"Allow me to reintroduce myself…"
"I am the current captain of the Gotei 13's Eighth Division, Shunsui Kyōraku!"
Emerging from the inky swamp-like shadow, the figure in a pink floral kimono bowed slightly, his weathered face sporting a sly grin from a successful ambush.
Katen Kyōkotsu was slowly withdrawn from Starrk's chest!
It was as if he had instantly slain the Primera Espada!
---
Sixth Division Barracks
"Though the method was a bit underhanded, Captain Kyōraku acted decisively, taking down an enemy even two Visored captains couldn't handle! Impressive!"
Abarai Renji watched, somewhat entranced.
Starrk's face was pale, his lone figure staggering, looking as though he could collapse at any moment.
Seeing his weakened state, compared to his dominant performance against the Visoreds just minutes ago, made Renji marvel at Shunsui Kyōraku's strength!
After all…
An ambush was a skill in itself!
Hiding in the shadows was clearly one of Katen Kyōkotsu's abilities!
Using his Zanpakutō to kill an enemy as powerful as the Primera Espada was proof of Shunsui Kyōraku's prowess!
"I've heard that Captain Kyōraku's Zanpakutō, Katen Kyōkotsu, in its Shikai form, has a special ability called 'Bushōgoma'…" came Byakuya Kuchiki's voice from behind the desk.
"Bushōgoma?"
Renji's curiosity was piqued.
"Correct. Simply put, it turns children's games into reality! Anyone who steps into Katen Kyōkotsu's spiritual pressure range is forced to participate in the game!"
Byakuya's eyes flashed with caution.
Such rule-based abilities were unpredictable, leaving opponents vulnerable due to unfamiliarity with the rules.
Even with Byakuya's meticulous nature, he wouldn't want to face Shunsui Kyōraku unless absolutely necessary!
After hearing his brother-in-law's explanation, Renji suddenly understood, "No wonder the Espada didn't react! It seems only Captain Kyōraku knows the game rules for now!"
"Just keep watching. Since he's the Primera Espada, he won't go down so easily! Captain Kyōraku will need to show more tricks!"
Byakuya said seriously, eager to see what other abilities Katen Kyōkotsu's Shikai held beyond "Kageoni."
---
Meanwhile, the battle in the video continued.
"Ah… that was tricky! You almost took me out with one hit, cunning Shinigami!" Clutching his wound weakly, Starrk tried to rally.
In truth, before this battle segment, he had already fought four century-old captains in a grueling gauntlet.
Now, severely injured from a chest wound, his momentum was far from what it was post-Resurrección!
"Is that so? But, Mr. Espada, let me remind you…"
With a flash, Shunsui appeared above.
Raising his arm, he swung Katen Kyōkotsu with force, aiming a heavy slash at Starrk's head!
"What's going on?! His slashes suddenly got so strong!"
Starrk's eyes reflected the growing slash, a strong sense of unease rising within him.
Unfortunately, his injuries slowed him down.
Even though he reacted instantly, his body couldn't dodge in time!
Finally—
Boom—!!!
With a piercing metallic clash, Starrk was sent flying like a cannonball, crashing through over a dozen skyscrapers before slamming into a fissure in the ground.
High above, Shunsui's explanatory voice rang out:
"Katen Kyōkotsu's second ability after Shikai is Takaoni!"
"Within the game's rules, the one who climbs higher wins easily! Mr. Espada, you must be feeling that deeply, right?"
Holding his dual blades, Shunsui radiated confidence.
Occupying the high ground, he was virtually invincible!
This scene sparked another wave of heated discussion!
---
"So… so strong!"
"He's the Primera Espada, yet he's completely helpless. Unbelievable!" Ayasegawa Yumichika was stunned again.
First, using Kageoni to land a critical hit.
Then, Takaoni to dominate from above with relentless attacks.
In just a few exchanges, Shunsui Kyōraku turned the tide, pushing Starrk from victor to the brink of death.
Such strength—mysterious and powerful—was hard to fathom!
"Yeah…" Madarame Ikkaku nodded in agreement, "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, who'd believe this is just a Shikai's power! The shifting rules are impossible to counter!"
"I bet…"
"After this video spreads, no one will want to be Captain Kyōraku's enemy in the future!"
Ikkaku said jokingly.
"Tch… not bad!"
Kenpachi Zaraki snorted, interrupting his subordinates, irritated, "Rules, children's games—I can't stand a single word of this complicated nonsense!"
"No denying Captain Kyōraku's strong, but compared to his flashy fighting style, I prefer flat slashes!"
"Why make things so complicated when a flat slash can solve it?!"
Kenpachi grinned wickedly, venting a long string of complaints.
Though ranked close, he acknowledged Shunsui's strength, but the differing combat philosophies and convoluted tactics annoyed him!
---
Meanwhile, the battle in the video raged on.
"Damn… damn it…"
"Lilynette's gone? Looks like I'll be alone again…" Ignoring the searing pain from his wound, Starrk's eyes grew melancholic and sad, no longer sensing Lilynette's presence.
Once upon a time, fearing loneliness and unwilling to be alone, he chose to split his soul!
As one of only two self-made Arrancar in Hueco Mundo's history, even after splitting his soul, Starrk secured the Primera Espada title, a testament to his immense power!
Unfortunately…
He faced Shunsui Kyōraku!
A century-old captain even stronger than him!
The outcome was predictable!
"It's over, Mr. Espada. Time for the final game!"
As his voice echoed through the air—
Shunpo—!!!
Shunsui appeared before the ruins in a flash.
His voice, laced with killing intent, spoke again, "Irooni! If you strike the color you name, the slash is maximized!"
"Mr. Espada, the color on you is gray, so—"
"Irooni, Gray!"
Before Starrk could react, Katen Kyōkotsu's blade landed on his gray wolf-fur coat!
Splurt!!!
Blood sprayed!
Shunsui increased the force of his swing, leaving Starrk no room to recover.
A white flash passed!
The slash tore through the coat, piercing Starrk's chest horizontally once more!
"Sorry, Primera Espada, our game ends here!"
His captain's haori fluttered.
As Shunsui sheathed his blades, Starrk's expression froze, his body went limp, and he collapsed!
----------------------------------------------
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