Immortal Man

As Saikyō released his hands, the two fiery blasts he conjured shot forward at an astonishing speed.

Bang!

A deafening explosion erupted.

The resulting wave of flames expanded like a massive tsunami, sweeping through every corner of the desert. The entrance to the Zaraki District was instantly engulfed!

"What incredible power!"

"So, Kidō used by Shinigami can be this powerful?"

Even though he had been observing from a distance, Madarame Ikkaku couldn't help but be moved by the sight of the flames exploding. Up until now, he had always admired the most primal and direct forms of close combat.

For that reason, the red-tasseled spear in his hand—his future Hōzukimaru—had always been Madarame Ikkaku's preferred weapon.

If nothing else changed, Madarame Ikkaku wouldn't alter his fighting style now or in the next hundred years, and he would even scoff at the thought of adapting.

But now...

The overwhelming power of Saikyō's Shuanglian Canghuo Pendant had shattered his preconceptions.

No matter how stubborn Ikkaku might be, he had to admit the strength of Kidō!

"Zaraki Kenpachi took a Pyroblast head-on—could that monster still be alive?" Ayasegawa Yumichika murmured, holding his breath as he cautiously observed the scene.

Unfortunately, his view was blocked by the still-burning flames, so he couldn't see what lay ahead.

Was Zaraki Kenpachi dead or alive?

No one could say for sure.

"Saikyō-san, that day... were you deliberately holding back?" Madarame Ikkaku took the opportunity to ask.

"Ikkaku, it's best if certain things remain unsaid," Saikyō replied, turning his head slightly, the corner of his mouth curling into a faint smile.

"I see..."

"Thank you for showing mercy!"

Madarame Ikkaku's expression immediately grew complicated.

He had thought the gap between himself and Saikyō wasn't as wide as he had originally believed. But now, the bald man realized just how naive that thought was.

"Thank goodness I turned an enemy into a friend. Otherwise, not only would the Zaraki District be in ruins, but I probably wouldn't have lived to see another day," Ayasegawa Yumichika said, recalling that day with a shiver of fear.

It was fortunate that he still harbored no hostility toward Saikyō.

Now it seemed he should cling to his coattails tightly!

As time passed...

The flames gradually spread outward.

Looking around, all that could be seen were raging fires and the acrid smell of black smoke everywhere.

The entire entrance to the district was nearly obliterated.

"He's still alive... He really deserves to be called the 'Immortal' man."

Saikyō remained silent from start to finish.

He stared intensely at the flaming heatwave.

In that brief moment, he had sensed the familiar spiritual pressure of Zaraki Kenpachi.

This meant that the man who lived solely for the thrill of battle, even after being directly hit by the Shuanglian Canghuo Pendant, was still standing within the inferno!

"What?!"

"Hahahahaha!"

A wild laugh erupted, breaking the long, tense silence.

The figure of Zaraki Kenpachi gradually emerged from the flickering flames.

Compared to when he first appeared, his current state was utterly wretched.

His burly, two-meter-tall frame was covered in blackened scorch marks, burned deep by the flames. His original black haori was now reduced to a mere ragged scrap.

At this moment, Zaraki Kenpachi resembled a feral beast that had just broken free from its cage.

Drip, drip...

Blood dripped incessantly from his wounds.

Though stained a vivid red, under the light of the flames, it looked particularly striking.

But it was nothing compared to Zaraki Kenpachi's maniacal grin.

That grin, because of the blood!

Only the sight of fresh blood could completely and thoroughly awaken the beast's primal nature.

And that was exactly what happened!

"Blood... this is blood!"

"Saikyō, right? You hurt me!"

Zaraki Kenpachi glanced down at the gruesome wounds across his body.

He casually brushed his palm over them, and it was instantly covered in blood, which looked eerie and grotesque.

Yet, what made it truly bizarre was...

Even though he was gravely injured, there was no trace of pain on Zaraki Kenpachi's face. Instead, there was an indescribable excitement.

It was as if an emotion was quietly brewing inside him.

At that moment, in the ruined entrance of the district, a stream of condensed air quietly began to flow.

The entire street was silent—only the sound of dripping blood could be heard, clear and resonant.

"Why do I have a bad feeling?"

"I feel it too!"

Madarame Ikkaku and Ayasegawa Yumichika exchanged glances.

Their past experiences told them that something was about to go terribly wrong.

Sure enough...

When that slowly brewing momentum reached its peak, Zaraki Kenpachi exploded!

"Hahahahaha!"

Zaraki Kenpachi suddenly threw his head back, roaring with a face twisted in savagery.