Hmm... the "Rampage" ability suits Kenpachi quite well.
Although Kenpachi's defense isn't actually weak, he often ends up bleeding profusely, which might give the impression that his defense is lacking.
Or perhaps it's a homage to the legendary 2D side-scrolling fighting game, Berserker?
It's not too bad, though, because the "Rampage" ability states that "power and speed are greatly increased" while "intelligence and defense are reduced."
This means the increase in power and speed outweighs the decrease in intelligence and defense.
Don't forget, Haruki had previously obtained the "Polymath" ability. When combined with "Rampage," the greatly enhanced power and speed would compensate for the reduced intelligence and defense, with additional boosts on top.
The synergy between soul abilities often yields better results, and Haruki really wanted this ability.
So...
Let's fight!
As long as he could satisfy Kenpachi's thirst for battle, raising his favorability should be relatively easy.
The 12th Division Captain, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, has the ability "Biological Modification."
Biological Modification: Spend varying amounts of spiritual pressure and time to modify a living being to a certain extent based on your will.
Note: The subject being modified must possess a certain level of inherent potential.
Mayuri is a master of biological technology. Most of his inventions are related to biology, and he's even modified his own Zanpakutō.
If Haruki could obtain this ability, could he modify his own Zanpakutō like Mayuri?
However, Mayuri is also a tough nut to crack. Gaining his favor is truly as difficult as climbing to the heavens—on par with Yamamoto and Aizen, or perhaps even harder given Mayuri's personality.
Even if you helped him complete an experiment, he'd probably just find you annoying. So, it's best not to consider it.
The last captain is Ukitake Jūshirō, whose soul ability "Host" Haruki had already seen.
Thus, Haruki had essentially seen the soul abilities of all the important figures in the Soul Society.
At this moment, the 1st Division barracks began a second round of discussions regarding the selection of members for the Hueco Mundo expedition team.
Not only captains but also vice-captains could participate in the discussions.
Of course, the captains did most of the talking.
In the end, they only decided on the scale of the expedition. This mission would involve two divisions, meaning two captains and several other personnel would be dispatched.
After discussions, they decided to hold further talks over the course of a day, giving the 12th Division time to re-establish contact with each Shinigami. The meeting then concluded.
When Haruki left the 1st Division, he saw Rukia, who had been waiting anxiously.
Haruki quickly walked over.
"Rukia, were you waiting long?"
"Vice-Captain Haruki?" Rukia, seeing Haruki finally emerge, hurriedly asked, "How is Renji?"
"Don't worry. The expedition team was just scattered after a battle. There's no confirmation of casualties. We're already considering forming a second expedition team. This time, two captains will be dispatched together. Rest assured, they'll definitely bring Renji and the others back."
Haruki comforted Rukia, then whispered, "Be mindful of etiquette. Your brother is here too."
Rukia was startled, only then noticing that Kuchiki Byakuya had also come out, along with her captain, Ukitake Jūshirō.
Byakuya walked past her as if she didn't exist.
Ukitake, however, approached and said in surprise, "Rukia, what are you doing here?"
"Captain Ukitake..." Before Rukia could explain, Haruki quickly interjected.
"When the Hell Butterfly delivered the message, I was discussing some matters with Rukia, so she accidentally learned about the expedition team. She was worried about Vice-Captain Kaien, so she came here."
He didn't mention Renji.
"Captain!" Rukia then asked, "I heard from Vice-Captain Haruki that a second expedition team is being formed. Is that true?"
"That's the plan," Ukitake said with concern. "But my health won't allow me to go to Hueco Mundo."
"Captain, you should rest more," Rukia said, then volunteered, "But I want to join the second expedition team!"
"What?" Ukitake was shocked and immediately refused. "No! Hueco Mundo is too dangerous. That's no place for you! Besides, your brother would never allow it!"
"But we were the survivors who faced that Hollow head-on. We should take responsibility for this! And with Vice-Captain Kaien lost in Hueco Mundo, how can I just sit back and do nothing?"
"This is absolutely out of the question," Ukitake said firmly. "You're someone Kaien values highly. I can't let anything happen to you."
Moreover, Rukia was a member of the Kuchiki family. If something happened to her, the Kuchiki clan would never let it go.
"I think this is the best approach," Haruki chimed in.
"If you're determined to go, you'll need to convince your brother first. If even Captain Kuchiki doesn't agree to let you go to Hueco Mundo, then even if Captain Ukitake agrees, it'll be hard for you to join the expedition team."
"But..." Rukia hesitated. Although she had learned from Haruki that her brother did care for her, she still didn't dare to bring this up with Byakuya.
"Haruki makes a good point," Ukitake said, seeing this as a viable solution. In his view, Byakuya would never allow his sister to venture into such a dangerous world.
"Then I'll head back to the division. Captain Ukitake, Rukia, I'll see you both later."
Haruki noticed Aizen emerging and bid farewell to the two before quickly walking over to Aizen.
The two headed toward the 5th Division.
On the way, Haruki remarked, "It seems White has caused trouble again."
"It's a minor issue."
Aizen's calm response surprised Haruki.
He had thought Aizen would seize the opportunity to stir up trouble, but it seemed Aizen wasn't interested in the Soul Society's current actions.
"Anyway..."
Aizen gave Haruki a meaningful look. "You'll be staying in Hueco Mundo, so I'll leave the Shinigami there entirely in your hands. How does that sound?"
"Entirely in my hands?" Haruki felt something was off from Aizen's gaze, but...
Taking charge of Las Noches for now wasn't a bad idea.
"This matter isn't worth our concern. Whether they kill White or White uses their corpses to grow stronger, it's all trivial to us."
Aizen said softly, "Haruki, use Las Noches as your base to gather other high-level Menos Grande. It's time to form our army."
...
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