"What?! Th-that's incredible!" Ichigo exclaimed in shock.
Although Kisuke had mentioned seeking help from someone named Hitsugaya Toshiro if in danger, Ichigo never imagined this Hitsugaya Toshiro would be such a major figure.
Vice-Captain Commander of the Gotei 13, Captain of the 10th Division, the number two figure among Shinigami... Thinking that such an existence was 'on their side', Ichigo instantly felt the chances of successfully rescuing Rukia this time were very high.
'This big guy in front of me says he's Hitsugaya Toshiro's friend. So that means this big guy is also 'on our side'?' Ichigo thought to himself.
Thinking this, Ichigo said to Jidanbo, "Hey! Big guy, I don't want to hurt you. So why don't you just open the gate and let us through!"
"What did you say?! Brat!" Jidanbo said, his face filled with anger.
"Kid, if you want to pass, you'll have to defeat me first!" Jidanbo pointed his axe at Ichigo.
"Can't be helped, I guess. Then I'll just have to defeat you," Ichigo said resignedly.
Originally, since he considered Jidanbo 'on their side', Ichigo didn't want to fight him. However, judging by Jidanbo's attitude, he wouldn't let them pass easily.
Even so, Ichigo didn't mention Toshiro to make Jidanbo let them through.
Kisuke said to seek Toshiro's help only when in danger, as a last resort.
Ichigo understood the meaning behind those words very well. They were 'invaders' infiltrating the Soul Society, while Toshiro was a Gotei 13's Shinigami. Helping them would undoubtedly put him in a difficult position. So unless absolutely necessary, it was better not to seek his help.
Therefore, even though mentioning Toshiro's name might make Jidanbo let them pass, Ichigo decided to rely on his own strength to defeat Jidanbo and get through the White Road Gate.
However, considering Jidanbo was 'on their side', Ichigo decided not to injure him, just defeat him.
"Hey! Big guy, I'll let you make the first move," Ichigo said, drawing the Zanpakuto strapped to his back and pointing it at Jidanbo.
"Hmph, kid, you'll regret this. If I make the first move, you won't have any chance," Jidanbo boomed.
With that, Jidanbo swung his massive axe, delivering a powerful, heavy blow straight at Ichigo.
Boom!
As Jidanbo's axe descended, the tremendous force generated a violent gust of wind, stirring up dust everywhere and obscuring the area where Ichigo stood, making it impossible to see what happened.
"What?!" Jidanbo suddenly exclaimed in shock.
As the dust settled, Ichigo stood there completely unharmed. Jidanbo's giant axe was easily blocked by Ichigo's Zanpakuto.
"So? Big guy, if you surrender now, there's still time," Ichigo said.
"Oh ho ho ho ho...!!"
Jidanbo suddenly burst into laughter.
"What are you laughing at?" Ichigo asked, puzzled.
"Hey! Kid, you've got some skills! That's great! It's been several decades since anyone could withstand my axe!" Jidanbo laughed.
"... It seems... today I can finally... have a good, satisfying fight!"
"Kid, do your best! Up until today, including you, only three people have managed to withstand my first axe strike... And as for someone who can withstand the second strike..."
"No one has been born yet!"
Before his words even faded, Jidanbo brought his axe down on Ichigo's head once more.
Seeing this, Ichigo calmly raised his sword horizontally to block overhead.
Clang!
Jidanbo's giant axe was firmly stopped, utterly unable to affect Ichigo.
"Huh? N-not bad, kid! You can still stand?!"
Seeing Ichigo block his attack so calmly and composedly, Jidanbo couldn't help but feel a bit panicked inside, though he kept up his brave front verbally.
"But... it's not over yet! Die! Tenfold Great Festival!!"
Boom! Boom! Boom...!!
Jidanbo swung his giant axe with incredible speed, launching a continuous barrage of attacks at Ichigo.
"One, two, three, four, five, six..."
Under Jidanbo's relentless assault, the entire ground shook continuously. The sheer force of it made Uryu and the others feel uneasy.
"Seven, sev… eight, huff huff... six, eight..."
Continuously swinging the giant axe with all his strength rapidly drained Jidanbo's stamina. He couldn't even keep count anymore.
"It's about time to end this..."
Ichigo's voice suddenly rang out.
Hearing Ichigo's voice, Jidanbo's pupils contracted. He instinctively swung his giant axe at Ichigo again.
This time, however, Ichigo didn't just defend. He actively swung his Zanpakuto.
Boom!
Ichigo's powerful spiritual pressure scattered the billowing dust. The wall of earth Jidanbo had created earlier was also severed by a single slash from Ichigo.
"Had enough of swinging? Well then... my turn!" Ichigo said, looking at Jidanbo with an unfriendly glint in his eyes.
"Wh-who says I'm done?! I've still got one more trick up my sleeve!" Jidanbo said, sweat dripping from his forehead.
As he spoke, Jidanbo pulled out another giant axe from his attire.
"Uoooooh… Hah!"
"Take this! Ultimate Finishing Move… Ten Thousand Years Grand Festival!!"
After shouting, Jidanbo prepared to swing both axes at Ichigo.
However, at that moment, Ichigo suddenly spoke.
"Sorry, but I'm going to break your 'tools'."
Since Jidanbo claimed to be Toshiro's friend, Ichigo considered him 'on their side'.
Therefore, Ichigo didn't want to injure Jidanbo. So he decided to destroy Jidanbo's axes, rendering him unable to fight.
Then, Ichigo suddenly slashed at both of Jidanbo's axes with his sword.
Clang!
Jidanbo felt an immense force transmitted from Ichigo's blade.
Then, Jidanbo was sent flying through the air.
Thud!
Jidanbo's massive body crashed heavily onto the ground.
Crack!
A shattering sound suddenly rang out.
"What?!" a shocked voice exclaimed.
This time, however, the shocked person wasn't Jidanbo, but Ichigo.
Jidanbo's two axes had indeed shattered, but it was only the outer 'shell' that broke.
As the shattered 'shell' fell away, it revealed two ice-blue crystal axes underneath.
"Kid, you're pretty strong! If these axes weren't specially made for me by Toshiro using his ice, but my old axes, they definitely would have been shattered by you just now!" Jidanbo said, still shaken.