The news of Kuchiki Sōjun's defeat in the quarterfinals had become a hot topic among the Shinigami over the past two days, something discussed casually over meals. It was now common knowledge throughout the Seireitei.
And the Shinigami had also come to remember the name Azashiro Kana, a rising star who had captured everyone's attention once again.
Their impression of Katori Nanatsuki had also shifted. Originally just a teacher at the Shin'o Spiritual Arts Academy, he was barely known outside of it. Though he had briefly served as the vice-captain of the 4th Division, his reputation had remained confined to that squad and the Shinigami he had treated.
But Kuchiki Sōjun's defeat at the hands of Azashiro Kana caused an uproar in the Seireitei, drawing much more attention to this Live Blade Tournament. With all four semifinalists being Nanatsuki's disciples, the Katori-ryu Dojo had once again returned to the spotlight.
Katori Batsu'unsai had never taken in any other disciples. The dojo hadn't accepted students since her father's generation.
Among the younger Shinigami, only those who were already close to Nanatsuki and Batsu'unsai knew of the dojo at all.
Now, Nanatsuki and his students had finally begun to make a name for themselves.
Over the past two days, many had visited the dojo hoping to train there, or to introduce younger Shinigami to Nanatsuki in the hopes that he would accept them as disciples.
But with the dojo now firmly established and Nanatsuki's schedule packed, he wasn't in any rush to take on more students. He declined all offers.
Once his current disciples graduated, he figured he could let them serve as instructors at the dojo instead.
None of this affected the progression of the swordsmanship tournament, and the semifinals began as scheduled.
"You guys better fight seriously! I'll be cheering you on!" Azashiro Kana, her body still wrapped in bandages, remained full of spirit. Though her injuries hadn't fully healed, simply watching the matches wouldn't be a problem.
"It's a shame I didn't get to fight you," Muguruma Kensei scratched his head.
"Once I'm healed, I'll beat you up anytime!" Azashiro Kana swung her tiny fist.
"The matchups have been announced."
Hirako Shinji pointed at the banner the two staff members had just unfurled over the stage. The matchups for today's bouts were written clearly:
Kobane Jin'emon vs. Muguruma Kensei
Hirako Shinji vs. Azashiro Kana
With Azashiro Kana withdrawing, Shinji automatically advanced to the finals. In other words, he only had to wait for the final match.
"Damn it! Why wasn't I the one who got a bye? I even woke up super early today and begged the teacher to make me a plate of golden fried rice!"
"Wasn't it supposed to bring good luck?!" Kensei howled.
"Pfft—so that's why you got up early today? You wanted to hog the golden fried rice for yourself? So sneaky!" Shinji pouted. "Too bad—our teacher made us a portion too."
"He was joking last time, you know. I ate the golden fried rice today too and didn't get a bye either," Kobane Jin'emon said with a laugh.
"Exactly! Since all three of you ate it, the effects just canceled out. If everyone ate it, it's like nobody did," Azashiro Kana explained with an air of certainty.
Today's audience turnout was massive, clearly exceeding the previous days.
Large-scale entertainment events were rare in the Seireitei, so once news of the Live Blade Tournament spread, many Shinigami expressed to their captains their desire to attend.
Kotetsu Ayane made a prompt decision: she expanded the seating area and opened the tournament to Shinigami from all divisions.
"A lot more people showed up today," Kyōraku observed, glancing around the crowd. Many in his own division had requested leave specifically to watch today's matches.
"This tournament has sparked some new ideas in me," said Kotetsu Ayane. "I'm considering hosting events like this more regularly."
"Maybe a comprehensive tournament that doesn't restrict Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Shunpo, or Kidō—it'd make it easier for captains to spot talented individuals," said Yamamoto after a moment's thought. "In fact, the entire Gotei 13 should be hosting tournaments like this."
"The recent campaign to eliminate the Quincy exposed many problems."
"Even though we had more captain-level combatants than the enemy, the casualties were still enormous—and that's with the 11th Division participating!"
"Especially the 7th Division. They suffered the most losses."
"The 7th usually stays in the Seireitei as security and rarely goes on missions to the World of the Living. They've grown too complacent. I fear their skills in Zanjutsu, Hakuda, and Shunpo have all dulled."
"Which is why the Gotei 13 needs this kind of tournament—to avoid such disasters in the future."
Kuyashiki Kenpachi nodded. "I support the Head Captain's proposal. Our 11th Division maintains its strength thanks to our internal culture. Heck, even our barracks have designated battle rooms for sparring."
"Sounds like a huge pain..." Kyōraku scratched his face. He could already foresee that the captains would be the ones rotating shifts to run the events.
The other captains also thought it was a good idea and voiced their support.
Once the matchups were announced, the match quickly began.
Kensei and Kobane Jin'emon stepped onto the stage.
Kensei smiled. "Jin'emon, I won't use Shikai. Let's just have a sword fight."
Kobane Jin'emon raised an eyebrow and refused the proposal. "Kensei-aniki, if you really respect me, then come at me with everything you've got!"
Kensei scratched the back of his head. "I just thought it'd be more fair."
"But this is a Live Blade Tournament. There's no restriction on Zanpakutō abilities. If I stop you from using them, that would be unfair to you." Kobane Jin'emon shook his head, speaking seriously. "Kensei-aniki, please fight me at full strength!"
He didn't need Kensei to hold back. It was true he hadn't achieved Shikai yet, but that didn't mean he wanted Kensei to limit himself.
What he needed to do—was to face the pressure head-on, and break through it!
And just as Kobane Jin'emon spoke those words, his Zanpakutō responded.
A jolt ran through his spirit. He placed his left hand on his blade.
"Fight alongside me—Onikirimaru!"
Red markings began to appear on the blade of his Zanpakutō.
"Well done! Looks like you've achieved Shikai too!" Kensei laughed heartily, placing his left hand on his own blade.
"Blow It away—Tachikaze!"
His Zanpakutō transformed into a dagger.
Wind surged around the dagger's edge, condensing into fine threads that lashed toward Kobane Jin'emon.
In terms of speed, Tachikaze was no match for Flash Goddess Yoruichi's Raibyō.
But to Kobane Jin'emon, Kensei's wind threads were difficult to handle. His Shunpo speed wasn't fast enough to outrun the wind itself—he could only rely on predicting the attacks in advance to evade them.
Whoosh—Kensei's opening strike was easier to anticipate. Kobane Jin'emon had already moved from his original spot before the attack landed.
But wind has a mind of its own. He couldn't dodge the follow-up.
Slash!—A line of wind grazed Kobane Jin'emon's left shoulder. It barely brushed him, yet left behind a cut nearly two centimeters deep.
Kensei's Tachikaze was no joke—both its power and speed were formidable.