The sudden, unprovoked eruption of «Reiatsu» drained every drop of color from «Soifon's» face, leaving her deathly pale.
She had never imagined that a Captain of the «9th Division»—nominally a member of the «Gotei 13's» highest decision-making tier—would act with such blatant lack of discernment. It was clearly nothing more than the one-sided accusations of the nobles; furthermore, the scorched remains of the «Menos Grande» and the pools of blood staining the ground were evidence enough that this incident was far from simple.
Yet, «Takeda Goki» seemed willfully blind. He ignored the battle scars that looked like the aftermath of a natural disaster, choosing instead to shield that loathsome crowd of aristocrats behind him. He was even prepared to use force. Whether he intended to merely apprehend them or silence them forever was easy to discern from the murderous glint in his eyes.
«Soifon» took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. At their current level, they were no match for a Captain-class Soul Reaper. Even working together, they didn't have a sliver of a chance. But perhaps, if she could present the right leverage to make him hesitate, they might find a lifeline.
"Captain Takeda, actually, «6th Seat Naraku» is also a nob—"
Before the words could leave her lips, a scorching presence blurred past her side.
"Soifon, why are you wasting your breath on a guy like this?"
«Naraku Sora's» voice echoed over the ruined manor. His surging «Reiatsu» filled his body in an instant like a supernova explosion, transforming him once more into a sun that illuminated the wreckage below.
From within his relatively lean frame, a power erupted that defied «Takeda Goki's» understanding. His «Zanpakuto» carved a near-perfect arc through the air, descending upon the Captain like a falling sun. The very «Reiatsu» Takeda took such pride in didn't just fail to intimidate; it served as the spark that ignited «Naraku Sora's» ferocity.
Ever since this man had made his entrance, Naraku had found him eyesore-inducing. When facing his fellow Soul Reapers, the man maintained a cold, "just business" facade, yet when he looked toward those pathetic, disheveled nobles, he practically wagged his tail to show his loyalty.
With double standards that extreme, what was there left to say?
*Do Captains have more heads than the rest of us? Let's cut him first and find out.*
Watching the figure charging straight for him, «Takeda Goki» narrowed his eyes. Although he had never met the man, he guessed his identity from his performance. The high-ranking officer from the Central Underground Great Prison, the most eye-catching rookie in the Soul Society today, and the man designated as a son-in-law by the Five Great Noble Families—»Naraku Sora».
No wonder Shihouin Yoruichi would set a marriage contract with a brat who had only just begun to show his potential. To erupt with such majesty using a «Reiatsu» that was barely at Assistant Captain level... few in the history of the Soul Society could match it.
Unfortunately, it was still a bit lacking.
«Boom!»
The moment their blades clashed, the earth beneath the entire manor shuddered. Amidst the sudden impact, countless fissures spiderwebbed out from the pair. The ground buckled, and a howling gale swept outward, leveling what remained of the buildings.
In mid-air, «Naraku Sora» saw «Takeda Goki's» figure vanish like a nightmare, only to reappear elsewhere. His speed was unbelievable, nearly exceeding the limits of Naraku's vision. The «Shunpo» of a Captain-class Soul Reaper was finally revealing the true strength of that level.
To trade blows with an enemy whose movements exceeded one's ability to observe, there was only one thing to rely on: «Prediction!»
The instant he swung his «Zanpakuto» behind him, a cold, chilling light struck. Heavy «Reiatsu» wrapped around the blade, slamming down like a sledgehammer. In a single heartbeat, seven consecutive strikes landed, each one heavier than the last.
Had «Naraku Sora» not released his «Zanpakuto» ahead of time, the massive gap in their «Reiatsu» alone would have been enough to shatter his body instantly.
Naraku's silhouette plummeted from the sky, slamming into the ground and creating a massive crater that kicked up a veil of dust. Yet, before the nobles could even cheer, a black shadow surged out from the debris. Wrapped in violence and ferocity, he charged toward «Takeda Goki» with unstoppable momentum.
"«Hado #63: Raikōhō!»"
A brilliant golden light erupted. Viscous arcs of electricity turned into a visible torrent, surging grandly toward the sky. «Takeda Goki's» expression shifted slightly, and he instinctively tried to manifest a «Bakudo» to block it.
"Bakudo of—"
But «Naraku Sora's» attack was far faster than he anticipated. The scorching lightning condensed into a dazzling pillar of light, carrying an indomitable aura that swallowed the Captain's figure whole.
«Soifon's» face was a mask of bewilderment. From the initial clash to the reversal of the offensive, only a few seconds had passed. She hadn't even clearly tracked their positions before the battle seemed to be reaching its conclusion.
*Has «6th Seat Naraku» already become this strong?*
Just as she stood in awe, a pair of hands wrapped in a crystalline substance suddenly reached out from the middle of the roaring thunderous torrent. With a burst of strength and «Reiatsu», the lightning was physically torn asunder. Smelling of ozone and scorched air, «Takeda Goki» stepped out.
At this moment, his expression was grim to the extreme.
He had thought this would be a one-sided fight; even if «Naraku Sora» was a genius, the boy had just finished a fierce battle with an Adjuchas. Yet, the reality was a slap in the face. Not only did the kid show no signs of exhaustion, but he had exploded with staggering combat power in this new round.
This wasn't how a «5th-class spiritual power» was supposed to look. It was utterly preposterous.
And then there was that eerie technique. In terms of delivery and appearance, it was identical to the 63rd Hado, Thunder Roar Cannon. But both its power and activation speed far surpassed a normal version. If that attack had hit a slightly weaker Assistant Captain, they would have likely lost all combat capability. Moreover, when he launched it, there was no incantation—it was as if he had swung a simple blast of sword pressure.
It was incomprehensible.
To be safe, «Takeda Goki» decided not to delay any longer. He would end this quickly to prevent any further complications. He clenched his fist, and the crystals covering his palm shattered, falling away like rain.
"«Bankai!»"
"«Saga no Mikoto!»"
A kaleidoscopic, phantom light surged in «Takeda Goki's» eyes, reflecting countless overlapping shadows, looking down upon all things like a god. In the next heartbeat, countless crystals erupted from the ruins, instantly transforming the manor into a crystal jungle. Interlacing and overlapping, they constructed a transparent, magnificent world.
"It's over."
«Takeda Goki» stood at the apex of this world. His indifferent eyes gazed down at the figure below, pronouncing «Naraku Sora's» fate as if he were a true deity. As he raised his hand, countless crystal spikes hovered in the air, radiating a piercing chill.
«Naraku Sora» seemed to realize the gap between them. As if accepting his fate, he sheathed his blade and stood quietly in place, waiting for death to descend.
However, seeing his utterly calm expression, a strong sense of unease welled up within «Takeda Goki» for reasons he couldn't name. Hesitating no longer, he swung his right hand down. The crystal spikes, like soldiers standing in wait, launched a massive, sweeping charge.
Dense clusters of crystal filled the field of vision.
But right then, a helpless sigh echoed through the magnificent crystal world. A new «Reiatsu» had appeared within the manor.
In an instant, the world shook. Countless crystals trembled violently. A visible pressure of «Reiatsu» crushed down like an overturning ocean, and the sound of shattering glass became a continuous roar.
«Takeda Goki's» face changed instantly.
"Captain Takeda."
A cool, detached voice rang out amidst the shattering. The air rippled like water, parting to both sides. A tall figure slowly emerged into view, her beautiful face devoid of emotion as her indifferent gaze fixed forward:
"What do you think you are doing to *my* person?"