18

The reiatsu in the air increased by a large amount as Suzuka and Kojuro entered into their bankai states and there were blinding lights. When the lights dispersed, neither of the pair looked the same as before.

Suzuka now wore a hooded black robe similar to a traditional Grim Reaper while also wearing a skull mask over her face.

Kojuro's guandao had changed from its black and blue colors into a green and gold form. It also had a dragon's head holding the blade as it came out of its mouth. Kojuro's outfit changed into a green kimono that left his right arm bare.

Even though neither of them had a major change occur to their bodies/weapons, the captains could tell just how powerful each had become.

"Shine through the stormy night!"

"Drown in the abyss!"

A bright, jade light filled Kojuro's half of the arena while darkness that no one could see through had filled Suzuka's. Unohana hurried to create a barrier around the arena. There was one previously created to protect against stray attacks but the moves that the pair had just unleashed would easily destroy the first barrier.

And just as Unohana had expected, the first barrier did not last more than 5 seconds before it shattered to pieces. Luckily, her second barrier was ready to hold back the move.

"Jade Dragon's Wrath!"

"Death Comes For All!"

No one could see what was happening in the barrier but they could hear the roar of a dragon as well as the chattering of bones before a loud explosion occurred. After that, the people who were conscious could hear the laughter of the two people battling.

Blow after blow was traded. The number of injuries on each of them grew. It would have been a truly horrifying sight if anyone could see it. But fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, the sight was blocked.

It was only when one of the two died that their element took over. The jade-green light started to recede as darkness took over. Soon, the entire interior of the barrier was pitch black.

"Enough, Suzuka! End your technique!" Unohana yelled.

Suzuka must have heard her because the darkness started to fade away. The first to appear was Kojuro. Or what was left of him at least.

All that remained of Kojuro was his skeleton and the asuachi that used to host his zanpakuto spirit. The skeleton had several parts that were broken due to damage in the battle.

Suzuka appeared afterward. The young woman's entire upper torso and arms, as well as part of her legs, had burns that still had green lightning shooting out from them. There were several deep cuts on her body and even one of her eyes was lost due to an attack.

It was easy to tell just how narrowly Suzuka had won the battle with the amount of damage that was inflicted upon her. She was barely alive as it was.

Unohana dispelled the barrier and jumped into the arena to heal Suzuka. With her help, Suzuka's life was soon out of danger but the new Kenpachi still needed more attention to be fully healed. Unohana had a job to do though.

Unohana stood in the middle of the arena and began to declare the winner.

"With his death, Kojuro has lost the position as captain of the 11th Division as well as his title of Kenpachi. With her victory, Suzuka has earned the position of captain of the 11th division as well as the title of Kenpachi.

From this day on, let her be known as Suzuka Kenpachi, 5th to the name, and the Strongest Shinigami!"

Everyone took a moment to digest that new information before the captains started to cheer. With the captains taking the lead, the rest of the shinigami present all cheered. All except for one.

Ren was looking at the dead body of his friend. He felt angry and frustrated. He knew that Kojuro would eventually die but he still did not wish to see others cheer at his death.

-----Night before the battle-----

Kojuro and Ren were sitting across from each other and drinking sake. Both knew that it might be the last night that they could hang out like this. Only those who were confident or foolish challenged a Kenpachi.

"Ren. Let's make another bet. This is a bet on whether I live or die tomorrow. I'm betting that I will die. And I'm sure that you are betting that I live, correct?"

Ren nodded silently.

'Of course, I am betting that you will live. What friend bets that the other would die?'

"In all these years, you have never won a bet against me. What makes you think tomorrow will be any different? Doesn't matter. I will lay the terms.

If you win, for the first time ever, you must challenge me for the position of captain. You have been slowing your growth by staying as my lieutenant. It is time for you to spread your wings.

As for me winning..."

----After the battle for the title of Kenpachi----

Ren jumped onto the stage after Unohana had finished her speech. Seeing this, the other 4 captains also jumped on stage to prevent Ren from doing anything foolish.

"What is the meaning of this, Lieutenant Ren?" Unohana asked

"I made a bet with Kojuro. If he died, I would take up the mantle of captain for another division. I'm here to challenge the captain of the 8th division for his position!"