"This is a test."
"A test from the mastermind behind the scenes."
Kamyidai Tokitani sat nervously in his room, biting his fingers. Ever since the Kenpachi incident in Squad 2, he had been in this unstable, paranoid state.
"The enemy has fully infiltrated the Thirteen Court Guards…
The new Eleventh Division Captain — that man called Zaraki Kenpachi — he's most likely one of their pawns.
If that's the case, I have to accelerate my plan before it's too late…"
Hiding away in his quarters, Tokitani furiously scribbled a report.
"With Seireitei under invasion and our clan leader under control, the only one who still sees through everything… is me — Kamyidai Tokitani, a neglected branch member of my family.
Now the burden of saving my clan and Lord Sōma himself has fallen entirely upon my shoulders.
I don't know how long I can fight against the shadow manipulating everything from the dark, but if I fail, I leave this report behind for those who come after me.
Please… continue this great cause.
Believe me — the mastermind will fail, and Lord Sōma will one day reign supreme, standing above the heavens!"
After finishing his report, Tokitani's eyes hardened with resolve. He had made up his mind.
"It's time to let him out."
He walked toward the Department of Research and Development.
Moments later—
BOOM!
"Alarm! Alarm! Unknown assailants attacking the Research Bureau!"
Explosions and fire lit up the facility, throwing everything into chaos.
"Hmm?"
Mayuri Kurotsuchi stared at the series of detonations, his tiny eyes filled with confusion.
"Nemu, is there anything valuable stored in that room?" he asked.
The dead-eyed child beside him sighed lazily.
"Not really… just some junk.
But that area's close to the barrier sealing Muken.
If the explosion's that strong, it might've damaged the seals a bit."
"So the target wasn't us… but Muken?"
Mayuri's expression twisted in irritation. He had assumed some thief was after one of his inventions — but it turned out to be something so… dull. That only made him angrier.
"Captain, what should we do now?" Nemu asked.
"Put out the damn fire. Let the other divisions worry about the rest!"
Mayuri huffed.
"Understood~," the others mumbled weakly.
A few hours later, in the First Division headquarters, Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni addressed the assembled captains in a stern voice:
"Several of the hundreds of barriers sealing Muken were damaged by the blast.
This is a serious situation. The criminals imprisoned there are some of the most dangerous in Soul Society's history.
If any escaped, it could mean disaster not just for Seireitei, but for the entire realm.
Fortunately, the damage was contained quickly — and no spiritual pressures from inmates were detected.
Even so, this remains a grave offense. It will be dealt with severely."
"Then what's your plan, old man?" asked Kyōraku Shunsui, tipping his hat.
"This matter will be handled by the Second Division — the Onmitsukidō."
"Captain Shihōin Sōma, do you have any objections? If you do not respond within five seconds, I'll take that as consent."
Yamamoto stared coldly at an empty space beside him.
"Five… four… three… two… one."
"Good. I'll take your silence as enthusiasm. As expected from the noble Shihōin clan."
Kyōraku blinked. "...Is the old man doing stand-up comedy now?"
Ukitake leaned over. "I think he's just mad. Sōma didn't show up, so he dumped the job on him out of spite."
"Yeah," Kyōraku sighed. "He hates being ignored."
"But still… why didn't Captain Sōma come to the meeting? Is he sick?"
"Being ill is part of life, you know, cough cough…"
Kyōraku twitched. "Not everyone gets sick as often as you do, Ukitake…"
"That kid probably just couldn't be bothered," he muttered.
Ukitake was shocked. "You can't just skip a captain's meeting because you're lazy! He's from one of the Five Great Noble Clans!"
"If I had his power," Kyōraku said, patting Ukitake's shoulder, "I'd be even lazier."
Ukitake sighed. "You already are."
Just then—
"No whispering during meetings."
The old man was suddenly right in front of them.
Both captains froze, sweating bullets.
"As I was saying… Second Division will handle it. Meeting adjourned."
Meanwhile, Sōma received the message not long after.
"That damn fossil," he grumbled from his tatami mat, frowning.
Beside him, his lieutenant Hachisō Rin stood ready to help.
"Captain, about this mission—"
"Annoying. Give it to Tokitani Kamyidai. With his family's influence, he'll handle it fine," Sōma waved lazily.
He wasn't interested in dealing with the Muken incident — it reeked of political traps and hidden agendas. Better to let the dirtiest noble clan in Soul Society handle it.
"Phew… I think I covered my tracks well.
No one should suspect me, but… just in case, I'll be cautious.
If the Captain-Commander sends investigators, I can bribe them if needed.
Anything solvable with money isn't a real problem."
Tokitani wiped sweat from his forehead. He believed no one would discover he was behind the explosion. Still, he worried — exposure might drag Sōma down with him, which he couldn't allow.
Suddenly—
"Sub-Commander Tokitani, Captain Sōma has ordered you to investigate the Research Bureau explosion."
A kneeling Onmitsukidō agent reported respectfully.
"What?!" Tokitani froze — then burst out laughing.
"He chose me? To lead the investigation?"
"Y-yes, sir."
"Excellent! I will not fail Captain Sōma's trust. I'll uncover the truth behind this incident!"
Tokitani grinned wildly. "You may go."
When the agent vanished, Tokitani's smirk deepened.
"Perfect. I'll just find some scapegoat for this mess.
Talk about good timing… thank you, Captain."
Meanwhile, the defeated Kenpachi Zaraki was… literally planted in the Eleventh Division's courtyard — buried up to his neck in dirt.
"So… what the hell are you doing?"
He opened his eyes to see Yachiru Kusajishi watering his head with a small kettle.
"Eeee! You're awake, Kenny!" she cheered.
"Sōma said if I plant you in the ground and water you, you'll recover faster — and it worked!"
"What kind of recovery method is that?!" Zaraki roared, bursting out of the dirt and brushing himself off.
"How do you feel?" Yachiru asked sweetly, hands behind her back.
"What do you mean?"
"Your body, silly!" she giggled, pointing at his abs.
"Same as ever." Zaraki cracked his neck — no pain, no weakness.
"Guess I'm fine."
"That's not what I meant~"
"After that big fight, do you feel… different?"
"Different? Maybe my reiatsu flows smoother… more freely."
He rubbed his chin.
"Exactly! You're stronger now!"
Yachiru smiled, proud. The "comfort" he felt was proof he was regaining his former power.
"So after fighting that giant and that white-haired brat… I got stronger?
If I keep fighting them, I'll keep getting stronger?"
His eyes lit up — he finally understood his path.
"Kenny's so smart," Yachiru said softly, though her smile turned a little sad.
She knew that the day he regained his true power might be the day she disappeared. Still, she wanted to see him go all out one last time,
"Who are you?"
Zaraki's tone suddenly changed — cold and feral. His killing intent flooded the air.
"Huh? It's me, Yachiru~"
But Zaraki didn't respond. He drew his sword and slashed at her.
"Ah—!"
Yachiru fell back, shielding herself with her arms — but the pain never came.
When she opened her eyes, two swords were clashing right above her head.
Behind her stood a tall man with long black hair, almost feminine features, and a captain's haori.
"Yachiru, stay behind me. This man is dangerous."
The scars on Zaraki's face twisted into a wild grin.
He was thrilled.
"So this is what being a captain feels like… it's awesome!"
In the heart of Seireitei, Kenpachi vs. Kenpachi had begun.