End
A group fight is better than a one-on-one.
A sneak attack is better than a head-on confrontation.
And there is no need to seek aesthetics in combat.
This was Shiraishi's creed.
He lured Munemasa into the dense forest, circled, and quickly returned. While Munemasa's focus was on Kuchiki Byakuya ahead, Shiraishi charged and drove his blade straight into Munemasa's heart.
That once-in-a-lifetime chilling sensation—Munemasa would never forget it. His pupils dimmed, sweat broke instantly across his forehead. He couldn't even retaliate. All he could do was clamp his left hand on the blade, preventing Shiraishi from pulling it out or cutting deeper.
A sharp light flickered in his glazed eyes. He didn't bother wondering why Shiraishi had been able to sense him despite his reiatsu being dozens of kilometers away. None of that mattered anymore.
He summoned Senbonzakura and Mujin to his side.
The blade vanished. His hand clenched in the air. A breeze brushed past, chilling his already-pierced heart. Shiraishi's slash cut clean through him.
Munemasa staggered, blood pouring, vision blurring. "Hah… hah…" His breath came in ragged gasps. Was he really going to die at the hands of these brats? Impossible. How could he die like this?
His vision dimmed further, and his fox-dream illusion collapsed.
"Captain Byakuya!" Senbonzakura called urgently.
Mujin glanced at Shiraishi, then suddenly leapt at him.
Shiraishi barely had time to react when her blade came slashing down at his head.
He dodged, shocked. "You haven't released the control yet?"
"So what? I've always wanted to kill you!"
Mujin's delicate face twisted with fury, phoenix eyes blazing. She swung again. Shiraishi was forced to raise his spiritual pressure to block.
Boom!
A distant mountaintop exploded, rocks scattering like meteors.
Staggering from the clash, Shiraishi asked, bewildered, "What did I do wrong?"
"All these years, you never once tried to speak with me. You used me like a tool—you don't even know my Shikai's release words!"
Her blade dissolved into points of light. Munemasa's spiritual pressure vanished completely. Mujin glared fiercely. "I won't acknowledge you."
"Sorry…" Shiraishi scratched his head. The system panel had revealed her name and Shikai, but he had never tried to communicate with her. He assumed sheer strength would push him toward Bankai. He had gotten the power first, and only now realized the bond he lacked.
Mujin said nothing, fading entirely back into the Zanpakutō.
The sword transformed, its hilt inlaid with vibrant gems, its blade gleaming golden. Shiraishi stroked it lightly. "I'll treat you well from now on."
The sword gave no answer. Winning her back wouldn't be easy. He sheathed the blade and turned to leave.
Soon, a tall figure landed beside the rubble. Zaraki Kenpachi scanned the area, scowling. "Tch. That guy got away again. Byakuya, why didn't you stop him?"
Byakuya ignored him. His eyes fixed on the ground where a figure lay—long black hair matted with blood, her body half-buried in dust. Her faint reiatsu showed she was still alive, barely.
So that was why Shiraishi had left her behind. Did he expect them to treat her?
After a pause, Byakuya took out a noble's communicator and contacted the Technology Development Bureau. "This is Byakuya Kuchiki, Captain of the Sixth Division. The rogue Munemasa has been slain by Shiraishi. Escaped prisoner Shiba Kūkaku is gravely wounded. Send Fourth Division medics immediately."
"Understood," came the reply.
Kenpachi leaned closer. "Is she salvageable?"
Byakuya remained silent.
"Tch." Kenpachi lost interest and stepped back.
Moments later, a Fourth Division relief squad arrived. Kotetsu Isane dropped to her knees beside Kūkaku, her expression grave. "She needs immediate surgery to stop the bleeding, then transfer to the emergency ward. That's the only chance she has."
"That's fine," Kenpachi grinned. "If she's alive, Shiraishi will definitely come for her."
Kotetsu nodded to her team. "Sakata, assist. Open the purifying barrier. I'll begin treatment."
A faint green glow spread across the wound as she worked nervously but steadily.
Kenpachi grew bored and wandered off, hoping to stumble into another fight. Byakuya stayed, standing silently with noble composure.
Two hours later, Isane slumped, exhausted. "She's stable enough to move. Put her on the stretcher. The next stage will be in the emergency ward."
Her squad complied. She turned to Byakuya. "Captain Kuchiki, will you be returning now?"
"Yes." He chose to escort them back. Rukongai was far too dangerous—Shinigami disappearing, some seized by the twisted Doctor Genjiro, others by the merciless Tsukikage Yagyū. Panic was spreading.
Byakuya would not leave the healers exposed.
Isane noticed, and quietly thought that perhaps Captain Kuchiki was not as cold as he appeared.
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