Chapter 105: The Real Zanpakutō Battle (BONUS)

At this moment, Nejibana had fully taken its Shikai form, a trident with a spiral-shaped spearhead at the tip.

Hidetsugu looked at Saemon in surprise. A master of kenjutsu had now become a wielder of a long-handled weapon.

Gojo Kumaen felt his understanding of the Zanpakutō shift completely.

Until now, he had always believed that since it was called a Zanpakutō, it would remain in the form of a katana.

But now, it seemed that once the wielder chanted the release phrase, the Zanpakutō could unleash a new form, unlocking a power beyond its initial state.

In other words, while every Zanpakutō initially took the form of a katana, their true shape could vary greatly once released.

Up until this point, the only liberated Zanpakutō Kumaen had seen was Sode no Shirayuki, which had retained its katana form. That misconception had now been shattered.

Shunichi saw the transformation of Nejibana in Saemon's hands and felt a wave of helplessness.

As expected, once a kendo match involved Zanpakutō, it was no longer just about swordsmanship.

However, a determined light flashed in his eyes. Whether in kenjutsu or Jujutsu, he would never allow himself to lose.

Now, the true battle between sorcerers would begin.

On the other side, Yagyū Saemon, who had just unleashed Nejibana's Shikai, forced himself to suppress his growing excitement. Seeing Satoshi's satisfied expression, he was eager to prove himself even more.

Saemon spun Nejibana with one hand, and waves of water surged around him. The water moved in sync with his attacks, rushing toward Gojo Shunichi.

This was Nejibana's ability the power that had elevated him from a mere kenjutsu master to a full-fledged Jujutsu Sorcerer.

Shunichi blocked the incoming waves with a swift defensive maneuver before quickly creating distance between them.

Unlike Nejibana, an elemental-type Zanpakutō, Suzumushi fell into the Kidō-based category, its abilities far more unpredictable.

With Suzumushi's sonic attacks, Shunichi could engage at both close and long range. However, in close combat against an opponent like Saemon, who had powerful physical attacks, he decided to rely on long-range spells instead.

"Suzumushi Isshiki: Kyōmei!"

As Shunichi's voice fell, Suzumushi vibrated violently, emitting a high-pitched buzzing sound—similar to the cry of an insect.

A gray wave of sound pulsed outward from the blade, surging straight toward Yagyū Saemon.

If Saemon failed to dodge, the hypnotic effect of Suzumushi's ability would determine the battle's outcome in an instant.

Unfortunately for Shunichi, Saemon was already prepared.

The moment Suzumushi's technique activated, Saemon instantly dodged, escaping the range of the sonic wave. At the same time, he used Nejibana's water ability to launch three sharp water projectiles, forcing Shunichi to break off his attack.

Both attacks had failed.

Hidetsugu, watching from the sidelines, felt a pang of guilt.

He hadn't expected Satoshi to arrange this battle. On their way here, he had already discussed Shunichi's Zanpakutō techniques with Saemon, which was why Saemon had been able to guard against Suzumushi's abilities from the start.

On the other side, Satoru grinned as he watched the exchange unfold, his expression full of amusement.

This was precisely why he had made the bet with Satoshi. Saemon's understanding of Shunichi's abilities gave him an advantage.

And so, the duel continued. Water splashes and sonic waves clashed at the center of the training grounds, creating a spectacle for all the onlookers.

This was the first real battle between Zanpakutō in this world.

Everyone present was witnessing history.

Half an hour later, Gojo Shunichi and Yagyū Saemon stood opposite each other, breathing heavily.

The prolonged intensity of the battle had drained them, yet neither had managed to gain a decisive upper hand.

Continuing this deadlock was pointless.

Shunichi glanced at Satoshi and saw that he was still watching with great interest. Not wanting to let Satoshi down, he made a decision.

"Saemon, let's end this with one final technique!"

"It's time to bring this battle to a close!"

Shunichi's voice echoed across the training grounds.

Saemon stopped spinning Nejibana and gave Satoshi a serious look. Seeing that Satoshi showed no objections, he nodded.

"Then let's show him the true power of our Zanpakutō!"

A hint of pride flashed in Saemon's eyes.

He wanted Satoshi to witness the strongest technique he had learned.

He believed that Satoshi would be shocked by what came next.

The two warriors took their positions on opposite ends of the training grounds, gripping their Zanpakutō tightly.

Then, their voices rang out simultaneously—

"Suzumushi Nishiki: Benihikō!"

"Nejibana: Rage Through the Seas and Heavens!"

In an instant, Suzumushi transformed into countless razor-sharp blades that rained down from above, filling the sky like a storm of crimson locusts.

At the same time, Saemon hurled Nejibana forward.

The spinning trident rapidly gathered the surrounding water, forming a massive sphere of churning torrents.

A powerful suction force radiated outward, making it difficult for the spectators to stay on their feet.

Kumaen's eyes widened in shock.

The earlier Zanpakutō techniques had already amazed him. He had thought he understood their power.

But now, witnessing these final techniques firsthand, he realized just how terrifying a Zanpakutō could truly be.

How could a mere Cursed Tool generate such overwhelming power?

The abilities of Suzumushi and Nejibana had far surpassed Kumaen's imagination.

Previously, he had believed that Gojo Satoru's Senbonzakura was a special case, its ability to form a "Sakura Domain" over the entire Gojo estate was already astonishing.

But now, he realized he had been mistaken.

Every Zanpakutō forged by Satoshi possessed techniques and abilities that defied all logic.

As an outsider to the Yagyū family, Satoshi had likely held back when forging Nejibana. And yet, it still displayed such devastating power.

A sudden wave of regret washed over Kumaen.

Trading Nejibana for Tsuki no Sho had seemed like a fair exchange at first.

Now, it felt like an enormous loss.

Compared to Kumaen's regret, Hidetsugu was filled with nothing but joy.

This was his first time witnessing Nejibana's ultimate technique. And to his surprise, its destructive power was even greater than Suzumushi's Benihikō.

Such a powerful Zanpakutō, and it had been willingly traded…

Gojo Satoshi truly was an honorable man.

This young master of the Gojo family was nothing less than a savior to the Yagyū clan.

As everyone stood in stunned silence, Nejibana and Suzumushi clashed violently in midair.

(To be continued.)

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