Makoto suddenly mentioned that the Ninja of the living world were watching this battle via live broadcast.
Head Captain Yamamoto responded, "To think that with just those devices, they can transmit real-time images across two worlds… The technological advancements of the living world are truly impressive."
Their own era was already a technological age, and things like television and live broadcasting had long existed in Soul Society.
However, establishing a connection between Soul Society and the living world required far more specialized equipment.
Makoto continued, "From what I've observed, Soul Society's technological civilization is quite different from ours. But we are more than willing to share all living-world advancements with Soul Society—free of charge."
Yamamoto immediately replied, "Your Majesty's generosity is overwhelming—it is more than we deserve."
Makoto simply smiled, then gestured toward the spatial rift that had remained in the sky since the beginning of the battle.
This rift—opened by him—was the direct gateway to the living world and also the reason they were able to receive the broadcast signal from the other side.
"Soul Society and the living world exist in separate dimensions, making signal transmission difficult. A passage like this can only exist temporarily."
"However, in the Empire, we have structures known as 'Towers of Solarity.' These serve as signal transmission bases. I believe constructing one in Soul Society would greatly enhance our connection."
Yamamoto's eyes narrowed slightly.
The Towers of Solarity…
During their investigations of the living world, the Shinigami had already learned about these structures.
But they were not mere communication towers—they were also extremely powerful weapons.
Now the living-world emperor wanted to build one in Soul Society?
What was his true intent?
At that moment, Makoto added with a casual smile, "Of course, the Towers of Solarity has other functions beyond being a signal base. However, if it is to be built in Soul Society, we can completely remove any unnecessary features. No need for any misunderstandings, Head Captain. You Shinigami have a research division, don't you? They can collaborate with our people on this project."
Yamamoto's sharp gaze flickered for a moment before he simply replied, "We shall discuss this matter another time."
Makoto did not press the matter further.
Instead, he chuckled and said, "If the Head Captain is interested, you're welcome to send people to Konoha for an inspection at any time. We will be completely open and share everything we know."
The Final Match of the Exchange Event
Seventh Seat of the Ten Crown Guards – Uchiha Itachi
10th Division Captain – Hitsugaya Toshiro
At first glance, the two appeared to be of similar age—practically like peers.
However, in reality, Hitsugaya was likely ten times older than Itachi.
This was the last match of the event.
If Hitsugaya won, the final score would be 5–5, a draw—an ideal outcome for an event that was supposedly about "friendship first, competition second."
A result like this would make both sides happy.
This match wasn't just being watched by all the seated officers present, but was also being broadcasted to the living world.
Countless people were watching.
Hitsugaya could feel the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
If he lost, would that mean Shinigami were inferior to Ninja?
It could very well affect how Shinigami were perceived by the living world's ninja, and even impact future collaborations between Shinigami and Ninja in the fight against Hollows.
Hitsugaya's gaze landed on Itachi's back, noticing that he, too, carried a short sword.
The hilt was silver-white, refined in design.
Curious, Hitsugaya asked, "Are you related to Uchiha Shisui?"
Itachi replied calmly, "We come from the same clan. He was like an older brother to me."
Hitsugaya paused for a moment, deep in thought.
So, a noble from the living world…?
He himself had grown up in Rukongai, once living as one of the lower-class souls.
His views on the wealthy and privileged had always been neutral—neither looking up to them nor despising them.
There were good people among the nobles as well—like his former captain.
Due to his small stature, Hitsugaya always carried his sword on his back.
His Zanpakuto, Hyorinmaru, was known as the strongest ice-type Zanpakuto.
However, because of his young age, it was more accurate to say that he possessed limitless potential rather than absolute mastery.
As Chojiro officially announced the start of the match, both fighters dashed forward at the same time.
Clang!
Hyorinmaru clashed against a black short sword, producing a sharp, ringing sound.
The moment Hitsugaya saw the blade, he was briefly startled.
A Nichirin Blade…
Having witnessed Kakashi's previous battle, Hitsugaya was instantly on high alert.
In that brief moment of close combat, blades flashed, exchanging rapid strikes.
The black sword in Itachi's hand gleamed under the sunlight, its refined swordsmanship making it clear that Itachi was an expert.
Hitsugaya could feel the pressure mounting.
Whoosh!
Hitsugaya suddenly leaped backward, extending one hand forward.
A burst of scarlet flames shot out.
"Hado #31: Shakkaho!"
After the burst of flames, a powerful sword pressure, carried by a gust of wind, slashed through the attack.
In an instant, Itachi's figure flashed forward.
Clang!
Their swords clashed once more, but this time, Hitsugaya suddenly sensed something was off.
The sword in Itachi's hand was entirely black—from the blade to the hilt.
Other than being slightly shorter, it was identical to the unreleased form of the black sword that Kakashi had wielded earlier!
Yet, behind Itachi's back, a silver-white hilt was still sheathed!
Then where did this black sword come from?
As Hitsugaya withdrew again, he didn't rush to attack.
Instead, he asked in a deep voice, "Is that a Nichirin Blade in your hand?"
Itachi held the black sword in front of him, and under the sunlight, its dark blade suddenly shimmered, becoming nearly transparent.
"That's right. Before being released, the Nichirin Blade exists in its 'Kurogatana' form—it can turn invisible under sunlight."
Hitsugaya had already seen Kakashi's sword demonstrate this ability earlier.
His gaze shifted to the silver-white hilt on Itachi's back. "Do you have two swords?"
Itachi answered calmly, "Yes."
However, he had no intention of drawing the silver-white blade.
He simply held his black sword, pointing it toward Hitsugaya.
Nichirin Blades originated from Zanpakuto.
There were cases of dual swords in Soul Society, but they were extremely rare.
Ever since Jushiro Ukitake mysteriously disappeared, only Kyoraku Shunsui remained among the captains with twin blades.
Tightly gripping his own sword, Hitsugaya asked, "I'm curious—what exactly is the difference between a Nichirin Blade and a Zanpakuto?"
Itachi said, "To you, there is no difference. But to us, the Nichirin Blade is a sword bestowed by His Majesty."
Ordinary people wouldn't know this, but those who wield a Zanpakuto essentially leave a weakness in the hands of Ichibe Hyosube.
Hitsugaya took a deep breath, then suddenly lowered his stance.
As his reiatsu surged, icy cold air leaked from all around him.
Whoosh!
He leaped high into the air, swinging his sword.
Where his blade passed, frost formed, and in an instant, an ice dragon took shape, roaring as it charged toward Itachi.
"Sit upon the frosted heavens—Hyorinmaru!"
Cold mist spread, frigid winds raged, and the ice dragon descended from above with unstoppable force!
Seeing this, Itachi swiftly dodged—just in time.
The ice dragon crashed into the ground, shattering into countless fragments, leaving behind a gleaming but broken ice dragon sculpture.
Hitsugaya, undeterred, swung his sword once more, summoning another ice dragon.
"Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu!"
Itachi formed a one-handed seal and exhaled, but instead of a massive fireball, only a faint line of fire appeared before quickly fading.
This unexpected failure made him pause for a moment.
His Fire Release techniques had long been among the best, and the Great Fireball Technique was a signature jutsu of the Uchiha Clan.
How could it fail so suddenly?
Then, as the temperature around him continued to plummet and the freezing cold bit into his skin, he realized the truth.
Hitsugaya spoke in a deep voice, "This might sound arrogant, but my Hyorinmaru is known as the strongest ice-type Zanpakuto. You're already within my domain—here, no flames can burn!"
"Unable to burn…?"
Itachi's eyes flickered slightly, but he remained calm.
"Is that so? I wonder if you can extinguish this kind of fire?"
Suddenly, he reversed the grip on his sword, tilting the blade upright in his hand, and whispered softly:
"Flame that devours fire, sky that governs the heavens…"
"Dairi Rei!" ( Great Sun Spirit )
The pitch-black blade suddenly dissolved, and in the next instant, it transformed into a swirling mass of black flames.
These flames pulsed with a deadly heat, as if they were capable of consuming everything in their path—leaving nothing behind.
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