BLEACH: Blade of Purification

Soul Society, within the Seireitei—

"Welcome back, Captain Kuruyashiki!!"

Before the Senkaimon, the personnel responsible for opening the gate respectfully awaited the triumphant return of the 11th Division, led by the current Kenpachi—Kuruyashiki Kenpachi.

What mission had the 11th Division gone to the World of the Living to carry out? Had an Arrancar of the Adjuchas or even Vasto Lorde class appeared, requiring the entire 11th Division to be dispatched? The Soul Reapers who remained in the Seireitei could not get any more news. But they knew that for the 11th Division to return like this meant a triumphant victory.

No Soul Reaper from any other division ever doubted that the 11th Division would return victorious. Because the man leading them—Kuruyashiki Kenpachi—his strength was known to the world. Even a Vasto Lorde-class Hollow, which would be difficult for most captains to face, seemed to be no match for the 11th Division's captain. There wasn't even a need for the Royal Guard to be dispatched; he alone was enough to solve the problem.

"Oh. We're back."

Although his strength was terrifying, Kuruyashiki Kenpachi himself was quite amiable. He was even in the mood to raise his hand in response to the welcoming party. He looked as if he had just gone out for a stroll; his clothes were neat, not even a tear on them.

But the Soul Reapers of the 11th Division following behind him were mostly covered in blood, and the wounds still bleeding could be seen under their torn Shihakushō. Even so, the warriors of the 11th Division strode forward with composure, following Kuruyashiki Kenpachi.

It is said that the areas of the Rukongai numbered 70 and above are filled daily with the flash of blades and the scent of blood, where the residents live alongside death day in and day out. The Seireitei, on the other hand, is a city built specifically for Soul Reapers and nobles. Although it is filled with political intrigue, one rarely smells the stench of violence.

However, even in such a place, where the 11th Division walked, the same sharp scent of clashing metal and blood that permeated the Rukongai would linger. The scene before them seemed to be the best interpretation of this legend.

"We're back," Kuruyashiki Kenpachi said, scratching his messy, weed-like hair. He glanced back at the squad members following him.

Besides himself, almost every member of the 11th Division was injured. These wounds were all from the battle with the Quincy. Many had also been left behind on the battlefield, never to return. Even though the Quincy of today were said to be not as powerful as they were a thousand years ago, they were still a clan of exorcists with a long history. When pushed to the limit, they still had trump cards up their sleeves.

Abilities like Ransōtengai and the Quincy: Letzt Stil were brought out one after another, and many Soul Reapers of the 11th Division had died to these two techniques. But even so, the Quincy were completely annihilated by the 11th Division before dawn! This fact alone demonstrated just how powerful the 11th Division led by Kuruyashiki Kenpachi was.

To be born in battle, to die on the battlefield—this was the wish of the members of the 11th Division. Therefore, Kuruyashiki Kenpachi did not feel excessive grief for their sacrifices. Besides, this was war. It was impossible for the Quincy clan to be exterminated while the Soul Reaper side remained completely unscathed.

However, as he observed the squad behind him, Kuruyashiki Kenpachi's brow furrowed slightly.

"Captain?" A Soul Reaper beside him noticed the change in his expression and spoke up with concern. He was the current 3rd Seat of the 11th Division, named Hasegawa Koichi. During the battle with the Quincy in the World of the Living, he was also responsible for handling most of the affairs.

Normally, such matters should be handled by the lieutenant. But the current lieutenant of the 11th Division was a young Soul Reaper like Kuruyashiki Kenpachi's own child—Gosuke—who, despite holding the position, was weaker than an average seated officer. Therefore, it was impossible to bring Gosuke along to a battle of this level, and he was left behind to guard the 11th Division's barracks.

"Hmm... that kid's not here." Kuruyashiki Kenpachi stroked his chin, speaking as if answering Hasegawa Koichi, yet also as if talking to himself.

Hasegawa Koichi was stunned for a moment. It took him a few seconds to realize who the captain was referring to.

"You mean... Ling Qing?"

"Yeah, that kid. So you all already know his name. Looks like I'm the one who's behind this time."

"He probably returned first with the people from the Onmitsukidō through another Senkaimon. After all, those guys from the 2nd Division didn't come back with us either."

The 2nd Division member—Ling Qing—had been the most frequently discussed topic among the 11th Division members during their half-month battle with the Quincy in the World of the Living. His style and fighting method, which were completely out of place in the 2nd Division, and his habits and pride, which were extremely similar to those of the 11th Division, made them feel a strong sense of goodwill towards him.

Their only minor complaint... was his habit of taking all the kills for himself...

After all, they had fought together for half a month and had completely wiped out the Quincy together. It was not strange that they would know Ling Qing's name. And Ling Qing had also gotten to know most of the 11th Division members during this time. More than one person from the 11th Division had half-jokingly, half-seriously asked him if he wanted to jump ship to their squad, but he would always just smile without speaking, neither saying yes nor no. Gradually, no one asked this question anymore, just thinking there might be some other reason behind it.

In the memory of the 11th Division members, this was one of the very few times their squad had formed a deep fighting friendship with someone from the 2nd Division. After all, although this was said to be a joint operation between the 11th and 2nd Divisions, the warriors of the 11th Division had never taken the initiative to greet the members of the Onmitsukidō who were hiding in the shadows, "cleaning up their messes."

"It's because the captain is always watching. We were wondering when you would finally make a move yourself," Hasegawa Koichi shrugged slightly. He also had injuries on his body, a frighteningly large gash left from a battle with a Quincy using Ransōtengai. But he showed no signs of being in pain from the wound now.

"After all, the captain has the right to invite him, doesn't he?"

"You guys like that kid a lot too, huh." Kuruyashiki Kenpachi grinned, seeming quite pleased. It was as if he was happy that he wasn't the only one who felt that Soul Reaper was a better fit for their 11th Division.

"Well, he fits our style. That's why, because he has the spirit of our 11th Division so much, I accidentally started thinking of him as one of us, so I keep forgetting."

Kuruyashiki Kenpachi said this jokingly. However, the reason he hadn't approached Ling Qing himself was that until the very end of the battle, the 2nd Division Captain, Shihōin Sōichirō, had never appeared in the World of the Living. This generation's Kenpachi was not a crude man, but rather rough around the edges with a sharp mind, skilled in dealing with people. The more outstanding Ling Qing appeared, the more he knew that now was not the time to approach him. Because if he showed too much eagerness, it would look like he was trying to poach someone behind the scenes.

Kuruyashiki Kenpachi admitted he wanted to poach him, but he never did it secretly. He liked to go directly to the owner of the wall and ask for a shovel.

Finally back in the Seireitei.

Kuruyashiki Kenpachi withdrew his gaze and looked in another direction. That was the location of the 2nd Division's barracks.

"Maybe... I should pay the 2nd Division a visit right now? Ha, just kidding. I'll go later."

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