New Thrid Seat?

It was beyond everyone's expectations.

Saikyō proposed a crazy bet.

"Did you all hear that clearly?"

"Under the witness of all of you, I will have a fair Kaidō contest with Yamada-san, the Third Seat," Saikyō declared confidently.

Standing with his hands behind his back, Saikyō surveyed the surrounding members of the 4th Division, observing the expressions on their faces.

"No way…"

"Is Saikyō-san serious?"

"Yamada Seinosuke's Kaidō is second only to the captain's in the entire 4th Division! Even if Saikyō-san has learned Kaidō, there's no way he can win."

The members of the 4th Division whispered among themselves, most holding a pessimistic view of Saikyō's chances. Regardless of status or seniority, Yamada Seinosuke was undoubtedly the more experienced in Kaidō. His victory seemed certain.

"Saikyō-san, why don't you just forget about it? There's no need to fall into his provocation." Kotetsu Isane moved closer to Saikyō, tugging gently on the hem of his uniform.

Even Kotetsu Isane, despite being the vice-captain, wasn't confident she could surpass Yamada Seinosuke in terms of Kaidō skill. To her, this bet seemed like a certain loss.

"Isane-fukutaichō, there's no need to worry. This will be over quickly," Saikyō said with a confident smile.

Boom!

Without any visible movement, a powerful Reiatsu burst out from Saikyō.

His special Reiatsu, fused with spiritual power, spread through the air like waves, causing a ripple that sent the surrounding soldiers flying backward.

Woah!

Painful groans echoed as one after another, the members of the 4th Division were sent tumbling, scattered across the ground. Though Saikyō's Reiatsu was only at the level of a vice-captain, the 4th Division was the weakest among the Gotei 13. It was enough to overpower them just by his spiritual pressure alone.

"Saikyō!!! What do you think you're doing?!"

Under the intense pressure of Saikyō's Reiatsu, Yamada Seinosuke's face darkened. Although he was not as injured as the others, the weight of the spiritual pressure made it difficult for him to breathe.

"I'm just preparing for the contest. After all, there are always injuries when it comes to a competition, right?" Saikyō said calmly, ignoring Yamada's protest.

"Curse you!" Yamada Seinosuke gritted his teeth but couldn't find a retort. Though Saikyō's sudden burst of Reiatsu was unexpected, it wasn't entirely unjustified.

"So, how do you propose we do this?" Yamada asked, trying to keep his frustration in check.

"It's simple," Saikyō replied with a smirk. "I estimate there are about 30 injured people here. Let's divide them into two groups, and see who can heal them the fastest."

Saikyō laid out the rules for the contest.

He had controlled his Reiatsu just enough to inflict only minor injuries on the others. As a result, everyone's injuries were roughly the same, making the competition fair.

"Healing speed, huh?" Yamada Seinosuke agreed without hesitation. "Saikyō-san, I expect you to honor your word once this is over."

A self-assured grin spread across Yamada's face. To him, this bet was a foregone conclusion. Healing speed depended on Kaidō proficiency—the higher the skill, the quicker the Reiatsu could be converted for healing. Yamada was confident that his skill surpassed Saikyō's by far.

The competition began quickly.

As agreed, the injured were divided into two groups, each standing on either side of the training ground. Saikyō and Yamada Seinosuke started their Kaidō treatments.

But…

A few moments into the competition, Yamada Seinosuke had already healed five injured members.

Meanwhile, Saikyō stood completely still, his arms crossed and a relaxed expression on his face, showing no intention of starting treatment.

"What is Saikyō-san doing?"

"Does he want to stay in the 4th Division or not?"

Kotetsu Isane, watching from the sidelines, was on the verge of panic. Not only was Saikyō not healing anyone, but he was also standing there whistling, as if he had no care in the world.

To make matters worse, after sensing Isane's worried gaze, Saikyō smiled at her, his expression growing even more carefree.

"What is he thinking?!" Isane was left speechless by his behavior.

"Could it be that Saikyō is doing this on purpose?"

"I think he's regretting the bet and doesn't want to stay in the 4th Division anymore."

"Maybe he's just too strong for the 4th Division anyway. His talents would be better suited elsewhere."

The other onlookers exchanged puzzled glances. None of them could make sense of Saikyō's actions.

"Hmph! Pretending to be mysterious, are you? You're running out of time," Yamada Seinosuke called out, pausing after treating another wounded soldier. Only about a dozen remained on his side, and he could finish within half an hour.

Yamada was certain now—there was no suspense left in this contest. Within a short time, he would complete his treatments and see Saikyō leave the 4th Division in disgrace.

Minutes passed, ticking away.

Twenty-five minutes into the competition, Yamada Seinosuke had only two more people left to heal, and his victory seemed imminent. Saikyō, however, remained unmoved, still standing with his relaxed expression, showing no intention of participating.

"Saikyō-san… if you have any other thoughts, now's the time to speak up. You don't have much time left," Yamada taunted as he finished healing another soldier.

Only one remained.

"Ah… Seinosuke-san," Saikyō finally spoke, drawing the attention of the crowd. "I've got to say, your speed is far too slow."

"What?" Yamada Seinosuke frowned, confused by Saikyō's remark. He couldn't understand why Saikyō still had the audacity to mock him at this point.

"I've been waiting for you for 25 minutes. I nearly fell asleep," Saikyō yawned casually, stretching his arms.

"And now, it's time for you to give up your Third Seat," he said, his voice suddenly serious and sharp.

The moment he finished speaking, Saikyō activated his natural ability.

Whoosh!

Just as before, from Saikyō's body emerged a radiant glow—an aura of dazzling holy light. It spread like waves, illuminating the area with a brilliant afterglow.

Divine Healing was activated!

In an instant, the entire group of injured members under Saikyō's care was bathed in the sacred light, their wounds healing at an astonishing speed. The crowd could only watch in awe as Saikyō effortlessly completed what had taken Yamada Seinosuke nearly half an hour to achieve.

"Impossible…" Yamada Seinosuke stood there, stunned, as the reality of his defeat sank in.