Stark frowned as he looked at Kenpachi, recalling Haruki's earlier words.
This guy with the eye patch was indeed the captain of the 11th Division, Kenpachi Zaraki. From his demeanor, he seemed quite formidable, but upon closer observation, he appeared to be all bark and no bite.
Haruki had warned him not to engage in a real fight with this guy, but Stark still wanted to test his mettle.
Kenpachi had already appeared in front of him, but Stark's body vanished instantly.
He reappeared behind Kenpachi and turned his gaze toward Shiba Isshin.
"Compared to this beast-like guy, you should be stronger, right?"
Kenpachi turned around, but Stark disappeared again. His speed was astonishing, and Shiba Isshin could only barely keep track of his movements, fearing he might attack the ordinary Shinigami.
"A speed-type enemy?"
Kenpachi grinned savagely. "I can't just ignore what you said earlier!"
Although Kenpachi was a battle maniac, his combat intelligence wasn't too low. At the very least, he could discern the strength of his opponents.
The preparations he had made were for dealing with weaker opponents. Since this one was strong, there was no need to keep the eye patch on.
He removed the eye patch, and a golden spiritual pressure erupted from his body, surging violently and making him even more powerful!
He's stronger…
Although Shiba Isshin was stronger, Stark had been observing Kenpachi the entire time. Now that he saw Kenpachi remove his eye patch and become even more powerful, he was convinced of Haruki's words.
However…
If the extent of his strength increase was only this much, then…
It wasn't that impressive.
Stark believed Haruki wouldn't speak without reason, which meant…
This man could become even stronger?
"The captain… he actually took off his eye patch right away!"
In the 11th Division's ranks, Ikkaku was also shocked.
In his heart, Kenpachi Zaraki was the strongest. Yet, just a few days into their mission in Hueco Mundo, they had encountered an enemy who forced him to remove his eye patch!
No wonder the Soul Society had always focused on eliminating Hollows that appeared in the human world and rarely ventured into Hueco Mundo. It turned out there were so many monsters here?
"Captain, what should we do?"
Rangiku, who had been carefree earlier, now stood behind Shiba Isshin and spoke seriously. "It seems Captain Zaraki isn't a match for him."
Although Kenpachi was emitting a monstrous spiritual pressure after removing his eye patch and was relentlessly pursuing Stark, seemingly gaining the upper hand…
But as an outsider, Rangiku noticed that Stark's expression hadn't changed at all. He was only slightly surprised when Kenpachi unleashed his spiritual pressure, which meant he was confident of victory.
"Take care of yourself later."
Shiba Isshin said gravely. "This guy is extraordinary, and it's unclear if he has any allies. That bull-headed Hollow hasn't shown up yet."
"Are you just going to keep running?!"
Kenpachi swung his sword again, but Stark's figure had already vanished.
After dozens of slashes like this, Kenpachi couldn't help but feel annoyed. He charged at Stark again, saying, "At least enjoy the thrill of battle!"
"...A type who enjoys battle and grows stronger through it…" Stark made his judgment.
He pulled out a pistol and fired a Cero in an instant!
Seeing Stark attack for the first time, Kenpachi immediately reacted. He swung his sword with all his might, splitting the Cero in half.
"What? Your attacks can't just be this weak…"
Before Kenpachi could finish, his pupils dilated. In that instant, Stark pulled the trigger, and Ceros began firing almost continuously!
?!
"Getsuga Tenshō!"
Just as the nearly hundred Ceros were about to hit Kenpachi, Shiba Isshin instantly released his Zanpakutō, and a flaming Engetsu appeared in front of Kenpachi.
Boom!
A massive explosion erupted from the reishi sands ahead. The Shinigami could only see a towering explosion rising from the ground, shooting straight into the sky!
A blue reishi pillar expanded, its overwhelming spiritual pressure leaving the Shinigami stunned.
"..."
Stark stood in the sky, looking down at the reishi pillar, momentarily silent.
"I don't recall saying I needed your help."
In the midst of the explosion, Kenpachi's body seemed scorched by the reishi flames, his skin marked with black burns. He spoke to Isshin in a low voice.
Shiba Isshin also bore traces of the explosion. His shihakushō and captain's haori were tattered. He stared intently at Stark while saying:
"But I do remember you only asked me not to interfere when you dealt with that bull-headed Hollow. You didn't say I couldn't intervene when dealing with this guy."
"Hmph, then let's see who can take this guy's head!"
After being blasted by Stark, Kenpachi seemed even more energized. He leapt into the air and immediately slashed down at Stark.
Shiba Isshin was about to join the fight when he suddenly sensed something was wrong.
"Damn it!"
Shiba Isshin's gaze snapped toward the Shinigami ranks. He saw a figure appear instantly among the Shinigami, placing a hand on Rukia's shoulder.
?
!
Not just Isshin, but even Kenpachi and Stark noticed at this moment. Their eyes also turned toward that direction.
"Don't worry, I won't do anything to the lovely heir of the Kuchiki family."
A woman with purple hair and golden eyes suddenly appeared beside Rukia. She smiled at Shiba Isshin.
That was…
?!
Shiba Isshin immediately recognized her as Yoruichi Shihōin, who had escaped from the Soul Society decades ago!
As part of the Five Great Noble Families, the Shiba and Shihōin families had interacted before. Of course, he knew what Yoruichi looked like!
"Wait!"
Shiba Isshin shouted. He immediately rushed toward Rukia and Yoruichi's location.
"Don't bother chasing me. You should know I have the title of 'Goddess of Flash.'"
'Yoruichi' smiled, and in the next instant, she disappeared with Rukia.
Boom!
Isshin landed on the ground, but by then, 'Yoruichi' and Rukia were gone. He quickly used Shunpo to pursue but saw 'Yoruichi' seemingly waiting for him ahead.
"Are you… Yoruichi Shihōin?"
Shiba Isshin had seen Yoruichi before and knew her. But at this moment, he still couldn't believe this person was really Yoruichi.
Because at this moment, 'Yoruichi' had a Hollow's mask on her face!
...
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