Ōetsu Nimaiya stood on a rooftop, stroking his chin as he carefully observed the Tailed Beast Cloak surrounding Chu Yang.
Hyōsube Ichibē was also intrigued. His collection of unknown phenomena just got a bit larger.
Shunsui Kyōraku's expression was far more complex than theirs.
Setting aside Zanpakutō for the moment, just in terms of combat ability, Chu Yang's performance already matched the level of a captain—one of the top-tier captains at that.
With the departure of Aizen Sōsuke, Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tōsen, the positions they left vacant had yet to be filled.
Judging from today's situation, this newly graduated Shinigami, Chu Yang, would likely take one of those positions.
The melee between Chu Yang and Yamamoto continued.
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni's enthusiasm only grew, and he began using advanced Hakuda techniques such as Ikotsu and Sōkotsu.
He dared to go all out because he discovered that Chu Yang's strength wasn't just evenly matched with his own…
He wanted to see how much more this young man was hiding.
On the other hand, Chu Yang, after some time in battle, realized that the skill most effective against his opponent was Conqueror's Haki.
Conqueror's Haki infusion was a defining ability of the emperor-level powerhouses in the world of One Piece. Only those who mastered it could be considered true rulers.
Moreover, Conqueror's Haki infusion had a unique impact on Shinigami, who were essentially high-density spiritual bodies.
Every time Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni was struck by Conqueror's Haki infusion, his movements would noticeably falter.
On a microscopic level, invisible to the naked eye, the areas struck by the infusion showed a partial disintegration of spiritual particles, which then reformed.
In theory, if Chu Yang's Conqueror's Haki were strong enough, he could forcibly revert a Shinigami back to their purest spiritual particle state.
But that was just a theory. Practically, it was nearly impossible.
Haki had its limits.
And once Haki was completely depleted, it couldn't be quickly restored to a usable state.
Despite its drawbacks, the practical effects of Conqueror's Haki infusion in battle were terrifying.
In battles of equal strength, a single opening could determine the outcome.
Before Haki was fully consumed, Conqueror's Haki infusion could create numerous openings in an opponent.
For example, right now—
The so-called strongest Shinigami in a millennium, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, after enduring multiple hits from Conqueror's Haki infusion, appeared sluggish and disoriented.
To an outsider, he might even look like a decrepit old man.
The more they fought, the more unbearable it became.
"Yamamoto is being suppressed."
Hyōsube Ichibē's eyes lit up, a schadenfreude-filled grin spreading across his face.
"Things are about to get serious."
Ōetsu Nimaiya seemed faintly expectant.
"Gentlemen, the next phase of this battle will exceed my barrier's capacity. I hope you can intervene—after all, this is the Seireitei..."
Shunsui Kyōraku approached the two onlookers, his expression troubled as he addressed them.
Hyōsube Ichibē nodded, reaching into the void and summoning a massive brush.
With a single stroke of his brush, an even more formidable barrier enveloped the area.
Despite the barrier's containment, the earlier battle had already alerted the captains and vice-captains of the Gotei 13, who were now rushing to the scene.
The first to arrive were Zaraki Kenpachi and Unohana Retsu.
As they joined the spectators, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni took a deep breath. The cane he often leaned on transformed into a katana with a deep purple hilt and an elliptical guard, resembling flames burning at their peak.
The moment the katana appeared, the atmosphere grew heavy, and everyone held their breath.
"To think it would come to this—drawing my blade to feel any pressure from you. Truly, the younger generation is remarkable."
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni gazed at Chu Yang's youthful face, unable to suppress his amazement.
"Captain-Commander, you seem rather impatient. Do you wish to see my Shikai now?"
Chu Yang grasped Fengdu and Tianque, a vague sense of unease rising in his heart as if something within him was about to break free.
From afar, Unohana Retsu watched in astonishment. "That child… is also dual-wielding?"
Dual-wielding Zanpakutō was exceedingly rare. Apart from Shunsui Kyōraku and Ukitake Jūshirō, there were hardly any others.
At the center of the battlefield, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni began reciting his release incantation.
"All things in the universe, turn to ashes—Ryūjin Jakka!"
The blade ignited in a roaring flame, its temperature soaring to 6,000 degrees, distorting the very air.
"This strike won't kill you with your constitution, but you'd better block it. The sensation isn't pleasant."
Speaking with the gentlest tone while wielding the most terrifying power, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni swung his blazing blade mercilessly.
"Infernal Hell!"
Dozens of massive fire pillars erupted from the ground, incinerating everything beneath Chu Yang's feet.
Hyōsube Ichibē quickly wielded his brush, extinguishing the flames that breached the barrier as though snuffing them out of existence.
The captains arriving on the scene were dumbstruck by the sight.
Meanwhile, engulfed by thousands of degrees of heat, Chu Yang's face contorted in pain, the sense of unease within him growing stronger.
Until Fengdu's voice echoed in his mind—
The fusion of man and blade, a union of souls.
Chu Yang drove Fengdu deep into the scorching earth, unleashing a heaven-shaking roar.
"Yomi!"
A torrent of yellow water, chillingly cold and brimming with dreadful resentment, surged from the void and the ground.
Under the astonished gazes of Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni and all the spectators, the flames that should have incinerated everything were gradually extinguished by the waters of Yomi.
For millennia, nothing had been capable of quelling the flames of Ryūjin Jakka.
Until now.
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni gazed at the scorched black earth, surrounded by Yomi's waters, with a complex expression.
He had indeed hoped Chu Yang would surprise him, but this surprise was far beyond his expectations.
Among the captains present, only Zaraki Kenpachi eyed Fengdu with interest, while the others were stunned, struggling to process the scene before them.
"This water… what is it?"
"Flames at 6,000 degrees should vaporize any liquid. How could they be extinguished?"
"Did the Captain-Commander hold back?"
"That doesn't seem to be the case."
"The Captain-Commander looks just as shocked."
"When did he awaken his Zanpakutō?"
Ōetsu Nimaiya bent down, scooping up some of the Yomi water in his hands. He muttered, "This water seems to continuously deplete my spiritual energy."
Hyōsube Ichibē, stunned, followed suit, pressing his hand into the Yomi waters.
As the bone-chilling cold coursed through his body, he suddenly realized his spiritual particles were diminishing.
Hyōsube Ichibē's pupils trembled violently.
This was no ordinary phenomenon!
He had initially thought the Zanpakutō's ability merely countered Ryūjin Jakka. But now, it was evident that it targeted spiritual bodies themselves.
"Yomi… in some sense, this Zanpakutō's name is ominous."
Hyōsube Ichibē's low voice carried to everyone present.
They had all heard Chu Yang's roar and assumed "Yomi" was the Zanpakutō's name, unaware that it was merely one of Fengdu's abilities.
If they knew, their expressions would undoubtedly become even more colorful.
Hyōsube Ichibē frowned deeply. The older a Shinigami, the more reverent they were of ancient legends.
No one could be certain what the world was like before the Soul King created the Three Realms.
Even now, beyond the Three Realms, Hell still existed.
"I wonder how the Soul King will react to this discovery."
Ōetsu Nimaiya's gaze never left Fengdu's pitch-black blade. A hint of greed briefly surfaced in his heart—something he hadn't felt in centuries.
This was a unique Zanpakutō, one he would love to collect.
Taking a deep breath, Ōetsu Nimaiya regained his composure.
As a Shinigami who had lived countless years, his greed was fleeting, quickly replaced by rationality.
"The Zanpakutō's name has been revealed. It's about time we left, don't you think?"
"The Soul King's palace cannot be left unguarded."
At some point, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni had reverted Ryūjin Jakka to its cane form. Hunched over, he approached the two, once again resembling his usual elderly self.
Hyōsube Ichibē and Ōetsu Nimaiya exchanged glances.
Yamamoto was clearly issuing a veiled order to leave.
Being doused by a rookie was undoubtedly humiliating for the millennium's strongest Shinigami.
However, no one believed Chu Yang was stronger than Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni.
The title of the strongest Shinigami in a millennium was not given lightly.
Having achieved their goal, the two had no reason to linger. The stability of the Soul King's palace took precedence over everything else.
Before leaving, Ōetsu Nimaiya cast a meaningful glance at Tianque.
"Could it be that I'm overthinking things?"
He couldn't shake the feeling that these two Zanpakutō had their own true names, yet the thought seemed absurd upon closer reflection.
Dual-wielding Zanpakutō was rare but not unheard of. However, for a single person to awaken two separate Zanpakutō was something that had never been seen before.
After confirming that the two auras had disappeared, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni finally approached Chu Yang. He stood in silence for a moment, his gaze wavering as it swept over Chu Yang.
"The position of the Fifth Division Captain has been vacant for quite some time. From now on, you will assume that role."
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni's words once again stunned the gathered captains.
Under normal circumstances, there were three ways to become a Shinigami captain:
1. Passing the Captain Proficiency Test in the presence of at least three captains, including the Head Captain.
2. Receiving a joint recommendation from six captains and obtaining the approval of three of the remaining six captains.
3. Challenging the current captain in front of 200 Shinigami witnesses and winning the duel, thus earning the position.
The First Division Captain, who also served as the Head Captain, required an additional step—approval from the Central 46.
Yet now, with a single decision from Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, Chu Yang was directly appointed as the Fifth Division Captain. This was unprecedented in the history of the Soul Society.
Even so, after witnessing the battle just moments ago, the captains had no doubts about Chu Yang's strength, which was undeniably at the level of a captain.
"The Fifth Division... of all divisions, it just had to be the one Aizen was in. The Head Captain's decision is truly intriguing..."
Similar thoughts surfaced in everyone's minds.
The positions of Third Division Captain, previously held by Gin Ichimaru, and Ninth Division Captain, previously held by Kaname Tōsen, were also vacant. Yet, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni had chosen Chu Yang to succeed as the Fifth Division Captain.
Based solely on Chu Yang's demonstrated combat prowess, the Third Division, which handled support missions, seemed more suitable for him.
Since the Head Captain had made his decision, the other captains could only agree and offered their congratulations to Chu Yang.
With that, the matter was settled. Thanks to the barrier created by Hyōsube Ichibē, the events of the night were known only to the captains and a select few vice-captain-level Shinigami.
On the way back, Chu Yang was led to a new residence—a private courtyard. As a captain, he could no longer live in the dormitory with other newly graduated Shinigami.
Standing in the courtyard, Chu Yang observed his Zanpakutō, Fengdu and Tianque, which seemed to possess a life of their own, circling around him.
"Huangquan..."
"In legend, one must pass through the Gate of Ghosts, the Yellow Springs Road, the Bridge of Helplessness, and the Wangxiang Platform to reach Fengdu."
"If the abilities correspond one-to-one, aside from Huangquan, which I just used, Fengdu should have three other abilities."
"All four abilities combined should represent the complete Shikai state of Fengdu."
"And as for the Bankai?"
"If I follow this progression..."
Lost in thought, Chu Yang shifted his gaze to Tianque. While he had a rough understanding of Fengdu's abilities, he had no clue about the capabilities of this Zanpakutō.
The next day, on Chu Yang's first day as captain, his promotion caused an uproar among all the members of the Gotei 13.
This was especially true for the newly graduated Shinigami from Chu Yang's cohort.
Such a rapid rise in rank was unprecedented in the history of the Gotei 13.
Although they did not know why Chu Yang had been made an exception to become a captain, many of them could not accept his promotion.
Dissenters were everywhere!
In response, Chu Yang adopted an unyielding attitude.
"According to the rules, anyone who wishes to become a captain can challenge the current captain in front of 200 Shinigami witnesses. If they win, they will succeed as the new captain."
"I'll be right here. Anyone among you who wishes to take my place as captain is welcome to challenge me!"
"Life or death, the responsibility is yours!"