Boom.
The ground trembled as a violent shockwave ripped across the training grounds, dust clouding the air. When it cleared, a gash nearly a foot deep carved its way through the earth, stretching far into the distance.
Not far away, Kurotsuki Renya stood with his Zanpakutō drawn, cold sweat forming on his forehead.
That single strike—he had barely evaded with Shunpo—and even though the blade hadn't touched him, the wind pressure alone had gouged the ground.
If that hit me directly… I'd have been split in half.
But what froze his blood was not Zaraki Kenpachi's skill. It was the intent.
He wasn't fighting to test him. He wasn't fighting for fun.
Kenpachi wanted to kill him.
The suffocating bloodlust pressed down on Renya, his entire body trembling under the monstrous killing intent.
Why? Why was he doing this?
"Captain Zaraki, wai—" Renya began, but his words died as Kenpachi's massive form vanished, reappearing in front of him with terrifying speed.
"Don't talk nonsense!" Kenpachi roared, raising his blade high and bringing it down in a brutal arc.
Renya disappeared in a flicker of Shunpo—only to gasp as searing pain erupted across his chest.
Psshk!
A crimson line tore open, blood spilling from the wound.
What? His eyes widened. He had dodged, but the slash still connected. He's even faster than before…
Fear clawed at him.
"Renya!" Abarai Renji started forward, desperate to help, but before he could take two steps, a small figure appeared beside him.
Renji collapsed with a dull thud, clutching his head, knocked unconscious.
From the shadows emerged Yachiru Kusajishi, perched with her usual playful grin. "Don't get in the way, Renji. Ken-chan and Renya-chan are playing."
Renya pressed his palm against his bleeding chest, staggering. "W-wait—what's happening—"
But before he could finish, Kenpachi was already charging again, his sword howling through the air.
Renya dodged with Shunpo, only to crumple to one knee as another wound split open across his chest, deeper this time. Blood sprayed the ground.
"You brat," Kenpachi sneered, his single eye burning with wild delight, "all you do is run?"
He rolled his massive shoulders, lifting the blade again. "Doesn't matter. Warm-up's over. Next time—you won't get away."
The sinister smile split wider across his face, teeth glinting in the light.
And then—Kenpachi was gone.
So fast!
He appeared in front of Renya, his Zanpakutō already descending.
Can't dodge. This strike… it'll kill me!
In desperation, Renya raised his own blade, pouring his entire will into it.
Clang!
The clash thundered like an explosion, wind blasting outward and rattling the walls.
Madarame Ikkaku, watching from the sidelines, clenched his fists. He can't block that. Not from the Captain. He'll be cut down—
But then his eyes widened.
Renya was still standing. His blade had held against Kenpachi's.
Blue arcs of Kidō energy crackled violently around Renya's right arm, reinforcing his strength, the spiritual electricity crawling across his skin.
That's… Kidō augmentation!
He had forced Kidō into his muscles, exploding spiritual energy through his arm to withstand Kenpachi's monstrous strength.
Kenpachi chuckled, intrigued. "Oh? You blocked it. Interesting. Then… come again!"
His blade rose once more—but Renya's body flickered, vanishing.
Kenpachi growled, scanning the air. "Still running?!"
Slash!
Blood burst from his back.
Renya stood behind him, panting, Zanpakutō slick with crimson. Blue light now crackled along his legs as well as his arm, enhancing his speed and strength.
Hakuda-Kidō fusion… my own form of Shunkō, Renya thought grimly. Crude, incomplete… but enough to move faster, hit harder. I'll call it… Residual Shunkō.
It wasn't true Shunkō like Captain Soi Fon's—the full release of Kidō from her back and shoulders, flowing seamlessly with Hakuda. His version only channeled energy into his limbs. Stronger, faster, but unstable. Pain wracked his body with every movement.
Even so—it was the only way to fight.
But even with his blade biting into Kenpachi's back, the wound was shallow. Barely cutting flesh.
He's too strong. And this is with his eyepatch still on…
Kenpachi turned slowly, blood dripping down his back, grinning wider. "Good. You can scratch me. Now it's getting fun!"
He lunged again, faster than before.
Renya's body vanished, reappearing behind him—blade flashing.
Slash! Another cut opened on Kenpachi's thigh.
"Yes!" Kenpachi laughed, spinning, his blade swinging wildly toward Renya.
Renya flickered away, reappearing and thrusting for his spine.
But this time—clang! Kenpachi's sword caught his.
"Heh. Caught you."
With savage force, Kenpachi shoved him back, his sword blurring with unnatural speed.
Why?! Renya's eyes widened in panic. His strikes keep getting faster—every swing sharper than the last. I can't… keep up!
"RAAAH!" Renya roared, forcing his Kidō to surge, his limbs flaring with unstable light. He raised his Zanpakutō desperately to guard—
BOOM!
The impact launched him like a ragdoll, his body crashing into the wall. Stone shattered, debris burying him as he coughed blood. His insides burned with pain, ribs cracked, lungs screaming.
Still, he dragged himself from the rubble, trembling, vision blurring.
Why? Why is he so powerful? Even with my Residual Shunkō, I can't even scratch him… And why… why does he want me dead?
He staggered to his feet, clutching his Zanpakutō.
"No… I won't… fall here!"
Forcing the unstable Kidō again, his limbs flared blue—
Shhk!
Agony split him. Kenpachi's blade punched through his abdomen, blood pouring from the wound.
Renya gasped, staring at the steel protruding from his body. His aura flickered, dying. His lightning dimmed.
Kenpachi ripped his sword free and kicked him, sending his broken body crashing into the ruins.
Renya collapsed, blood pooling beneath him. His chest wounds bled freely, his abdomen torn, his organs failing. He couldn't even lift his sword anymore.
Above him, Kenpachi loomed, raising his blade high. His towering figure eclipsed the light, a shadow blotting out the sun.
"This is boring," Kenpachi growled. "You're too weak. I'll end it now."
The blade rose, ready to fall.
Why? Why kill me? Renya's mind screamed, tears welling as despair swallowed him. I still have things to do… I still haven't stopped Aizen… I haven't spent enough time with my friends… I can't die here!
But his body refused to move. His spiritual power sputtered out, his limbs heavy as stone. He could only watch death descend.
No. I don't want to die!
And then
A voice echoed in his mind.
Do you want to defeat your enemy?
Renya's heart leapt. Yes—of course!
Then call me.
Who… who are you?
The voice rumbled, fierce and resolute.
My name is—
____________
Author's note :
We're currently on Chapter 73 on my Patreon, where you can read 30+ advanced chapters ahead of WebNovel. I'll also be uploading 3 chapters every 2 days there, so you'll always have fresh content waiting.
You can support and gain access in two ways:
Become a member by choosing any of the three tiers – this will give you access to the chapters and other books available as I update.
Or, if you prefer, you can purchase the full collection – this gives you lifetime access to all chapters, including future updates.
Your support helps me keep writing consistently, and I truly appreciate everyone who's been enjoying the story so far. 🙏
JOIN [ Patreon.com/HACKDWORLD ]