The match had barely begun, and within ten seconds, the outcome was already decided.
Momo Hinamori, who was watching from the sidelines, was completely stunned.
Among the four basic techniques of the Soul Reapers—Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō—she excelled in Kidō while the others were mediocre at best. However, after witnessing Shigure's astonishing Byakurai and recalling the oppressive aura when he released his Zanpakutō, she began to understand the meaning behind Shigure's words.
He... was indeed stronger.
Shigure turned around, not even breaking a sweat, still smiling as he said, "Captain Aizen, I believe I now have the right to challenge Lieutenant Hinamori, don't I?"
Aizen's expression remained unchanged. "Of course, it is your right, Segawa."
Saying this, he looked at Momo Hinamori and spoke gently, "Hinamori."
Caught in her own turmoil, Hinamori perked up at his voice, raising her head. "Captain Aizen."
"Show Segawa your strength. You can do it."
Blushing at Aizen's smile, Hinamori suddenly felt a surge of strength, her eyes shining as she responded loudly, "Yes!"
With determination, she turned her gaze toward Shigure.
Shigure couldn't help but sigh inwardly, realizing that Hinamori was completely ensnared in Aizen's web of deception.
"Segawa! I won't lose to you!!"
It was as if Hinamori was trying to bolster her own confidence, shouting loudly.
The surrounding members echoed her sentiment, "Lieutenant Hinamori won't lose to you!"
Before Shigure could respond, Aizen intervened, "Everyone, let's not be biased. Segawa is also a member of our Fifth Division. His challenge to Hinamori is not an act of provocation but simply a normal seat battle. So, fellow members, do not view our comrade with hostility."
Aizen's words seemed to fully support Shigure. In any other squad, this might have caused some dissent among the ranks. However, coming from the always kind and gentle Captain Aizen, the words carried immense weight.
"Yes, sir!" the crowd responded in unison.
Aizen then smiled at Shigure and said, "Now, let's proceed to the training grounds."
Shigure nodded with a smile, but inside, he felt a cold indifference. He understood that this was all part of Aizen's manipulation. This was the façade he had maintained for over a century. Unfortunately, he was performing for the wrong audience—Shigure already knew the script.
A group of people headed to the Fifth Division's training arena.
Strictly speaking, the final decision on a seat challenge should be made by the Head Captain, but since Yamamoto Genryūsai had left it to Aizen when they departed from the First Division, it meant he tacitly approved Segawa Shigure's right to challenge anyone except Aizen, including Momo Hinamori.
Once everything was ready, Aizen and the other members of the Fifth Division stood on the viewing platform beside the training ground.
In the dojo below, Shigure and Momo Hinamori faced each other.
"Begin. As long as no lives are endangered, there are no other rules," Aizen stated calmly.
This was the rule of Seireitei, unchangeable by anyone.
Momo Hinamori wore a look of determination as she immediately drew her Zanpakutō from her side.
"Bloom, Tobiume!"
Zing!
Her Zanpakutō quickly transformed into a form with seven branches, and a brilliant cherry blossom light shone as petals of plum blossoms swirled around the blade.
She released her Zanpakutō right from the start and charged forward.
It seemed she believed this was her best chance to win.
Shigure didn't underestimate her, focusing his attention.
After all, this was his first battle against a Soul Reaper with a released Zanpakutō.
At that moment, halfway through her charge, Momo Hinamori suddenly used shunpo to appear behind Shigure, extending her left hand and shouting:
"Hadō #12: Fushibi!"
Whoosh!
A crimson line of spiritual pressure shot from her fingertips, transforming into flames as it rushed toward Shigure.
But Momo Hinamori didn't stop there; she unleashed another spell.
"Bakudō #26: Kyokko!"
Thunk!
The red fire line flying through the air vanished, completely hidden from sight.
In the next instant, it reappeared, binding Shigure's limbs completely!
The members of the Fifth Division erupted in excitement at the sight.
"Wow! As expected of Lieutenant Hinamori!"
"She cleverly used the concealment of Kyokko to hide the path of Fushibi, making it nearly undetectable!"
"The lieutenant's mastery of Kidō is as impressive as ever!"
Yet, Momo Hinamori didn't relax in the slightest, swinging her blade.
Boom!
From Tobiume, three blazing, cherry-colored fireballs shot toward Shigure.
At this moment, Shigure remained bound by Fushibi, his back turned to Momo Hinamori.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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