As a dazzling golden flash shot into the sky, Raizen Kō and Madarame Ikkaku were sent hurtling backward by Kenpachi's terrifying sword pressure.
"Is this Kenpachi really wielding his sword with both hands?"
"Cough… cough…"
Raizen Kō sprawled on the ground, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. Beside him, Ikkaku was even worse off; not only had his Bankai been disrupted, but the wounds from his earlier duel with Kenpachi had erupted, leaving him looking as if he were made entirely of blood.
Fortunately, Raizen Kō had already set up the dual barrier. Otherwise, the sword's shockwave-level Reiatsu would have been immediately detectable outside the Training Grounds.
Unexpectedly, Kenpachi rose to his feet, a trace of disappointment in his expression.
"I actually used both hands… and I lost?"
With that, he slumped lazily to the side, boredom etched across his face, clearly done with the fight for the moment.
Meanwhile, Raizen Kō had no time to rest. First, he used Bakudō and Hōhō techniques to staunch Ikkaku's bleeding, and before he could fully bandage him, he had to stabilize Kenpachi's self-inflicted injuries.
A few minutes later, the outer capsule barrier dissipated. Under the astonished gazes of Ayasegawa Yumichika and Kusajishi Yachiru, Raizen Kō was busy treating Kenpachi and Ikkaku simultaneously.
"I've practiced Kidō more than most Fourth Division members…"
Since joining the Eleventh Division, Raizen Kō had realized his greatest growth hadn't been in Zanjutsu, but in Kidō proficiency.
In just a few years as Fourth Seat, aside from occasional challenges from fellow Squad Members, most battles had been with Ikkaku and Kenpachi. Their combat style trading reckless, death-defying blows meant Raizen Kō was forced to constantly adapt, sharpening both offensive and defensive Kidō to near Fourth Division standards.
Often, when his own Squad Members were injured on missions, they bypassed the Fourth Division entirely and came directly to him, the combat-savvy Fourth Seat, for emergency treatment.
"Perhaps… transferring to the Fourth Division wouldn't be so bad. At least the First Kenpachi is there I could truly hone Zanjutsu."
"Although practicing Kidō rigorously in a combat division while learning Zanjutsu in a healing division is… unusual."
Raizen Kō was lost in thought when Yumichika approached, deftly bandaging Ikkaku. His hands moved with an ease born of experience.
"Ah…"
Noticing Raizen Kō's gaze, Yumichika chuckled.
"What's so strange? Before you joined, I was always responsible for their emergency first aid."
Raizen Kō remained silent, absorbing the words.
...
Eleventh Division Barracks
The next morning, Raizen Kō was startled awake by rapid knocks on his door.
Opening it, he found a figure fully shrouded in white. The newcomer spoke arrogantly:
"Fourth Seat Raizen Kō, I am here on behalf of Central 46. In half a month, you are to participate in this year's Noble Hunting Tournament. Your main duty: the security of the nobles."
"Understand, I am delivering information, not consulting with you. This is a rare opportunity for a Shinigami of your humble origin to change your destiny. Seize it!"
Raizen Kō arched an eyebrow. "Who the hell are you?"
The man's arrogance flared. "How dare you speak to me like that! I am Yano Tenka, direct heir of the noble Yano Family. A commoner like you how dare "
"Slap!"
Raizen Kō's hand struck sharply. Tenka flew backward, nose bleeding, a few teeth dislodged. He hadn't even exerted full strength; Tenka's spiritual pressure was weaker than an ordinary Squad Member's, yet Raizen Kō's control ensured Tenka was merely humiliated, not killed.
"You dare hit me?"
Tenka's outrage quickly turned to terror.
"Slap!"
Raizen Kō didn't relent.
"Slap!"
"Slap!"
"Slap!"
Finally, Tenka groaned, "Lord Raizen… I… I was wrong!"
"Slap!"
Raizen Kō grinned mischievously. The right side of Tenka's face was swollen, tears streaked his cheeks, and he looked utterly pitiful.
A familiar voice broke the scene:
"Little friend Raizen, forgive my negligence; I have allowed you to have some fun!"
Raizen Kō looked up to see Yano Masahiko, his chief examiner from the Academy, running with a smile. Upon reaching Tenka, he delivered a fierce kick.
"Uncle, I…"
Tenka's swollen face impeded speech.
"Shut up, you idiot!"
Masahiko glared, then switched to a pleasant expression toward Raizen Kō:
"Raizen Fourth Seat, here's the situation: in previous years, various divisions sent Squad Members to protect nobles in the Hunting Tournament. This year is different. The Kasumioji Family, via Central 46, specifically requested you."
Raizen Kō muttered to himself: "Kasumioji Family… interesting. They found me before I even sought them out."
He glanced at Masahiko and said calmly:
"Don't worry, Senior Yano. If Central 46 issues the mission, as a Shinigami, I will comply."
Masahiko nodded, then hoisted Tenka, like a limp ragdoll, and left swiftly.
"Uncle… avenge me! That commoner dared to hit me!"
In a secluded spot, Tenka complained, but Masahiko, seeing his nephew's swollen face, hesitated, then delivered a harsher slap with his right hand to release his anger.
"You idiot! Do you cause trouble everywhere? I sent you to convey orders, not offend a front-row Seat with immense potential someone destined to become a Captain!"
"You graduated thirty years before him, yet he is already Fourth Seat, and you haven't mastered Shikai. Return to the family, cultivate in seclusion until you master Shikai, and do not leave!"
Masahiko shook his head at Tenka's incompetence. If only he had known Raizen Kō would be so formidable, he would have tried to recruit him years ago.
"Alas… ever since your brother passed, the Yano Family has declined. Among the younger generation, none can shoulder great responsibility!"
Seeing Tenka's pitiful state again, Masahiko flared, finally ordering him:
"Now get out!"