"So, a guy named Oniwajo broke into Squad Eleven, defeated several members including officers, and is now demanding to challenge me?"
Gosuke Shigure looked at the officer before him with an unreadable expression.
The officer nodded solemnly.
"Where's Zaraki? If he's not dead, just let Zaraki kill him."
Gosuke Shigure felt this was far too trivial to require his own intervention. Merely Oniwajo? To brazenly demand a challenge against him—what audacity. Wouldn't it be easier for Zaraki to slice him apart casually?
The officer replied, "Vice-Captain Zaraki went out earlier to engage the Menos Grande that crossed into Soul Society. He hasn't returned yet. Should we wait for Vice-Captain Zaraki to come back?"
This officer was one of the newer squad members who had joined in recent years, his strength sufficient to attain an official seated position. Since his enlistment, Zaraki had already been vice-captain. He had never witnessed Gosuke Shigure fight, nor had he seen him spar with squad members. All his direct experiences of battle involved Zaraki sparring with others. In his mind, Vice-Captain Zaraki was the true powerhouse.
As for the captain… that was harder to say.
Although this officer did not openly criticize Gosuke Shigure like some lower-ranked recruits, he quietly harbored doubts about whether Gosuke Shigure was truly strong enough to hold the Kenpachi title.
Today, Oniwajo had stormed Squad Eleven and defeated numerous members. None of the officers could stand against him. Now he was demanding a duel with their captain.
The officer couldn't help but worry. If Gosuke Shigure lost, wouldn't that mean Squad Eleven's captaincy would change hands? After all, the rules of Kenpachi succession were no secret—everyone in the Gotei 13 knew them.
So, out of genuine concern for Gosuke Shigure, he suggested waiting for Zaraki's return.
"Forget it. Don't wait for Zaraki. Since this Oniwajo is calling me out directly, I'll go meet him myself."
Gosuke Shigure spoke casually, picked up his Zanpakutō, and walked out of the captain's room.
The young officer was stunned for a moment before quickly following.
When Gosuke Shigure entered the squad training grounds, he saw a massive, hulking figure with an intimidating presence. The man held a long katana, grinning arrogantly. Around him, Squad Eleven members stood tense with their weapons drawn, glaring at him vigilantly.
Fresh blood stained the ground—blood from injured officers who had challenged him.
"What? Planning to attack me in groups now?"
Oniwajo sneered at the gathered Shinigami.
"As I understand, anyone strong enough can challenge the Kenpachi at any time. If they win, they become the new Kenpachi."
"I'm here to challenge Kenpachi. Are you all going to stand in my way?"
Hearing his words, many Squad Eleven members clenched their teeth in silent anger.
This Oniwajo had challenged Gosuke Shigure by name the moment he arrived. They restrained themselves because his actions were technically within the squad's rules. If he had come here simply to destroy, they would have cut him down without hesitation. But the challenge was valid.
Kenpachi, after all, was a title earned in one-on-one combat. No matter how much they hated him, group attacks were forbidden. Only personal challenges were allowed.
Thus, no one responded to Oniwajo's taunts. Their silence only made him more arrogant.
"So what? Is your Kenpachi too scared to face me?"
He laughed cruelly.
"I've heard rumours that this generation's Kenpachi is a coward who hides behind his vice-captain instead of fighting himself."
"That's why I came here—to become Kenpachi myself."
"Don't disappoint me."
His booming voice belittled Gosuke Shigure repeatedly, filled with scorn and contempt.
At that moment, a calm voice echoed through the grounds.
"Since you wish to challenge me, I will grant you that chance."
Hearing this, all the Squad Eleven members turned simultaneously.
There stood Gosuke Shigure, still smelling faintly of sake, wearing casual squad attire rather than his captain's haori. He looked entirely at ease, Zanpakutō casually resting at his side.
"Captain!"
The Shinigami called out in unison.
Oniwajo's gaze fell on Gosuke Shigure. Seeing his youthful face, unmarred by scars or battle lines, his disdain only deepened. Gosuke Shigure looked nothing like a veteran warrior.
Such a man, just from appearance alone, didn't look strong. Combined with the rumours circulating in Rukongai, Oniwajo's scorn only intensified.
"So you're the current Kenpachi? I am Oniwajo, a hero from Rukongai. Today, I officially challenge you."
"If you die by my blade, the Kenpachi title will be mine."
Despite his disdain, Oniwajo issued his formal challenge upon seeing Gosuke Shigure.
Many veteran squad members who knew their captain's true strength looked on calmly, even amused. But newer members felt worried. They had never seen Gosuke Shigure fight, only heard the rumours. Although they sometimes criticized him privately, in truth, he had always been a kind and fair captain. None wanted him replaced—especially not by someone like Oniwajo.
If only Vice-Captain Zaraki were here today. Surely he could drive Oniwajo away.
"Panasonic, gather the squad."
Gosuke Shigure ignored Oniwajo's words and spoke to the officer who had followed him out.
Then his gaze fell upon Oniwajo.
"A Kenpachi challenge ceremony must be witnessed by at least two hundred Squad Eleven members, with a captain as formal witness. There is no captain here today."
"But I can at least let you die before two hundred witnesses."
"Prepare yourself."