"Facing a monster like him head-on… I don't stand a chance. No—even with tricks, at my current level, victory is impossible. But at least… I can test his strength."
Hurled skyward by Yūshirō Shihōin, Kisuke Urahara formulated his plan in mere seconds. Mid-air, he released his Zanpakutō and spun with a show of ease before landing gracefully on the ground.
"A Shinigami's battle comes down to spiritual pressure, Kidō, Zanpakutō, experience, and psychological warfare. I may lack the advantage in spiritual pressure, but if I dominate the other four, there's still hope… however slim."
"First, make him lose his cool."
Kisuke's eyes hardened as his Zanpakutō, Benihime, shifted form. Crimson light surged, launching a cutting wave straight at Yūshirō.
"Oh? This is surprising."
Yūshirō tilted his head slightly, sidestepping the scarlet blast with ease. He hadn't expected a Zanpakutō capable of firing an attack so similar to a Cero.
"He dodged? I thought he'd tank it head-on… Well, at least Benihime can harm him. That means I have the edge in Zanpakutō—for now."
"Next… Kidō." Kisuke narrowed his eyes, speaking lightly to bait him.
"Oh my, I still can't quite control Benihime's power. You'd better be careful, little Yūshirō. If you get hurt, I won't be able to explain to Yoruichi."
"Trying to rile me up? If that's your plan—congratulations. You succeeded."
Yūshirō's forehead twitched, veins bulging. Sometimes, even knowing it's a provocation, you just can't ignore it.
Perfect. Kisuke smirked—only for his vision to blur. In an instant, Yūshirō vanished.
"Lightning's carriage, a gap of spinning wheels, divides this light into six! "
"Bakudō #61: Six Rods of Light Prison! "
Kisuke didn't hesitate. Without even checking his blind spot, he fired the Kidō backward— and it hit dead on.
"Huh?"
Yūshirō froze mid-kick, six golden beams binding him in place.
"Well, well… isn't this a surprise? and"Kisuke turned, smiling like a cat who'd cornered a mouse.
"Haha. Seems I underestimated you." Yūshirō chuckled without panic. "Tell me—how'd you know I'd attack from behind? Your Zanpakutō can see the future? "
"Hardly. Benihime doesn't have such godly power. I just gambled that you'd fight exactly like your sister." Kisuke grinned. "Looks like I was right."
"Hahahaha…" Yūshirō laughed aloud. "To think you could calculate this mid-battle… No wonder Yoruichi calls you a rare talent. I doubted her at first, but now? I see it."
"Thank you, little Yūshirō." Kisuke tilted his head, eyes narrowing slyly. "So—shall we call it a draw? You're restrained, and I'm out of Reiryoku. What do you say? "
"Draw? " The word barely left his lips when Yūshirō vanished—reappearing behind Kisuke in a flash, his foot slamming into Kisuke's backside.
"What the—?! When did you—"
Kisuke stumbled forward, barely regaining his balance. Cold sweat beaded on his brow. That was… Bakudō #61. Fully chanted. At my max spiritual pressure. Even most captains would need time to break it…
"Tell me, Kisuke—what is a Shinigami's true battle? "
Yūshirō stood calmly, hands in his sleeves.
"It's… complex," Kisuke replied, forcing a wry smile. "Reiatsu, Hakuda, Kidō, technique, experience, psychology, Zanpakutō synergy—so many factors. I'd say that's about it. Was I right, little Yūshirō? "
"Wrong."
Yūshirō crossed his arms into an X, shaking his head.
"Huh? " Kisuke blinked. "That's wrong? But I listed every possible—"
"The truth is simple."
"A Shinigami's battle… is a battle of spiritual pressure. Nothing more. Just overwhelming Reiatsu."
At those words, a crushing force erupted from Yūshirō like a tidal wave. The ground quaked as his white haori sleeves slid back, revealing inked tattoos across his pale arms—tattoos that began to fade as his power surged to the surface.
"Kū."
The air screamed. Infinite pressure bore down on Kisuke, drowning him in a storm of spiritual might so dense it bent space itself. The very heavens of the Soul King Palace trembled. Across the Soul Society, skies darkened under its weight.
Far away, within the 1st Division barracks, an ancient man stirred. A figure who had stood guard for a thousand years slowly opened his eyes.
"…That boy… has grown even stronger."
His name is Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto.
The old lion gazed skyward, a glint of fire sparking in his solemn eyes.