"Vice Admiral Momousagi, we're about to reach Systai Island. According to intelligence, the Shinigami Pirates are currently stationed there!"
A Marine captain stepped forward on deck and reported respectfully.
At the bow stood a striking woman.
She had long, flowing black hair, a sharp and elegant presence, and wore a fitted pink suit. At her waist hung a famed blade—
Konpira.
A candidate for Admiral.
Momousagi.
She stood tall and composed, her justice coat billowing in the wind behind her. Her presence alone commanded attention across the deck.
Putting aside appearances—
her strength ranked among the very best in Marine Headquarters.
As an Admiral candidate, she possessed power comparable to the Admirals themselves. Only the limitation of available positions had prevented her promotion.
"I understand. Increase speed."
She nodded calmly.
This time, she had come under Sengoku's direct orders—
to invite Ren Kuro to join the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
"Shinigami Pirates…"
Her gaze sharpened slightly.
"I've heard you're all master swordsmen. I'd like to test that myself."
Normally, Momousagi remained at Mary Geoise, tasked with protecting the Celestial Dragons. But with Sakazuki and Borsalino both injured, Sengoku had no choice but to assign her this mission.
And facing a rising force like the Shinigami Pirates—
she couldn't remain calm.
She wanted to fight.
Systai Island
"Ren Kuro, all the supplies are already loaded. We'll be able to set sail soon!"
Yachiru stood on Ren Kuro's shoulder, counting on her fingers as she cheerfully reported.
"Got it. Thanks, Yachiru."
Ren Kuro smiled, letting her cling to him.
"As a crew member, this is what I should do!" Yachiru giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"…You're both from Squad Eleven."
Ren Kuro sighed.
"How is it that Kenpachi is so useless when it comes to anything but fighting?"
Expecting that man to help with logistics?
Impossible.
Even back in the Gotei Thirteen, all squad duties had been handled by the lieutenant.
Kenpachi had always been a hands-off captain.
Which meant—
Ren Kuro was stuck doing everything himself.
At that moment, Gin Ichimaru approached.
"Ren Kuro, a Marine warship has appeared not far from the island. Judging by its course… it's heading straight here."
"…Only one ship?" Ren Kuro frowned.
That didn't make sense.
If the Marines were here to hunt him, they would need all three Admirals at minimum.
A single warship meant—
this wasn't a direct attack.
So what was their purpose?
"Gin, call Kenpachi and Byakuya. Let's head to the port."
"Byakuya is already nearby… but Kenpachi has already gone ahead to the port."
"…What?"
Ren Kuro's expression stiffened.
"That idiot is picking a fight again, isn't he?"
He sighed.
Of course.
Kenpachi had definitely gone ahead to "invite" someone to cut him.
Systai Island — Port
With full speed ahead, Momousagi's warship soon docked at the harbor.
The Marines disembarked in perfect formation.
Momousagi stood at the front, scanning the surroundings with sharp vigilance.
"…Strange."
Her brows furrowed slightly.
"I have a bad feeling about this."
She trusted her instincts—
and right now, something felt very wrong.
BOOM—
A crushing pressure descended from above.
Reiatsu.
So dense it seemed almost physical.
The air twisted.
The very space around them warped under the overwhelming force, as if the sky itself were being pressed down.
"What—?!"
Even elite Marine soldiers couldn't withstand it.
Their vision blurred.
Their bodies went limp.
One by one—
they collapsed.
In mere seconds, every Marine soldier had fallen.
Foam gathered at their mouths. Some lost consciousness instantly. Others remained barely aware but couldn't move a single muscle.
Fear sank into their bones—
as if their very souls were being crushed.
"…Who is it?!"
Momousagi's expression darkened as she scanned the area.
But she saw no one.
Then—
a crisp, delicate sound echoed.
Ding—
The faint chime of bells.
Her face changed instantly.
She turned toward the source.
At the far end of her vision—
stood a towering figure.
A man with a savage grin.
A white captain's haori fluttering in the wind.
Small bells tied into his hair chimed softly.
Kenpachi Zaraki.
"…You're from the Shinigami Pirates!"
Momousagi's expression shifted rapidly, turning grave.
Before setting out, Sengoku had warned her repeatedly—
never underestimate this man.
"Heh… You can withstand my Reiatsu?"
Kenpachi rested his blade on his shoulder, his grin widening.
"Finally… someone interesting."
"…You came here specifically for us?"
Momousagi glanced at the fallen Marines behind her, her expression tightening.
"Got bored waiting on the island." Kenpachi laughed. "The moment I heard Marines had arrived, I came straight over."
"And you didn't disappoint."
"…You…"
Instinctively—
she took a step back.
The pressure Kenpachi exuded was overwhelming.
Even she felt it.
"You're a swordsman, right?"
Kenpachi's gaze dropped to the blade at her waist—
Konpira.
"Draw it."
His voice was filled with excitement.
"And fight me properly."
Then he added, almost like a declaration—
"Your rank doesn't matter."
"Your gender doesn't matter."
"Draw your blade… and fight me!"
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