Chapter 265 265 Who Is That Man?!
Whoosh!
As soon as the battle ended, Yachiru flashed onto the scene.
However, Yachiru didn't immediately go to speak with Zaraki. Instead, she gave a formal, ninety-degree bow to the fallen Ichigo.
"Thank you so very much!"
"Ken-chan was able to enjoy himself so much all because of you, Ichigo-chan! I haven't seen Ken-chan this happy in a long time. Thank you so much!" Yachiru said, smiling brightly.
Then, Yachiru returned to Zaraki's side.
"Ken-chan, you won this fight. That's wonderful!"
"Tch, I did win, but it was a Pyrrhic victory," Zaraki said dismissively.
Indeed, it was as Zaraki said… a Pyrrhic victory. Although he defeated Ichigo, Zaraki was also severely injured. The reason he was still standing now was only due to sheer willpower, and his physical condition wasn't much better than Ichigo's.
To be honest, the battle reaching this extent was beyond Zaraki's expectations.
Although Ikkaku had previously mentioned Ichigo was strong, Zaraki never expected him to be this strong, nearly defeating him.
Moreover, Ichigo hadn't even mastered Bankai. At this level, he could contend with Zaraki and almost defeat him. This couldn't help but surprise Zaraki.
Ichigo's terrifying talent momentarily made Zaraki feel as if he were facing Toshiro.
Although Ichigo's current strength was far from comparable to Toshiro's, his monstrous talent astounded Zaraki.
Back when Zaraki first fought Toshiro, he was defeated by the then Lieutenant-level Toshiro. Now, Ichigo had almost defeated Zaraki as well.
From this perspective alone, Ichigo's talent was not inferior to Toshiro's. Zaraki greatly anticipated whether Ichigo could grow into an existence of Toshiro's level in the future.
Suddenly, Zaraki's body staggered, nearly falling.
"Ken-chan!" Yachiru exclaimed, rushing forward to support him.
"Let go, Yachiru! I'm not so weak that I can't even stand," Zaraki frowned.
"Hmph, I won't let go! I just want to hold your hand, not support you!" Yachiru insisted stubbornly.
"Tch! Fine, do as you like!" Zaraki ultimately yielded.
"Ken-chan, let's go to the 4th Division to have your injuries treated!" Yachiru suggested.
Zaraki's injuries were severe. If left unattended, they could even be life-threatening.
"Hmm... alright," Zaraki agreed somewhat reluctantly.
Although going to the 4th Division meant possibly encountering that person who made him feel uncomfortable, his injuries needed treatment.
Zaraki wasn't afraid of death, but he had enjoyed the battle's exhilaration. So, he agreed to Yachiru's suggestion.
Then, Zaraki glanced at the fallen Ichigo. "Hey, Ichigo! Don't you dare die on me. If there's a chance in the future, let's fight again!"
The reason Zaraki chose not to kill Ichigo wasn't just because of Toshiro's request, but also because he acknowledged Ichigo's strength and hoped to fight him again.
Then, with Yachiru supporting him, Zaraki headed towards the 4th Division.
Whoosh!
Not long after Zaraki and Yachiru left, a black cat suddenly appeared beside Kurosaki Ichigo.
"To have fought Zaraki Kenpachi to such an extent... You're truly surprising, kid," t%he black cat, Yoruichi, remarked with a sigh.
…
13th Division Captain's Quarters, Ugendo Quarters.
Ugendo Quarters was an exquisite cottage situated on a lake, surrounded by beautiful, serene scenery.
However, the usual tranquility of Ugendo Quarters was broken today.
"What?!"
"Aizen was killed?!"
Ukitake's agitated reaction startled the Omnitsukido's messenger so much that he fell back onto the floor.
'First scared off by Lieutenant Kusajishi, now frightened to the ground by Captain Ukitake... I'm really unlucky today!' The Omnitsukido's member cursed inwardly.
"When? Who did it? Why?" Ukitake fired off questions rapidly.
"It... it was early this morning. The perpetrator and motive are still unknown," The Omnitsukido's member replied.
"Cough... cough... Damn it! For this to happen while I was recuperating... It's unforgivable!" Ukitake said angrily.
"Because the loss of a Captain is far too serious, Captain-Commander Yamamoto and Captain Hitsugaya have jointly issued the Level One State of Emergency," The Omnitsukido's member reported.
"Ah... It is indeed serious enough. It's been how many years since a Captain-level casualty occurred? It seems I can no longer stay here and rest..." Ukitake's expression turned solemn.
Previously, although Ryoka had invaded the Seireitei, Ukitake hadn't paid it much mind. In his view, with the Gotei 13's formidable strength, defeating some Ryoka shouldn't be difficult.
But now, with a Captain's death, Ukitake could no longer rest peacefully and remain idle.
…
Senzaikyu.
While Ichigo fought Zaraki, Ganju and Hanataro took the opportunity to reach Senzaikyu. They knocked out the guards and met Rukia.
The moment he saw Rukia, Ganju recognized her as the 'killer' who had 'murdered' his older brother years ago.
Then, Ganju, who had originally come with Ichigo and the others to rescue Rukia, immediately began clamoring to kill her. Rukia offered no defense, allowing the misunderstanding, appearing resigned to her fate.
Only Hanataro desperately tried to stop Ganju.
However, at that moment, an immense Reiatsu suddenly appeared in their senses.
"Wh-what's going on?! Who... who's coming?!" Ganju said with difficulty.
The newcomer didn't intentionally release Reiatsu to pressure them, but even the naturally emanating Reiatsu made Ganju and the other two feel it hard to breathe, their bodies growing heavy.
"Urgh... ah... He... he is..."
Looking at the figure walking calmly, coldly, and arrogantly along the wooden bridge, the only connection between the Senzaikyu and the outside world, Hanataro trembled all over, too terrified to even speak.
"Hey! Who the hell is he?!" Ganju asked again.
"Kuchiki Byakuya... Captain of the 6th Division!" Hanataro Yamada answered, his face pale.