Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 99

Chapter 99 - 99: I Am Here

Nest of Maggots, Moat Riverbank.

As Kenpachi Kiganjō stepped out of the barrier, the scent of the river filled his nose.

In the dense, thriving forest, more than a dozen figures clad in black night gear followed closely behind him, their expressions wary. They drew their long swords from their waists, ready for battle at a moment's notice.

Gazing at the prison in the distance, Kenpachi Kiganjō wore a look of satisfaction, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Captain Kiganjō!" A group of black-clad figures in Onmitsukidō uniforms emerged from the prison, nodding in greeting.

"Are you ready? What you desire is right in front of you—don't let me down!" Kenpachi Kiganjō patted his large belly and let out a hearty laugh.

His Zanpakutō, still slick with fresh blood, carried an unmistakable air of menace.

The black-clad figures hesitated briefly before one of them stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Everything is prepared. The barrier surrounding the Nest of Maggots can be lifted immediately."

Kenpachi Kiganjō cast him a glance and chuckled.

"Well then, what are you waiting for?"

At his command, the leader of the black-clad figures raised his hand, and the others swiftly got to work.

Standing along the edge of the moat, they formed rapid hand seals. The barrier disintegrated like sand in the wind, dispersing into Reishi as it vanished.

"The barrier is down. We won't take part in the battle beyond this point—it's up to you now."

Kenpachi Kiganjō sneered and waved his hand.

At his signal, the black-clad figures behind him darted forward, their silhouettes merging into the shadows as they charged into the prison.

Seeing this, the Onmitsukidō members instinctively prepared to retreat, hoping to avoid being caught in the inevitable battle. However, before they could act, Kenpachi Kiganjō blocked their path.

Grinning widely, he spoke in what he likely thought was a friendly tone. "Now, now—no need to leave in such a hurry."

"What are you trying to do?" One of the Onmitsukidō members instinctively stepped back.

Kenpachi Kiganjō shrugged. "You know too much. And that's not exactly a good thing."

The Onmitsukidō members exchanged wary glances. Without a word, they drew their short blades and lunged at him.

Screams soon echoed through the forest.

...

Nest of Maggots, Surveillance Room

"Ichimaru-sama, the intruders are closing in on the main entrance to the dungeon," a Detention Unit member reported, bowing.

"Has the distress signal been sent out?" Gin Ichimaru asked.

"No," the team member replied. "The enemy has set up a barrier around the Nest of Maggots, blocking all outgoing communication. There were patrols stationed outside—this shouldn't have happened. It's likely that someone within the Detention Unit..."

He trailed off, but his implication was clear.

Gin Ichimaru gave a slight nod, choosing not to dwell on the matter. The more pressing issue was stopping the enemy's advance.

"Do we know who they are?"

The team member's voice was tense. "Among them, we've identified rebels, assassins... and the Captain of the 11th Division—Kenpachi Kiganjō!"

A heavy silence fell over the surveillance room.

Gin Ichimaru licked his dry lips and let out a slow breath before speaking, his back still turned to the others.

"Ryuuseki, Izumo, the enemy has already infiltrated the Nest of Maggots. Will you come with me to put down these rebels?"

"This time, there's a good chance we won't make it out alive. But the 3rd Seat, Masatsuki, is still inside... Quite the predicament, huh?"

As he spoke, Gin Ichimaru clenched his fists. His narrowed eyes opened slightly, revealing a chilling glint.

A cold, serpentine aura seeped from him, subtle yet deeply unsettling. It was the kind of presence that sent a shiver down one's spine.

The Onmitsukidō members present couldn't help but feel a creeping fear.

Ryuuseki and Izumo exchanged glances before turning their gazes back to the screen. Looking at the striking figure displayed there, their eyes shone with unhidden fervor and admiration.

"Masatsuki 3rd Seat saved our lives. It's time we repaid that debt." The usually silent Ryuuseki suddenly spoke.

Izumo nodded in agreement. "Ryuuseki 6th Seat is right. We were cowards once—we can't afford to be cowards again."

Gin Ichimaru was still smiling, but the sharp coldness in his expression had softened. He thought to himself,

"That guy really is a magnet for trouble... I wonder if I'll even make it out alive."

He was ready to die.

This time, they were facing a true Captain of the Gotei 13. None of the members on the other side of the screen could even last a single exchange against him.

And among those present, the strongest were merely three Seated Officers, himself included.

Victory was nowhere in sight.

Gin Ichimaru drew his Zanpakutō and was just about to push open the door—

BOOM!

A sudden impact rocked the room.

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