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Chapter 418: Super Fast Upgrade Speed
A tremendous rumble echoed through the sky, the air erupting with force.
Waves of yellow sand swept across the battlefield.
The Shinigami observing from a distance, particularly the weaker ones, could not help but step back. Their flustered movements drew furtive glances from those around them.
They noticed other officers standing firm, focused intently on the battle.
This contrast made them flush with embarrassment.
Had most of the chief officers been as unsettled as they were, they might have felt less self-conscious. But only a few were visibly shaken, making them feel like unworthy pretenders who had stumbled into their roles.
Even the thick-skinned among them could not escape the sting of shame.
Fortunately, the other spectators were too engrossed in the fight to cast judgmental looks their way.
Still, some chief officers felt inadequate in comparison, questioning their worthiness for their positions.
Such thoughts swirled in their minds.
On the battlefield, the clash continued.
"Airtight? Today's newcomers are truly monstrous! Mastering Kidō so effortlessly, such talent is enviable!" Unshō remarked with a smile, eyeing the transparent barrier that had blocked his Triple Crown King Shadow Snake's assault.
Truthfully, despite his cheerful demeanor, Unshō's confidence was waning. But having unleashed his Bankai, he was not ready to surrender.
With a whoosh, the Triple Crown King Shadow Snake, seeing the barrier could not be broken directly, shifted tactics. It manipulated the surrounding shadows, forming tentacle-like tendrils that lashed out at Aizen from all directions—front, back, left, and right.
This was another ability of the Triple Crown King Shadow Snake: shadow manipulation. While the Airtight shielded Aizen from the front, the shadows from the other three directions struck with relentless speed.
Faced with this onslaught, Aizen abandoned Kidō.
Clang!
A flash of sword light sliced through the air, severing the shadow tendrils sweeping toward him.
What masterful swordsmanship!
Nearby, Captain Ryukaze of the Eighth Division, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, watched with gleaming eyes. In his previous life, Ryukaze had been a renowned swordsman on the seas, his memories sharpened his ability to judge swordplay.
Even now, his swordsmanship had earned perfect marks during his early graduation assessment.
As an expert, he was astonished by Aizen's seemingly effortless technique.
'This man must have been a peerless swordsman in his past life! Such natural skill!' Ryukaze thought, marveling inwardly.
Could he still be honing his swordsmanship even now?
He dismissed the notion with a shake of his head. Kidō was exclusive to Shinigami, but swordsmanship was universal. How could someone ordinary in their past life suddenly become extraordinary as a Shinigami?
That was Ryukaze's conclusion.
He wondered what kind of person Aizen had been in his previous life.
His thoughts began to wander. It was a pity that, separated from the living world, he could not verify his musings. Rumors suggested that the head captain and others could return to the living world, but when would he get such a chance?
As his mind drifted, the battle raged on.
Aizen dispelled the Airtight and, with a flash of Shunpo, darted past the massive form of the Triple Crown King Shadow Snake, heading straight for Unshō.
As a prodigy enhanced by the Hōgyoku, Aizen had already elevated both his Shunpo and Kidō to S-level proficiency. The Hōgyoku's power manifested as abilities rather than a physical item, proving immensely valuable to him.
It allowed him to improve at an astonishing pace, enhancing not only his speed but also his attack and defense capabilities. In a short time, he could elevate any aspect of his skill set significantly.
'So fast!' Unshō thought, startled by Aizen's sudden approach.
Yet he remained composed. The Triple Crown King Shadow Snake could return to his side instantly, and his own Hakuda skills were formidable. In his past life, he had been the World Government's strongest shield, excelling in physical combat over swordsmanship.
A sword's glint flashed by.
Clang!
A sharp, resounding clash echoed across the battlefield, stirring the yellow sand into clouds of dust.
The massive Triple Crown King Shadow Snake had returned to Unshō's side, its tail blocking Aizen's blade just in time.
"Well, that was close!" Unshō said, his narrowed eyes fixed on Aizen.
The gentle-looking figure before him exuded an overwhelming sense of pressure. Though Aizen was the challenger, Unshō felt like the underdog.
This realization ignited his resolve.
"You blocked it? It seems Captain Unshō's Bankai is not to be underestimated!" Aizen said with a tone of admiration.
Unshō's eyes narrowed further. Was he being underestimated?
Though he thought as much, he didn't say anything. His current state made words less convincing.
He decided to take it seriously.
With that thought, the Triple Crown King Shadow Snake synchronized with his intent. Shadows spread across the battlefield, forming tendrils that attacked Aizen while the serpent's massive body lunged, its jaws snapping.
Unshō concealed himself within the shadows, poised like a lion ready to strike.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Sharp, continuous clashes rang out, the air trembling with floating sand and gravel.
The Triple Crown King Shadow Snake and Unshō moved in perfect harmony, their attacks relentless and rhythmic, filling the battlefield with a dizzying barrage.
Aizen moved with ease, parrying the high-frequency assaults with his blade.
For a moment, the arena echoed with the crisp sounds of collision.
The Shinigami spectators watched intently, captivated by the fierce exchange.
Yet they understood one thing: barring any surprises, this duel would likely end with Aizen as the captain of the Fifth Division.
The strength displayed by this newly graduated Shinigami was overwhelming. Without even releasing his Zanpakutō, he was holding his own against a captain who was using Bankai.
Few in the Gotei 13 could match a captain at full strength without liberating their Zanpakutō. Captain Unohana Retsu, former captain of the Fourth Division, was one such figure, though her true power remained a mystery.
The current head captain, Soralin, could achieve this feat.
Scarlett, the vice-captain of the First Division, seemed capable as well.
Captain Chiyori of the Second Division was another, having once felled Captain Gero of the Eleventh Division with a single, terrifying technique called Instant Coax. Her success, however, likely stemmed more from her inhumanly potent Reiatsu than the move itself.
Vice-Captain Kai of the Second Division was also counted among them. Rumor had it that he had taught Captain Chiyori the Instant Coax technique.
The Gotei 13 was filled with formidable figures, yet Aizen, a newcomer to Soul Society, was proving himself extraordinary.
Had he already reached such heights in mere days?
( End of this Chapter)