Chapter 278 278 Joining Forces Against The Enemy
"Hmm? She's here?" Gin suddenly spoke.
Tap, tap, tap...
As footsteps approached, a figure appeared in the sight of Gin and Kira.
"Izuru, what exactly is so urgent you had to call me in the middle of the— Eh?! Captain Ichimaru! Why are you here too?" Seeing Gin also present, Momo immediately grew wary.
Earlier, Kira had only said he had urgent business but never mentioned Gin would be there. Not to mention, Toshiro had recently specifically warned Momo to be very careful of Aizen and Gin.
So, suddenly seeing Gin here, Momo felt a strong sense of foreboding.
"I'm sorry! Momo, I deceived you! It... it was actually Captain who told me to call you here." Kira apologized guiltily to Momo.
"I-Is that so? Sorry, I suddenly remembered some unfinished work. Since you have nothing important, Izuru, I... I'll be leaving first!" Feeling something was wrong, Momo forcibly suppressed her panic and immediately prepared to leave.
"Ara ara, Lieutenant Hinamori. Since you're already here, why be in such a hurry to leave?" Gin's lips curved into a fox-like smile.
Tap, tap, tap...
As he spoke, Gin walked step by step towards Momo.
"Ca-Captain Ichimaru... wh-what do you want?" Watching Gin approach, Momo couldn't help but retreat nervously.
"Oh my? Why do you look so scared? Could it be you already know something?" A cold glint flashed in Gin's narrowed eyes.
"I... I don't understand what you're saying, Captain Ichimaru." Momo played dumb.
"Well, never mind. Lieutenant Hinamori, this time I had Izuru call you here, but it's nothing much. As a Captain of the Gotei 13, I just want to test your skills. I wonder if Lieutenant Hinamori would give me that opportunity?" As he spoke, Gin's right hand grasped the Zanpakuto at his waist.
"You... I'm telling you, if you do anything reckless, Shiro-chan won't let you off!" In her panic, Momo disregarded propriety and directly used Toshiro's name to threaten Gin.
"Ara ara, that really is scary." Although he said it was scary, Gin's face still had a smiling expression.
Clang!
"Now then, come on, Lieutenant Hinamori. Let's have a friendly match." Gin drew his Zanpakuto, which is only slightly longer than a dagger, and addressed Momo.
Clang!
Knowing things couldn't be resolved peacefully, Momo didn't wait idly. She also drew her Zanpakuto and prepared for battle.
Swish! Without another word, Gin directly slashed at Momo, his speed so fast that even Momo, as a Lieutenant, was momentarily dazed.
Clang!
Just as Momo couldn't react, a figure suddenly appeared in front of her and swung a sword to block Gin's attack.
Screech—!!
Blades rubbed and pressed against each other, sparks flying.
"Ca-Captain... didn't you promise me you wouldn't do anything?" Kira asked while struggling to hold back Gin's Zanpakuto.
"You dare block me? Do you know what you're doing, Izuru?" Gin's expression turned cold.
"Momo is my friend and also someone very important to Toshiro. I won't let anyone harm her, even you, Captain!" Kira said resolutely.
"Oh? Izuru, have you forgotten who called her here? If Captain Hitsugaya finds out you tricked Momo into coming, how do you think he'll view you?" Gin showed a cold smile.
Hearing this, Kira's face paled.
"Anyway... I won't let you harm Momo!" Despite his pale face, Kira still firmly blocked Gin.
"Hmph! Truly an ungrateful dog. After being the 3rd Division's Lieutenant for so many years, you defy your direct superior because of the 10th Division's Captain!" Even the deep and calculating Gin felt a surge of anger from the bottom of his heart upon seeing Kira's actions.
Ever since Kira was pushed to the 3rd Division by Aizen, Gin had spent considerable effort over the decades trying to win him over. Yet, faced with a choice, Kira unhesitatingly stood on the opposite side, which truly made Gin feel stifled.
"Alright then, Izuru. Since you dare oppose me, let's see if you have the strength for it!" With that, Gin exerted force with his hand holding the Zanpakuto. The seemingly short, weak blade actually pushed aside Kira's long, slender Zanpakuto, forcing him to retreat repeatedly.
"Momo! I'll hold off Captain Ichimaru! You run, now!" Kira suddenly shouted to Momo.
"But... what about you?" Momo hesitated.
"This whole mess is my fault. I was tempted and deceived by Captain into tricking you here. So let me atone by holding him off!" Kira stood in front of Gin again, speaking to Momo without turning his head.
"Oh? Hold me off? You're really arrogant, Izuru." Gin couldn't help but find it amusing.
Swish!
Gin flicked his wrist, sending a sharp slash directly towards Kira's head.
Seeing this, Kira hastily raised his sword to block.
Clang! Clang!
Kira blocked, but two sounds of clashing blades rang out.
It turned out Momo not only didn't run but appeared beside Kira, blocking Gin's Zanpakuto together.
"Momo! Why didn't you run?!" Kira said anxiously.
"Izuru, I'll settle with you later for tricking me here. But how can I abandon you now? Aren't we friends? Toshiro wouldn't like someone who abandons a friend and runs alone either!" Momo said loudly.
Kira: "Momo..."
"Enough talk. For now, let's fight together!" Momo interrupted.
Seeing Momo and Kira conversing as if he weren't there, Gin spoke up, "Ara ara, such touching friendship. But is it really okay for you to ignore me like this?"
Although fighting two with one, using a short blade against two long ones, Gin still appeared completely at ease. In contrast, Kira and Momo were struggling.
Then, Gin exerted force with his hand, directly parrying Kira and Momo's Zanpakuto, then swung his blade repeatedly, attacking both.
Swish swish swish!!
Gin slashed left and right, forcing Kira and Momo to retreat repeatedly.
The difference in strength between Lieutenant-level and Captain-level was undoubtedly immense. Aside from Toshiro and the cheating Ichigo, probably no one else could defeat a Captain-level expert while at Lieutenant-level. Not to mention, Gin's strength wasn't merely Captain-level either.
So, although Kira and Momo together were two Lieutenants, under Gin's assault, they were still in imminent danger.