19

All the shinigami who were preparing to leave stopped when they saw Ren jump on stage. They had no idea what he would do. Ren always followed the rules and never created any trouble while he was in the 11th Division.

When they heard that he was challenging the captain of the 8th division, they were even more shocked. There had never been two battles for the position of captain in a single day before. It was completely unheard of.

The captains were just as surprised as Ren. They even thought that it would make more sense if he challenged the new Kenpachi or the captain of the 5th division to get revenge for Kojuro. The fact that he challenged another put a positive impression of him in Unohana's, the 3rd division, and the 9th division captains.

The 8th was upset he was being challenged and did not have a positive impression of Ren. The positive impressions of the other captains would crumble if they heard Ren's thoughts though.

He truly wanted to kill the girl to get revenge for Kojuro or kill her old captain to repay the debt that he owed her. He did not challenge the girl, not due to a sense of honor but because he did not want to disgrace Kojuro's legacy.

As for the reason he chose the 8th, it because he knew the future and fate was against him. He could not challenge the 11th due to honoring him and he could not challenge the 4th since he knew Unohana's true identity after hearing it from Kojuro. He also was not that great at Kaidō and did not want to kill patients.

As for why he could not challenge the 3rd, 5th, or 9th division captains, it was due to Aizen. Each one of those positions would be would not only be the positions that Aizen and his crew took over but all of them were also turned into Vizard (Visored).

Ren did not want to get involved in Aizen's plot or schemes so he had planned to stay out of the man's way as much as possible.

This was not due to fear but he had not seen the end of the Bleach. He was unsure of what threat came after Aizen but he knew Ichigo would be important in stopping it. So Ren wanted to cause as few issues as possible with canon history to ensure that Ichigo would grow as strong as possible with his MC Halo.

So with all 3 of those captain positions being suicidal to challenge for, Ren could only battle against the 8th Division's captain.

Unohana took a moment to think it over before it agreeing.

"If Captain Okuda accepts, then I see no reason to disagree. We have enough shinigami and captains present to bear witness to this."

All the captains turned to look at Okuda who looked furious.

'He thinks he can challenge me just because he was the lieutenant of the 11th division? This kid will die today or I will spell my name backward!'

"Fine. I hope that Captain Unohana will be a fair judge."

Unohana agreed before she pulled out her zanpakuto and unleashed her shikai silently. A large, green manta ray-like creature emerged out of nowhere. The creature ate Suzuka before flying into the air.

"This is Minazuki. It will heal whoever is within its belly. With this, I will not have to worry about captain Suzuka and can watch over your match."

Unohana picked up Kojuro's remains and carried him outside the arena while the other captains jumped out as well. All the shinigami who were standing immediately went back to their seats to enjoy the show.

Unohana stood on the side and raised her right hand into the air before looking at both the shinigami in the arena.

"This is a match between shinigami Okuda and shinigami Ren for the position of captain for the 8th.

The battle will be to the death. Anyone who interferes with the battle shall be executed. Are both fighters ready?"

"Blood for the Blood God! Skulls for the Skull Throne! Khorne!"

"Dig, Aobōzu!"

Ren zanpakuto transformed into their shikai form while Okuda zanpakuto became a large bastard sword. Okuda pointed his blade at Ren while Ren got into a basic guard boxing position.

"Pick a number. 1-4. This can be the last choice you will ever make."

"Haha. You are truly arrogant like a member of the 11th division. But fine. I will go along with your game. I choose 3."

"Good. I'm all ready!"

"Whenever is fine!"

Unohana dropped her hand which announced the beginning of the battle. Neither moved. Okuda wanted to see why Ren wanted him to pick a number while Ren was going to let Okuda take the first move. But when he saw that Okuda did not want to take his chance, Ren made his move.

The palm of his left hand began to glow as a run appeared on it.

"3rd gift! Gift of Flesh!" After the rune was activated, Ren's body underwent a rapid change.

Ren's muscles started to swell and grow as he tore through his shitagi and kosode before his skin started turning black with brass lines and patterns covering his body. Ren's eyes became a pure white while his reiatsu started to give off a wild and savage feeling.

All those who were looking at Ren felt a bit of fear in their hearts. Ren no longer looked like a shinigami but a demon from legend. Ren looked at Okuda and showed a savage smile.

"I gave you a chance to make the first move. Now it is my turn!"