In that instant, countless ink-like black mists suddenly separated from the Zanpakuto in his hand.
Those mists were formless, covering an area of about ten meters around Senior Nigotsugu within a mere second.
Accompanying the appearance of the mist, the surrounding ground seemed to have been wiped away by an invisible hand, instantly sinking down a layer.
And the mist continued to expand outwards, as if with an endless spreading momentum.
In two seconds, it became a twenty-meter radius, standing out like an ink stain on white paper in this icy and snowy landscape.
Under Yoriichi Tsugikuni's keen gaze, it was clearly visible that these mists were composed of tiny, almost invisible insects.
The ground that had seemingly vanished didn't disappear; instead, it was devoured and digested by them, transforming into another pile of billions of insects.
It looked like Baraggan's Senescencia, but the effect was completely different…
Senior Nigotsugu's low, dry voice sounded again:
"Heh heh, my Hell Worms are even more powerful than Yamamoto Genryusai's Ryujin Jakka in terms of indirect lethality."
"They can devour all reishi and convert it into my power; given enough time, I can also destroy the Three Realms."
"At the same time, my power can expand to a point where no one can defeat me."
"Tsugikuni, you can make your move now…"
"Let this old man see what kind of strength a Captain possesses at this stage."
"Any method is fine."
His ability had similarities to Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's Evil Wailing Corridor.
However, one devours reishi to empower oneself, while the other devours reishi to erase it from reality, making it impossible to restore by any means.
The latter is more dangerous and extreme, which is why he was invited by Squad Zero.
The former is merely a normal stat-based ability.
But even so, by utilizing this ability, he was able to secure the second position within the former Gotei 13.
Yoriichi nodded slightly upon hearing this. Devouring reishi, huh? No wonder Shihouin Sennich showed that expression.
Hundreds of billions of insects, perhaps even Shunko would be ineffective.
Coupled with the fact that Hell can enhance the strength of Sinners, having stayed here for several hundred years, he should have long since reached the peak of Shinigami…
Thinking of this, Yoriichi did not draw his Zanpakuto.
He first put away his haori, then, with spiritual pressure gathered in his fists, a small flame began to rise.
The next instant,
Boom!
After a loud bang, a towering blaze instantly swept over everything around like a surging tide.
The snow within a dozen-kilometer radius melted away in an instant under the scorching heat of the blazing fire.
Since any method was acceptable, it was a good opportunity for him to try out the Fire God form, which had not yet been fully developed.
There was no need to worry about hurting anyone, as they would revive even if they died, and the wind-plus-fire spreading throughout his body could also be put to practical use.
"Senior, be careful, I'm coming."
Just as Yoriichi's words fell, the smile that had been on Senior Nigotsugu's face instantly stiffened.
This spiritual pressure, this burst…
Is this the ninth division captain?!
This flame looks stronger than Yamamoto Genryusai's Shikai.
The blazing red light reflected in Senior Nigotsugu's eyes, and the whistling wind sounded like roaring dragon fire circling his ears; he took a slight breath.
—I misjudged him.
The First Generation ninth division captain? Bah, I'm afraid that even if all dozen of them combined back then, they wouldn't be able to defeat this kid alone.
This spiritual pressure clearly surpasses that of Yamamoto Genryusai from back then…
...
Not far away, even though everyone had retreated several hundred meters, they were still startled by the sudden rise of the flames.
Kisuke Urahara looked at the dazzling figure in front, as bright as the sun, and couldn't help but be momentarily stunned.
It was simply too bizarre.
This was clearly just an operation to reform Hell.
But why would it suddenly escalate into a battle with these First Generation Captains?
And at full power, no less.
As a third-grade spiritual power user, being in such an environment, he felt his breathing becoming somewhat difficult.
It felt as uncomfortable as if his throat was being tightly squeezed.
Looking around, though the other First Generation Captains still looked relatively relaxed.
They all showed some surprise on their faces, more or less.
After all, this was their first time witnessing Yoriichi unleash his Fire God form at full power.
They vaguely seemed to see the scene of Yamamoto Genryusai unleashing his Bankai a thousand years ago.
Within Ryujin Jakka's Bankai, there was also a technique where he was enveloped in flames; although the temperature was much higher than Yoriichi's, its range was not as wide.
"This is truly incredible," Kenpachi Kuruyashiki exclaimed, "Did I really die just over a hundred years ago, and not a thousand, or ten thousand years?"
"How could such a Shinigami be born in just a hundred years?"
"Mr. Urahara, can you tell us about it? While they are fighting."
"Senior Nigotsugu is probably going to lose this time."
"His ability is powerful and unresolvable only when the spiritual pressures of both sides are equal, and when Zanpakuto and normal Kido are used."
"Yoriichi doesn't follow the usual path; even if there are trillions of Hell Worms, they'll all be burned to ashes."
Kenpachi Kuruyashiki sighed with emotion, "A path never before conceived, but this is also why Captain-Commander Yamamoto was able to defeat him back then."
"Mr. Urahara, can you give me a hint? How does his current strength compare to Captain-Commander Yamamoto's?"
Kisuke Urahara couldn't answer that question, because Yoriichi had said that whether one won or lost between them was completely irrelevant.
Moreover, he also disliked such full-power battles.
Hell was different because there was no death in Hell.
It was like a save file in a game; no matter how you played, you could always start over.
Naturally, there was no feeling of apology for causing harm to others, nor the guilt of injuring them.
Sighing softly, Kisuke Urahara pondered for a moment, then hesitated:
"Let's put it this way: if Yoriichi were a few decades older, he would be universally recognized as the strongest in Soul Society."
"It's only been a little over two years since he became a Shinigami."
"Yoriichi was once human, yet in the short few decades of his human life, he honed his swordsmanship to a level comparable to Captain-Commander Yamamoto…"
"The difference, I think, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, you should understand."
Kisuke Urahara genuinely marveled,
"If there is anyone in this world who can contend with gods using a human body, I think it would only be him."
...
Decades could compare to thousands of years for a Shinigami!?
As soon as Kisuke Urahara's words fell, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki caught the key information and couldn't help but gasp slightly.
This was simply a monster!
One must know that the improvement of Zanjutsu not only depended on time but also required talent.
If one lacked talent, they could only spend long years to painstakingly hone their skills.
Most Shinigami gained their superhuman Zanjutsu by virtue of their long lifespans.
However, even with ample time, there was a limit to the strength one could achieve.
Normal Seat Officers or Vice-Captains, even if they honed their swordsmanship for a thousand or even two thousand years, would find it difficult to contend with Captain-Commander Yamamoto.
This was simply because Captain-Commander Yamamoto was exceptionally gifted, born a cut above them.
But what about Yoriichi Tsugikuni?
Despite being far younger than Yamamoto Genryusai, his swordsmanship could rival his, or even surpass it…
The only reason for such a result must be that Yoriichi Tsugikuni's talent far exceeded Yamamoto Genryusai's by a hundred, or even a thousand times…
And considering Yamamoto Genryusai's already peak-level talent…
To be comparable to a god in a mortal body… This description was by no means an exaggeration.
No wonder his spiritual pressure increased so rapidly; with such unimaginable talent in swordsmanship, how could he be inferior to ordinary people in other aspects?
It was like understanding one thing meant understanding all; the appearance of the Fire God form was only natural.
In the eyes of others, this progress was incredibly unbelievable, but to Yoriichi, it might even be considered slow…
It was truly astonishing.
At this moment, it wasn't just Kenpachi Kuruyashiki.
The other First Generation Captains, upon hearing Kisuke Urahara's explanation, also showed expressions of sudden realization.
Shihouin Sennich lightly slapped his right hand with his left, suddenly enlightened:
"So that's how it is."
He truly hadn't known the hidden truth before; Yoriichi Tsugikuni was once human?
If he had the growth rate of a Shinigami during his human period, then it would be abnormal if he didn't show such astonishing performance after becoming a Shinigami.
He had underestimated him.
...
...
While the few of them conversed, the battle between Yoriichi Tsugikuni and Senior Nigotsugu was nearing its end.
In reality, the moment Yoriichi's spiritual pressure surpassed Senior Nigotsugu's, the outcome of the battle was already decided.
However, the Hell Worms were numerous, and even in his Fire God form, he couldn't instantly burn them all away.
He was indeed the former second strongest in the Seireitei.
If Senior Nigotsugu were younger, perhaps even Yamamoto Genryusai might not have been his match.
Ultimately, this ability to devour any reishi could theoretically devour Yamamoto Genryusai's Bankai.
Hence, its release command could truly be called 'devouring heaven and earth'.
If it could even swallow the sun, what else could it not devour?
It was just a pity.
When the Seireitei was founded, he was already in his twilight years.
Yoriichi sighed with emotion, and as all the Hell Worms in front of him vanished, he saw Senior Nigotsugu with his head bowed, his expression forlorn and melancholic.
His drooping mouth seemed to be saying that the current generation of juniors was truly too outrageous.
He sighed deeply and said, "You won, kid. Those flames must not be from your Zanpakuto ability, right?"
"I really don't know how you managed to use Kido to such an exquisite degree…"
"Even those who created Kido back then probably couldn't compare to you…"
"It's hard to imagine, it's only been a few hundred years since I passed away… yet a monster like you has appeared in the Seireitei…"
He raised his head and asked:
"Is Yamamoto Genryusai well now?"
"Your strength should have surpassed his by now, right?"
Yoriichi didn't understand why everyone he met would ask such a question, but adhering to his low-key demeanor, he gently shook his head.
Senior Nigotsugu, however, let out a low, sarcastic chuckle: "No? You don't need to lie to this old man; after all, I'm already dead."
"Strong is strong, weak is weak. I once lost to him, and now I've encountered someone so similar to him…"
"It's also a defeat."
"So similar, just different temperaments. He was much more high-profile than you."
Dominance was the way of fire's survival; Ryujin Jakka's ability was influenced by Yamamoto Genryusai's temperament.
Because of this, one's character could be discerned from their Zanpakuto.
It was just a pity that Yoriichi hadn't drawn his sword, so even with Senior Nigotsugu's thousands of years of experience, it was difficult for him to see what kind of person Yoriichi truly was.
But judging by his performance…
Sighing deeply, Senior Nigotsugu said with relief:
"That's good too."
"High-profile but not arrogant, powerful but not restrained; only such a person can live longer."
"It's only because Yamamoto Genryusai's Bankai temperature is comparable to the sun; otherwise, with his personality, he would have died back then."
"Yoriichi Tsugikuni, I remember you. In this battle with me, what do you think of my strength?"
"Am I qualified to be the guardian of this Fifth Level?"
...
...
Some time later, Yoriichi handed over a portion of the Fifth Level's administrative authority to Senior Nigotsugu.
The intention was for him to thoroughly distinguish between the sinful and non-sinful individuals.
The Fifth Level was vast and boundless; it would take at least several days to fully explore it.
It was far more efficient to let the locals manage it themselves.
As a First Generation Captain, his professional integrity was still trustworthy.
Because of this,
When Yoriichi appeared before everyone with Senior Nigotsugu, everyone offered their congratulations.
Even the usually uninhibited Kenpachi Kuruyashiki had become much more composed.
After the congratulations ceased, he spoke softly to Yoriichi Tsugikuni, his expression solemn: "Yoriichi, I've witnessed your strength, and I've also heard about your experiences from Kisuke Urahara."
"I am deeply shaken."
"However, I have a question I'd like to ask you."
"Has the Eleventh Division already gone through thirteen generations of Kenpachi?"
"What happened to the ninth Kenpachi, Gosuke?"
"I know you once ventured into Hueco Mundo, and Gojō Kenpachi was lost in the Forest of Menos, but is there any definite news of his death?"
Knowing the crux of Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's question, Yoriichi quickly composed himself and, after careful consideration, replied:
"No, but I don't think Gojō Kenpachi has passed away."
"When I ventured into Hueco Mundo for the second time, I asked some Menos Grande, and they claimed that some Shinigami were active within the Forest of Menos."
"However, due to their unknown whereabouts and location, and because I had a mission at the time, I naturally didn't continue to explore further."
"But I think that must have been Gojō Kenpachi and his group."
"Senior Kuruyashiki, are you worried about him?"
"Of course." Kenpachi Kuruyashiki nodded without hesitation.
"I raised Gosuke since he was little. Before I died, I entrusted him to Jigon, but I didn't expect Jigon to be imprisoned."
"I know Gosuke's capabilities very well; he has always been afraid of death..."
"But I never imagined he would become a Captain and take on such a dangerous mission as conquering Hueco Mundo..."
"To say I'm not worried would certainly be a lie."
"Then why don't you go look for him yourself, Senior Kuruyashiki?" Yoriichi responded,
"Verbal worry is meaningless. Instead of worrying about his life or death here, why not come with us to the outside world?"
"Senior Nigotsugu is guarding this place, so there's no need to worry about order."
...
"Go outside?"
It must be admitted, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki was tempted.
This wasn't just because he could be resurrected and leave Hell; it was more about being able to personally rescue Gojō Kenpachi from Hueco Mundo.
Yoriichi's words were exactly what he wanted to hear.
However, his subconscious as a Shinigami felt that Gojō Kenpachi should escape through his own efforts.
It was precisely because of this that Kenpachi Kuruyashiki hesitated.
If he had known nothing of Gosuke's situation before, he would have refused without hesitation.
However, once the news of Gosuke's unknown fate emerged, he found it difficult to make a decision.
He sighed deeply, a hint of distress appearing on his face.
This formed a stark contrast with his tall and unrestrained physique; even a tough man has a tender side.
Then, he slowly raised his eyes, his gaze fixed on Yoriichi Tsugikuni, and asked:
"Allow me a moment to consider. Where do you plan to go next?"
"Is it the Fifth Level?"
"Take me with you. I also have other questions I want to ask you."
Yoriichi Tsugikuni did not refuse Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's words.
Ultimately, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki possessed first-class reishi, so he could go anywhere he wished; refusal would have been futile.
After Yoriichi Tsugikuni led everyone away, only Nigotsugu Saizo remained in place, his brows furrowed with regret.
It was a pity. If it weren't for his soul's lifespan reaching its limit, forcing him to linger in Hell, he too would have longed to see the outside world.
However, to go out as a Sinners... perhaps that was also feasible.
He would consider it later.
The most pressing matter was to properly manage those Sinners.
A strange smile played on his lips; he was already eager to see Captain-Commander Yamamoto's aged appearance now.
Sword Demon... hehe.
...
...
The Sixth Layer of Hell was originally the Fifth Level, Great Scorching Hell, and most of the Captains of the Gotei 13 resided on this layer.
Although this place was also vast and boundless, fortunately, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki was guiding the way.
Before long, they found a rather suitable candidate.
This person could shoulder the heavy responsibility of guarding this layer.
He was Oabana Danjiro, from the Fifth Divsion.
He was a true tough guy, with a typical Western-style full beard and a bright smile that gave off a very cheerful impression.
The feeling he gave Yoriichi Tsugikuni was somewhat similar to Kyojuro Rengoku.
Of course, in terms of personality, he should be even more sunny and cheerful than Kyoujurou.
It was probably the difference between orange and red.
A feeling that was hard to describe.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni did not delve too deeply into it.
Just then, Oabana Danjiro quickly walked towards Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, then slapped him hard on the shoulder, laughing as he said:
"Hahaha, long time no see, Kuruyashiki."
"I never thought you'd have time to visit me today. Is there something you need my help with!"
"Saito, Shihouin, why are you here too?"
"Huh? You've actually become Shinigami! How did you do that!"
"Haha, sorry, I didn't realize you were here too, Odori. You've come as a group to find me. It must not be a small matter, right?"
Oabana Danjiro stood with his arms crossed.
Although every single thing before him struck his mind like a bombshell, the smile on his lips never faded.
Just then, he suddenly remembered something important, and abruptly turned around, walking quickly towards the cave behind him.
At the same time, he said:
"Enough of this, come in with me first. I don't know who moved my home."
"In a moment, if I remember correctly, there's going to be a lava rain."
"Although our reishi can withstand it, it's still quite troublesome to come into contact with."
Unlike Eight Cold Hells, in Great Scorching Hell, besides the omnipresent hot lava, natural disasters occasionally occur.
Once those lava rains fall, they can cause significant damage to Shinigami with reishi below third-class.
Although there's a certain probability of awakening the ability to control lava if one dies in this lava rain, such a death is too painful.
These First Generation Captains didn't care for it.
Only humans craved such power.
Everyone exchanged glances and followed Oabana Danjiro into the cave.
Inside the cave, a faint blue cold light permeated, effectively suppressing the scorching heat outside.
Oabana Danjiro sat down on a chair made of obsidian, facing everyone, still smiling, and asked:
"Tell me, what do you need me for?"
"And who are these two?"
"Which generation of Captains are they?"
Although Yoriichi Tsugikuni and Kisuke Urahara were both wearing haori, the concept of time had become blurred in Hell.
At the same time, he didn't want to deliberately remember how long he had been in Hell.
So even though he knew their identities, he was still full of questions.
Captains he had never seen before, newly arrived perhaps?
Kisuke Urahara took a step forward, just about to speak.
But unexpectedly, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki had already spoken first:
"They are the current Captains. Soul Society has undergone some changes over the years; the Hell Gate has been controlled by the Shinigami."
"Oabana, are you interested in taking charge of this layer?"
"Take charge?"
Unlike Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's reaction, Oabana Danjiro always maintained his bright, sunny smile no matter the situation.
He crossed his arms, his tone composed:
"So that's it. Is that why there have been so many changes in Hell these past few days?"
"The locations of Eight Cold Hells and Great Scorching Hell have changed."
"Presumably, the other layers have also changed."
"This layer... who is the Shinigami in charge of Eight Cold Hells?"
His thoughts were extremely sharp; with just a few words from Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, he had already guessed the general truth.
Kenpachi Kuruyashiki answered without hesitation: "It's Senior Nigotsugu Saizo."
"It's him." Oabana Danjiro showed an understanding expression. He slightly crossed his legs, his smile still gentle,
"If it's him, then there's no problem. It seems you've made quite thorough preparations, knowing I definitely couldn't refuse."
As the Captain of the Fifth Divsion's support squad, he had seen his fair share of evildoers.
And the Thirteenth Division, as the purification squad, also bore the responsibility of protecting the weak.
Although the First Generation Captains of the Gotei 13 were essentially a group of assassins, deep down, they also had a subconscious desire to protect others.
Otherwise, why bother recruiting members?
Wouldn't it be better to just become a Captain and fight alone, doing as one pleased?
The answer was clearly no.
His smile receded slightly, and Oabana Danjiro asked: "What should I do?"
"Also, the Hell Gate is controlled by Shinigami... Which of you two has this ability?"
"After so many years, has Seireitei developed to this extent?"
"You can even control Hell?"
...
To say he was surprised was obvious.
After all, Soul Society's apprehension towards the Hell Gate was no less than an emperor's towards rebels.
How many emperors had died due to rebellion throughout history?
Yet, this group of rebels was extremely troublesome, difficult to effectively control, and could only be watched as they acted wantonly.
Soul Society could only barely maintain a delicate balance.
He never expected it to now be in the hands of Shinigami; this was undoubtedly tremendous good news.
If he were still alive now, and still a Shinigami, he would surely be ecstatic.
Unfortunately, having become a Sinners, trapped in this Hell, everything in Soul Society was irrelevant to him.
His current agreement was merely the old memories at work.
Later, learning that everything was Yoriichi Tsugikuni's doing, Oabana Danjiro casually glanced at him, and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow slightly.
His intuition told him that this young man was extraordinarily powerful.
But to what extent exactly...
Cough cough, never mind, he wasn't as keen on fighting as the other First Generation Captains.
Oabana Danjiro nodded: "It's you, ninth division captain, quite fitting indeed."
"Hell is like a huge prison, and it's certainly reasonable for you, the Captain of the prison division, to oversee it."
"Come on."
His tone was extremely carefree, as if no matter what decision Yoriichi made, he could accept it calmly.
However, Shihouin Sennich frowned at this moment:
"Hey, Oabana, have you thought this through? Once you become the Sixth Layer's guard, you'll never be able to be resurrected again."
"You've seen our current situation; this kid controls the power to reverse life and death..."
"Don't you want to go out?"
Oabana Danjiro replied: "Go out for what? I'm already very tired, especially with social interactions."
He rubbed his forehead, his tone subtly revealing a hint of imperceptible weariness.
"When Yamamoto Genryusai invited me back then, I never intended to agree, because you know my background."
"Instead of becoming a Captain and operating within Seireitei, I'd rather stay in Rukongai with my friends."
"But Yamamoto Genryusai was too bloodthirsty at the time."
"If I didn't agree, he would kill my friends. I had no choice but to follow him into Seireitei and become a Captain."
"I stayed for over a hundred years, and by the time I returned, all my friends were gone."
"After that, Yhwach invaded, I suffered some injuries, and then died of illness two hundred years later."
"To be honest, the biggest regret of my life was becoming a Captain; I never wanted to be that Captain."
"Although I met you all, it was only limited to you all..."
Sighing deeply, Oabana Danjiro's subtly excited tone gradually softened:
"Hell is pretty good. At least there are no petty intrigues."
"No need to deal with those nobles, no need to worry about Menos Grande invasions, and no need to fight Quincy."
"Just occasionally avoid natural disasters."
"This is the life I aspire to."
Hell's Intent was nothing to him, and besides, being in the deeper layers, Hell's Intent generally wouldn't venture there.
Only occasionally would some Menos Grande come to provoke him, requiring him to teach them a lesson, but other than that, there was nothing much.
All in all, it was much more relaxed and comfortable than staying in the Soul Society.
He could even occasionally play chess and chat with other Captains.
Just like Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, didn't he befriend Senior Nigotsugu and meet him often?
Because the two of them had similar temperaments.
Shihouin Sennich was speechless; the reason he yearned for resurrection was because he had something on his mind.
But Oabana Danjiro did not...
No wonder he didn't want to be resurrected.
"Suit yourself," Shihouin Sennich sighed helplessly.
"What Yamamoto Genryusai did back then was indeed improper, but he had no other choice at the time."
"You were rising to fame, yet you chose to stay in one corner; he couldn't just ignore you and look for someone else."
"Of course, it's too late to say all this now, but if nothing unexpected happens, we'll come over often, which can be considered keeping you company and alleviating your boredom."
"Then thank you all," Oabana Danjiro took a slight breath, revealing his cheerful smile once more, sweeping away the dissatisfaction that had accumulated in his heart.
Not long after, upon gaining control of the Sixth Layer of Hell, Oabana Danjiro closed his eyes tightly.
A rather profound feeling surged from the depths of his heart.
It was as if within this layer of Hell, he could do as he pleased, including controlling the arrival of natural disasters.
"Excellent."
After a long while, he opened his eyes and let out a heartfelt exclamation,
"Is this the feeling of having everything under control? It seems I have new things to do in the days to come."
"Thank you."
He thanked Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
Yoriichi gently shook his head: "No need to thank me, as long as you fulfill your duties."
"The Fifth Level and Sixth Layer have changed, do you know where the other Captains are?"
"I think you need to inform them about this... Also, one more thing, who among you understands the situation of the Seventh Layer of Hell?"
When they arrived, they were only focused on listening to Kenpachi Kuruyashiki introduce the First Generation Captains, and only now did they remember the fundamental purpose of this trip.
Finding the guards was secondary.
Thoroughly reforming all of Hell was the top priority.
Upon hearing this, Oabana Danjiro pondered for a moment before answering:
"The Seventh Layer, well, we're not too clear about it either, because that place is already the deepest part of Hell."
"Even creatures of first-class reishi will face danger when entering."
"Its status is roughly equivalent to the Mugen of Seireitei; only those who are truly heinous criminals are imprisoned there."
No sooner had Oabana Danjiro finished speaking than Kenpachi Kuruyashiki suddenly said:
"I should know some information."
He looked around at everyone present, paused, and continued:
"Previously, in the Sixth Layer of Hell, a group of creatures called Oni ran out."
"These Oni, I heard they came from the Seventh Layer."
"Their sins are profound; they bite anyone they see, more like monsters than Hollows."
...
Oni?
Upon hearing this, Yoriichi was not surprised; after all, he had personally sent them to Hell, but he didn't expect them to go so deep.
Thinking carefully, apart from the weaker ones,
The stronger ones, like the successive Upper and Lower Moons.
The number of humans they devoured must have been at least hundreds or thousands, so it seemed reasonable that such profound sins would lead them to be confined in the Seventh Layer.
Yoriichi briefly explained the matter.
Immediately after, the Captains learned that they were transformed humans and all expressed disbelief.
This was a new species; although it wouldn't have a positive effect on the development of the Three Realms, and the number of Oni was small.
Compared to the Hollows in Hueco Mundo, Oni were merely a drop in the ocean, but if this news were to be released, it would undoubtedly cause a huge stir.
Unfortunately, Yoriichi had no such intention, and seeing the conversation subtly shifting elsewhere, he interrupted:
"Everyone, the origin of the Oni can wait for now; we won't be staying in Hell for long, so efficiency must be our priority."
Saying that, he turned his gaze to Kenpachi Kuruyashiki and asked:
"Where did they appear? Do you still remember?"
"Take us there, and after everything is settled, whether you want to leave with us or not is entirely up to you."
"Currently, the Eleventh Division is doing well, but the Kenpachi position has already changed."
Kenpachi Kuruyashiki nodded slightly, chatted with Oabana Danjiro for a while, then bid farewell and turned to walk out of the cave.
At this moment, the natural disaster had temporarily ceased under Oabana Danjiro's control. Kenpachi Kuruyashiki gazed at the scenery outside and slowly said:
"I have to admit, I'm very interested in your proposal."
"Yoriichi, I have a question I want to ask you."
"You already know my life story. I want to know, in your opinion, was I a qualified Kenpachi?"
"Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?"
"The truth, of course." Kenpachi Kuruyashiki turned his face slightly and sighed softly.
"I see. I can probably guess what you're thinking, but please speak frankly."
Since there was a truth and a lie, it meant that in Yoriichi's heart, he had two different views of him.
Yoriichi walked among the group, speaking calmly:
"Simply put, as a Shinigami, you were quite qualified."
"Because you once led your division members and successfully repelled the Menos Grande that invaded the Soul Society."
"Your Bankai's power was astonishing, possessing the strength for mutual destruction, yet for the safety of Seireitei, you never used it until your death..."
Kenpachi Kuruyashiki understood that such statements were usually followed by a "but."
"But..."
Yoriichi's unhurried voice sounded again,
"Because of your passing, the overall strength of the Eleventh Division immediately dropped by at least two levels, and it has not recovered to this day."
"You entrusted the Eleventh Division entirely to Kenpachi Azashiro, but who knew Kenpachi Azashiro would be imprisoned the very next year."
"His imprisonment also marked the beginning of the Eleventh Division's decline."
"To this day, countless Shinigami have died due to the weakening of the Eleventh Division."
"You must know, they are a combat division; without a competent leader, such situations are inevitable."
"In this regard, you were quite unqualified."
The reason Yoriichi used "quite" instead of the stronger "very" was because, in his opinion, this was not entirely Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's fault.
It was a non-combat offense.
At that time, no one had expected it.
No one expected Kenpachi Azashiro to have such a crazy idea, and no one expected him to be imprisoned the very next year.
But it was undeniable that Kenpachi Kuruyashiki did indeed act negligently.
He entrusted the entire division to someone without fully understanding their character.
Fortunately, Kenpachi Azashiro had no intention of using those Shinigami to do anything bad.
Otherwise, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki would probably never have forgiven himself until his death.
Upon hearing Yoriichi's words, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's steps paused slightly.
He then realized that his actions back then did indeed contain many oversights.
Indeed, this was precisely the drawback of the Eleventh Division's challenge system.
No one knew what attitude those Shinigami who came to challenge for the Kenpachi position would adopt towards the division members once they won.
Thinking of this, he sighed deeply, his voice full of apology:
"You're right, in this regard, I truly let them down."
"My fall into Hell is also well-deserved, after all, I indirectly caused the deaths of so many people..."
"So Yoriichi, do you think someone as deeply sinful as me still has a chance to be saved?"
Kenpachi Kuruyashiki truly wanted to stay in Hell forever to atone for his sins.
However, the thought that the Eleventh Division's system might still be unchanged.
And that it might cause more deaths in the future, filled him with an uncontrollable determination to leave.
His inner sense of responsibility constantly reminded him that he could not continue like this.
Simply avoiding the problem would not solve anything.
Only by leading the Eleventh Division again, and making them strong once more, could casualties truly be reduced.
This was what he, as a Kenpachi, should do.
Yoriichi looked at him quietly and said: "The choice is yours, isn't it?"
"Mending the fold after the sheep are lost, or playing deaf and dumb, which do you want to choose?"
The choice was obvious; if he chose the latter, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki would not be worthy of being called a Kenpachi.
After quickly sorting out these matters in his mind, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki instantly understood everything.
He immediately regained his spirits and stated that if Yoriichi was willing to give him this chance, he would not fail this trust.
He secretly resolved that the old rules of the Eleventh Division had to be changed.
...
Meanwhile, in the Soul Society.
What Kenpachi Kuruyashiki didn't know was that the internal rules of the Eleventh Division had already changed imperceptibly.
Under the leadership of Komamura Sajin, the Eleventh Division was now thriving.
Of course, even with the division's positive development, it had not yet returned to its former peak state.
After all, Komamura Sajin was not strong; in terms of strength, he had only barely touched the threshold of a Captain.
Just at this moment.
Komamura Sajin was leading a team, having just successfully repelled a group of Hollows that had come to harass Rukongai.
Suddenly, he inexplicably sneezed.
Vaguely, a strange premonition inexplicably surged in his heart.
But what kind of premonition it was, he couldn't quite articulate at the moment.
Just as he was secretly guessing what this premonition was about.
Not far away, a red-haired boy instantly captured all his attention.
The boy seemed to be cautiously stealing water while the residents were fleeing in panic.
This scene was witnessed by Komamura Sajin.
He, who always prided himself on justice, could not tolerate such a thing. He immediately frowned, stepped forward, and loudly shouted:
"Hey, kid, how dare you commit such an act of theft in front of this old man..."
"What's your name?!"
The red-haired boy was startled by Komamura Sajin's sudden shout, and he shivered violently.
In his panic, he quickly grabbed a jar of water and then ran wildly down the street behind him without looking back.
He tried to use the buildings along the street to escape pursuit.
But his fleeing only made Komamura Sajin's impression of him worse, and he immediately labeled him as a young boy who wasn't learning good habits.
Komamura Sajin's figure flickered, instantly disappearing from his original spot.
Then, with lightning speed, he reappeared behind the red-haired boy and easily picked him up.
The boy was stunned at first, but when he realized the vast difference in strength between them, his face instantly turned pale with fright, and he immediately shouted in panic:
"My name is Renji, Abarai Renji! Don't kill me!"