Thanks to Vice-Captain Gosuke Shigure taking on most of the administrative duties, Kenpachi Moujo rarely remained in his captain's quarters. Instead, he could often be found in the training hall behind the 11th Division barracks—a place steeped in the legacy of previous Kenpachis who had sharpened their blades and honed their instincts within its walls.
This was once where Kenpachi Takuyashiki—the former captain—perfected his unparalleled combat style. Due to the overwhelming destructive force of his Bankai, the Central 46 had long since forbidden him from using it within the Seireitei. Despite this restriction, Takuyashiki never voiced a complaint. He was a warrior of principle who believed his Shikai alone was more than sufficient to overwhelm any foe.
Because of this, he cultivated a devastatingly refined mastery of Zanjutsu. Even without the use of Kidō or his full Zanpakutō abilities, he was capable of slaying Menos Grande using only raw force and close-quarters combat—Zanjutsu and Hakuda alone.
In his prime, the name "One Man Army" was whispered throughout the Seireitei—a title he earned after single-handedly turning the tide of battles against invading forces.
No one expected such a warrior, one who had previously slain a Vasto Lorde-class Menos, to fall to an upstart challenger like Moujo.
Now, having claimed the title of Kenpachi, Moujo occupied the same training grounds. But unlike his predecessor, he did not train. Instead, he sat cross-legged in silence on the wooden floor, alone with his thoughts.
His Zanpakutō was not at his side.
No one in the division could say for sure what he did here, or what he was contemplating.
When Gosuke entered the room, the new Kenpachi stirred slightly. His dark gaze flicked up, devoid of emotion.
"What is it?"
Gosuke stepped forward, his voice calm but direct. "The 12th Division has detected a cluster of high-concentration Reiatsu signatures in the outskirts of East Rukongai's 68th District. Multiple Menos Grandes have breached the boundary. Ordinary officers would be overwhelmed by this scale of incursion."
Kenpachi Moujo listened, his expression unchanged.
"I understand," he replied after a short silence. "I'll head out immediately."
From the moment he assumed the title of Kenpachi, Moujo accepted that he would carry the burden of protecting Soul Society through strength. He had never shied away from that responsibility.
As he stood and began walking toward the exit, Gosuke suddenly spoke again.
"Captain, allow me to accompany you."
Kenpachi paused.
"It's reckless to face multiple Menos alone—especially while you're still recovering from your injuries."
In their fierce duel, Moujo had claimed the title of Kenpachi from Takuyashiki, but he had not emerged unscathed. Even after receiving treatment from the 4th Division, the wounds he sustained had yet to fully heal.
After a brief silence, Moujo responded, "As you wish."
Gosuke gave him a sidelong glance and smiled faintly.
The two Shinigami departed the Seireitei, stepping beyond its high white walls and out into the rugged edges of Rukongai.
The difference between the two was stark. Seireitei was ordered and gleaming—grand avenues, noble estates, and bustling commercial streets. In contrast, Rukongai was chaotic, fragmented. The further out one traveled, the more desolate the districts became. Survival was difficult. Fights over scraps of food or water were common.
The 68th District of East Rukongai was one such place. As they passed through, they saw a group of souls fighting near a cracked well.
Neither captain nor vice-captain interfered.
Kenpachi Moujo remained indifferent. Life had taught him long ago not to rely on others. From a young age, abandoned and hardened by betrayal, he trusted only in his blade. The suffering of others stirred nothing in him.
Gosuke Shigure had no illusions either. In his previous life—and again in this one—he had seen countless similar scenes. His heart had long grown numb. He wasn't a savior. He had no illusions about what it meant to intervene.
Soon, they reached the outskirts of the 68th District.
When a Hollow breaches into Soul Society, its location is entirely unpredictable. Sometimes it descends upon a deserted wasteland—other times, in densely populated Rukongai. The current situation was fortunate. With the area sparsely inhabited, collateral damage could be minimized.
Had the breach occurred deeper within Rukongai, the delay in response—even mere minutes—could have resulted in dozens, if not hundreds, of souls consumed.
And with each soul devoured, the balance of the worlds would falter.
That balance—between Soul Society, the Human World, and Hueco Mundo—was delicate. Few truly understood its complexities, but all Shinigami were taught one thing: Hollows must be slain without delay.
That's why Hollows never invaded Seireitei directly. It was protected by a spiritual barrier—a Kekkai—that repelled anything with Hollow Reiatsu. It was an invisible dome of protection, long-standing and absolute.
Now, six towering Gillian-class Menos loomed ahead, their massive forms slowly shambling forward.
Gosuke narrowed his eyes and spoke coolly. "Six Gillians. Standard types. But…" he paused, sensing something more, "…the Garganta behind them hasn't closed. Something's coming through—an Adjuchas."
Kenpachi Moujo's eyes sharpened.
Menos-class Hollows were divided into three levels—Gillian, Adjuchas, and Vasto Lorde. Of the three, Vasto Lorde were rare and lethal, with power that rivaled or surpassed the average captain. Adjuchas, while not as fearsome, were still a significant threat.
The last incursion involving a Vasto Lorde and multiple Gillians had resulted in a catastrophic assault on Rukongai. Kenpachi Takuyashiki had repelled it, but it had left deep scars across Soul Society.
Now, barely days later, it was happening again.
Hueco Mundo… what are you planning?
Kenpachi turned toward Gosuke. "Stay back."
His voice was cold but not unkind. He was ready to face them all alone.
But Gosuke had already drawn his Zanpakutō slightly, letting the hilt catch the light.
"You handle the Adjuchas, Captain. I'll take the six Gillians."
Kenpachi glanced at him—briefly. No surprise, no amusement. Just quiet acknowledgment.
"…Fine. Do as you will."
With that, Kenpachi Moujo vanished, his form blurring into a high-speed Shunpo. He aimed straight for the Adjuchas that had just stepped from the open Garganta, a Hollow with an armored carapace and burning yellow eyes.
"Hadō #31: Shakkahō!"
Without chanting, Moujo launched a crimson burst of energy mid-stride. The fireball roared toward the Adjuchas, catching it off guard.