Domain Expansion! An Invitation to Battle from the Captain-Commander!

Jujutsu High.

Chu Yang was confined in a room covered in cursed inscriptions.

Perhaps that was not quite accurate. He had walked in on his own.

Before he entered, Gojo Satoru had said a few things to Jujutsu High’s higher-ups.

"This room can’t hold him. He’s only giving you face and playing along. There’s no point to it."

"In the entire jujutsu world, aside from me, no one can guarantee they’ll beat him."

"So don’t provoke him. That will only make things more complicated."

The leader of the conservatives, the principal of Kyoto Prefectural Jujutsu High School—Yoshinobu Gakuganji, an old man whose age was impossible to discern.

Leaning on his cane, Yoshinobu Gakuganji asked in a dull, hoarse voice, "Gojo Satoru, how can you guarantee that he won’t become an enemy of the jujutsu world?"

"He’s consumed all of Sukuna’s fingers. What if he becomes even more troublesome than Sukuna?"

"Our goal is to resolve the trouble brought by this Special Grade cursed object, not create an even greater problem!"

Gojo Satoru swept his gaze around the room and smiled confidently. "When the time comes, I’ll handle it."

Upon hearing Gojo Satoru’s words, the higher-ups, Yoshinobu Gakuganji included, fell silent.

That statement alone left them with little room to argue.

If a problem arose in the jujutsu world that even Gojo Satoru could not resolve, then there was no point in holding onto any hope.

The negotiations took far less time than Chu Yang had expected. Before long, Gojo Satoru appeared in the room covered in cursed inscriptions.

Chu Yang sat in a chair with one leg crossed over the other, dozing against the backrest, utterly unconcerned about his fate.

Gojo Satoru directly tossed him six Sukuna’s fingers, all still sealed.

"Can you swallow them? Don’t accidentally choke yourself to death. I was just bragging about you to those old men."

The twenty Sukuna’s fingers had been scattered across the world. Jujutsu High had stored six of them, and after some maneuvering, Gojo Satoru had brought every one of them to Chu Yang.

Gojo Satoru had his own selfish motives.

He was too eager to see just how strong Chu Yang would become after swallowing every finger.

He would surely become an unprecedentedly powerful opponent!

However, Gojo Satoru did not understand Chu Yang.

He did not know that the man before him improved at a geometric rate.

Every world’s clone progressed just a little, but added together, those gains became an entirely new transformation.

The Nine Yin Manual, Nine Yang Divine Skill, Nine Swords of Dugu, and other supreme martial arts manuals.

Fengdu and Tianque, two Zanpakuto fused with the traits of countless Chu Yangs, so powerful that they could directly complete the Hogyoku.

Demon Slayer Chu Yang’s swordsmanship insights and Breathing Technique.

Hokage Chu Yang’s ever-refined Otsutsuki Bloodline.

Pirate Chu Yang’s Conqueror’s Haki, which was gradually approaching the level of Emperor-Class powerhouses.

Magic Chu Yang and Marvel Chu Yang were developing a new system of techniques, intending to merge every spell-type ability they had learned into one.

With so much support, Chu Yang did not believe he would lose to Gojo Satoru.

Taking Sukuna’s fingers from Gojo Satoru, Chu Yang calmly peeled away the cursed seals around them, as though removing candy wrappers.

"I suggest you eat them slowly. Don’t swallow them all at—"

Before he could finish, Gojo Satoru watched Chu Yang pour all six fingers into his mouth and swallow them in one gulp.

"You have no idea how disgusting those things taste…"

Better one sharp pain than a long one. Chu Yang had no desire to taste them one by one. Something so revolting was best swallowed all at once.

He had felt the same way about drinking traditional medicine as a child.

The moment the six Sukuna’s fingers entered his stomach, his consciousness uncontrollably plunged into chaos.

When he opened his eyes again.

Chu Yang saw Sukuna seated high upon a throne.

Corpses littered the surroundings.

Sukuna propped up his chin with one hand, lounging lazily with one leg crossed over the other.

"This time, it’s just you?"

A cold gleam flashed in Sukuna’s eyes.

"I’m surprised too."

Chu Yang had thought the Soul Palace would appear again, but this time, he had been dragged into Sukuna’s Domain.

This showed that.

The Soul Palace seemed to appear depending on its mood. Things such as Sukuna’s fingers were only triggers.

Sukuna slowly rose to his feet. His killing intent burst forth like floodwaters through a broken dam, engulfing Chu Yang in an instant.

Standing at the heart of the storm formed by that killing intent, Chu Yang directly summoned Susanoo.

The humanoid monstrosity enveloped Chu Yang, while Armament Haki immediately coated Susanoo’s entire body.

"Another technique I’ve never seen before. You really know quite a lot."

Sukuna narrowed his eyes and formed a hand seal.

"Malevolent Shrine."

Within his innate Domain, Sukuna could unleash terrifying slashes known as "Dismantle" and "Cleave."

Every living and nonliving thing within the Domain that possessed Cursed Energy would be cut to pieces.

Its destructive power was on par with Gojo Satoru’s Limitless.

Yet for Chu Yang, Sukuna’s purely physical attacks were easier to handle than Gojo Satoru’s ever-changing spatial abilities.

Susanoo was enormous, nearly bursting through Sukuna’s Domain. Chu Yang only needed a glance to swiftly lock onto his target.

Countless silvery-white threads appeared in the void.

Looking closely.

They were razor-sharp slashes that tore through space.

The innumerable slashes fell like torrential rain, crashing wildly against Susanoo’s massive body.

In an instant.

The clash between the slashes and Armament Haki produced dazzling sparks that filled the sky.

The Armament Haki was gradually worn away.

The remaining slashes were endured head-on by Susanoo.

"Huh?"

"You actually blocked them?"

Sukuna was extremely surprised. In all these years, this was the first time he had seen someone block his slashes head-on.

Chu Yang was also surprised. Sukuna’s slashes were even stronger than he had predicted, capable of directly breaking through Armament Haki’s defenses.

Susanoo drew its bow and nocked an arrow. A massive arrow formed from Chakra shot toward Sukuna.

Sukuna unleashed his slashes again.

Silvery-white lines formed a storm and ground the arrow away.

At that moment, Susanoo moved. Its mountain-like body flashed abruptly, appearing before Sukuna out of thin air.

Flying Thunder God!

Sukuna’s pupils suddenly contracted.

He had assumed that Susanoo’s seemingly bulky form could not move very quickly.

Yet in the blink of an eye, it had appeared right before him.

The three-headed, six-armed Susanoo wielded six massive swords condensed from Chakra and swung them frantically at Sukuna.

Sukuna’s figure flickered repeatedly, evading Susanoo’s attacks at almost teleportation-like speed.

The entire space trembled violently, as though it would shatter the next second.

Sukuna stared at Chu Yang inside Susanoo and pressed his palms together. The Domain’s range continuously shrank, and in exchange, he raised the power of his slashes to the maximum.

Countless slashes rained down like a violent storm descending upon the world, turning heaven and earth into a vast expanse of white.

Susanoo was swallowed by the continuous white light and fell completely still.

"Hahaha!!!"

Sukuna let out a hysterical laugh. Having avenged himself, he felt utterly exhilarated.

"Sorry to spoil your good mood, but isn’t it a little early to start laughing?"

Unharmed, Chu Yang walked out of the smoke and dust as his hands slowly formed a cursed seal.

A massive amount of Cursed Energy poured forth, constructing an unknown Domain.

"Now it’s my turn."

"Domain Expansion!"

Sukuna’s laughter stopped abruptly. He watched as Chu Yang’s Domain gradually devoured his own space, his face filled with shock and uncertainty.

"Death Struggle Corridor!"

Death Struggle Corridor.

It was an endlessly looping corridor connected from end to beginning.

Of the two people within the corridor, only when one died would the Domain end.

Before that, not even a Jujutsu Sorcerer of any rank could forcibly destroy the Domain.

Sukuna’s expression darkened.

He could feel the terrifying suppressive force of Death Struggle Corridor.

That meant the Domain itself imposed exceptionally harsh conditions on its user.

Much like Toji Fushiguro’s Heavenly Restriction—trading away all Cursed Energy in exchange for a terrifying body that surpassed human limits.

Death Struggle Corridor imposed a similar restriction on Chu Yang.

Even stranger, under such suppression, Malevolent Shrine had grown even larger than before.

Feeling a hint of unease, Sukuna launched a slash, intending to test the current situation.

Yet with only a casual strike, a long, narrow crack appeared in the space the slash crossed before vanishing in an instant.

Space had been torn apart.

This was an effect that previously required one of his full-powered attacks.

"My Cursed Energy has nearly doubled…"

"This brat’s Domain actually makes his enemy stronger?"

"What’s the point?"

Sukuna frowned deeply. He did not believe there was such a fool in the world who would benefit others at his own expense.

Chu Yang threw a punch and shattered the slash that looked as though it had been cast from silver light.

Lightning erupted all over his body.

Source Breathing operated at full force.

Faint sunlight, moonlight, and starlight spilled from his nostrils with every breath.

Even tougher than Susanoo was Chu Yang’s physical body.

And the weapons in Chu Yang’s hands were no longer simple wooden swords, but two ancient swords of completely different colors.

Although he had yet to figure out the abilities of the two Zanpakuto, it did not hinder Chu Yang from using them to perform sword techniques.

There were no stronger weapons in this world than these two ancient swords.

Just as battle was about to erupt.

Sukuna could not resist asking a question.

"Why does your Domain make me stronger?"

"What exactly do you gain in exchange?"

Facing Sukuna’s question, Chu Yang smiled and said only one thing.

"Death Struggle Corridor. The victor obtains everything from the defeated."

Sukuna’s pupils abruptly shrank.

Holding Fengdu brought a bone-piercing chill. Chu Yang casually swung it, and pale moonlight flowed along the blade like a gentle stream.

"Anything else you want to say? It’ll probably be a long time before we meet again." Chu Yang kindly reminded Sukuna. Next time, he would gather every finger and completely take all of Sukuna’s Cursed Energy.

Sukuna sneered and silently raised both arms. Flames burst from his fingertips, replacing the razor-sharp slashes.

You’ve doubled my Cursed Energy?

Then get the hell down to hell!

Scorching heat waves filled the air. This was the first time Sukuna had displayed another technique.

The flames were incredibly hot.

Their temperature far surpassed the heat created by Fire Release and Flame Breathing.

They were even far hotter than magma.

Sukuna snapped his fingers, and firelight instantly illuminated the entire space. The bones beneath their feet turned to ash in an instant.

Even with every buff stacked, Chu Yang could still feel waves of searing pain.

The crimson flames continuously gathered, gradually gaining a hint of gold as their temperature continued to rise.

Sukuna swung his hand as though grasping the sea of flames around him, then hurled it at Chu Yang.

The sea of fire closed in.

Fengdu seemed to have been provoked. Its blade trembled wildly, as though something was about to spill forth.

Chu Yang did not notice. Holding both swords, he unleashed the Second Form of Source Breathing.

Sunlight and moonlight reflected one another, merging into a massive wheel that blocked the blazing flames.

The wheel spun, continuously drawing in the sea of fire as the light of sun and moon wore it away.

"How does this guy have even more techniques than I do?"

Many techniques were still sealed inside Sukuna’s shrine, but each required the proper conditions to use.

He had yet to return to his peak and could not wield them as he pleased.

In Sukuna’s eyes, Chu Yang seemed to face no limitations when using techniques. It was something he could not understand.

At this rate, I might lose…

Sukuna decided to go all out. Since his opponent had so many techniques, he would choose close-quarters combat.

His physical abilities were among the very best in the entire jujutsu world.

Just as the flames and the sun-moon wheel clashed most fiercely, Sukuna’s figure suddenly vanished. He reappeared behind Chu Yang and launched a surprise attack.

From behind, Sukuna drove a fist toward Chu Yang’s heart.

The sound of breaking air reached Chu Yang’s ears. It was as though he had eyes on the back of his head; he gripped his swords in reverse and crossed them behind his back in a blocking stance.

Sukuna’s fist slammed into the point where the two swords met.

Clang!!!

Sparks flew everywhere!

The blades of Fengdu and Tianque sank slightly, blocking Sukuna’s devastating punch.

Fengdu radiated a biting chill.

A strange pale-yellow liquid seeped from its black blade.

It was as if it had flowed out from the river engraved upon the sword.

The instant Sukuna touched the unknown liquid, an astonishing coldness crashed into his body.

Sukuna’s unfathomable ocean-like Cursed Energy began vanishing at an alarming rate.

Before long, even if Chu Yang did nothing, Sukuna would disappear once his Cursed Energy was exhausted.

Sukuna stared at Chu Yang in shock.

The sword in his opponent’s hand was the bane of all curses. Even Jujutsu Sorcerers would be suppressed by it!

This man could destroy the entire jujutsu world!

Chu Yang did not notice Sukuna’s expression. After blocking the attack, he turned with the momentum and slashed at Sukuna’s neck.

Sukuna’s reaction was only half a beat too slow, yet his head was nearly cut off.

Under normal circumstances, he would have immediately used Reverse Cursed Technique to heal his wound.

Yet at this moment, he realized it would be futile.

Unless he could resolve Fengdu’s suppression of Cursed Energy, it would not matter how many times he healed himself. The outcome would not change.

So, for the second time in his life, Sukuna voluntarily accepted death.

His gaze was calm, no longer as hysterical as last time.

He stared at Chu Yang.

"Your wish… isn’t to destroy the entire jujutsu world, is it?"

Hearing Sukuna’s question, Chu Yang’s lips curled into an odd smile.

"Who knows?"

Sukuna laughed excitedly as his body gradually faded away.

As Malevolent Shrine vanished, Chu Yang’s consciousness returned to reality.

Unfortunately, his strength had not improved much.

It was not because the domain had failed.

It was because Sukuna’s condition was rather unusual.

To truly defeat him, all of his fingers had to be gathered.

Even so.

Thanks to the effect of Death Struggle Corridor, Chu Yang could now wield part of Malevolent Shrine’s power.

When he came back to his senses, Chu Yang saw that Gojo Satoru had already lifted his blindfold and prepared for battle, even finishing his hand sign.

Parched, Chu Yang smiled. "Senior, can you get me some water? That thing kind of got stuck in my throat."

Gojo Satoru put his blindfold back on and patted Chu Yang’s shoulder.

"Let’s go outside to drink water!"

At the same time.

Bleach world.

Chu Yang’s Zanpakuto had caused a massive uproar in the Seireitei.

It had even…

Alerted the Soul King Palace!

The guardians of the Seireitei were the Gotei 13.

Above the Gotei 13, however, existed Zero Division.

Zero Division was also known as the "Royal Guard." Their primary duty was to guard the Soul King Palace and protect the creator of the Soul Society—the "Soul King."

Zero Division had five members, each vastly more powerful than a captain-class Shinigami.

Besides immense strength, there was an even more important requirement for becoming a member of Zero Division.

Only those who had created something of great significance for the Soul Society and been acknowledged by the Soul King as talents who had "created Soul Society history" could be chosen for Zero Division.

The Zanpakuto had been created by one of them.

Oetsu Nimaiya.

He was the Third Officer of Zero Division, the Western Divine General, known as the "Sword God." Every Asauchi, the prototype of all Zanpakuto in the Soul Society, had been forged by him alone.

Meanwhile, the leader of Zero Division, Ichibe Hyosube, was the namer of all things in the Soul Society.

The Soul King had bestowed upon him the titles "Monk Who Calls the Real Name" and "Eye Monk," meaning "one who speaks a true name."

The terms "Zanpakuto," "Shikai," and "Bankai" had all been named by him. Ichibe Hyosube knew the "true name" of every Zanpakuto.

Except…

Chu Yang’s two Zanpakuto.

After Fengdu and Tianque came into existence, two nameless Zanpakuto had appeared in the Soul Society. Such a thing had never happened in countless millennia.

Oetsu Nimaiya could sense the existence of the two Zanpakuto, but Ichibe Hyosube could not know their names.

Thus, Zero Division, which would never interfere in matters outside the Soul King Palace, abruptly appeared in the Seireitei before Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.

As the Soul King’s representatives, their actions followed the Soul King’s will.

After learning of the situation, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni wore a grave expression. Such seemingly minor "accidents" would always stir up earth-shattering waves in the future.

They summoned Chu Yang at once.

It was already late at night.

Most Shinigami should have been asleep by then.

But Zero Division’s arrival in the Seireitei had caused a tremendous commotion. The Reiatsu of Oetsu Nimaiya and Ichibe Hyosube shone as brightly as suns in the night.

No one could sleep.

Chu Yang was no exception. He stepped out of his room and stared blankly at the Central Palace of the Seireitei.

He had a feeling that this disturbance was related to him.

After a while.

Everything returned to calm.

Two Shinigami Captains appeared in Chu Yang’s room.

Kyoraku Shunsui.

Jushiro Ukitake.

As Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni’s two most prized disciples, they were responsible for bringing Chu Yang to meet Oetsu Nimaiya and Ichibe Hyosube.

"The Captain-Commander said it’s only a few simple questions. Don’t be too nervous."

Kyoraku Shunsui spoke to reassure Chu Yang.

He had quite a good impression of this young man, especially since Chu Yang had "accidentally" ruined Aizen’s scheme last time.

Jushiro Ukitake said nothing.

How could anything involving those people from Zero Division be a small matter?

This kid probably had some unspeakable secret.

Over the many years of the Soul Society’s existence, cases like Chu Yang’s—entering the Seireitei as an intruder and successfully becoming a Shinigami—were exceedingly rare.

Not to mention that he had even played someone as ruthless as Aizen.

How could someone like that be harmless?

As they walked, Chu Yang had roughly guessed that the Soul King Palace had come this time because of Fengdu and Tianque, his two Zanpakuto.

By the time the three reached the Central Palace, many Shinigami had already gathered there.

Rukia, who had just returned from a mission in the World of the Living, looked at Chu Yang with concern.

"What trouble did you cause this time?" Rukia walked up to Chu Yang. Byakuya Kuchiki stood behind her, and the siblings stared directly at Chu Yang.

It looked as though they were reprimanding Chu Yang, but they were actually questioning Kyoraku Shunsui and Jushiro Ukitake.

Kyoraku Shunsui looked around and saw that more and more Shinigami were gathering. He immediately waved them away.

"It’s nothing serious. The Captain-Commander just has some questions for him. Those with no business here should patrol if they need to patrol and rest if they need to rest. Leave now!"

As one of the Shinigami who had served as Captain the longest, Kyoraku Shunsui carried considerable prestige. After a brief scolding, most of the Shinigami immediately dispersed.

Only a small number of captain-class and lieutenant-class Shinigami remained.

Unohana Retsu slowly stepped forward and asked softly, "Captain Kyoraku, those two Reiatsu just now, were they…?"

Before she could finish, Kyoraku Shunsui nodded solemnly.

Having received her answer, Unohana Retsu glanced at Chu Yang in surprise before leaving.

The others also got their answer from the exchange between the two. In an instant, everyone’s gaze focused on Chu Yang.

This guy again?

Rukia Kuchiki sensed that the atmosphere was somewhat off, so she moved closer to Byakuya Kuchiki and asked in a low voice, "Brother?"

Byakuya Kuchiki gave a simple answer. "Soul King Palace."

Rukia Kuchiki was immediately shocked.

By the time she regained her senses, Kyoraku Shunsui had already led Chu Yang away.

Rukia Kuchiki’s gaze dimmed. If the Soul King Palace was involved, then not even the entire Seireitei could help Chu Yang, let alone her.

Chu Yang and the others arrived at Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni’s residence.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, Zero Division’s leader Ichibe Hyosube, and Zanpakuto creator Oetsu Nimaiya had long been waiting outside the courtyard.

"Your Zanpakuto has awakened, hasn’t it?"

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni was clearly strong enough to kill a bull with one punch, yet he insisted on leaning on a cane as he slowly made his way over to Chu Yang.

That weathered old face was as calm as an ancient well, and his words carried immense pressure.

Unlike other manifested Zanpakuto, Fengdu and Tianque resided within Chu Yang’s soul.

With a thought from him, the two Zanpakuto appeared out of thin air and floated before him.

Terrifying Reiatsu spilled from the two blades, no weaker than the commotion caused when Ichibe Hyosube and Oetsu Nimaiya had arrived in the Seireitei.

Just as Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni was about to step forward and examine the two Zanpakuto closely, Oetsu Nimaiya had already moved ahead of him and stood before Fengdu and Tianque.

Oetsu Nimaiya extended a hand and gently stroked the blades. His eyes were entranced and his expression intoxicated, as though he had seen the most beautiful woman in the world. He muttered, "It’s truly indescribable…"

Zanpakuto came in all kinds of strange forms. Ancient sword styles were not unheard of, but ancient swords as exquisite and magnificent as Fengdu and Tianque were absolutely unparalleled.

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni coughed lightly, seemingly reminding Oetsu Nimaiya not to lose his composure, but the latter ignored him completely.

Like an obsessed fanatic who had run into a celebrity.

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni asked, "When did your Zanpakuto awaken?"

Chu Yang answered honestly, "Not long ago."

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni frowned slightly. "What about Shikai?"

Chu Yang shook his head.

Fengdu and Tianque were extremely unusual. Although he knew their names, he had yet to complete their Shikai.

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni turned to glance at Ichibe Hyosube, who nodded faintly.

Then.

Before everyone’s astonished eyes, the Captain-Commander slowly removed his upper garments, revealing his muscular body.

"For certain reasons, we need to understand your Zanpakuto."

"Since you have not yet achieved Shikai, I’ll help you with that."

Before Kyoraku Shunsui and Jushiro Ukitake could react, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni had already attacked Chu Yang.

Still, old man Yamamoto had enough pride not to use Ryujin Jakka right from the start.

He used Hakuda, the Taijutsu of the Bleach world.

His veined fist streaked through the night like lightning, his robes snapping in the wind. With one seemingly casual punch from Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, the entire space trembled.

A spark of true anger also rose in Chu Yang’s heart.

The Captain-Commander’s overbearing, unilateral way of doing things displeased him greatly. Even knowing that the other man was testing him, Chu Yang felt the urge to compete.

Lightning Release Armor, Conqueror’s Haki, Source Breathing, Six Paths Sage Mode, Nine Yang Divine Skill, Dragon Elephant Prajna Skill, and every other buff that could enhance his strength were stacked to the limit in an instant.

I may not be your match in Zanpakuto or Reiatsu, but when it comes to physical strength, that’s another matter entirely!

A terrifying aura erupted from Chu Yang as well.

He threw an utterly ordinary punch.

Their fists collided violently, and the berserk force directly tore up the ground beneath their feet!

A second later, the entire courtyard was sent flying into the sky.

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni’s pupils contracted, then delight flashed through his eyes. Chu Yang’s performance had far exceeded his expectations.

This kid… is interesting!

The other four spectators retreated from the battlefield. After a brief moment of shock, Kyoraku Shunsui swiftly set up a barrier around them.

He feared that their battle would cause widespread destruction throughout the Seireitei.

Everyone had been caught off guard.

No one had expected things to escalate this much!

A newcomer who had only recently become a Shinigami could actually trade punches head-on with the Captain-Commander?

Who would believe it if it were told?

All four of them had thought Chu Yang would be beaten one-sidedly by Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.

"The energy fluctuations around this guy are strange. They greatly enhance his physical functions. Could this be some new Kido?"

"Did he create it himself?"

Oetsu Nimaiya stood on the edge of a rooftop, stroking his chin as he carefully observed the Tailed Beast Cloak around Chu Yang.

Ichibe Hyosube was equally interested. There were now even more things he did not know.

Kyoraku Shunsui’s expression was far more complicated than theirs.

Setting Zanpakuto aside for the moment, Chu Yang’s combat ability in Taijutsu alone had already reached captain level.

And he belonged among the very strongest.

The positions left vacant after Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tosen departed remained unfilled to this day.

Judging by today’s situation, Chu Yang, a new Shinigami who had only recently graduated from the academy, would likely temporarily take one of those positions.

The hand-to-hand battle between Chu Yang and Head Captain Yamamoto continued.

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni’s interest grew higher and higher, and he had begun using Hakuda techniques such as Ikkotsu and Sokotsu.

He dared to strike heavily because he had discovered that Chu Yang’s strength was not merely equal to his own…

He wanted to see just how much this young man was still hiding.

Meanwhile, after fighting for a while, Chu Yang discovered that the most effective ability against his opponent was Conqueror’s Haki.

Conqueror’s Haki Coating was the dividing line for emperor-level powerhouses in the One Piece world. Only those who had mastered this move could truly be considered overlords of a region.

And Conqueror’s Haki Coating had a special impact on Shinigami, beings composed of densely gathered Reishi.

Whenever Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni took a hit from Conqueror’s Haki Coating, his movements would noticeably stall.

If the scene were magnified to a microscopic level invisible to the naked eye, one could see that the Reishi in the struck area had actually been scattered apart before gathering back into its original form.

In theory, as long as Chu Yang’s Conqueror’s Haki was strong enough, he could forcibly beat a Shinigami back into their original Reishi state.

But that was only in theory. The possibility of actually doing so was nearly zero.

Because Haki was limited.

And once Haki was completely exhausted, it could not be restored to a usable state in a short time.

Although it had obvious drawbacks, the effect Conqueror’s Haki Coating displayed in actual combat was still terrifying.

In a battle between opponents of the same level, a single opening could determine the outcome.

Before his Haki ran out, Conqueror’s Haki Coating could create numerous openings in an opponent’s defenses.

Just like now.

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, hailed as the strongest Shinigami in a thousand years, had become both stiff and badly distorted in his movements after taking multiple hits from Conqueror’s Haki Coating.

Anyone unaware of the situation might have thought he was a decrepit old man on the verge of death.

The more he fought, the more unpleasant it became.

"Yamamoto has been suppressed."

Ichibe Hyosube’s eyes lit up as he revealed a gleeful smile.

"Now he’ll have to get serious."

Oetsu Nimaiya looked faintly expectant.

"You two, my barrier won’t be able to contain the next part of this battle. I hope you can lend a hand. This is the Seireitei, after all…"

Kyoraku Shunsui walked over and looked at the two spectators with a troubled expression.

Ichibe Hyosube nodded and reached into the air. A massive brush appeared in his hand.

With a grand sweep of his brush, an even more powerful barrier swiftly enveloped the area.

Even with the barrier in place, the earlier battle had already alerted the captains and vice-captains of the Gotei 13, and they were on their way.

The first to arrive were Zaraki Kenpachi and Unohana Retsu.

Just as they joined the spectators.

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni took a deep breath. The cane he often leaned upon transformed into a tachi, with a deep purple hilt and an oval guard, resembling flames burning at their fiercest.

The moment that tachi appeared, the atmosphere immediately became heavy. Everyone focused and held their breath.

"I never expected I would have to draw my blade before you felt any pressure. The younger generation truly deserves respect."

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni gazed at Chu Yang’s youthful face, unable to suppress his emotion.

"Captain-Commander, you seem rather eager. Do you insist on seeing my Shikai right now?"

Chu Yang gripped Fengdu and Tianque as well. A strange, indescribable stirring suddenly rose in his heart, as though something was about to break out of its shell.

Unohana Retsu, watching from afar, asked in surprise, "This child also has dual blades?"

Dual-blade Zanpakuto were exceedingly rare. Only Kyoraku Shunsui and Jushiro Ukitake possessed dual blades.

At that moment, in the center of the battlefield, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni had already spoken the release command.

"Reduce all creation to ash, Ryujin Jakka!"

In an instant, raging flames ignited across the tachi’s blade. The temperature reached six thousand degrees, warping even the air.

"With your physique, this strike certainly won’t kill you. But you’d best find a way to block it, because it won’t feel pleasant."

Using the kindest tone to speak the most terrifying words, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni exuded a frightening aura as he swung the tachi without mercy.

"Scorching Hell!"

Dozens of towering pillars of fire erupted from the ground, burning away the earth beneath Chu Yang’s feet.

Ichibe Hyosube hurriedly waved his brush. As ink splashed through the air, the flames that broke through the barrier seemed to be snuffed out from the void.

The captains arriving one after another were all dumbfounded at the sight.

At the same time.

Chu Yang’s face twisted hideously as his body was scorched by temperatures in the thousands of degrees. The stirring in his heart grew stronger and stronger.

Until Fengdu’s voice reached his ears…

Man and sword, souls entwining.

Chu Yang viciously plunged Fengdu into the blazing earth.

Then he threw back his head and roared.

"Yomi!"

Yellow spring water, carrying bone-piercing cold and terrifying Resentful Energy, surged madly from the void and from beneath the earth.

Under the horrified gazes of Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni and every observer.

The flames that should have burned everything gradually went out as Yomi swallowed them.

For thousands of years, nothing had ever been able to extinguish the flames of Ryujin Jakka.

Now, something had appeared.

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni stared at the blackened ground left behind after the flames receded, his expression complicated.

Yomi Water surrounded them.

He had indeed hoped Chu Yang would give him a surprise, but this surprise had come a little too intensely.

Among the captains present, only Zaraki Kenpachi studied Fengdu with interest. Everyone else was utterly shocked, finding it hard to believe what they were seeing.

"What… is this water?"

"Six-thousand-degree flames can vaporize any liquid. How could it possibly put them out?"

"Did the Captain-Commander hold back?"

"Probably not."

"The Captain-Commander looks shocked as well."

"When did he awaken his Zanpakuto?"

Oetsu Nimaiya bent down and scooped up the Yomi Water flowing across the ground. In a low voice, he said, "This water seems to be continuously draining away my spiritual power."

Ichibe Hyosube was startled when he heard that, and he too bent down and pressed his hand into the Yomi.

When the terrifying cold struck his body, he abruptly discovered that the Reishi within him was decreasing.

Ichibe Hyosube’s pupils trembled violently.

This was extraordinary!

He had thought this Zanpakuto’s ability merely countered Ryujin Jakka. He had not expected it to counter spiritual bodies themselves even more strongly.

"Yomi… in a sense, this Zanpakuto’s true name is highly ominous."

Ichibe Hyosube spoke softly.

Everyone present had heard Chu Yang’s roar, so they took "Yomi" to be the Zanpakuto’s true name. They had no idea it was merely one of Fengdu’s abilities.

If they knew, their expressions would likely become even more interesting.

Ichibe Hyosube frowned deeply. The older a Shinigami was, the more reverence they held for ancient legends.

No one dared say what the world had been like before the Soul King created the Three Realms.

Even today, Hell still existed beyond the Three Realms.

"I wonder what the Soul King’s attitude would be if he knew about this."

Oetsu Nimaiya’s gaze never left Fengdu’s black blade. A trace of greed that should not have existed even rose in his heart.

This was a special Zanpakuto, exceptionally suitable for collecting…

Taking a deep breath, Oetsu Nimaiya’s gaze cleared.

As a Shinigami who had lived for an unknown number of years, his greed lasted only an instant before he quickly regained his reason.

"You already know the Zanpakuto’s true name. It’s about time you returned, isn’t it?"

"There cannot be no one guarding the Soul King."

At some point, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni had put away Ryujin Jakka and replaced it with his cane. He slowly walked over to the two of them, hunched over as he returned to his usual elderly appearance.

Ichibe Hyosube and Oetsu Nimaiya exchanged a glance.

Head Captain Yamamoto was telling them to leave.

The strongest Shinigami in a thousand years had been thoroughly drenched by a brat. Anyone would find that a little hard to swallow.

However.

No one believed Chu Yang was stronger than Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.

The strongest Shinigami in a thousand years was no empty title.

With their purpose achieved, the two of them indeed could not remain any longer. The stability of the Soul King Palace was more important than anything else.

Before leaving, Oetsu Nimaiya gave Tianque one last meaningful glance.

"Perhaps I’m overthinking it?"

He always felt that the two Zanpakuto each had their own true name, yet the thought seemed absurd when he considered it carefully.

Dual blades were rare but not unheard of. However, one person awakening two Zanpakuto was something he had truly never seen before.

Only after confirming that their presences had vanished did Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni walk over to Chu Yang. He fell silent for a long while, his gaze shifting uncertainly over the other’s body.

"The Fifth Division captain’s position has been vacant for too long. You will take over from now on."

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni’s words shocked the captains present once again.

Under normal circumstances, there were three ways to become a Shinigami Captain.

First, pass the captain’s examination under the witness of three captains, including the Captain-Commander.

Second, receive a joint recommendation from six captains, then gain the approval of three out of the remaining six captains.

Third, challenge the current captain before two hundred Shinigami members and defeat them to succeed as the new captain.

Among them, the position of First Division captain, namely the Captain-Commander, was somewhat special and required the approval of Central 46.

A situation like this, where Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni decided it with a single word, had never occurred in the history of Soul Society.

However.

Even if Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni had said nothing, after witnessing the battle just now, the captains acknowledged that Chu Yang’s strength had indeed reached captain level.

"The Fifth Division… of all divisions, it had to be the one Aizen once commanded. The Captain-Commander’s decision is certainly interesting…"

The same thought could not help surfacing in everyone’s mind.

The positions of Third Division captain once held by Gin Ichimaru and Ninth Division captain once held by Kaname Tosen were also vacant, yet Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni had chosen to appoint Chu Yang as captain of the Fifth Division.

Based solely on the combat ability Chu Yang had displayed earlier, Third Division, which handled support missions, was actually more suitable for him.

Since the Captain-Commander had already made his decision, the other captains could only agree and offer Chu Yang their congratulations.

That brought the matter to an end. Thanks to Ichibe Hyosube’s barrier, aside from the captains and some vice-captain-level Shinigami, the remaining Shinigami had no idea what had happened that night.

On the way back, Chu Yang was brought to another residence, an independent courtyard.

Now that he was a Shinigami Captain, it was no longer suitable for him to crowd into the dormitories with the other new Shinigami.

Chu Yang stood in the courtyard as Fengdu and Tianque circled him as though they possessed spirits.

"Yomi…"

"According to legend, to reach Fengdu, one must first pass through the Demon Gate, the Yellow Springs Road, the Bridge of Helplessness, and the Platform of Gazing Home."

"If the abilities correspond one by one, then apart from the Yomi I used just now, this Zanpakuto should have three more abilities."

"Together, the four abilities should form Fengdu’s complete Shikai state."

"What about its Bankai?"

"If I continue extrapolating from its current state…?"

As he thought, Chu Yang shifted his gaze to Tianque. Fengdu’s abilities had roughly begun to take shape in his mind, but he had no clue at all about this Zanpakuto.

The next day.

On Chu Yang’s first day in office, the entire Gotei 13 erupted into an uproar.

Especially the new Shinigami who had graduated during the same period as Chu Yang.

Such a rate of promotion had never existed since the founding of the Gotei 13.

Although they did not know why Chu Yang had been exceptionally promoted to captain, they could not accept his position as captain at all.

There were countless people who refused to accept it!

In response.

Chu Yang displayed an exceptionally forceful attitude.

"According to the rules, anyone may challenge the current captain before two hundred Shinigami members. If they win, they may succeed as the new captain."

"I am right here. If any of you want to become captain, come challenge me!"

"Whether you live or die is your own responsibility!"