Inside the dojo.
Yamamoto completely transformed into a muscle-bound monster. His originally short stature expanded significantly under the surge of power, much like Master Roshi.
Black and red lightning coiled around his thick arms, recklessly distorting the surrounding space. To anyone else, he looked like an elongated Lovecraftian creature.
Watching this massive display of power, Naraku Sora revealed a beastly smile and reached back to tear off his cumbersome haori.
Next, he pulled open the upper half of his Shihakushō, exposing his perfectly sculpted, muscular physique.
Black and red lightning, exuding an equally terrifying aura, danced wildly across his own arms.
Yamamoto stomped his foot, seemingly tearing through space itself as he charged directly in front of Naraku Sora.
"Black Flash・Double Bone!"
"..."
Inside the dojo, reinforced by hundreds of layers of Bakudō barriers, the two demon-god-like figures collided violently.
A massive white shockwave exploded outward with them at the epicenter, instantly crushing the floorboards beneath their feet and throwing the enormous dojo into absolute chaos.
Although both were using Black Flash, which was essentially a spatial distortion created by controlling the delay between a physical strike and the impact of Reiatsu to within 0.000001 seconds.
However, there was a difference in their physical strikes.
While Naraku Sora was still at the beginner stage, Yamamoto had already integrated Double Bone into his Black Flash, further amplifying its already heaven-defying power.
This resulted in an absurdly high level of destructive force.
Let alone ordinary Soul Reapers, even Captain-class combatants wouldn't have time to react before being instantly blasted into a mist of blood by this move.
Their four fists smashed together like out-of-control dump trucks, causing pitch-black fissures to appear in the surrounding space.
The groans of the overwhelmed structure carried through the air to the outside of the dojo.
This caused Sasakibe Chōjirō, who was watering flowers in the courtyard, to pale drastically. He looked up at the crumbling dojo.
Not daring to delay, he immediately set down his watering can and summoned Okikiba Genshirō along with a group of seated officers and elite Soul Reapers. They rushed outside the dojo to reinforce the building's Kidō barriers.
Considering that the old man and the youth were fighting so fiercely they hardly seemed human, Sasakibe Chōjirō continuously encouraged his subordinates, striving to prevent the shockwaves from affecting the entire squad barracks.
Seeing that Naraku Sora was holding his own in the clash, Yamamoto clicked his tongue in displeasure.
Even though his own technique was stronger and more refined, he still couldn't completely suppress this rebellious disciple. It was truly an unpleasant realization.
However, considering that this brat was the one who invented Black Flash in the first place, being slightly inferior in this specific aspect seemed acceptable.
Despite comforting himself with these thoughts, the expression on Yamamoto's face grew increasingly ferocious, faintly resembling his demeanor as the Sword Demon from a thousand years ago.
Just as Yamamoto was thinking this, Naraku Sora's excited roar echoed through the dojo, which was on the verge of collapse:
"Supernova Burn!"
Since their head-on collision resulted in a stalemate, he would push his punching speed to the absolute limit, igniting the air and turning the world into a sea of fire.
Yamamoto's pupils shrank, keenly sensing his rebellious disciple's intentions.
He wanted to speak up and stop him, but fists were faster than words.
Before he could even open his mouth, a solid punch slammed into Yamamoto's chest, forcing him back several steps and shattering the floorboards beneath his feet.
*'*?*'* Yamamoto thought, bewildered.
*This bastard disciple, is he really trying to turn the heavens upside down!?*
In the next second, countless fist shadows erupted between the two, overlapping and intersecting with one another.
It was as if an incredibly pure symphony was unfolding right there; the fierce, soaring melody caused the earth to collapse and the walls to pulverize.
Naraku Sora grinned widely, fully enjoying the pure exhilaration brought by the battle. His sweat flew through the air, only to evaporate in an instant.
His surging battle intent ran wild, acting like a red-hot branding iron that boiled his flowing blood into scalding magma, pulsing frantically through his veins.
Yamamoto seemed to be influenced by him as well. The corners of his mouth stretched even wider, unleashing his ferocity like a bloodthirsty beast as an aura of pure tyranny began to permeate the air.
Fists rained down like a torrential storm, with twisted black and red electrical arcs dancing all around them.
A beast-like struggle to the death consumed the old man and the youth.
Every single movement seamlessly embedded itself into their physical instincts, gradually constructing the most perfect offensive stances.
Boom!!
Riotous thunder mixed with burning heat erupted completely within the massive dojo, transforming into a giant, swirling pillar of light that shot straight into the sky!
Scorching winds howled, obliterating everything in the vicinity.
The ground trembled and waves of dust surged, constantly gathering and spiraling within the raging gales. The crumbling building could no longer withstand the terrifying impact and collapsed with a deafening crash.
Without the protection of the Kidō barriers, the true shockwaves were unleashed without reservation, blasting a deep crater into the earth beneath their feet.
Crimson magma surged within the fissures, resembling an apocalyptic scene following a volcanic eruption.
When the dust settled, Sasakibe Chōjirō and the others finally got a clear view of the scene within the ruins.
Two figures stood confronting each other, surrounded by scorching winds that refused to die down.
Although both the old man and the youth looked incredibly battered, completely lacking their usual composure.
Sasakibe Chōjirō was sharp-eyed enough to notice a bizarre, purplish-blue bruise forming around Yamamoto's left forearm.
In contrast, while Naraku Sora was covered in dirt and grime, his eyes were terrifyingly bright, and he bore no obvious injuries.
*Did Lord Naraku actually succeed in overcoming his superior?*
Perhaps influenced by a certain someone, a treasonous thought inexplicably popped into Sasakibe Chōjirō's mind.
But he quickly shook his head repeatedly.
*Perhaps Lord Genryūsai was just going easy on Lord Naraku, which is why it ended up like this.*
While his imagination was running wild, Yamamoto wore a sour expression on his old face and glared irritably at his rebellious disciple.
"Brat, now that you've learned it, get out of here."
"Squad One's cafeteria didn't prepare any food for you today."
Hearing this, Naraku Sora's eyes widened. He turned to look at Sasakibe Chōjirō, who had brought people over to clean up the mess.
Stared at by that intense gaze, Sasakibe Chōjirō felt uncomfortable all over and could only whisper,
"The food in Squad One's cafeteria is unlimited."
Yamamoto was furious and glared fiercely at Sasakibe Chōjirō. The Lieutenant returned an apologetic smile, effectively preventing the Head Captain from saying anything more.
*Chōjirō, you betrayed me after all!*
After thoroughly gorging himself in the cafeteria, Naraku Sora left the Squad One barracks fully satisfied.
Although he had been beaten quite badly by Yamamoto, he had also learned the technique of Black Flash・Double Bone from the exchange.
It saved him the trouble of developing it himself.
Later on, even if the Wandenreich launched their blood war and those Quincies forcibly stole Bankai, he could still rely on his bare fists to slaughter his way through them.
*Speaking of which, Kisuke seems to have been slacking off again lately.*
*I told him a long time ago to cooperate with Senior Brother Kyōraku and find the Wandenreich's base hidden in the shadows as quickly as possible.*
*But several years have passed, and there are absolutely no results.*
*Looks like I need to turn up the heat on Kisuke.*
*Slacking off every single day, what a disgrace.*
Leaving Squad One, he walked toward the Shino Prison barracks. From time to time, passing squad members would bow respectfully to the Prison Warden.
Naraku Sora responded politely.
Although he beat up his teacher and bullied his subordinates, deep down, he was still a good person.
Walking all the way to the end of the street, he spotted an unexpected, slender figure.
She wore a snow-white Captain's haori over a black Shihakushō, with a light-colored sash cinching her slender waist. Her thick black hair was tied into a braid with a red ribbon, resting over her front and obscuring her infinitely beautiful curves.
The corners of her beautiful mouth were slightly raised. Her gentle smile was like the first ray of spring sunlight, shining into one's heart and bringing a deep, heartfelt warmth and comfort.
The setting sun shone upon Unohana Retsu, casting a golden afterglow over her.
"Sora, I have come to keep our appointment."
Looking at the young man before her, whose appearance had changed drastically from a few years ago, Unohana Retsu's cheeks flushed slightly, and her eyes held a trace of unbearable anticipation.
To be honest, it was too fast.
For Soul Reapers, who were long-lived beings, a few years was nothing more than the blink of an eye.
While Soul Reapers of his generation were still struggling at the rank-and-file level, Naraku Sora had already become one of the absolute top-tier existences in the Soul Society.
The growth speed of the man before her had exceeded everyone's expectations.
"Since you are unwilling to let the destiny of the Kenpachi continue its cycle, then show me the strength to sever everything."
Unohana Retsu walked slowly toward Naraku Sora until they were close enough to feel each other's breath, and spoke softly.
Smelling that aggressive fragrance mixed with a faint scent of medicine, Naraku Sora grinned, realizing that today would most likely not end peacefully.
If he didn't want Unohana Retsu to die in the future battle of the Kenpachi, he had better use an overwhelmingly irresistible power to ruthlessly crush her pitiful pride as a Kenpachi into dust.
And finally, he would arrogantly tell the woman before him that in the face of true strength, so-called destiny was worse than a dog with a broken spine.
Thinking of this, Naraku Sora made up his mind.
"Since you've already made up your mind, Big Sister Retsu, then follow me."
"I happen to know the perfect place for the two of us to have a hearty battle."
Hearing this, Unohana Retsu gave him a strange look.
She had originally planned to take him to Muken, but from Naraku Sora's words, it seemed he had a better place in mind.
Soon, the Prison Warden returned to his loyal Shino Prison.
After greeting Komamura and the others who were guarding the barracks, Naraku Sora led Unohana Retsu into his private room.
Rangiku crossed her arms over her chest, watching their somewhat intimate retreating figures. Her eyebrows knitted tightly together as a strong sense of crisis subconsciously rose in her heart.
Compared to Senna, who had only recently joined the squad, this older-sister-type Captain Unohana was clearly much more of a threat.
*No, I absolutely cannot just sit by and do nothing!*
After standing in place and thinking for a few seconds, Matsumoto Rangiku's figure flashed, and she vanished from the spot.
Inside the room, under Unohana Retsu's puzzled gaze, Naraku Sora casually explained,
"The street earlier was too close to Squad One. It's inconvenient to show off certain abilities there."
"Besides, Big Sister Retsu, you wouldn't want to be interrupted, right?"
Unohana Retsu subconsciously nodded. Immediately after, she saw Naraku Sora raise his hand and casually tear at the space beside him.
Like some monster opening its mouth, a profound darkness emerged within the room.
"..."
"A Garganta?!"
Unohana Retsu revealed a hint of surprise.
"Please follow me."
Naraku Sora didn't explain, simply stepping into the Garganta on his own.
Unohana Retsu hesitated for a moment before following him in.
Soon, a sprawling silver desert appeared before their eyes. A crescent moon hung high in the sky, looking down upon the land like a giant eye.
A Reiatsu as heavy as a collapsing sky descended upon them. Under Unohana Retsu's incredulous gaze, Naraku Sora spread his arms wide.
"Welcome to my Hueco Mundo."