Chapter 38: god's gate!
Shiba Kaien and Shiba Isshin exchanged glances, both seeing confusion and bewilderment in each other's eyes.
Evidently, they were unaware of Gilgamesh's existence.
However, the titles 'The Oldest Hero King' and 'the origin of all human myths' were truly awe-inspiring, causing their hearts to tremble involuntarily.
Yoruichi Shihouin was not surprised by this.
She herself had initially known nothing about Gilgamesh, only learning of his deeds through Kisuke Urahara.
Without hesitation, Yoruichi Shihouin continued, "Gilgamesh is the King of the Uruk Kingdom, and the protagonist of the oldest human epic, the epic of gilgamesh."
Through Yoruichi Shihouin's brief account, Shiba Kaien and Shiba Isshin gradually learned about Gilgamesh's deeds.
But the more they learned, the more shocked and incredulous they became.
Shiba Isshin even directly interrupted Yoruichi Shihouin's brief account, flatly denying, "Yoruichi Shihouin, even if you want to find a reason to convince us, you should find a better one."
"The Oldest Hero King, the origin of all human myths—do you think we would believe that?"
"And you say Gilgamesh is a figure from about 6,000 years ago. Do you yourself believe this young man in front of you is 6,000 years old?"
"Even if a figure named Gilgamesh truly existed, it absolutely cannot be him."
As he spoke, Shiba Isshin looked at Gilgamesh and asked with a serious expression, "I don't have time to play games with you."
"I'll ask one last time: Who exactly are you? Can you truly see the future?"
"If your answer doesn't satisfy me, then I apologize."
The moment his voice fell, Shiba Isshin drew his Zanpakuto.
Clang!
Accompanying the clang of the sword being drawn, a chilling aura instantly surged towards Gilgamesh.
Seeing this, Yoruichi Shihouin's expression also turned cold, her robes fluttering without wind.
She could accept Shiba Isshin questioning her, but she could not accept Shiba Isshin questioning Gilgamesh, especially pointing a sword at him.
Yoruichi Shihouin was already prepared to act against Shiba Isshin.
Just then, a figure suddenly blocked Yoruichi Shihouin's path.
Shiba Kaien had already drawn his Zanpakuto and pointed it at Yoruichi Shihouin, stating in a deep voice, "I apologize, Yoruichi, but we must clarify his identity today."
"If he is deceiving us, then..."
Shiba Kaien did not finish his sentence, but the implication was clear.
Yoruichi Shihouin was truly angry this time, laughing in her rage, "Alright, alright, then let me experience the strength of the Shiba family head."
With that, Yoruichi Shihouin wasted no more words, directly using Shunpo to appear behind Shiba Kaien, gripping his collar with her right hand, and pulling him away from the spot.
Immediately, terrifying battle repercussions spread over.
Shiba Isshin's brows furrowed; he could not understand Yoruichi Shihouin's actions.
Although Yoruichi Shihouin had taken Shiba Kaien away, he, the Captain of the Tenth Division, was still here.
Didn't Yoruichi Shihouin fear that he would attack Gilgamesh?
Or did Yoruichi Shihouin believe that he was no match for Gilgamesh?
What a joke!
Although Gilgamesh's talent was unprecedented, he had not truly matured yet, and he didn't even have a Zanpakuto. How could he be his opponent?
As a Captain, Shiba Isshin had his own pride; even if he acknowledged Gilgamesh's talent, he did not believe his own strength was inferior to his.
Even if Gilgamesh matured, he would not fear a fight.
Just then, a calm yet majestic and childish voice, imbued with kingly authority, rang out, "Although this King does not possess a Zanpakuto, triumphing over you is still within his grasp."
Hearing this, Shiba Isshin's pupils sharply contracted, an expression of disbelief flashing across his face, and he couldn't help but ask, "You can actually know what I'm thinking?"
Not only that, the kingly authority contained within Gilgamesh's words made Shiba Isshin's heart tremble slightly.
Gilgamesh did not answer the question.
Behind him, a golden ripple appeared out of thin air.
A golden throne, adorned with various jewels and exquisitely luxurious, emerged from it, landing on the ground behind Gilgamesh.
And Gilgamesh simply sat upon the golden throne, looking at Shiba Isshin with an indifferent expression.
At this moment, Gilgamesh's imperial majesty was fully displayed.
Under this imperial majesty, his age was directly overlooked.
Shiba Isshin watched this scene, and the figure of Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni unconsciously appeared in his mind.
His mind trembled violently; he couldn't believe that Gilgamesh would make him feel as if he were facing Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni.
In his mind, one question after another grew wildly like weeds.
What was that golden ripple?
Why did a golden throne appear from it?
What was this appearance of his?
Although he didn't want to admit it, looking at Gilgamesh at this moment, a single word unconsciously surfaced in Shiba Isshin's mind.
That word was... King!
In the distance, the battle between Shiba Kaien and Yoruichi Shihouin was still raging.
It must be said that Shiba Kaien was indeed a true genius; even when facing Yoruichi Shihouin, he did not immediately fall into a disadvantage.
The aftermath of the Captain-level battle compressed the air, stirring up strong winds that blew towards Shiba Isshin and Gilgamesh.
Shiba Isshin's Captain haori flapped loudly in the wind.
But Gilgamesh's clothes remained motionless, and even his hair showed no movement at all.
It was as if the strong wind also revered this King, actively making way for him.
At this moment, Shiba Isshin, who was in a state of mental shock, did not notice this detail.
Just then, Gilgamesh spoke, answering Shiba Isshin's initial question, his tender voice uttering domineering and authoritative words: "This King's name is Gilgamesh, The Oldest Hero King!"
Gilgamesh's words roused Shiba Isshin.
His lips moved, Shiba Isshin originally wanted to question, but for some reason, he couldn't utter the words of doubt.
Seeing this, Gilgamesh asked, "Do you know why humanity calls this King the origin of all human myths?"
Shiba Isshin was stunned.
Before Shiba Isshin could react, a golden ripple appeared in front of Gilgamesh.
Immediately, a key-shaped golden short sword emerged from it.
Gilgamesh reached out and picked up the golden short sword, saying, "This treasure is called ōken, the key to open this King's treasury."
"In this King's treasury, the origin of all human myths is collected."
"Open your eyes and watch carefully, for the god's gate, praised by humanity, is about to open!"
As he spoke, Gilgamesh slowly inserted the ōken in his hand into the void.