cloud of red smoke.
"Hadō #31, Shakkahō."
"Hadō #32, Ōkasen."
"Hadō #33, Sōkatsui."
Within the smoke, Byakuya Kuchiki used Shunpo to change positions, launching three consecutive Hadō attacks from different angles.
Kōga Kuchiki didn't remain passive; using his spiritual pressure to sense and evade the Hadō attacks while searching for Byakuya Kuchiki within the smoke cloud.
The onlookers couldn't see what was happening, only hearing the continuous loud explosions of Byakuya Kuchiki's Hadō attacks. Even without direct hits, the impacts on the ground caused significant tremors.
"Kōga, 3rd Seat, you've lost!"
Byakuya Kuchiki's voice echoed in Kōga Kuchiki's ears. Before he could react, he sensed countless spirit-imbued blades surrounding him.
"You secretly activated your Shikai!"
Kōga Kuchiki was startled; he attempted to activate Muramasa to control Byakuya Kuchiki's Senbonzakura, but it was too late.
The blades surged forward, encasing Kōga Kuchiki. While Byakuya Kuchiki hadn't moved the blades to inflict further damage, Kōga Kuchiki was clearly incapacitated.
Byakuya Kuchiki hadn't intended to defeat Kōga Kuchiki with the Hadō; they were merely a distraction. The Sekienton smoke provided cover for him to secretly activate his Shikai and encircle Kōga Kuchiki with his blades.
By the time Kōga Kuchiki realized what had happened, it was too late.
As the smoke cleared, the onlookers saw the result. Kōga Kuchiki was enveloped by pink blades resembling cherry blossoms, his face a mask of frustration.
"Byakuya, I concede. But you only won through trickery! I'll reclaim my position soon enough!" Kōga Kuchiki declared resentfully.
The Gotei 13 had regulations regarding seat challenges, with a minimum one-year interval to prevent high-ranking officers from being constantly challenged.
Byakuya Kuchiki's expression remained impassive. "Kōga, 4th Seat, I'll accept your challenge. Next time, I will defeat you directly."
Hearing Byakuya Kuchiki already referring to him as the 4th Seat, Kōga Kuchiki's face twitched. This nephew had always been insufferable!
Following the match, Yusuke Uchiha officially announced the exchange of seats.
Kōga Kuchiki vowed to reclaim his position in the next challenge.
However, he never again defeated his nephew.
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