Starting with Naruto, I'll become stronger through my own efforts.

Chapter 429 The Captain Almost Became a Lonely Figure

Retsu Unohana gave a thumbs-up and exclaimed, "You're absolutely right!"

"Captain-Commander Yamamoto fought valiantly, not only establishing the Soul Society and the Gotei 13, but also protecting them for a full thousand years. We Shinigami can't always rely on the old man for protection."

Xia Zuo nodded and said, "The Grim Reaper itself does not have an upper limit to its lifespan. The reason for aging is the limitation of its own strength, or the feeling that it is old."

"Captain-Commander Yamamoto is the strongest Shinigami in Soul Society. His strength is absolutely not an issue. He is simply tired and mentally aged, which is why he appears old and frail."

"A change in mindset can also affect one's strength. I believe that today's Captain-Commander Yamamoto is no match for the Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni of yesteryear."

"In addition, countless people have regarded him as their greatest enemy over the past thousand years and have devoted countless efforts to studying him. His combat skills, tactics and strategies have long been no secret. Even his Zanpakuto, Ryujin Jakka, has not been thoroughly studied by his enemies."

"Sister Hua, let Captain Yamamoto retire. At least we can protect him from dying on the battlefield—"

Retsu Unohana raised her hand and waved it: "Okay, stop talking. I won't go back on my word, I won't."

Rukia was hung on the rack, and the rack was raised to the top by a ritual.

Second Division Captain Soi Fon, in her capacity as the executioner's commander, ordered: "Activate the incantation, unleash the Twin Spears of Extinction!"

The executioners immediately took their positions and chanted incantations to break the seal on the Twin Spears.

Countless streams of spiritual energy awakened and converged from the base of the Twin Spears to its top.

Each strand of spiritual energy was extremely weak, so weak that even students from the Spiritual Arts Academy could ignore it. But when endless spiritual energy appeared, it eventually converged into a torrent.

The torrent of spiritual energy generated an extremely terrifying spiritual pressure, and all the captains present felt an indescribable pressure.

The enormous Twin Spears slowly rose, and a torrent of spiritual energy gathered at the spearhead, swirling and coiling, condensing into an even more terrifying spiritual pressure.

Suddenly, spiritual pressure ignited flames in mid-air, and the raging flames were shaped by a mysterious force into a giant golden fire phoenix.

The phoenix spread its wings, its enormous fiery wings blotting out the sky, its magnificent form exuding boundless oppression, embodying true nobility.

The true form of the Twin Spears' power essence—Destroyer King!

When the Fire Phoenix King pierces through the sinner on the rack, it will incinerate the victim's spirit with indescribable flames, completely obliterating her from this world.

The purpose of execution is to completely destroy and eliminate any chance of resurrection!

Most of the captains held their heads high, staring intently at the Destroyer King.

In the firelight, their faces flickered between light and shadow, seemingly reflecting the captains' inner unease.

Second Division Captain Soi Fon kept her eyes fixed on Kuchiki Byakuya, fearing that he might suddenly draw his Zanpakuto and strike the base of the Twin Spears.

Although the Twin Spears are very powerful, they are just a weapon. When activated, the weapon itself is very fragile and cannot withstand a captain's slash.

As the Phoenix King flapped its wings and pounced on Rukia, Byakuya Kuchiki suddenly placed his hand on the hilt of his Zanpakuto, and Soi Fon tensed up, preparing to draw her sword as well.

But Byakuya Kuchiki didn't move in the end. Instead, Ichigo Kurosaki made a triumphant return, appearing in front of Rukia in time and blocking the Phoenix Destroyer King with his kitchen knife.

He, so delicate and fresh, blocked the power of a million Zanpakuto.

Under the tutelage of Yoruichi Shihouin, the young Ryuga completed his training in a very short time, mastered Bankai, and became a powerful Shinigami at the captain level.

The surge in power drastically changed Ichigo Kurosaki's demeanor; his overwhelming aura was incredibly fierce, and all the captains present were intimidated by him.

Just as the Fire Phoenix was enraged and bent its neck to launch a second attack to send Kurosaki Ichigo and Kuchiki Rukia away, Ukitake Jushiro and Kyoraku Shunsui suddenly betrayed them.

Under the stunned gaze of all the captains, they joined forces to seal the power of the Twin Spears of Annihilation, causing the Destroyer King to emit a mournful cry of resentment before dissipating into the air, thus completely ending this execution.

The fact that two captains, who had no connection to Rukia, betrayed him completely stunned the Captain-Commander, leaving him unable to make an effective response until now.

This is unbelievable. Not only the captain and vice-captain of the Gotei 13, but even Ichigo Kurosaki was dumbfounded.

There's actually a captain who's our mole. Why didn't anyone tell me?

Miss Yoruichi, how much information are you still hiding?

Kurosaki Ichigo was filled with questions, but he didn't have time to ask them. He quickly swung his sword to cut the spiritual power binding Rukia and rescued her from the rack.

Ichigo, who had just successfully rescued Rukia, was stopped by the Second Division Lieutenant, Omae, and the First Division Lieutenant, Suzakube, who rushed over.

The two powerful vice-captains only lasted four rounds against Ichigo Kurosaki before being punched by him until they were coughing up blood and collapsing to the ground.

To others, this was a display of Ichigo Kurosaki's explosive increase in strength, an incredibly powerful performance that deserved the utmost attention.

But in the eyes of Natsusa, Captain Unohana, and Captain-Commander Yamamoto, it was as if the two big shots had gone easy on them.

Chojiro Sasakibe, the vice-captain of the First Division, mastered Bankai two thousand years ago and is one of the top five Shinigami in the Soul Society.

Even if Ichigo Kurosaki has mastered Bankai, he won't have time to refine and hone his skills. How could he possibly defeat this veteran powerhouse?

Not to mention that this swordsmanship master didn't even draw his sword, and instead engaged in hand-to-hand combat with Kurosaki Ichigo, ultimately being knocked down by a single punch.

Second Division Vice-Captain Ōmaeda Kichiyo was even more ruthless.

His full name is: Ōmaeda Nikkotaro Emon Misaki Sukechiyo.

Just by hearing his name, which is 17 characters long, you can tell how noble his origins are and how profound his background is.

His strength should not be underestimated.

In the original history, no matter how brutal the battlefield, Ōmaeda was able to fight with ease and play a crucial role at critical moments.

How could any transmigrator believe that a powerful figure far surpassing their own captain, Soi Fon, would have his nose gushing blood after being punched by Ichigo Kurosaki's straight punch?

The two vice-captains' behavior was far too obvious; they were expressing their dissatisfaction with Captain-Commander Yamamoto's decision without any attempt to conceal it.

It's only slightly better than Jushiro Ukitake and Shunsui Kyoraku directly turning against them, but the improvement is limited.

Soi Fon, the captain of the Second Division, was indeed not very bright. When she saw her vice-captain being defeated, she not only failed to recognize the trickery involved, but also angrily drew her Zanpakuto, intending to take down Kurosaki Ichigo herself.

As a result, a dark shadow swept across the scene, and Soi Fon disappeared along with the person who came.

Feeling the familiar arms and familiar scent, Soi Fon's body went limp, and she almost dropped her Zanpakuto.

She murmured the other person's name: "Yoichi-san—"

Yoruichi Shihouin turned around, smiling sweetly, and softly replied, "I'm back, Soi Fon. I missed you so much."

Looking at the beautiful face she had been longing for and listening to the intimate words, Soi Fon's head was buzzing, and she felt as if she had risen to the clouds, not knowing where she was.

"I miss you too—"

"Yes, I know."

Captain-Commander Yamamoto was furious. He sensed the discontent hidden in the hearts of the captains, but the stubborn old man had no intention of changing, at least not now.

He also wanted to maintain the authority of the Central 46 in the eyes of ordinary Grim Reapers, after all, it was a very useful tool that could save him a lot of time.

As for the mistakes that Room 46 has made recently, old man Yamamoto will not let them go.

Once the invasion of the Travelers is completely over, he will personally go and have a go at those worthless nobles, using at least forty-six nobles' lives to let them know who the Soul Society is.

But now, Captain-Commander Yamamoto first needs to know who is willing to obey him and believe in him!

He raised his cane and slammed it heavily on the ground, causing the entire Xiaoshan District, where the execution ground was located, to tremble. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at their captain.

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni snorted coldly and said, "Captains! Who is willing to fight and capture the death row inmate, the traveling villain, and my traitorous disciple?"

Captain Komamura Sajin of the 7th Division stepped forward and loudly responded, "Captain-Commander, Komamura Sajin is at your service!"

Sixth Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki closed his eyes, and after a long while, he slowly opened them, revealing a pair of determined eyes.

He drew his Zanpakuto, then stepped forward and stood in front of Rukia Kuchiki, where Ichigo Kurosaki was blocking his way.

Then Byakuya Kuchiki turned around, holding his sword in a mid-range stance, and solemnly said, "Captain-Commander Yamamoto, I apologize!"

"Hahaha, Captain, I knew I hadn't misjudged you! You truly are the idol I admire!"

With that shout, Renji Abarai, carrying his Zanpakuto and sporting a bruised and swollen head, stood shoulder to shoulder with Byakuya Kuchiki.

He shouted arrogantly, "Today, whoever tries to hurt Rukia, I'll fight them to the death!"

Captain-Commander Yamamoto was surprised to find that only one captain remained who obeyed him.

If it were someone else, he would lament: "The morale is low, and the team is hard to lead."

But Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni was no ordinary man; the dire situation only fueled his anger and fueled his even stronger fighting spirit.

Thousands of years ago, the Soul Society was in chaos. Back then, his name was Yamamoto Shigekuni, and there were countless powerful Shinigami who stood on the side of his enemies.

Why are there now Rukongai districts divided into sections?

That's because Yamamoto Shigekuni leveled the land piece by piece.

Why are there five noble families now?

Because the other nobles refused to submit, they were all killed by Yamamoto Shigekuni.

Only these five families, being both valuable and astute, were able to adapt to changing circumstances and survive to this day.

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni chuckled, discarded his cane, and drew his Zanpakuto.

As he drew Ryujin Jakka, he gave a final warning: "Shinigami who haven't mastered Bankai, regardless of their stance, immediately retreat 3000 meters, or don't blame me if you die."

Without saying a word, the vice-captain of the First Division, the Sparrow Division, and the vice-captain of the Second Division, Ōmaeda, disappeared from the small hill.

Their rapid disappearance was impeccable, fully demonstrating their strength and neutral stance.

Then, the vice-captains of the 3rd Division, Kira Izuru, the 4th Division, Kotetsu Isane, the 7th Division, Iba Tetsuzaemon, the 8th Division, Ise Nanao, the 9th Division, Hisagi Shuhei, and the 13th Division, who also served as acting vice-captain, all withdrew.

However, the vice-captain of the 6th Division, Renji Abarai, did not leave. He still held his Zanpakuto, Zabimaru, and stood side by side with Captain Byakuya Kuchiki.

With Ichigo Kurosaki on their right and Jushiro Ukitake and Shunsui Kyoraku on their left, they formed a dike-like defensive line that withstood the overwhelming power of the Captain-Commander.

"Five people think they can take on me?" The captain's eyes, gleaming with a sharp light, were half-open as he slowly drew his Ryujin Jakka. "Overestimating yourselves!"

"Especially Renji Abarai, a Shinigami who doesn't possess Bankai has absolutely no right to oversee a Captain-level battle!"

This was the old man's final warning, and I must say, he was truly merciful.

Three thousand years ago, Yamamoto Shigekuni would have already chopped these bastards down with his sword, and then decide whether to continue killing them or let them go depending on his mood.

He's very good at chopping people up!

As the scorching blade was drawn from its sheath, a terrifying spiritual pressure erupted from Ryujin Jakka, carrying a destructive, scorching aura that dominated an area within a ten-kilometer radius of the execution platform.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto: "All things shall turn to ashes, Ryujin Jakka!!!"

boom-

The spiritual pressure of the flames surged again, increasing the area it covered several times over. In particular, within a three-kilometer radius, everything was ignited by the high temperature and began to burn fiercely.

The temperature in the entire Spirit Court was rising rapidly, everyone felt the heat, and they saw a huge pillar of fire that stretched to the heavens and the earth.

Guided by the giant pillar of fire, the 11th Division's running squad finally found the unchanging landmark and quickly arrived at the execution platform by speed.

Seeing the tense atmosphere, Kenpachi Zaraki became excited. He laughed and walked to the Captain-Commander's side, revealing his Zanpakuto.

"If you want a good fight, stand on the side with fewer people. Old man, I'll help you!"

Looking at the excited Kenpachi, Kyoraku Shunsui couldn't help but sigh, "Another crazy guy. Captain Kuchiki, are you sure you can handle Kenpachi?"

"No problem!" Kuchiki Byakuya said calmly.

He calmly switched places with Captains Kyoraku and Ukitake, facing Kenpachi Zaraki head-on.

The two captains then pushed Ichigo Kurosaki and Renji Abarai aside, leaving them to face Sajin Komamura, while the two of them faced their teacher directly.

"Kuchiki, Ukitake, Kyoraku, you're all very good—" The Captain-Commander opened his half-closed eyes, a murderous aura surging forth: "Shunsui, Jushiro, I don't recall ever teaching you to betray!"

Kyoraku Shunsui licked his lips and protested, "Upholding the justice in our hearts! Isn't it you, our teacher, who taught us?"

"Justice? You idiot who can't even tell the difference between big and small, what right do you have to talk about justice?!"

Captain-Commander Yamamoto said with exasperation, "Fine, then let me teach you what justice truly is!"

Kyoraku Shunsui unsheathed his twin swords: "Oh dear, the old man's angry! Ukitake, watch out!"