Bleach: The Strongest Shinigami, Hitsugaya Toshiro

However, immediately after, Toshiro's ice wings fluttered, and he flew back to Yoruichi's side, who was still frozen in a cross-shaped block of ice.

Then, Toshiro lightly tapped the cross-shaped ice block with his Zanpakuto.

Crack!

The ice shattered, revealing Yoruichi inside.

"Achoo!"

Emerging from the ice, Yoruichi couldn't help but shiver and sneeze.

"So cold... I almost froze to death!"

Yoruichi said, trembling.

"Oh? Feeling cold already? I didn't truly try to kill you just now."

Toshiro released his Pseudo-Bankai and chuckled lightly.

Toshiro indeed hadn't tried to kill her earlier. When using Hail Flower Dragon, he only froze the surface of Yoruichi's body and the freezing power didn't invade her internal organs. Otherwise, not only the ice would have shattered… Yoruichi would have shattered along with it.

Yoruichi glared at Toshiro, furious but not daring to speak. "You little brat..."

"Well then... Goddess of Flash... Goodbye."

Toshiro said slowly, emphasizing each syllable mockingly.

Yoruichi's temples throbbed with anger, and she gritted her teeth. "You... despicable guy..."

However, before she could finish, Toshiro took light steps and headed into the distance.

"Hmm, it seems now that Hitsugaya Toshiro is more friend than foe."

Watching Toshiro's departing figure, Yoruichi couldn't help but murmur to herself.

Although Isshin had said Toshiro would help them if they were in danger, Yoruichi still couldn't fully trust Toshiro.

After all, Isshin had left the Soul Society many years ago and hadn't had contact with Toshiro for a long time. Although Toshiro had agreed to help them on the surface, Yoruichi couldn't be certain what Toshiro would actually do.

If Toshiro were to say one thing and do another, they would be in great danger. So, unless absolutely necessary, Yoruichi originally hadn't planned to contact Toshiro.

However, judging by Toshiro's behavior just now, he likely harbored no hostility towards them. Otherwise, he would have directly killed or captured her just now.

Seireitei, Western District.

Rangiku was currently leading a few squad members surrounding a Ryoka.

This Ryoka had a robust build, brown skin, and curly brown short hair. Moreover, his right arm was unusually broad, covered in black and red stripes, looking quite peculiar.

Undoubtedly, this person was Sado Yasutora, Chad.

Perhaps due to the butterfly effect, the plot had deviated slightly, leading to Chad encountering Rangiku and the others right from the start.

"Ryoka, you are surrounded. Surrender now."

Rangiku sternly advised.

Because Toshiro had ordered not to kill the Ryoka, Rangiku hadn't immediately attacked. Instead, she wanted the other party to surrender voluntarily.

"I refuse!"

Chad glanced at the Shinigami surrounding him and refused without hesitation.

Hearing Chad's reply, Rangiku frowned slightly. If the other party wouldn't surrender, they would have to resort to force.

Thinking this, Rangiku didn't hesitate any longer and ordered, "Attack! Capture him! But be careful not to take his life."

Upon Rangiku's order, the Shinigami surrounding Chad immediately attacked.

Seeing this, Chad also swung his Right Arm of the Giant to meet them.

Thump thump thump!!

Under Chad's iron-fisted attacks, the Shinigami surrounding him were sent flying, knocked unconscious, unable to get up.

"What?!"

Rangiku exclaimed in shock.

Chad defeating the surrounding Shinigami with a few punches greatly exceeded Rangiku's expectations.

Although these Shinigami were ordinary ones with moderate strength, the ease with which Chad defeated them indicated his strength was certainly not weak.

"Ryoka, your strength is indeed good. But with only this level, you cannot defeat me, a Lieutenant. Captain ordered not to kill Ryoka, so I don't want to attack you. Surrender voluntarily!"

Rangiku said gravely.

"You're a Lieutenant?"

Chad asked, somewhat surprised.

Chad had heard that within the Soul Society, the strongest were Captains and Lieutenants. That this beautiful woman before him was a Lieutenant genuinely surprised Chad.

"If you're a Lieutenant, then you must be very strong. It seems I need to take this seriously."

Chad said with a serious expression.

Clang!

Rangiku drew the Zanpakuto at her waist.

"It seems you don't intend to surrender. In that case, I'll have to resort to force. I'll try my best not to kill you!"

Rangiku said solemnly.

With that, Rangiku initiated the attack.

Swish!

Rangiku's sharp blade slashed towards Chad. However, remembering Toshiro's order, she didn't aim for vital spots.

Facing Rangiku's incoming slash, Chad didn't retreat. Instead, he directly swung his right arm, punching towards the blade.

Clang!

Rangiku's Zanpakuto collided with Chad's right fist, producing a metallic clang.

"What?!"

Rangiku was shocked.

"Blocking a Zanpakuto with a bare fist? How is this possible?"

Rangiku was greatly puzzled.

Blocking a Zanpakuto with one's body wasn't impossible. Shinigami with exceptionally strong bodies, like Zaraki, could do it.

But Zaraki was a powerful Captain-level figure, so him being able to do that was normal. And while Ryoka before her was strong, Rangiku didn't believe he could compare to a powerful Captain-level figure.

'Could it be because of his right arm?'

Rangiku suddenly thought.

She had noticed earlier that Chad's right arm had a peculiar appearance: black with red patterns.

'Then let's try avoiding his right arm and attacking other parts.'

Rangiku thought to herself.

Then, Rangiku attempted to bypass Chad's right arm and attack other parts of his body.

However, Chad possessed beast-like sharp instincts. Every time Rangiku attacked, he used his right arm to block her Zanpakuto.

Clang clang clang!!

Rangiku's Zanpakuto and Chad's right arm continuously collided, sparks flying.

But as they fought, neither gained a decisive advantage. Chad's right arm was incredibly strong, blocking Rangiku's attacks every time and then counterattacking.

However, Rangiku was extremely agile, evading Chad's iron fists each time.

Thus, the two found themselves in a stalemate for the moment.

'If this continues, it's not a solution. It seems I'll have to release my Zanpakuto.'

Rangiku thought to herself.

On the other side, Chad also prepared to unleash his strongest attack, [El Directo].

"Growl, Haineko—"

"El Directo—"

"Wait!"

Just as both were about to unleash their ultimate moves, a voice suddenly rang out.

Then, a figure abruptly appeared between the two, pressing down on their arms, preventing them from continuing their attacks.

"Captain! Why are you here?"

Seeing the newcomer, Rangiku couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

"Captain!"

Hearing Rangiku's address for the newcomer, Chad was shocked.

"Yo! Hello, first time meeting. I'm Toshiro, Hitsugaya Toshiro. Vice-Captain Commander of the Gotei 13 and Captain of the 10th Division."

Toshiro looked at Chad and said with a light smile.