Chapter 45: Top-level sparring partner

Inside an empty underground cave, Uehara Shiroha and Asido sat comfortably, having feasted on food and drink.

But now, their sparring match had begun.

Uehara Shiroha, well aware of Asido's combat prowess, had no intention of letting such a valuable sparring partner go to waste.

At the same time, Asido was curious about Uehara Shiroha's strength and eager to test himself against him.

Thus, the two engaged in a thrilling battle.

The moment their clash began, Asido drew his blade with a sharp motion, slashing straight for Uehara Shiroha's right arm.

Clang!

Uehara reacted instantly, raising his sword to block—

But the instant their blades met, Asido vanished.

So fast!

Uehara Shiroha's heart stirred slightly, but he quickly sensed Asido's presence shifting behind him.

To his right—!

Without hesitation, he dodged just as Asido's blade swept toward him.

Unlike reckless fighters, Asido fought with perfect precision.

Despite having spent centuries in solitude, his instincts were razor-sharp.

He didn't rush in blindly; instead, he maintained careful distance, constantly circling and searching for openings.

Yet, throughout the entire exchange, his blade never strayed from Uehara Shiroha's vital points.

Neither of them used Bankai, Kido, or special abilities—only Shunpo, Hakuda, and Zanjutsu.

For hundreds of years, Asido had relied solely on these three fundamental skills to slaughter countless Gillians and Adjuchas.

Through endless battle, he had honed them to the level of perfection.

At this moment, Uehara Shiroha realized something important—

Asido was not just fast.

If speed alone was his only strength, Uehara wouldn't have had much trouble countering him.

After all, thanks to Shihōin Yoruichi, he was more than familiar with speed-type combatants.

But Asido's true strength was not just his speed—

It was his experience and combat intuition.

Every movement was measured.

Every strike was precise.

It was as if Asido could predict his reactions before they even happened.

Within just a few rounds, Uehara could feel it—

Asido was reading his movements.

This… is the power of experience.

Uehara Shiroha let out a small sigh in admiration.

"To have survived in Hueco Mundo for centuries, endlessly slaying Hollows... This man's experience and combat skills are terrifying."

But that was exactly why he had chosen not to rely on his system abilities in this battle.

He had deliberately held back.

Because his goal wasn't just to win—

It was to learn.

Experience and combat intuition had always been his greatest weakness.

And this fight was the perfect chance to fix it.

Time flew by.

In the blink of an eye, ten days had passed.

Inside the cave, Asido's cold, sharp expression was now filled with shock.

His blade trembled slightly—

A sharp edge rested against his neck.

His face mirrored the exact same incredulous look he had when he first met Uehara Shiroha.

Even now, he couldn't believe it.

Just ten days ago—

He had completely dominated Uehara Shiroha.

His experience and skill had been an unshakable advantage, allowing him to suppress him effortlessly.

But now—

No matter how hard he tried, he found himself steadily falling behind.

It was as if—

In just ten short days, Uehara Shiroha had eliminated a combat experience gap of hundreds of years.

This growth rate… was monstrous.

Finally, Asido let out a deep sigh.

He lowered his weapon and spoke sincerely—

"You've surpassed me in every way," he admitted.

"You're a genius."

Uehara Shiroha smiled slightly.

"Don't say that," he replied.

"I've learned a lot from you as well. Without your guidance, I wouldn't have improved so quickly."

With those words, he sheathed his sword.

Through countless battles, Uehara Shiroha had once again ascended.

His foundation had solidified.

His combat instincts had sharpened.

And his path to invincibility had taken another step forward.

Before leaving, Uehara Shiroha gifted Asido several bottles of fine wine.

Then, without hesitation, he turned and departed.

At no point had he asked Asido if he wanted to return to Soul Society.

Because he already knew the answer.

To Asido, remaining here was proof that his fallen comrades had once existed.

This place was their grave, and he would never leave it.

As he watched Uehara's departing figure, Asido's expression was complex.

Then, without another word, he turned back to continue his endless hunt.

Though his fight had ultimately changed nothing, he still felt a sense of satisfaction.

After all—

Even if it was only a little—

He had helped a Shinigami with limitless potential grow even stronger.

And that… was enough.

Expeditionary Headquarters – Uehara Shiroha's Private Room

Upon returning to base, Uehara Shiroha immediately completed his daily tasks.

[Reiatsu +1, Seven Flashes +1]

A warm current flowed through his limbs.

He could clearly feel his Reiatsu had increased once again.

The spiritual particle density in Hueco Mundo was far higher than in Seireitei, making growth much faster.

And with the system's rewards, his progress was even more absurd.

As he sat down, he casually opened his character panel.

[Character Panel]

Name: Uehara Shiroha (Shiroha)

Position: Seventh Seat of the First Division

Reiatsu: Third-Rate Spiritual Power (Captain Level)

Zanpakutō: Shunkyō (Second-Stage Shikai)

Zanjutsu: Captain-Level

Hakuda: Captain-Level

Kidō: Captain-Level

Shunpo: Captain-Level

[Abilities]

Shadow Clone Technique (B-rank, fully developed)

Stand – White Album (S-rank, fully developed)

Sun Breathing (B-rank, mastered)

Universal Barrier (S-rank, proficient)

Magic Art – Seven Flashes (A-rank, proficient)

[Items]

Camouflage Glasses (B-rank, Kryptonian Creation)

Five Thunder Curse (C-rank, Cultivation Talisman)

Death Gloves (D-rank, Extraordinary Creation)

Horse Talisman (A-rank, Magical Creation)

Looking at the updated panel, Uehara Shiroha felt completely satisfied.

Now, all of his core combat skills were at captain level—

And flawless.

With this foundation alone, he could already dominate most enemies.

But Uehara Shiroha wasn't satisfied with just that.

He didn't want to be like others, who relied on one ultimate technique.

He wanted to master everything.

To be invincible in all areas.

To become like Aizen—a perfect all-rounder with no weaknesses.

And so, his future plan remained the same—

Complete more special missions. Train more. Become unstoppable.

Just as he was deep in thought—

Knock, knock.

A knock sounded at his door.

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