The conversation with Kyōraku Shunsui resulted in a bespectacled girl, Nanao Ise.
Satisfied with this result, Tokikaze reflected on the current situation.
At present, he had too few capable men at his disposal.
If Tōsen was an undercover agent for Aizen, he couldn't entrust him with significant responsibilities.
Then again, the Eighth Seat below weren't strong or brave enough.
Handling simple matters was fine, but once it involved the dark side of the Soul Society, they were likely to be a hindrance.
Now, with the addition of Nanao Ise, it should be barely sufficient.
As for the Fourth and Fifth Seats, he could set it aside for now.
"I almost forgot..."
Before an intersection, Kyōraku Shunsui suddenly stopped. "Captain Zaraki didn't attend your inauguration ceremony because he got lost."
"He was looking for you last time I check."
"But judging by the direction he went, he seems to be near the Noble District close to 6th Division's barracks."
Tokikaze was not surprised by this information.
The 11th Division captain, Zaraki Kenpachi, often missed both tea parties and regular Captain Meetings, even more so than Ukitake Jūshirō.
Without other Soul Reaper to guide them, it was nearly impossible for Zaraki Kenpachi and Yachiru Kusajishi to get to their destination.
"I understand," Tokikaze waved his hand, signaling. "Rather than worrying about that, let's focus on the safety of the Noble District."
"Kenpachi isn't the type to lower his head. Once a conflict arises, the Kyōraku Clan will be caught in it for sure."
Kyōraku Shunsui's expression changed slightly.
His Kyōraku Clan's residence was on the outskirts of the Noble District.
"This is an error on my part."
Kyōraku Shunsui covered his face with his hand in helplessness. "Better hurry back and check on it. Allowing the beast to rampage could lead to casualties."
At the moment, not many people knew much about him apart from Unohana Retsu.
The only things most people knew were his beast-like fighting style and his love for a fight.
Most of the Captains believed that Zaraki Kenpachi was undoubtedly more dangerous than his predecessors.
Kyōraku Shunsui used Shunpo and disappeared from Tokikaze's sight.
"Rangiku."
"Huh?"
Watching Kyoraku Shunsui's figure in the distance, Tokikaze chuckled. "I have a feeling Captain Kyōraku might get scolded by Captain-Commander Yamamoto."
Matsumoto Rangiku tilted her head in confusion.
From the beginning, the dialogue between them had a lot of terms she couldn't understand.
Now, Tokikaze was talking about scolding. Did Captain Kyōraku do something wrong?
...
East of 6th Division's barracks.
Noble District.
Although it was called a district, its area was so much bigger than any Division's barracks.
Most of the buildings here were luxurious and had an aristocratic vibe to them.
Among them, the mansion of the Tsunayashiro Clan was the most extravagant.
However, due to its location, no ordinary Soul Reaper would enter.
In the outskirts of the Noble District, a tall and a short figure confronted each other on the spacious street.
One of them wore a shihakusho, with black hair that was tied with kenseikan. A Vice-Captain's armband was also sported on his right arm which clearly indicated his identity.
Vice-Captain of 6th Division, Byakuya Kuchiki.
The person that stood across him was none other than Zaraki Kenpachi and Yachiru Kusajishi.
"A pretty good Reiatsu!"
Zaraki Kenpachi tilted his body slightly and staring fiercely at Byakuya Kuchiki.
"Although I didn't find that guy, you'll do."
He suddenly pointed his Zanpakutō forward, looking crazed. "Give me a fight that I enjoy!"
The blade, full of jagged edges, exuded a bright cold light.
"Captain of 11th Division, Zaraki Kenpachi!"
Byakuya Kuchiki was unfazed and without a hint of fear said, "This isn't the place for you. Please leave the Noble District."
However, before he could finish speaking, the jagged blade was swung towards him.
Boom!
The blade struck the ground, creating a massive crater.
The buildings trembled, and dust filled the air, almost obscuring the view.
Byakuya Kuchiki used Shunpo to dodge and his expression grew even colder.
"Attacking without permission within the Noble District violates the regulations."
Without further hesitation, he immediately drew the Zanpakutō at his waist.
After missing the strike, Zaraki Kenpachi reversed the grip on the hilt and struck Byakuya again, who was mid-air.
A completely chaotic combat style with intuition as his best weapon.
Boom!!
The collision of the blades didn't produce the sound of metal clashing; instead, it was like thunderclap that echoed through the entire street.
Shockwaves of their clashes covered all directions.
At the center of the clash, the two locked eyes, and their Reiatsu wreaked havoc to the surroundings.
Zaraki Kenpachi's ferocious and beast-like appearance left a deep impression on Byakuya.
Before this, he had never thought someone could blur the line between a Soul Reaper and a beast so much.
Zaraki Kenpachi grinned, and his aura gradually rose to its peak.
"It's truly exhilarating..."
"I acknowledge your strength, kid!"
His veins bulged as golden Reiatsu burst forth from him.
In battle mode, Zaraki Kenpachi had no regard for the surroundings.
He just wanted to enjoy the battle before him!
The jagged blade was swung down with tremendous force!
Boom, boom, boom!
Relentless attacks came one after another, aiming to completely overwhelm the person before him.
Faced with this indiscriminate attack, Byakuya could only stay on the defensive while thinking of how to deal with this.
He had been completely calm from the beginning.
He perhaps lacked a battle experience, but as a genius, Byakuya Kuchiki wouldn't panic.
Calmness was the only method to settle a battle.
As Zaraki Kenpachi prepared for another strike, Byakuya Kuchiki's eyes narrowed, and his Reiatsu surged suddenly.
Way of Onmitsu, 3rd of the Shihō: Utsusemi!
The Golden Reiatsu instantly tore the falling cloak into pieces.
"Huh?!"
Zaraki Kenpachi furrowed his brow, about to turn around when a cold voice reached his ears.
"Bakudō #61, Rikujōkōrō!"
After using Utsusemi to slip past Kenpachi, Byakuya Kuchiki swiftly used Bakudō.
Six beams of thin, wide light that swiftly immobilized Zaraki Kenpachi' tall body.
"Carriage of thunder, bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide this into six!"
Another voice came from a distance, but it had a hint of laziness on its tone.
"Bakudō 61, Rikujōkōrō."
A pink haori descended, as Kyōraku Shunsui with a straw hat over his left hand and right hand pointing at the figure enveloped by the twelve beams of light.
"Fortunately, I'm not too late..."