Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 102

Chapter 102 - 102: Beg for Mercy

"Lieutenant Ōmaeda! What is that!?"

"Two powerful Reiatsu are clashing! One of them feels like 3rd Seat Masatsuki's—he's already reached the 3rd Rank of Reiatsu!"

"It's coming from the direction of the Nest of Maggots! Have they been attacked by the rebels too?"

Not far from the Nest of Maggots, in the 2nd Division barracks, a group of soldiers locked in battle with the rebels suddenly shouted excitedly:

"Lieutenant! The Nest of Maggots has fallen... Kenpachi Kiganjō led the attack! 9th Seat Ichimaru and the others are back!"

"3rd Seat asatsuki rescued them—he's holding off Kiganjō Kenpachi!"

"What!?"

Marenoshin Ōmaeda gasped in shock, cutting down a rebel before grabbing a soldier by the collar.

"Are you certain? Kiganjō Kenpachi has betrayed us?"

"That's what Suì-Fēng from the Captain's Personal Guard said herself! The Corps Commander has ordered us to finish this battle quickly and move out for reinforcements!"

"Damn it," Marenoshin growled, momentarily stunned. Gritting his teeth, he activated his Shikai, his long katana transforming into a massive spiked mace. "Damn you, Kiganjō!"

"Where is Yoruichi-sama?"

"The Captain is being held back by an enemy with strange abilities!" the soldier reported.

The moment the words left his mouth, Marenoshin's expression darkened.

...

On the other side of the barracks, Yoruichi Shihōin sensed the distant Reiatsu. Her heart tightened with anxiety, yet she could do nothing.

Then, suddenly, she felt something. Lightning crackled at her feet as she instantly leaped backward.

Almost at the same time, a slashing wave tore through the ground, leaving a deep gash.

Yoruichi looked up, her expression hardening with anger.

Under the night sky, a figure slowly approached—clad in a luxurious kimono, his face concealed by a fanged demon mask.

He had short, dark green hair, a lean build, and held a Zanpakutō casually in one hand.

Yoruichi frowned slightly.

Something about him felt familiar. She was certain she had seen him before. _{free.w e bn.ov(e)l(.)com}

Judging by his bearing alone, he was undoubtedly a noble.

But Yoruichi had encountered many nobles in her time, making it difficult to pinpoint his identity right away.

Then, her gaze shifted to the Zanpakutō in his hand.

A strange ability... it could reflect attacks.

"Not bad, huh? I heard it took quite a bit of effort to borrow this from those old geezers."

The masked man twirled his blade with a light chuckle.

"Too bad you won't get to see my own Zanpakutō—I have no idea where that thing ended up."

Yoruichi's pupils narrowed.

There were only a handful of families in Soul Society that inherited Zanpakutō, and she knew of just two:

The Tsunayashiro Clan and the Ise Clan.

Considering the rebels' actions, the answer was clear.

The Zanpakutō's ability didn't match what she remembered, but there were no other noble families known for inherited Zanpakutō.

"I've heard of you. You should be under house arrest."

"How naive."

The masked man sneered. "The Central 46 may have ordered those old men to confine me, but whether I stay locked up or not is entirely up to them."

As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly swung his Zanpakutō.

Clang!

Yoruichi raised her short blade, blocking the strike.

Without hesitation, she used the force of the impact to propel herself backward.

"Trying to go after him!?"

The masked man had clearly anticipated her move. With a smirk, he dashed forward, taunting,

"Your little lover's pretty impressive, managing to fight that guy for this long. But at this rate, he won't last much longer."

"Then I'll just deal with you quickly!" Yoruichi snapped, tightening her grip on her sword as she lunged at his chest.

"Not enough!"

"Still got plenty to say, huh, brat?" Kiganjō sneered. "I know you're trying to piss me off, but it's useless."

"Today, I'm not just killing you—I'm taking Takasugi Hirobumi with me. Do you have any idea what that means for me?"

"The things they promised... just thinking about them makes your little taunts meaningless. You can't shake me."

Masatsuki blinked, then suddenly burst out laughing.

"Takasugi Hirobumi? He's already dead, you idiot!"

"Didn't you notice the Reiatsu surge just now? His presence flared up and then vanished. Doesn't that seem a little strange to you?"

"You damn brat!!"

Kiganjō let out a furious roar, his crimson eyes locked onto Masatsuki, overflowing with bloodlust.

And in that moment, he understood.

Seeing his words had struck a nerve, Masatsuki seized the opening. He lunged forward, thrusting Banshō Senran straight toward Kiganjō's eye.

Clang!

Kiganjō shut his eyes, and the blade, empowered by the Bōkunchō's power, clashed against his rock-hardened eyelid, scattering sparks.

"You think cheap tricks like that will work on me?"

With a thunderous bellow, Kiganjō roared—

"Rock Thrust!"

Hiss!

Sharp, blade-like rocks erupted violently from his body, surging toward Masatsuki like a storm of jagged spears.

Masatsuki braced himself, raising Banshō Senran in defense. The impact sent him flying backward.

Boom!

A deafening crash shook the battlefield as debris exploded into the air, dust and shattered stone raining down in the aftermath.

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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