The Hell above continued to fall like a doomsday storm, a terrifying sight that chilled the heart, its immense power seemingly capable of devouring the entire world.
Shadows like a giant curtain enveloped the sky.
However, for the Captains present, this seemingly horrifying scene posed no threat whatsoever.
Their faces only showed deep astonishment and shock, feeling that everything before them was simply too absurd.
In the long millennia of the past, such a thing had never happened.
This was absolutely the first time.
Seeing Hell about to crash down on them, Shihouin Sennich reluctantly gathered his thoughts.
He leaped up like lightning, gathering thunder, and fiercely struck the arena, which had a diameter of about a hundred meters.
In an instant, the arena was shattered.
Stones of varying sizes fell like meteors, creating small craters around them.
Kisuke Urahara, who was in a daze, was suddenly hit on the head by a small stone.
The stinging pain instantly woke him up.
He took a slight breath, his eyes full of admiration:
"This is truly incredible, Yoriichi!"
"If I'm not mistaken, even Captain-Commander Yamamoto's Ryujin Jakka, in terms of flame coverage, probably can't compare to yours now."
The publicly released data for Ryujin Jakka states that it can turn an area with a radius of a hundred kilometers into scorched earth.
Converted, the coverage of flames that can be released at one time is about two hundred kilometers.
Of course, Bankai increasing the temperature to evaporate the water of an entire world is another matter; this belongs to indirect power.
And in terms of direct power, Yoriichi's attack just now was already comparable to, or even surpassed, Yamamoto Genryusai's Ryujin Jakka.
One must know that it was only a small test for him, a result of deliberately controlling his power, and his spiritual pressure output was not high.
If he were to increase his spiritual pressure output to the limit… Kisuke Urahara had reason to believe that Yoriichi would then transform into a terrifying humanoid natural disaster.
Although the temperature might not be as high as Ryujin Jakka, once the temperature of the flames reaches a certain threshold, the temperature itself will no longer be important.
One thousand degrees, ten thousand degrees, ten million degrees are all enough to destroy a world.
Listening to Kisuke Urahara's lament, Yoriichi fell into contemplation.
A moment later, he gently shook his head: "Perhaps, but this comparison is meaningless."
"The purpose of developing Shunko is not to destroy the world."
"Captain-Commander's Ryujin Jakka can destroy the Three Realms, but he has never truly destroyed them."
"Shunko is the same."
"You can't say that.", Kisuke Urahara quickly denied.
"Now everyone knows that the reason Captain-Commander can still hold the position of the strongest old Shinigami for a thousand years is because Ryujin Jakka is too unsolvable."
"But if your Shunko can surpass or match him in this aspect, then…"
Before Kisuke Urahara could finish, Yoriichi decisively interrupted: "Don't say those words anymore; they are not conducive to Shinigami unity."
"This is just a test for now; who knows how long it will take to perfect."
"Let's continue forward."
Considering that without Shunko, Kisuke Urahara's movements would be more difficult.
Yoriichi slowly drew his Zanpakuto, using Hell's authority to temporarily make him immune to the surrounding extreme cold.
As for Kuroto, Yoriichi originally wanted to send him to the Third Layer.
But he himself firmly refused.
Dying on this layer would grant more miasma, and the probability of awakening abilities would also skyrocket.
To gain power, enduring some pain was nothing; after all, the rest of his life would be spent in Hell.
It was better to suffer first, then enjoy.
Just like Hibasa, before meeting Yoriichi, he was extremely arrogant and overbearing, the reason being his ability to control flames.
Faced with this reason, Yoriichi let him be.
...
After Kisuke Urahara regained his mobility, due to the fall of the Fourth Layer of Hell, the Sinners who were still able to move nearby gathered towards them, trying to find out what was happening.
They hadn't walked far when they encountered a group of people.
Among this group, there was an old acquaintance of Yoriichi.
Szayelaporro, whose strength had significantly improved due to the influence of Hell, and whose appearance had become extremely insane, immediately spotted Yoriichi Tsugikuni among the five people.
His eyes instantly widened, full of astonishment and hatred.
Just then, Yoriichi's gaze also fell upon him.
Even though Szayelaporro's face was covered in black eyeshadow, making him look neither human nor ghost.
But his pink hair, combined with his glasses, clearly indicated his identity.
"It's you.", Yoriichi nodded slightly, his expression calm, not at all surprised by Szayelaporro's appearance.
From the moment he sent him to Hell, Yoriichi knew that someday he would meet him again.
Listening to Yoriichi's words, Szayelaporro stood still, his body frozen for several seconds.
Then, he came back to his senses, a mocking smile playing on his lips, and he laughed loudly:
"Hahaha, what a stroke of luck, Yoriichi Tsugikuni, I finally see you."
"Just as I said before, I'm waiting for you in Hell."
"Every day in Hell, I wished I could devour you alive, drink your blood, pull out your tendons, and grind you to dust!"
"Now, are you ready?"
These words were truly too arrogant.
Those who didn't know would think that Szayelaporro, this guy who appeared out of nowhere, possessed strength surpassing Yamamoto Genryusai.
Kisuke Urahara hadn't seen him, but hearing his arrogant tone, he couldn't help but say:
"Hey, hey, hey, who are you? From your appearance, you're a Hollow… Yoriichi's defeated foe?"
If he wasn't a defeated foe, he wouldn't be able to enter here. Kisuke Urahara's words were equivalent to rubbing salt in Szayelaporro's wound.
Making the latter instantly recall painful past events, his expression became extremely distorted.
He laughed maniacally:
"Hehehe… Has it come to this, that even you lowly ants dare to mock me?"
"Unforgivable… Yoriichi Tsugikuni!"
He suddenly raised his voice, his tone utterly insane.
"I don't know why you brought these ants in, but they will all be buried here today!"
"I am no longer the me I once was!"
He suddenly gripped his waist; unlike the emptiness when he was in Hueco Mundo, a sword had appeared there.
He quickly drew it, shouting loudly: "Drink, Fornicaras!"
Like a Zanpakuto release, his form instantly underwent a clear change.
His entire body swelled and burst open, his lower half turning into tentacles, and four wings extending from his back.
Although the tentacles solidified into legs and a white robe in an instant, in this Hell, under the eerie atmosphere, they appeared exceptionally grotesque and terrifying.
He didn't give the Shinigami much chance to speak, immediately flapping his four wings and spraying ink across the sky, like a black downpour, completely enveloping the front.
This downpour was like a disaster falling from the sky, leaving no room for evasion.
Even if one only touched a single drop, they would be affected and a clone identical to themselves would appear.
Thus, everyone present, except Szayelaporro, had an opponent identical to themselves.
Kisuke Urahara and "Kisuke Urahara" stared at each other, and for a moment, he wondered if he was seeing an illusion.
But when his gaze swept over Yoriichi Tsugikuni and "Yoriichi Tsugikuni," he understood that all of this was real.
...
"Clones?"
Kisuke Urahara's thoughts quickly expanded, and almost instantly, he deduced the general nature of Szayelaporro's ability.
Although it was still unclear how much strength this clone possessed, it was certain that it would be extremely difficult to deal with.
Kisuke Urahara's mouth twitched twice in exasperation, and he sighed deeply.
Then, he keenly noticed that this clone did not seem perfect.
His hat was clearly different from his own.
Observing the others, the situation was the same.
The markings on "Yoriichi Tsugikuni's" forehead had disappeared, and "Saito Furofushi's" eye patch was also gone.
Just as Kisuke Urahara was racking his brains trying to guess the reason for these changes, Szayelaporro's high-pitched and maniacal voice suddenly rang out.
"Hahaha, you're dead! My clones possess all your strength and can replicate any of your movements!"
"Even Baraggan would perish before them!"
"Yoriichi Tsugikuni! You were just lucky before, defeating me when I hadn't fully developed this ability!"
"But in Hell, my abilities have improved by leaps and bounds!"
"Die! Be killed by yourselves! Remember the name of Szayelaporro Granz! You lowly ants!"
Szayelaporro extended his hand, his face full of savagery and madness.
The elegant and gentle demeanor Yoriichi remembered was long gone, replaced by a distorted appearance ravaged by the cruelty of Hell.
He seemed to have become Baraggan, full of malevolence.
Yoriichi looked at Szayelaporro and sighed softly: "A pitiful fellow."
He didn't pay too much attention to his clone, because with just one glance, he clearly knew that it was a flawed creation.
It had his abilities but lacked his essence, just like a robot.
Mimicking his movements didn't mean invincibility; ultimately, only when he made a move would the clone follow.
Perhaps the delay was very small, only one-hundredth, one-thousandth, or even one-ten-thousandth of a second.
But for Yoriichi, as long as it existed, it was a weakness.
Szayelaporro's expression turned furious again upon hearing Yoriichi's words.
He was about to say something more when he suddenly saw two figures speeding towards them from a distance.
Due to the distance, it was unclear who they were yet.
But given that they might disrupt the current situation, he decisively controlled the clones, making them attack their opponents.
"Yoriichi Tsugikuni" instantly vanished from his spot, appearing before Yoriichi at an astonishing speed, and fiercely slashed at him.
Yoriichi also swung his sword.
"Clang!"
A piercing clash sounded, and sparks flew.
The brief contact made Yoriichi understand that this clone indeed possessed all of his strength; its power and speed were completely equal.
The subsequent Kagerou and Enbu also showed that the clone's combat philosophy was identical to his own.
Unfortunately, Yoriichi had long seen through all of the clone's movements.
Equal physical abilities did not mean equal combat power; ultimately, human potential is limitless.
While the others were engaged in a fierce battle, he easily forced the clone back with a single sword stroke, then casually walked towards Szayelaporro as if no one else was there.
Seeing this, Szayelaporro's pupils suddenly contracted, revealing an expression of disbelief, and he slowly retreated.
Reflected in his pupils was "Yoriichi Tsugikuni" being sent flying by Yoriichi, then advancing again, only to be effortlessly sent flying by Yoriichi once more.
Throughout the entire process, Yoriichi didn't even look at the clone, as if he were swatting an insignificant fly.
"You…"
Szayelaporro extended a finger, his voice and finger trembling simultaneously, "This is impossible!"
He clenched his back teeth tightly, complex emotions overwhelming him like a surging tide.
His expression was extremely distorted: "How can you be so relaxed! This is your complete clone!"
"He possesses one hundred percent of your physical abilities, one hundred percent of your combat techniques, one hundred percent of your behavioral patterns, and one hundred percent of your spiritual pressure intensity!"
"Even if you release your Zanpakuto, he can perfectly replicate your Zanpakuto!"
"But… why! Why are you unaffected by it!"
It was simply unbearable to watch!
Perhaps the ability did have flaws, but they were definitely not something others could detect within a mere few tens of seconds.
Kisuke Urahara was currently being thrashed by his own clone, completely disoriented.
He desperately searched for flaws in the clone, but found nothing.
This clone was far more perfect than Hollowfication.
Except for not having the power of a Hollow.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni calmly spoke: "Is it strange to be unaffected?"
"Do you really think that a Clone, possessing my behavior patterns, my power, my speed, and my Zanpakuto, would become me?"
"There is no absolutely unsolvable ability. Perfection means no room for improvement, and that in itself is a kind of imperfection."
"Your ability is the same in my eyes. Perhaps one day he could gain my memories and completely become me, but that day will never come."
"Szayelaporro, your ability is too dangerous. I will seal you to the lowest layer. Go keep Baraggan company."
This calm tone stirred up monstrous waves in Szayelaporro's heart.
His pupils contracted to the size of needlepoints.
He absolutely could not believe everything he had heard.
His ability wasn't perfect?
How was that possible!
This ability could even kill Baraggan!
Before Yoriichi Tsugikuni appeared, he never expected that the Clones would be completely useless.
It had only been a few years since he fell into Hell.
A few years were but a flick of a finger to him.
But why had Yoriichi Tsugikuni undergone such a drastic change!
Previously, he still needed to use Bankai to defeat him.
Now, he didn't even need to use his Zanpakuto's Shikai anymore?
"No!"
Szayelaporro retreated repeatedly.
The change in the situation made his voice tremble, which was rare for him:
"I don't want to go to the lowest layer! Yoriichi Tsugikuni, you can't do this!"
"I've already fallen into Hell, why won't you let me go!"
"This is just a joke… Yes, a joke!"
Seemingly having found an excellent reason, Szayelaporro forced out a smile.
He quickly ordered the Clones to stop moving, his posture full of sincerity.
However, all of this, in Yoriichi Tsugikuni's eyes, was just a sigh:
"Able to bend and stretch, Szayelaporro, you are becoming increasingly dangerous."
"If you were stubborn, perhaps I could let you suffer a little less."
"But now…"
One who can bend and stretch is a hero, one who is stubborn is a fool. A hero is far more dangerous than a fool.
Even though Yoriichi Tsugikuni didn't finish his sentence, Szayelaporro understood the unspoken meaning.
His face darkened.
Surrendering actually led to worse treatment than not surrendering. What kind of logic was this?
"No, you can't do this!"
Szayelaporro's expression twisted as he tried to resist.
He remembered that he still had Gran Rey Cero.
He was about to gather it.
But Yoriichi didn't give him that chance.
Szayelaporro vanished from the spot without warning, as if erased from reality. This scene was captured by Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, who had rushed over.
The latter immediately frowned.
Even though he didn't recognize Yoriichi, he understood that an evolved Vasto Lorde had been killed by a Shinigami—presumably by one of his juniors.
Are the juniors nowadays this strong?
Also…
Did they conquer Hell?
Within a radius of dozens of kilometers, it seemed only they could have done such a thing.
…
As Kenpachi Kuruyashiki gradually approached Yoriichi Tsugikuni and his group, Yoriichi's sharp gaze also captured his figure at the same moment.
Because Kuruyashiki's era was too far in the past, and no portraits had been preserved, Yoriichi naturally had no impression of him.
But observing his appearance and aura…
A Shinigami with first-class spiritual pressure?
It seemed he was a senior.
At the same time, an old man behind Kenpachi Kuruyashiki slowly came into Yoriichi's sight.
The old man was withered and thin, his skin slightly dark, and his body hunched, like a walking corpse.
He looked even older than Yamamoto Genryusai.
Just as Yoriichi was secretly guessing who the newcomers were, Saito Furofushi, who was beside him, surprisingly called out their identities.
"Kuruyashiki!?"
"And Senior Nigotsugu?"
"Why are they here?"
As soon as the name Kuruyashiki was heard, Yoriichi instantly understood the man's identity—the Seventh Kenpachi.
However, Senior Nigotsugu?
Yoriichi felt the name sounded familiar, but for a moment, he couldn't recall the specific details.
Just then, the two had already arrived before them.
Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's sharp gaze quickly swept over everything in front of him, and his deep, powerful voice was filled with confusion:
"Senior Saito, what exactly happened here?"
"It's only been a short while, why have the auras you emit and the feeling you give me changed so dramatically?"
"Have you escaped your status as Sinners?"
His piercing gaze meticulously examined every part of the three First Generation Captains.
However, no matter how he searched, he could not find the chains that symbolized the status of a Hell Sinners.
He was filled with confusion.
Then, as if recalling something, he fixed his gaze firmly on Yoriichi.
Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's gaze swept over Yoriichi's haori, paused slightly, and continued to ask:
"Are you the current ninth division captain? What happened in the Soul Society?"
"Why do you all dare to delve deep into Hell now?"
Kuruyashiki lived over a hundred years ago. At that time, Shinigami were still quite rigid and conservative, and Hell was considered an absolute forbidden zone.
Therefore, having lived here for over a hundred years, he had never seen a Shinigami.
But now, two suddenly appeared…
He did not overlook Kisuke Urahara beside Yoriichi.
Judging by the appearance of his haori…
Twelfth Division Captain?
How did these two divisions, which had no connection whatsoever, end up together?
The confusion in his heart grew stronger, but considering that Yoriichi might not recognize him, he solemnly introduced himself:
"Excuse me, my name is Kuruyashiki, the former Seventh Captain of the Eleventh Division, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki."
"May I ask who you two are?"
Kisuke Urahara had just escaped his Clone, his mind still immersed in thought.
But Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's words were like a thunderclap, instantly pulling him back to reality.
He thoroughly introduced Yoriichi and himself.
After learning their identities, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki slightly frowned and continued to ask:
"Yoriichi Tsugikuni and Kisuke Urahara, huh…"
"Did you two do what just happened?"
He pointed to the sky.
The meaning was clear.
Yoriichi and the others did not deny it, and this calm demeanor left Kenpachi Kuruyashiki at a loss for words for a moment.
In just over a hundred years, the juniors of the Soul Society had reached such a level?
He wasn't old yet either.
Helplessly rubbing his black hair, which was like weeds, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki sighed softly, just about to speak again.
At this moment, Saito Furofushi interrupted him: "Kuruyashiki, don't talk about that yet."
"I'd like to ask, why are you and Senior Nigotsugu here?"
"If I recall correctly, shouldn't you two be on the next layer?"
"Hmm?" This brief question made Kenpachi Kuruyashiki instantly detect a hint of abnormality. His eyes slightly narrowed,
"Senior Saito, your question is very interesting…"
"Could it be that the changes that just occurred in Hell were also caused by you?"
"Senior Nigotsugu and I were indeed on the next layer just now."
"However, because the chessboard broke, we thought of coming to Great Scorching Hell to find suitable materials."
"You know, Great Scorching Hell is full of lava, and occasionally you can see some obsidian."
"It's just that we didn't expect the environment to change as soon as we found those materials… What exactly is going on?"
The series of events made him increasingly confused.
He had initially thought that the juniors conquering Hell was already the most unimaginable thing.
But he never expected that the changes in Hell's environment were also related to them… When did Shinigami become able to control or interfere with Hell?
What had happened in the hundred years since his death?
There is no sunrise or moonset in Hell; it couldn't be that he felt he had only been dead for a hundred years, but in reality, thousands or tens of thousands of years had passed, right!
Otherwise, it simply didn't make sense!
Not only did Kenpachi Kuruyashiki find it illogical, but the three who knew the truth from the beginning also found it illogical.
But since the incident had already occurred, and with the attitude of being colleagues, Saito Furofushi eventually explained the whole story.
Upon learning that Yoriichi Tsugikuni held control over Hell, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's expression slightly changed.
It was getting more and more absurd.
Controlling Hell?
Did the nobles have no objections?
Did the Shinigami have no objections?
To this, Yoriichi explained: "Initially, there were objections, but later, this matter concerned the survival of the Three Realms, so naturally, there were no more objections."
"Senior Kuruyashiki, are you interested in taking charge of the Fifth Level?"
"I once heard Kenpachi Gosuke and Kenpachi Azashiro mention you."
"In terms of conduct, you are undoubtedly the foremost among all past Kenpachi."
"Therefore, I would be at ease entrusting the Sinners of the Fifth Level to your management."
"After all, we are Shinigami, and it's impossible for us to come here frequently."
Just as Hell needs Hell's Will to manage it, after Hell was divided into layers, it was impossible not to make any subsequent arrangements.
Some Sinners are dishonest, some are very honest; it's impossible to treat both with the same attitude.
Therefore, the existence of proxies became especially important.
Yoriichi had originally planned to make a decision after surveying all of Hell, but Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's appearance saved him that trouble.
…
…
Taking charge of the Fifth Level?
Hearing this, an expression of disbelief instantly flashed in Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's eyes.
Because having lived in Hell for so many years, he had never seen Hell being controlled by any being other than Hell's Will.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni might be an exception, but he was the only example.
To let him…
Kenpachi Kuruyashiki felt that his qualifications were still shallow, and as for the current Fifth Level, he was not the strongest existence within it.
Rubbing the back of his head, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki smiled amiably:
"Young man Tsugikuni, you must be joking, how could I have the ability to take charge of the Fifth Level of Hell."
"As for my conduct… cough, you're overestimating me, I'm actually quite ordinary."
"You know Kenpachi Gosuke and Jigon, huh? Thinking about it, that was a long, long time ago."
Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's tone carried a hint of nostalgia.
Because Kenpachi Gosuke was someone he had raised since childhood, and Jigon was the one who had challenged him and also killed him.
But Kuruyashiki didn't blame him, because that was the rule of the Eleventh Division.
He wondered how Jigon was doing after all these years, and if he got along well with the members of the Eleventh Division?
As he spoke, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's thoughts seemed to drift elsewhere.
Then, he noticed that everyone was looking at him, so he quickly came back to his senses and coughed heavily a few times:
"In any case, everyone, you should find someone more capable."
Perhaps for a moment, he did consider accepting the offer, but Kenpachi Kuruyashiki was ultimately not the kind of person who enjoyed inviting trouble.
The thought of having management over Hell and having to manage a vast number of Sinners was simply too exhausting, both mentally and physically.
This wasn't the Eleventh Division.
The Eleventh Division had at most a thousand members, but Eight Cold Hells had at least over a hundred thousand Sinners.
This number was far greater than the number of Shinigami in the Seireitei.
After Kenpachi Kuruyashiki uttered these words of polite refusal, he suddenly felt much lighter.
However, in stark contrast to his expression, Saito Furofushi looked disappointed, as if lamenting his lack of ambition:
"What are you saying, Kuruyashiki, how can you refuse!"
"This is the management right of Hell! Many people outside would kill for it."
"The antagonistic situation between Hell and the Soul Society has changed. From now on, Hell will no longer be a threat."
"If you have the management right, Shinigami can also gain safety. Do you know what a great opportunity you've missed?"
Honestly, if she hadn't become a Shinigami, Saito Furofushi would have volunteered herself at this moment.
Even if she couldn't possess power like Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
But as long as she could control a part of it, she could elevate herself to an unimaginable height.
Each layer of Hell was a separate small world. To her, having management rights was equivalent to having the great power of that world added to oneself.
Yoriichi, being able to use his authority to be immune to extreme cold, could naturally also use that authority to bestow extreme cold, because he once said that within Hell, he could accomplish anything.
However, despite Saito Furofushi's persuasion, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki still couldn't understand. He sighed softly and said helplessly, "Senior Saito, please don't push me."
"Although we haven't known each other for long, only a mere dozen years, you should know my character."
"This matter is too troublesome."
"Perhaps, as you said, the management of Hell is very important, and all Shinigami want it, but I am clearly not among them."
"No matter how powerful, strength is merely an external thing to me, because I am already dead. For a dead person, what good is even immense power?"
Saito Furofushi, having regained her Shinigami identity, naturally valued power, as it represented a sense of security.
She had once died in battle due to insufficient strength.
However, Kuruyashiki was different.
As if she had already perceived the gap between them, Saito immediately fell silent.
The surrounding air temporarily returned to a brief stillness.
Kenpachi Kuruyashiki noticed the atmosphere was a little strange, so he added another sentence, trying to ease the mood:
"Of course, while I personally am unwilling, that doesn't mean others are unwilling."
"Here, I solemnly introduce to you, this is the First Generation Captains of the Gotei 13, Nigotsugu Saizo, Senior Nigotsugu."
As he spoke, he slightly turned sideways, pointing his hand towards the old man beside him.
A seemingly benevolent smile appeared on the old man's face.
However, given his appearance and age, this smile appeared sinister and eerie in the eyes of others, like an evil sorcerer.
Yoriichi couldn't help but frown slightly.
Immediately after, the old man opened his mouth, which had only a few teeth left, and said in a low, hoarse voice:
"Heh heh, why use such an honorific for a sinner like me...?"
"Kuruyashiki, you're throwing what you consider troublesome to me, but did you ever ask this old man for his opinion?"
"Don't mind such minor details, Senior Nigotsugu." Kenpachi Kuruyashiki smiled slightly, his tone quite composed,
"You are the undisputed strongest in this layer."
"To speak of wielding authority, entrusting it to the strongest is naturally the most suitable."
"Besides, aren't you also full of disdain for those Sinners?"
Even so, but...
Nigotsugu Saizo slowly turned his eyes, about to look at Kuruyashiki.
But midway, he noticed Yoriichi's gaze.
Suddenly, as if remembering something, he smiled at Yoriichi and said:
"Excuse me, I am Nigotsugu Saizo, Saizo of the Nigotsugu District."
"Perhaps you haven't heard of me, which is normal, after all, seven thousand years have passed since my active era."
"Among those who founded the Seireitei back then, I was the oldest."
"You can tell from his appearance," Saito Furofushi whispered in Yoriichi's ear, adding,
"Senior Saizo is one of only two Shinigami who died of old age. When the Seireitei was first established, he was already nearly six thousand years old, even older than Yamamoto."
"Actually, choosing him isn't a bad option, after all, he cannot be resurrected, and his age is a factor here."
Yoriichi's resurrection ability had limits; he could only reverse the age of the body, but not the age of the soul.
And soul aging was something every Shinigami was bound to experience.
Saito Furofushi and Shihouin Sennich, their combined soul ages were only a thousand years at most,
Still far from the limit of soul lifespan, so resurrecting them was indeed easy.
As for Nigotsugu Saizo...
Nigotsugu Saizo vaguely heard Saito Furofushi's words,
And once again revealed a knowing smile, though it still carried a sinister feeling:
"Resurrection, I see."
"I never thought that after so many years, such a heaven-defying ability could be possessed by a Shinigami. It seems the Seireitei's development over the years has indeed been good."
"Very good, very good."
His words conveyed genuine relief.
As the captain of the Purification Squad, his character was far from as extreme as other divisions; it was just his appearance that was a bit intimidating.
Upon hearing this, Yoriichi slightly raised his eyes, considered the development of the situation comprehensively, and then turned his gaze to Nigotsugu Saizo, asking in a calm tone:
"The oldest Shinigami, huh... entrusting this matter to him is not impossible."
"However, Senior Saito, is he truly the strongest here?"
...
Undoubtedly, managing Hell required both good character and a passable level of strength.
Let's not discuss the former for now; the focus is on the latter.
Yoriichi was quite at ease with Kenpachi Kuruyashiki handling the relevant matters, but Nigotsugu Saizo's age was indeed a bit too great.
This was not judging a book by its cover; even with Transparent World, one could see that Nigotsugu Saizo's bodily functions were already extremely weak.
He was almost no different from a centenarian.
That he could stand up was already a quite rare occurrence.
As for combat, it was truly quite difficult, and moreover, it didn't align with humanitarian principles.
One couldn't possibly demand a centenarian to wield a sword and rush to the battlefield, could they?
Ultimately, even possessing the authority to govern did not mean being invincible.
Even if a nuclear missile launcher were given to an ordinary person, that person would inevitably be unable to guard it.
The most likely scenario was that they would be silently eliminated by others before even truly coming into contact with the device.
After all, Shinigami and Hollows possessed far too many long-range attack methods.
Facing Yoriichi Tsugikuni's question, Saito Furofushi had not yet responded.
Kenpachi Kuruyashiki was the first to reach out and rub his chin, falling into thought, then said:
"So you're worried about these things?"
"Don't worry, he is indeed the strongest in this layer, even I am no match for him."
"Don't let Senior Nigotsugu's advanced age fool you; his actual combat power hasn't diminished in the slightest."
"How about this, Senior Nigotsugu?"
Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's eyes suddenly lit up, and he then proposed a suggestion,
"Why don't the two of you have a match, so he can witness the true level of the strongest person in the former Seireitei besides Yamamoto Genryusai?"
"At the same time, you can also take this opportunity to understand the quality of the current generation of young Shinigami in the Seireitei."
"To be able to become the Lord of Hell and suppress those nobles and Shinigami to the point where they can't even speak, his own strength must be extremely formidable."
On this point, at least Kenpachi Kuruyashiki himself couldn't do it...
No, to be precise, he used to be able to, but unfortunately, he refused the invitation from Squad Zero,
Which resulted in his Bankai being sealed.
Kenpachi Kuruyashiki knew all too well the temperament of those nobles.
Normally, no matter how strong Yoriichi Tsugikuni's power was, or how high his status was,
Even as a captain, those nobles would forcibly demand that he hand over control of Hell.
If he refused, he would be imprisoned in Muken.
However, at present, those nobles were so suppressed that they couldn't utter a single word, only obediently allowing Yoriichi to act...
Kenpachi Kuruyashiki was very curious about what had happened and wanted to investigate thoroughly.
Of course, he also understood that these matters couldn't be explained clearly in a short time, so he could only judge through combat.
Nigotsugu Saizo slowly turned his eyes.
His hollow, deep black eyes stared intently at Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, and a slightly strange smile slowly curved up from the corner of his mouth:
"Kid, so that's your plan..."
"But, never mind, I'll forgive you this time, after all, I'm quite interested in this too."
After saying that, he turned his gaze to Yoriichi Tsugikuni, paused slightly, and then said:
"How about it, Tsugikuni? What do you think?"
"He has no interest in governing the Fifth Level of Hell, but I am different."
"If you are worried that my strength is insufficient for this position, why not spar with me?"
"Don't worry, I will only go easy on you; I won't hurt you."
As soon as these words were spoken, Shihouin Sennich's expression immediately changed slightly.
He wanted to dissuade Yoriichi, because in his impression, Nigotsugu Saizo's ability was simply Yoriichi's nemesis.
Whether it was against wind or fire Shunko, or Yoriichi's superb Zanjutsu and Hakuda techniques, they would not have any substantial effect.
It was just a pity that his thought process was far slower than Yoriichi's quick response.
Yoriichi did not hesitate too much and immediately accepted Nigotsugu Saizo's invitation.
"What?" These words were like a clap of thunder, making Shihouin Sennich's head buzz. He quickly said:
"You're not even going to ask what his Zanpakuto ability is? That's too reckless."
"You shouldn't have agreed so rashly."
"Why ask?" Yoriichi responded calmly,
"Whether I ask or not, in my opinion, we'll have to fight in the end anyway, and I can learn the relevant information during the battle."
That was indeed true, Shihouin Sennich was choked for a moment, but...
"Oh, come on." Saito Furofushi, seeing Shihouin Sennich's hesitant and indecisive attitude, couldn't help but show extreme displeasure,
"Shihouin, just shut up. Everyone knows you lost to him back then, and it was a crushing defeat; he even swallowed a Soul King tool of yours."
"But I think Brother Yoriichi is different from you."
"Don't use your mindset to judge the outcome of this battle."
"Brother Yoriichi, I support you. Although Senior Nigotsugu is an elder, we firmly stand by your side."
"Don't you agree, Batsuunsai?"
Batsu'unsai Katori nodded slightly, her stance very clear.
Opposite them, Nigotsugu Saizo heard their words, and a hint of relief couldn't help but show in his eyes.
Good, very good. This generation's ninth division captain was much stronger than the previous First Generation Captains.
He vaguely had the demeanor of a Gotei 13 commander, being able to rally three First Generation Captains in such a short time; even if special means were used, it was still quite remarkable.
They were not easy characters to deal with.
Smiling, Nigotsugu Saizo slowly spoke, interrupting their conversation:
"Kid, I'm truly growing to appreciate you more and more, but Sennich is right, my ability is indeed quite dangerous."
"Be extra careful, even if you are the Lord of Hell, you could be harmed by it if you're not careful..."
With that, he slowly drew his Zanpakuto.
Zzzzz—
A piercing metallic scraping sound suddenly echoed in the icy and snowy environment. The imminent battle stance made those who knew the situation retreat quickly.
Kisuke Urahara was confused.
But Shihouin Sennich didn't wait for him to come to his senses and pulled him away to avoid being accidentally injured by Nigotsugu Saizo.
When only he and Yoriichi Tsugikuni remained within a two-hundred-meter radius.
Nigotsugu Saizo smiled, holding his Zanpakuto, and chanted in a hoarse voice:
"Devour the heavens and earth, turn all to nothingness, wail, Myokou."