Boom!
A deafening explosion resounded, engulfing the entire training ground in an instant. The shockwave rapidly spread across the Ninth Division barracks.
The intense impact took shape instantly, sweeping and rampaging towards the sky and all directions.
Endless dust burst open, layer upon layer accumulating, nearly submerging the entire area of the training ground.
Cracks appeared on the walls of the training ground, and in the face of the tremendous impact, the once sturdy structure held on for only a few seconds before collapsing into debris.
When the dust settled, a figure emerged from the wreckage. Blue-purple lightning surrounded him, giving off a hair-raising crackling sound.
Tokikaze raised his left hand, and the electric light shimmered, dancing and changing at his will.
Similar to when he imbued Arashigane with wind, in this state, all thunder was perfectly under control. Even in terms of destructive power, it might even rival if not surpass Chojiro Sasakibe's Gonryomaru.
"Hey, are you dead?"
Tokikaze kicked a charred lump beside him. "If you're not dead, make a sound; otherwise, I will be in trouble."
If Kuchiki Byakuya died at Tokikaze's hands a moment before succeeding his grandfather as the head of the Kuchiki Clan and Captain of the Sixth Division, at least, it would lead to the two major noble Clans officially going to war, throwing the Soul Society into chaos. He would lose his right to be the head of the Tsunayashiro Clan and be sent to the Hell like Soya Azashiro.
The mere thought of it sent chills down his spine.
At least Soya Azashiro still had his Zanpakuto Spirit as a companion, and he could play with his sword during leisure time, and, when in the mood, could peek into the secrets of the Seireitei.
In contrast, if Tokikaze were to be imprisoned, at most, he could only electrocute himself from time to time.
"Ugh."
Kuchiki Byakuya instinctively made a weak sound, a puff of smoke rising when he opened his mouth, devoid of any noble demeanor.
At this moment, it was as if he had returned to his childhood, recalling the fear of being defeated by Tokikaze.
A past he didn't want to remember, and a present he couldn't lift his head high.
The complete defeat made Kuchiki Byakuya temporarily abandon the idea of washing away the humiliation.
He might not be ready to assume the positions of Clan head and Captain.
"You're pretty much roasted."
Tokikaze evaluated with one hand. Leaving the center of the ruins in an instant, when he returned, he had a teapot in his hand. "Some of the medicinal effects have evaporated, but it should be enough."
Without asking for Kuchiki Byakuya's opinion, he opened his mouth and poured the contents down.
Before long, the Reiatsu anesthetic took effect.
Kuchiki Byakuya immediately lost consciousness, slumping down as he lost the last ounce of strength he had.
"Just great, developing an attack without defense."
Tokikaze radiated a dark green Reiatsu at the palm of his hand. "Now it's better. I almost got killed by the aftermath."
Kaido #7: Moro Sangha.
A brimming life force rippled in the form of waves, enveloping Kuchiki Byakuya's body.
While Tokikaze's proficiency in Kaido might not match Unohana Retsu and Yamada Seinosuke, treating minor burns was still within his capabilities.
After removing the remaining lightning on Kuchiki Byakuya's body, only a few burns remained.
Even a regular Fourth Division member could easily handle injuries of this degree.
Soon, Kuchiki Byakuya recovered from his stupor, slowly opening his eyes.
What met his gaze was a face that was no less attractive than his own.
It was also a face that evoked complex emotions in him.
Kuchiki Byakuya remained silent, attempting to move his numb body, preparing to get up and leave this heart-wrenching place.
But when he stood up, he staggered, almost falling again.
Kuchiki Byakuya furrowed his brows. "What did you do to my body?"
Such a disastrous remark.
Tokikaze's expression drooped, displeased. "I just injected a bit of the highest concentration of Reiatsu anesthetic; you should be grateful to me. My exclusive training ground has been destroyed because of you. Remember to inform Captain Kuchiki to pay me back later!"
The healing power of Moro Sangha far exceeded Tokikaze's expectations. While the burns were eliminated, even the effects of the Reiatsu anesthetic were partly removed.
Otherwise, Kuchiki Byakuya would probably be unable to lift a finger right now.
Upon hearing this, Kuchiki Byakuya closed his eyes and replied coldly, without expression, "I don't have enough Reiatsu, so I can't notify him."
"That's easy."
Tokikaze snapped his fingers, and Seventh Seat Satotanigawa instantly appeared beside him, respectful and meticulous in his attitude. He had been guarding outside the training ground long before the battle between the two began.
"Go to the Noble District and inform Captain Kuchiki Ginrei in detail about what happened today. Also, report the losses of our Division to him."
"Uh, report it truthfully, but ask for tenfold compensation."
Tokikaze had no intention of saving money for the Kuchiki Clan. "Additionally, ask for a sum for medicinal expenses and add it to the Ninth Division's inventory."
"After a fight with this guy, I suffered some injuries. Report the real losses; I don't want to cut corners."
Compared to the factions and constant conflicts of the Tsunayashiro Clan, the Kuchiki Clan did live up to its title as a role model of Soul Reapers. They had fewer factions, and most were led by the Clan head.
The wealth accumulated by the Kuchiki Clan was beyond estimation. For instance, the valuable Captain haori, was not that valuable in Kuchiki Byakuya's opinion.
Symbolic items representing an upper-class noble status, like the hairclip, were even more common.
Only unique symbols belonging to the Kuchiki Clan, like the scarf of the head of Kuchiki Clan, would catch Kuchiki Byakuya's attention.
In a nutshell, they were a rich Clan, and you don't let such an opportunity slip by.
Hearing this, Satotanigawa subconsciously widened his eyes, pointing to himself, "Me?"
Is it appropriate for a mere Seventh Seat to engage in such extortion?
"If you don't go, then who will? Do you want me to go myself?"
Tokikaze was displeased; his subordinates lacked courage, and even extortion seemed beyond their capacity.
If Rangiku were here, she might not even need a reminder. She would gladly go and even increase the amount tenfold.
Under the coercion, Satotanigawa used Shunpo to head towards the Noble District, constantly devising strategies for extortion in his mind.
However, whenever he thought of the other party's identity, he instinctively felt a little weak in the legs and had second thoughts.
Kuchiki Byakuya's expression grew colder.
These two despicable guys were openly discussing how to extort his Clan right in front of him. He noted it down for now.
If there was a chance for a comeback in the future, he would undoubtedly recover the losses, both principal and interest.
But before that, he had to figure out a way to redeem his dignity...