Chapter 58

Time flies.

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

North Rukongai, Block 76.

"Compared to West Rukongai, the customs here are obviously much harsher. No wonder so many famous characters were born here." Saikyō walked down the street, deep in thought.

After more than half a month, starting from West Rukongai, he had finally arrived at North Rukongai after several stops.

However, since the districts are almost the same in number, the situation in North Rukongai wasn't much better.

Looking around, he saw destroyed houses everywhere, and cracks spread across the street floors. Not only was the lawlessness rampant, but the population was sparse. Naturally, there were very few shops.

Saikyō had long grown accustomed to such scenes.

After visiting Block 80, he had mentally prepared himself for any harsh environment.

Of course.

Saikyō wasn't walking aimlessly.

He came to North Rukongai for one reason—the trio of Zaraki Kenpachi, Madarame Ikkaku, and Ayasegawa Yumichika!

After all, over a hundred years ago, Zaraki Kenpachi had not yet become the Captain of the 11th Division, so to meet them, Saikyō had to come to North Rukongai.

"Speaking of which, I'm still a few districts away from Zaraki. How come I haven't seen a bald head or a... flamboyant one yet?" Saikyō kept his eyes peeled as he walked.

Whenever he saw someone resembling them, he took an extra look.

Unfortunately, each time ended in disappointment.

Finding Madarame Ikkaku and Ayasegawa Yumichika in this vast crowd might take a miracle!

"Ah, forget it for now. I should find a place to rest for a while."

After choosing a direction, Saikyō quickly disappeared down the street.

Unbeknownst to him, not long after his figure vanished, a figure at the corner of a nearby street had been watching him the entire time.

It was a man with a slim figure, short light-purple hair, a feather at the corner of his right eye, and dressed in a light purple robe. His face was quite handsome.

Although he appeared delicate, this man was well-known in the area. Along with his partner, he was considered one of the overlords of this district.

He was none other than Ayasegawa Yumichika, the famous wanderer of North Rukongai.

"That kid just now... Could he be a student from Shin'ō Academy?"

Ayasegawa Yumichika recognized Saikyō by his white student uniform.

"Seems like luck is on my side today. Just out for a stroll and I bump into someone who's about to become a Shinigami." Ayasegawa Yumichika smirked mischievously from the shadows.

"If Ikkaku hears about this, he'll be thrilled."

A sly smile crept across Yumichika's lips.

It was clear that Saikyō had become his next target.

Despite his graceful appearance, Yumichika had a calculating mind. He and Ikkaku had known each other for a long time, wandering together through Rukongai and even the wealthier districts.

As one of the fiercest in the nearby blocks, Ayasegawa Yumichika was naturally cautious of students from Shin'ō Academy.

Reporting to Madarame Ikkaku and completely defeating Saikyō was his next plan!

"Ikkaku..."

"You're always complaining about being bored. A student from Shin'ō Academy should give you a good fight, don't you think?" As if talking to himself, Yumichika turned and left.

---

In a remote corner of Block 76.

"Ikkaku, here's what happened. That kid looks pretty good," Ayasegawa Yumichika explained after secretly observing Saikyō.

The fierce figure standing before him was none other than Madarame Ikkaku, a well-known strongman of this block.

A combat enthusiast, nicknamed "Baldy", Ikkaku had a solid muscular build, a shiny bald head, and red eyeshadow around his narrow eyes.

Despite the century that would pass, Ikkaku's overall image had changed little.

As one of Rukongai's strongest, Ikkaku spent his days roaming the streets, feared by many, and was Yumichika's most trusted companion.

Hearing the story, Ikkaku's combat-loving nature was instantly piqued.

"Feeling excited already, Ikkaku?" Yumichika teased with a smile.

"Yumichika, what do you think? A student from Shin'ō Academy has finally shown up. How could I pass up such a fight?" Ikkaku's fighting spirit surged.

"Alright, let's track him down. I've got a good sense of where he's headed," Yumichika replied eagerly.

"No matter if he's a student or a Shinigami, they all fall to me!" Ikkaku declared, his excitement reaching its peak.

---

Not long after.

Saikyō sat in a dilapidated house at the outskirts of Block 76.

"Only half a month left of this break. If I don't find them soon, I'll have to return to the academy," he thought with a sigh.

Though he had a unique background, Saikyō wasn't about to break the academy's rules.

If he didn't return in time, higher-ups might take action. He even feared that Shihōin Yoruichi would step in, potentially forcing him to leave the academy.

Time was tight.

He had to hurry!

Suddenly...

A rustling sound came from the jungle to the left of the house.

"What's this..."

The noise caught Saikyō's attention. Focusing his spiritual sense, he detected two figures approaching.

"No way... Am I really this lucky?"

After confirming the identities through their spiritual energy, a smile crept across Saikyō's face.

Madarame Ikkaku and Ayasegawa Yumichika.

After all this time, he had finally found them.

"Bald and flamboyant..."

"I've been looking for you two for half a month!"

Saikyō stood up from his seat, his eyes fixed on the distant jungle.

Sure enough, two figures were moving quickly, and he could make out their faces.

He had found them!

Meanwhile, in the jungle...

"Ikkaku, do you feel it?"

"Yeah, that kid knows we're here."

The two exchanged words.

"But isn't it strange? He sensed us, but didn't run," Yumichika noted.

"Running would be the dumbest thing he could do in this situation!" Ikkaku shot back.

"Why?"

"Yumichika, it seems you still don't get it. In a place like this, running would only get him caught faster, and he knows that."

"I see..."

Yumichika suddenly understood.

Back at the house, Saikyō was also preparing.

"Baldy, flamboyant..."

"Since we've finally met, let me give you a grand welcome!"

His eyes gleamed with excitement.

"Hadō #31: Shakkahō!"

As he chanted, spiritual energy burst forth from Saikyō.

Boom!

A fiery red light engulfed the room, and a blazing wave of heat surged outward.

In an instant, the run-down house collapsed, unable to withstand the heat.

Back in the jungle, Ikkaku and Yumichika were startled.

"This isn't right..." Ikkaku muttered. "Yumichika, do you feel that? It's getting hotter!"

Moments later, they saw a fiery explosion heading straight for them.

"Hadō! We've been ambushed!" Ikkaku growled, grabbing Yumichika and rolling out of the way.