A year isn't particularly long or short, and just like that, it passed by in a flash.
The Soul Society is made up of the Seireitei and the Rukongai, a place where Shinigami and ordinary souls coexist.
Just as the Hueco Mundo occasionally produces Shinigami invaders, the Soul Society also encounters Hollows that break through and infiltrate.
But overall, both places have maintained peace for many years.
The Seireitei has strict patrols, strong barriers, and twelve well-established squads standing guard. Especially now that the Gotei 13 is complete, and the captain-level combat power is at its peak.
Even if there are small disturbances in the Rukongai, they are usually handled quickly.
But recently, the Soul Society had experienced some unrest—mainly caused by Sōya Azashiro.
One year ago, after being defeated by Ichibe Hyōsube in the Spirit King Palace, Sōya Azashiro did not return to the Seireitei but instead traveled to the edge of the Soul Society, continuing his cultivation and battles there.
Over the course of this year, his strength had grown at an alarming rate.
Some wandering Shinigami who challenged him were either injured or disappeared mysteriously.
Eventually, captains began to be dispatched to subdue him—but all ended in failure.
As Sōya Azashiro power grew, his notoriety spread throughout the Soul Society.
At first, some people viewed him as a traitor who had lost control and needed to be eliminated.
But over time, many began to admire him.
Because Sōya Azashiro unlike a typical rebel, never attacked the Seireitei or its civilians. He simply challenged the system—one squad at a time.
And today, his target was Squad Ten.
"Who's coming? "
Squad Ten's third seat looked at the figure approaching through the mist.
That figure was wearing a ragged black haori, carrying no zanpakutō, and had a blindfold over his eyes.
He walked forward slowly, but with each step, the very air seemed to tremble.
"Sōya Azashiro...! "
Someone finally recognized him, their voice filled with terror.
Before they could react, the pressure struck.
Boom!!!
A deafening blast of spiritual pressure surged like a tidal wave.
Even before drawing his blade, just by standing there, Sōya Azashiro spiritual pressure crushed the entire Squad Ten barracks into dust.
No resistance.
No escape.
This was not a battle—it was a one-sided execution.
The legendary prodigy of the Sōya Clan had returned again, with even greater strength than before.
The only question was: who would be next?