CHAPTER 39

Soul Society, West Gate

A battle had just taken place here, but it wasn't even a challenge. Kurosaki Ichigo, who had just arrived, effortlessly defeated Jidanbō Ikkanzaka.

Jidanbō Ikkanzaka, the gatekeeper of the West Gate, stared at his broken axe and collapsed onto the ground, crying.

"You're the first person to defeat me in decades… So… go on."

It didn't take long for Jidanbō Ikkanzaka to wipe his tears and make a decision. He turned his massive body and began lifting the West Gate with immense strength.

"Oh! That's amazing!" Ichigo cheered, while behind him, Uryū Ishida, Sado Yasutora, and Inoue Orihime all looked pleased.

"Don't celebrate just yet…"

A single black cat, Shihōin Yoruichi, remained cautious, reminding Ichigo.

"Yoruichi, don't worry. I'm already strong! This time, I won't lose again!" Ichigo declared with confidence. After undergoing rigorous training before coming to Soul Society, he felt stronger than ever.

"That damn Akira Kuchiki… Just wait! This time, I'll make sure you regret underestimating me!" Ichigo thought to himself, clenching his fists.

As they spoke, Jidanbō Ikkanzaka had fully lifted the gate. But the moment the gate opened, Jidanbō Ikkanzaka's expression turned to sheer terror. His entire body trembled, and even his voice quivered.

"S-S-Sixth Division… Captain!?"

Standing just beyond the West Gate was none other than Akira, his usual composed expression unchanged.

Although Akira had not been a captain for long, his reputation had already spread throughout the Seireitei. Combined with his strict and authoritative demeanor, Jidanbō Ikkanzaka instantly recognized him.

"Tsk… The first thing I hear upon arrival is such arrogant boasting," Akira murmured, shaking his head slightly. "Undefeated for decades? The so-called strength of a mere gatekeeper…"

Jidanbō Ikkanzaka paled further, breaking into a cold sweat. He wasn't an idiot—he knew his "undefeated" record only existed because high-ranking officers, lieutenants, and captains never bothered to fight him.

"I…!"

"Silence," Akira's voice was cold. "By neglecting your duty as a gatekeeper and voluntarily opening the gate, I have the authority to execute you on the spot."

Finally regaining some composure, Jidanbō Ikkanzaka stammered, "B-But… If they defeated me, then it's only natural to let them pass! That's the rule for us gatekeepers!"

Akira's gaze remained icy. "You seem to misunderstand the role of a gatekeeper. Your duty does not include allowing intruders in."

"Now, lower the gate. If you comply, I won't kill you."

Jidanbō Ikkanzaka felt a chill run through his body. He knew Akira was serious—if he disobeyed, he would surely be cut down.

"Hey! Stop acting like I don't exist!"

Ichigo, who had been standing to the side, could no longer hold back.

The moment the West Gate opened and he laid eyes on Akira, a rush of adrenaline coursed through him. This was the man he had sworn to defeat—the one who had nearly killed him and taken Rukia away.

But what infuriated Ichigo even more was that Akira didn't even acknowledge his presence.

"You're still as rude as ever," Akira remarked flatly. "It seems your manners haven't improved in the slightest."

At those words, Ichigo's anger ignited instantly. The bitter memory of his previous defeat resurfaced.

"You bastard!"

Kurosaki Ichigo swiftly unsheathed Zangetsu and charged forward in an instant, bringing his blade down with force.

Clang!

Sparks flew as his strike was intercepted—his opponent's Zanpakutō met the blow head-on, halting it completely.

"I'm not the same as before!" Ichigo shouted, his grip tightening on Zangetsu. "This time, I'm going to defeat you!"

His adversary smirked. "Where's that so-called 'lightsaber' of yours? Take it out—without it, you don't stand a chance."

But with an air of disdain, his opponent continued, "Against someone like you? I don't even need to draw my true power."

Despite his words, Yoruichi Shihouin crouched nearby, muscles coiled, prepared to intervene at a moment's notice. Part of her mission was to ensure Ichigo's survival, and she remained vigilant, watching for any indication of a decisive attack. She knew her enemy's techniques well—if he attempted anything overwhelming, she'd step in before he could fully unleash it.

Ichigo scowled. "Hah?! You'll regret underestimating me!"

His frustration boiling over, he turned and shouted to Ishida and the others, "Stay back! This fight is mine—one-on-one!"

"Reckless," his opponent scoffed before swatting Ichigo away with a single, powerful swing.

Ichigo gritted his teeth, immediately regaining his footing, and lunged back into the fray. Zangetsu clashed against his enemy's blade in rapid succession.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

But with each exchange, Ichigo found himself pushed back.

The battle was brutally short. In mere seconds, a flash of crimson streaked through the air—Ichigo gasped as pain seared through him.

"Ahh—!" He staggered, blood dripping from a fresh wound, but he refused to back down. He swung again, despite the pain, only to be driven further into retreat.

"Kurosaki-kun!"

Orihime's voice trembled with worry. She could only watch as Ichigo's injuries piled up, his defenses crumbling under the relentless assault.

Yoruichi's expression darkened. "The difference in their swordsmanship is enormous… almost insurmountable."

She had known their opponent was skilled, but witnessing his precision firsthand was another matter entirely.

Ichigo, breathing heavily, realized the truth—he was completely outmatched in close combat.

"I have to create some distance—now!"

Determined, he forced himself back, leaping a hundred meters away, though at the cost of another deep cut.

His enemy smirked. "Your speed and strength are slightly better than before… but that's it. You're still trash."

Ichigo clenched his fists, his confidence shaken. He had rushed in with conviction, but reality struck harder than any sword—he was nowhere near strong enough.

And yet, hearing that mocking voice again, his frustration ignited into fury.

"I haven't even begun to show my true strength!"

He gathered every ounce of his Reiatsu, channeling it into Zangetsu. The black blade pulsed with energy as he raised it high above his head.

"—Getsuga… Tenshō!!"

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