Death: Then stood in the sky.

"It's alright. The so-called captain assessment doesn't require you to defeat me. You just need to demonstrate the strength to be qualified to succeed as captain." Komamura Sajin stood still, relieving the young man's worries.

“I understand, Captain Komamura. Well then, let me show you my full power.” Seiji gripped the hilt of his sword and nodded.

"So you're finally getting serious, Ukitake? Let this old man witness your swordsmanship." Komamura Sajin said with a serious face, becoming earnest as well.

His figure vanished without a trace.

He gripped the knife in one hand, his massive frame enveloping the shadowy figure, and delivered a powerful, heavy slash.

It's described as chopping, but it's more like smashing.

Komamura Sajin's swordsmanship has never been a technique-based style, but rather relies on strength to achieve a crushing blow, much like a giant sword, overwhelming the opponent with overwhelming power.

Suddenly, Seiji made his move.

To Komamura Sajin's astonishment, Seiji did not retreat at all, but instead stepped forward with his sword in hand.

The moment they made contact, a burst of fire erupted, and a shockwave exploded from the Zanpakuto.

Then, the ground began to sink.

laugh--

The terrifying wind pressed down on the ground, carving out rows of scratches.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, in this first head-on collision, Aoji was slashed by Komamura Sajin and slid away until his sword was stuck in the ground before he stopped.

But no one thought much of it, because even though they had never seen captains fight, most of them understood that these people were pure monsters.

Being suppressed by the captain is to be expected.

However, Komamura Sajin's expression was somewhat strange.

Knowing he was a power-type warrior, and that his slashing technique was not based on skill but rather on violent smashing, Komamura Sajin consciously restrained his strength, probably only using about a third of his power.

After all, it was just a captain's assessment, not some enemy or a life-or-death battle.

However, Ukitake Seiji's appearance was as if he had been struck by six or seven tenths of his strength.

Is this...right?

Komamura Sajin's eyebrows furrowed.

Even if a captain-level Grim Reaper is extremely weak, surely he wouldn't be unable to withstand a strike with only a fraction of his own power?

What exactly went wrong?

Komamura Sajin attacked again, gripping the hilt of his sword and delivering another powerful, heavy blow. In his hands, the Zanpakuto hardly resembled a sword; rather, it was like an iron rod, albeit one with a sharp edge.

boom!

Blade against blade, this time Aoji performed even worse; he couldn't even slide, he was sent flying by the blade.

With a snap.

Kyoraku Shunsui, who was watching the game, slapped himself in the face, looking helpless and annoyed.

I made you fail the assessment, not make you act so blatantly!

This is so fake, you idiot!

Meanwhile, Retsu Unohana watched this scene with a smile, but upon closer inspection, one would find that her gaze was fixed on Seiji Ukitake from beginning to end.

Still so fond of pretending to be someone you're not, Aoshi-kun.

Not far away, Matsumoto Rangiku looked on suspiciously.

She seemed to realize that this guy was doing it on purpose.

"This isn't up to your usual standard. Give it your all!"

With another slash, sending Ukitake Seiji flying, Komamura Sajin said in a deep voice, "You, who were recommended by Captain Shiba to be the captain, shouldn't be this weak."

"Or are you saying you look down on me?"

"Or perhaps, to show contempt for the team leader's assessment!"

Flames erupted from Komamura Sajin's eyes, and a fire called Wrath began to burn fiercely.

He didn't actually care about the Gotei 13 or the glory of Seireitei.

But Captain Yamamoto cares.

Therefore, one must protect this glory.

Anyone who despises the Seireitei will never earn their own respect!

"Is it possible that I've already used all my strength?" Seiji asked seriously, panting heavily. "Since Captain Isshin mentioned that my strength is not bad, then he must have also mentioned that my strength is all due to external objects, right?"

"Stop joking!"

Komamura Sajin interrupted with a loud shout, "Since you're not going to take this seriously, don't blame me for being impolite."

He's had enough.

He wouldn't get angry if Ukitake Seiji teased him.

Because of the sins he committed in his previous life, he became a werewolf. He suffered endless scorn and humiliation because of his appearance, and he had long since become accustomed to it.

He was accepted by the Captain-Commander, joined the Gotei 13, and under their training, became a Shinigami.

The old man not only didn't care about his appearance, but also imparted his combat experience to him, and eventually made him one of the captains of the Gotei 13.

Only my heart still retains its fangs.

Throughout my life, the struggle has never ceased.

In return, I will uphold loyalty and righteousness throughout my life.

Therefore, no one is allowed to disrespect anything that the Captain cares about.

Komamura Sajin's amiable demeanor vanished completely. In his anger, he increased his power again, using at least six or seven tenths of his strength.

As a result, Aoshi's performance became even worse.

Every time he swung his sword, he was repelled by the helpless opponent.

Each swing resulted in him falling down in a pathetic state.

Completely crushed.

Completely caught off guard.

The surrounding area erupted in uproar.

"What's going on? Why is there such a big difference?"

"Is this really a captain's assessment? Even though it's Captain Komamura Sajin conducting the assessment, no matter how incompetent he is, he shouldn't be this weak, right?"

"Who recommended Ukitake Seiji? I heard he seems to be seriously ill, even weaker than Captain Ukitake."

Both the Shinigami soldiers and the students of the Shinigami Academy were stunned and deeply suspicious.

This is a team leader assessment, not a student exam for the Spiritual Arts Academy!

Ukitake Seiji doesn't seem to be that strong. He doesn't seem to have the performance a captain should have. Instead, he's extremely weak and was suppressed by Komamura Sajin the whole time, without any chance to fight back.

Moreover, it was obvious to anyone with eyes that Komamura Sajin had not used his full strength at all.

In other words, let alone defeating Komamura Sajin, the captain of the 7th Division, Ukitake Seiji couldn't even handle Komamura Sajin when he was holding back!

Maybe I can do it?

At that moment, countless people had this thought in their minds.

"That's strange. This shouldn't be the power of Seiji Ukitake."

On the viewing platform, Kurenai squinted, her gaze scrutinizing and fixed intently on Seiji Ukitake.

In Karakura Town, this guy unleashed an extremely terrifying spiritual pressure; at the time, I even felt that his spiritual pressure was above mine.

So, is it an illusion?

Or is it some kind of disguise trick?

It must be some kind of research that can create the illusion of increased spiritual pressure.

In other words, he was not only tricked by that idiot Shiba Isshin, but also by that guy Ukitake Seiji.

Oh.

What a bunch of annoying trash.

Nekori's eyes turned cold, and she glanced to the side.

It feels empty.

Kenpachi Zaraki still hasn't arrived; he must still be lost somewhere in Seireitei.

That's fine too.

Nekori sneered, gazing into the distance.

Judging by the time, it should be about time, right?

......

Meanwhile, somewhere in Seireitei, amidst a cluster of pristine white buildings, a howling wind and the tinkling of bells accompanied a dark figure tearing through the air, leaving only afterimages.

He suddenly stopped and looked at the dead alleyway he had once again entered.

"What? Why do all the Seireitei look the same? Why can't they change to some other colors?"

Kenpachi Zaraki grinned, but his voice rose eight octaves, filled with obvious dissatisfaction and impatience.

The sound faded.

He started running again, the earth churning beneath his feet.

But if you look down from above, you'll see that he's actually been circling around the whole time, never leaving the area.

"Ah Jian, Ah Jian, it's this way, look this way."

Perched on Kenpachi Zaraki's shoulder, Yachiru Kusashi grinned and pointed the way forward, "This must be the direction of the captain's assessment."

"Huh? Yachiru, is this really the place?" Kenpachi Zaraki asked, frowning as he ran.

“Really, really, that’s absolutely right.” Kusajishi Yachiru nodded solemnly, then tapped her chin. “Hmm, probably.”

"Probably, just probably?" Kenpachi Zaraki slammed on the brakes and came to a stop.

"Seriously, Ken-chan is so long-winded. Well then, over here, over here." Kusajishi Yachiru made a cute whimpering sound, pointed with her little hand, and abruptly changed direction again.

"But you just clearly said this side?"

"Why are you complaining so much, Ken-chan? I don't know anything about you, so you can decide for yourself." Kusajishi Yachiru puffed out her cheeks, snorted, and turned her head away.

Beside them, a passing team member whispered a reminder, "Vice Captain Grass Deer, the direction you're pointing is towards the cemetery. As far as I know, the direction for the captain's assessment should be..."

He hadn't finished speaking.

A terrifying killing intent and icy gaze suddenly descended.

My body felt like it was being cut by knives.

The Shinigami, sweating profusely, gave an awkward laugh. "Well... I guess I'm mistaken. I don't actually know anything."

"Hey hey, little bald head and big nose, goodbye." Kusajishi Yachiru waved with a grin, grabbed Kenpachi Zaraki's hair, then stood parallel to the ground, let out a happy shout, and disappeared from his sight.

"Goodbye, Vice-Captain Kusajishi, you're so cute..." the Shinigami said with emotion, then his face stiffened.

Bridge bean sack!

Small bald head and big nose?

Who is it?

Me?

He touched the top of his head, then touched his nose, and his whole face instantly turned bright red.

Kill you... but I don't think I can beat you!

But just because you can't beat me doesn't mean you can talk about me like that!

Can this world ever get any better?!

Boom—