The only player in the world of Bleach

Thinking it over like this, Kotetsu Isane couldn't very well offer any commentary from the perspective of someone who's been there. She simply lowered her head, pursed her lips, and quickly stepped forward.

After passing through a jumble of messy benches, she finally stopped behind some figures, lowered her head, and spoke loudly.

"Commander-in-Chief, Fourth Division Lieutenant reporting for duty!"

Captain-General, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.

Compared to more than a decade ago, the old thing has hardly changed in appearance.

If one had to describe it in a few words, it would probably be that they had an extra purple shawl for wind protection... As part of their outdoor gear, it seems reasonable for older people to prioritize warmth.

"Okay, hurry up and help take care of it."

Yamamoto glanced back indifferently, his attitude noticeably more amiable than usual.

But that's normal.

Through her experiences over the years, Kotetsu Isane has come to understand that... aside from important periods such as meetings, Captain-Commander Yamamoto is actually a rather approachable old man.

It's said that they occasionally give the members of the First Division who work late into the night sweet potatoes or something similar.

Of course, this falls into the category of urban legends, with no witnesses to speak of.

Kotetsu Isane received the other party's approval, nodded slightly, and turned his gaze to the other side.

Right to Captain-Commander Yamamoto's right, Retsu Unohana sat there, watching the scene below with great interest.

—Even though he's their own captain, they can't get a word in edgewise at times like this.

Because the other person's attention was already focused, Kotetsu Isane consciously refrained from disturbing her... As for what she was looking at...

With a complicated expression, she turned her gaze to the depression not far away...

correct.

The so-called arena was a special terrain formed after excavation and stabilization within the Seireitei quarantine zone.

With a terrain nearly five football fields wide enough to accommodate two energetic guys messing around inside.

But just like I said before...

The burst of spiritual energy itself can also bring about a variety of dissipation effects. If it cannot be accurately controlled within a certain range, it can easily cause a series of chain reactions.

Therefore, it needs to be reinforced using methods similar to barrier techniques.

As he pondered this, Kyoraku Shunsui, sitting on the other side, spoke up at the opportune moment, asking a question to the person beside him without turning his head.

"So, is the setup for this year really finalized?"

It was just a tone used for confirmation, and there was absolutely no indication that it was meant to nitpick.

However, to certain individuals, the statement itself seemed to convey 'pressure'... Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the then-director of the Technology Development Bureau and also the captain of the 12th Division, clearly clicked his tongue.

"This sealing device was reinforced and modified by me personally. Even if it withstands the attacks of a hundred ordinary-level captains in a short period of time, I can ensure the stability of the barrier itself."

Although he stated his opinion literally, the person involved seemed to feel that this was not enough to describe his technical prowess.

Then he continued to add more information.

"And ultimately, the accident last time was because you ignored the Technology Development Bureau's advice, recklessly used the Barrier Class, and blindly trusted the Ghost Path instead of professional technical expertise! You..."

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please stop reading..."

It's not hard to tell that he harbors a lot of resentment.

In reality, a barrier of this caliber, after constant changes and evolution in this day and age... manifesting in a closed state, would require some effort even for Yamamoto himself to create.

Therefore, it is most appropriate to use it as a current restriction on the arena.

Jushiro Ukitake thanked the person who offered him the hot water, took a small sip, and at the same time saw someone being knocked out of the arena, he couldn't help but sigh.

"Did we still lose...?"

Renji Abarai's figure slid along the ground, rolling several times in a disheveled state, causing his Zanpakuto, Zabimaru, to slip from his grasp.

He struggled to lift his head, blood gushing from the cut at the corner of his eye, revealing a face full of resentment.

"I……"

Before the words were even finished, a figure not far away smashed through the mist and charged forward with a sinister grin.

It was Kenpachi Zaraki.

His clothes were also obviously torn, with a lot of bloodstains on them... making it hard to tell whether he was injured or covered in so-called 'enemy blood'.

"Haha, stand up! A man like you can definitely fight, right?!"

A vicious flying kick landed squarely on Abarai Renji's raised arms.

His figure shot up like a cannonball, hovering and landing at the edge of the barrier... If he still had the intention to struggle just now, judging from the way his head is tilted to the side now, he should have lost consciousness most likely.

Zaraki, carrying his sword, gave chase, but was intercepted halfway by another figure.

"He has already lost, let's stop here."

With an iron bucket on his head, Komamura Sajin placed one hand against Zaraki's chest, standing there like an iron tower.

As a referee in the arena, this captain of the Seventh Division was truly dedicated to his duties in every sense of the word...

"Huh? It's over already?"

Kenpachi Zaraki seemed to realize this somewhat belatedly.

He tilted his head, his gaze passing over Komamura Sajin's shoulder and landing directly on Abarai Renji, who was falling to the ground a little further away, his eyes rolling back in his head.

"Ugh... why is it like this again? Has this guy not improved at all in a year?"

Clicking his tongue, he stepped back.

Kenpachi Zaraki turned his head to look up, his hands slightly outstretched, and shouted.

"Come on! Don't you have any other guys who can fight better?! Vice-captain or captain... come down and fight me!"

Similar situations are also common in the literal sense.

It's been five years already...

Every year, these tournaments are mostly contests between vice-captains and chair officers because it's inconvenient for captains to step down.

As a result, Lao Ba often swept through a group, which could be considered a 'fixed program' every year.

As for Abarai Renji.

While it's true that they're full of fighting spirit, under these circumstances... it's like feeding kills to Kenpachi Zaraki every year and boosting his stats.

and so.

Is this how the year is going to end too?

'It seems there are still some people who haven't arrived?'

Just as everyone was pondering this, someone who was originally in the stands suddenly stood up.

"I'll... ask you for advice."

Kuchiki Byakuya placed his right hand on the hilt of his sword and spoke in a calm tone.

“My good-for-nothing vice-captain has been taught a lesson for so many years, and now... I also want to see what this renowned Zaraki Sei-kan is really capable of.”

277: This is too feudal.

Kuchiki Byakuya spoke.

However, it drew the attention of everyone present.

Since the change of leadership, Kuchiki has maintained a very low profile – at least compared to the previous generation.

As a veteran, Kuchiki Ginrei was truly dedicated and hardworking, so even now that the baton has been handed over to the next captain, many captains still hold him in high regard.

In contrast, Byakuya Kuchiki also performed in a rather conventional manner.

There were no radical changes, nor any tendency to be unconventional... Just like other rigid noblemen, he carefully maintained the dignity called nobility and was strict with himself.

of course.

This is my first impression.

In fact, after a series of events, the captains' opinions of him have clearly changed a lot.

Because in his earlier years, this 'young master' of the Kuchiki family not only refused a marriage alliance, but also married a commoner from Rukongai.

There's nothing wrong with pursuing happiness in itself.

Even a rigid person like Yamamoto wouldn't criticize such behavior.

The fact that the person who committed such a 'heinous' act was actually the future head of the Kuchiki family... Just thinking about this situation has already caused many people to sigh and lament.

Just like the once glorious Shiba family, the head of the family made such an unreasonable move. In the eyes of some people, this may be the reason for the decline of the Kuchiki family.

Of course, the final outcome remains unknown.

"Commander-in-Chief Yamamoto..."

Kuchiki Byakuya turned his head at that moment.

He didn't say anything explicitly, but his expression, as if seeking advice, was enough to convey his true intentions at that moment.

He's going to play.

In theory, these kinds of ring matches are spontaneous and can be played at any time. Apart from the prohibition of group fights, there are basically no rules or regulations.

However... there are occasional exceptions.

That means captains don't easily step down.

It's unclear who specifically came up with this idea, or perhaps... it has already become a consensus in some sense.

Since so far, only vice-captains and executive officers have participated, forcibly getting involved would not only make one look bad, but even if one agreed, there would be nothing to be happy about.

After all, this was a captain-level figure crushing the opponent; logically and emotionally, winning was the most normal outcome.

However, at this moment, Byakuya Kuchiki wanted to actively break this 'consensus'.

What exactly is his intention?

Many people displayed different expressions, some speculating, some pondering, some distrusting, and some deep in thought...

The behavior of nobles is inherently logical and traceable. If we analyze it from this perspective, Byakuya Kuchiki's behavior may also have some special intentions.

Everyone tries to find some angles and ways of thinking that can be used from it, but only a few people can understand and realize it.

The current head of the company, Kuchiki, doesn't actually possess such exaggerated cunning.

—This guy really is just like he said, simply wanting to go down and teach that arrogant person who doesn't know his place a lesson.

Kyoraku Shunsui, who was not far away, turned his head to the side and made a grinning face.

This has really blown up... Young people just can't keep their tempers in check.

It's clear that once they're out of the game, there won't be a good outcome regardless of winning or losing.

The vice-captain sitting next to him, Ichigo Nana, cautiously leaned over and whispered something.

"Captain, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

'No... I just feel like things are about to get complicated.'

I originally went in with the mindset of watching a gladiatorial contest, but I didn't expect to see some other rare and wonderful scenes.

It was definitely worth the trip.

However, speaking of which... Kyoraku Shunsui rubbed his chin and looked thoughtfully towards the space between the two sides.

He seemed to remember that the vice-captain of the Sixth Division also had something worth mentioning... You know, the Sixth Division has always been the private domain of nobles, not only the captain, but also the vice-captain.

Referring to the previous generation of Kuchiki Ginryo, the old man directly brought his former son-in-law along to train him.

In a sense, the position of vice-captain of the Sixth Division, besides handling internal affairs, also carries a certain degree of political connotation.

It's a bit complicated, but it's also understandable... after all, nobles are such a conflicted and complex group.

After silently reflecting for a while, Kyoraku Shunsui looked up at the arena below, his expression becoming increasingly subtle.

He was clearly a very conservative aristocrat.

But the things they do are increasingly unconventional and unorthodox.

He married a woman who defied discipline, appointed a non-noble as his deputy... and now he even wants to personally teach a lesson to the person who just beat up his deputy captain.