"Two Bakudō #61, both its complete incantation and the incantation-less version.
The Bakudō #61 released by Byakuya Kuchiki in haste had its power significantly reduced, not even reaching one-third of its normal power.
However, Kyōraku Shunsui had already gathered Reiatsu and started the Bakudo incantation on his way to the scene. As a result, when his Bakudo #61 was employed, the sky near the street was illuminated by a bright golden light, as if another sun had emerged.
"Hey, hey!"
Zaraki Kenpachi exclaimed, "How dare you intervene in someone else's battle! Do you have no honor?"
"Kyōraku Shunsui, release me quickly!"
"Let me cut down this pretty boy!!"
The double Rikujokoro immobilized Zaraki Kenpachi completely.
Under such circumstances, breaking free unscathed was impossible.
"No fighting is allowed on the Noble District."
Kyōraku Shunsui glanced at the damaged street and was silently relieved that only the road was partially destroyed, while the main building was unharmed.
"Captain Zaraki, Tokikaze had just become the Captain of the Ninth Division. It's better not to cause trouble for him now."
Kyōraku Shunsui added, "Third Seat Ikkaku Madarame is still confined in the detention center."
"If his punishment gets more severe, he might be sent to the Penitence Palace or the Central Underground Great Prison."
"By then, you'll have to find a replacement for your third Seat."
Upon hearing this, Zaraki Kenpachi's fierce expression froze for a moment. Despite his love for combat, he was actually quite simple-minded. He cared about Ikkaku Madarame, who had sworn allegiance to him. If anything happened to Ikkaku due to his reckless actions, even Zaraki Kenpachi would feel guilty.
"Tch, then I'll cut him down next time..."
Zaraki Kenpachi snorted disapprovingly with an unsatisfied look on his face.
"So, which way to the Ninth Division barracks?"
"It seems someone gave me the wrong direction..."
Realizing that he couldn't continue the battle with Byakuya Kuchiki, Zaraki Kenpachi returned to his original purpose and focused on Tokikaze.
He came here for only two reasons: to fight and to rescue Ikkaku. Although he usually didn't show a friendly face to Ikkaku Madarame, he had, in fact, accepted the bald-headed warrior in his heart.
If something happened to Ikkaku because of his reckless behavior, even Zaraki Kenpachi, with his bold nature, would feel uneasy.
"Tsk, then I'll have to cut him another time..."
Zaraki Kenpachi snorted again, looking quite dissatisfied.
"So, where is the Ninth Division's barracks?"
"Somebody seems to have given the wrong directions..."
Aware that he couldn't continue the battle with Byakuya Kuchiki, Zaraki Kenpachi returned to his original intent and once again focused on Tokikaze.
He came for only two things: to fight and to save someone.
Although he was usually merciless to Ikkaku Madarame, he, in fact, acknowledged the bald warrior deep down.
"Uhh, Captain Tokikaze already asked me to tell you something before I come here."
Kyōraku Shunsui shrugged and helplessly said, "Regarding the punishment of Third Seat Ikkaku Madarame, Captain Tokikaze will formally notify the Eleventh Division shortly. But rest assured, Third Seat Madarame has not committed any serious crimes. It won't be long before he can return to the Eleventh Division."
To calm down the beast in front of him, Kyōraku Shunsui had no choice but to lie.
In his opinion, as long as the goal could be achieved, a little lie wouldn't trouble anyone.
On the other hand, Byakuya Kuchiki was baffled. As far as he was concerned, Zaraki Kenpachi would never easily let his opponent go once he had set his sights on someone.
However, with just a few words, Kyōraku Shunsui managed to calm everything down, and even alleviate Zaraki Kenpachi's fighting spirit.
It was undeniably magical.
"Tsk!" Zaraki Kenpachi snorted disdainfully again, "Who cares about that useless subordinate!"
Although he said so, his Reiatsu unexpectedly subsided, returning to normal.
A typical case of Tsundere.
Seeing this, Kyōraku Shunsui released the Rikujokoro, and Byakuya Kuchiki followed suit.
A battle was avoided, and the Noble District was spared from destruction.
"Can't cut this, can't cut that. Is there anything I can cut?"
Zaraki Kenpachi cracked his neck, producing a grating sound that made one's teeth ache.
"Might as well find that old man Yamamoto Genryūsai!"
Zaraki Kenpachi hoisted his jagged Zanpakutō over his shoulder and discontentedly said:
"Let's go, Yachiru!"
A petite and pink-haired girl leaped down from a distant rooftop, landing precisely on his broad back.
"Ken-chan, you seem really upset this time!"
Yachiru Kusajishi's voice echoed on the district, seemingly able to see through Zaraki Kenpachi's thoughts:
"Then let's go to the First Division!"
Immediately, Zaraki Kenpachi walked away from the Noble District, completely ignoring the figures that came out one after another.
Considering his personality, he wouldn't pay any attention to those nobles. Even Byakuya Kuchiki was not spared, let alone the nobles of higher or lower ranks.
Watching his disappearing figure, Kyōraku Shunsui also breathed a sigh of relief, and his tone became casual again:
"That was close. If you two had continued to fight, Kyōraku Clan's mansion would be damaged for sure."
Byakuya Kuchiki turned around, and a hint of realization flashed in his eyes.
"Sorry, Captain Kyōraku!"
"It's my fault for not stopping Zaraki Kenpachi in time."
As the heir to Kuchiki Clan, he had been instilled with countless teachings to abide by the rules, and he never liked those who acted recklessly.
"Well, these things are unavoidable."
Kyōraku Shunsui waved his hand, "As long as you make up for the mistakes afterward, it's never too late. If everyone avoids breaking the rules, the whole world will become dull and boring."
Kyōraku Shunsui adjusted his straw hat without looking up and continued, "Like a painting losing its color, pale and hollow."
"Ginrei-san is being too strict with you, and that restrains you from learning more whether you realize it or not."
"As someone with experience, let me advise you. There's no rule to stick to, there's only a soul that doesn't know how to adapt."
"Alright, if I don't go to the Fourth Division soon, my charming lips might turn into sausages..."
By the end, Kyōraku Shunsui's voice had become somewhat muffled.
Having dealt with the threat of Zaraki Kenpachi, he no longer wasted any time and left the Noble District with Shunpo.
Byakuya Kuchiki watched his disappearing figure with a hint of confusion in his eyes.
"Adapt?"
Kyōraku Shunsui, as a senior, had many life experiences worth considering. However, the teachings of his grandfather, Ginrei Kuchiki, was too ingrained in Byakuya Kuchiki's mind.
For a moment, Byakuya Kuchiki couldn't judge who was right or wrong between the two.
...
Ninth Division.
Captain's office.
Tokikaze was unaware of everything happening on the Noble District and had no intention of finding out.
After the inauguration ceremony, he had officially become the Captain of the Ninth Division.
Now, facing a division in need of significant changes, the best method for improvement was:
Strike hard!