บท 54: Chapter 54
In an instant, Shinchira Renzosuke appeared before Kaelith Yurei.
Anger boiled within Shinchira Renzosuke as he stared at Kaelith.
If not for this detestable brat, he might have successfully collaborated with Mayuri Kurotsuchi to steal the artificial soul technology.
Had that happened, his identity would not have been exposed, and he could have retained his position as Captain of the Third Division.
Now, not only had he lost the coveted captaincy, but he had also endured the humiliation of being sent to the Maggot's Nest—a disgrace beyond words.
Fortunately, his benefactor had kept their promise and sent someone to rescue him.
Although his reputation was irreparably tarnished, there was still one thing he could do before fleeing—kill Kaelith Yurei!
With a surge of power in his arm, Shinchira swung his blade fiercely at Kaelith.
*Swish!*
To Shinchira's shock, Kaelith's figure vanished, reappearing mid-air a short distance away.
Standing on a platform of spirit particles, Kaelith placed his hands behind his back, gazing down at Shinchira like a sage observing the mortal world.
Shinchira froze in his mid-swing, his expression betraying his astonishment.
He hadn't expected Kaelith's speed to be this extraordinary—dodging his strike with Shunpo!
The surprise lasted only a moment. Determined, he prepared to chase after Kaelith.
Before he could act, Kaelith spoke from above, his tone calm yet commanding:
"Shinchira, are you sure you want to settle this here and now?"
Shinchira frowned, confused by Kaelith's words.
Kaelith remained poised, his hands still behind his back, exuding an air of calmness as he continued:
"If I were you, I wouldn't waste time here."
"When I entered the barrier earlier, I deliberately let out a burst of spirit pressure for a brief moment."
"Half of the Seireitei already knows something is happening here."
"My two seniors—Captain Unohana and Captain Ukitake—are brilliant strategists. By now, they're surely on their way."
"Your window of escape is rapidly closing!"
Shinchira's expression darkened at Kaelith's revelation.
He turned to Takada Tai, who gave him a barely perceptible nod.
Though Takada wasn't certain if Kaelith had indeed sent out a signal, it wasn't an implausible claim given Kaelith's cunning.
Grinding his teeth in frustration, Shinchira's face contorted with anger.
But then, as though struck by a sudden realization, he tightened his grip on his blade.
"Hmph, so what?" he sneered.
"You're just a student. Killing you won't take long."
"I'll finish you off first, then make my escape!"
Kaelith chuckled dismissively.
"Shinchira, is something wrong with your head?"
"Didn't you notice? Before you showed up, I already took down Captain Takada single-handedly!"
"As a personal disciple of the Head Captain, I've learned a few secret techniques…"
"While defeating both of you may be challenging, I'm confident I can stall you long enough."
Shinchira's brow furrowed as he mulled over Kaelith's words.
Behind Kaelith, Yoruichi and Suzumebachi observed silently, their expressions unreadable.
Yet, their feelings were far from calm.
The sleeve of Kaelith's robe had a long gash, half of it hanging loose.
Had he been just a fraction slower, the cut wouldn't have stopped at the fabric.
Feigning an air of wisdom, Kaelith was simply concealing his vulnerability from the enemy.
Even so, the audacity with which he taunted his foes was impressive in its own right.
Takada Tai broke the silence.
"Shinchira, the kid's right. We should leave."
Although unsure how long it would take for the captains to arrive, he had no intention of gambling on the odds.
Shinchira suddenly smirked, his tone mocking:
"Kaelith, if everything is as you claim, why are you urging us to flee? Wouldn't it be better to stall us here?"
"Capturing two traitorous captains is a major achievement, isn't it?"
Kaelith sighed.
"Again, is something wrong with your head?"
"Is any amount of merit worth more than my life?"
"While I'm confident I can delay you, there's always a chance something could go wrong."
"I need to stay alive to fulfill my plan to transform the Soul Society into a paradise. How could I risk that on the likes of you?"
Hearing this, Suzumebachi gave Kaelith a puzzled look.
"A paradise for the Soul Society…?" she muttered.
Yoruichi rolled her eyes. Though unfamiliar with the term, she could guess its meaning.
Takada Tai's tone grew urgent:
"Shinchira, stop wasting time. Let's go!"
His abdomen wound had worsened, and the thought of facing reinforcements was daunting.
Shinchira didn't respond immediately.
After a moment of silence, he grinned maliciously and leaped toward Kaelith.
"Damn lunatic!" Kaelith cursed, raising his hand "Bakudō #61 rikujōkōrō!."
As Shinchira dodged the Six Rods Prison of Light, Kaelith used the opening to Shunpo back to the ground, retrieving his Asauchi.
The moment his hand gripped the hilt, he spun around, slashing decisively.
*Clang!*
The blades collided, sparking brilliantly in the night.
"Your trump card—where is it?!" Shinchira laughed maniacally.
"If you've got one, use it already!"
He struck Kaelith hard, sending him stumbling backward.
Regaining his footing after several steps, Kaelith's disheveled appearance only made Shinchira laugh louder.
"Ha! You couldn't even handle my first attack, yet you dare boast about secret techniques!"
Takada Tai hesitated for a moment before stepping forward.
"Let's finish him quickly," he said coldly.
Without waiting for a response, he lunged at Kaelith like a cannonball.
Kaelith retreated with Shunpo, trying to create distance, but Shinchira appeared beside him mid-step.
"Die!" Shinchira roared, slashing down fiercely.
Kaelith blocked with his blade, but his spiritual pressure was slightly weaker.
*Boom!*
The force of Shinchira's strike sent Kaelith crashing into the ground, creating a deep crater.
Takada wasted no time, leaping into the air to deliver a finishing blow.
As Kaelith lay at the bottom of the pit, struggling to move, a faint light began to form in his mouth.
He was preparing to unleash a simulated Cero, prioritizing survival over the consequences.
Before he could release the attack, a weak yet resolute voice rang out:
"Scream … Benihime!!"
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