At the conference table, the barrier blocked the expressions of the members of the Central 46, but the atmosphere remained cold. From the silence, it was evident that they were not in a good mood, especially when the name Tsunayashiro Tokikaze was mentioned.
Since Tsunayashiro Tokikaze took over as Captain, in just a few days, five lower-ranking nobles had suffered consecutively. Among them were even the relatives of the Central 46 Chambers.
However, due to Tokikaze's status, they couldn't use their power to punish him. If he were just an ordinary Captain, he would've been sternly warned by now, but this person was a member of the Tsunayashiro Clan, and even the heir to the Clan. In terms of status alone, there were only few of them who could actually rival him.
"Decision on how to handle this?" Another voice sounded, echoing in the council chamber. "Are we going to ignore his status and forcefully judge him with our power?"
"Don't forget, Tsunayashiro Tokikaze does whatever he pleases without any restraint."
"Even if he were a member of the Tsunayashiro Clan..."
At this point, the voice abruptly stopped, as the speaker suddenly remembered that there were quite a few members of the Tsunayashiro Clan in the Central 46 Chambers.
"Perhaps, we can reflect the severity of this matter to the main Tsunayashiro Clan."
Someone suggested a slightly more sensible approach. "No, this matter may be significant to us, but for Tsunayashiro Clan, it's just a trivial matter that doesn't deserve attention."
As the situation once again fell into a stalemate, a voice behind the barrier with the number "one" spoke up:
"Pressure Captain-Commander Yamamoto. Have him assign other tasks or divert his attention as long as Tsunayashiro Tokikaze stops targeting us nobles."
After a brief silence, the wise men unanimously tapped the table in agreement. While the Central 46 Chambers seemed to hold supreme power, before the Five Great Noble Clans, they were just loyal dogs carrying out orders.
"Next is the trial of the Ryodoji Clan's massacre."
The first judge declared with dignity, "The mastermind, Ukitake Jusanro, has already been executed. The remaining individuals that were involved in the heinous crime, as per the laws of the Soul Society... should be executed!"
...
Ninth Division, Training Ground No. 3.
In the spacious area, a bald head shone brightly under the sunlight.
Sweat was dripping from the bald head, and the bulging veins on the forehead resembled twisted tree roots, appearing fierce.
Ikkaku Madarame stared fixedly at Tsunayashiro Tokikaze in front of him, gripping a spear with sharp blades pointing straight ahead.
A faint red Reiatsu materialized like thin mist, exuding a strong pressure.
He used Shikai from the get-go, and his Reiatsu erupted.
Facing Tsunayashiro Tokikaze, who had defeated him in an instant before, Ikkaku Madarame dared not to let his guard down even the slightest.
Although he believed that his previous defeat was due to inadequate preparation, in his eyes, a loss was a loss, and there was nothing that could change that.
Now that Tsunayashiro Tokikaze brought up the idea of a rematch, Ikkaku Madarame, after careful consideration, agreed to redeem himself.
However, just before the battle was about to begin, he felt a terrifying pressure, even though Tokikaze promised to use only Hakuda techniques.
"Are you ready?"
Tokikaze moved his wrists around and smiled as he said, "No need to be so on guard; this is just a friendly spar."
"Ahem, wait a moment!"
Ikkaku Madarame raised his hand to stop, "To show respect for this battle, please allow me to offer the highest etiquette."
He then started a dance in a somewhat ridiculous posture.
As the figure kept turning in the center, the air fell into a sudden silence.
The squad members watched in silence as Ikkaku Madarame performed his lively dance. For a moment, they couldn't help but question the meaning of life.
Is this guy the one subjecting them to hellish training?
For some reason, life suddenly seemed hopeless!
"Hey!"
Ikkaku Madarame, with his hands spread apart, held both ends of Hozukimaru and finished with a stance resembling a horse stance.
Even Tsunayashiro Tokikaze seemed a bit speechless by this. "Time is running out; let's get started!"
"Oh, then I'll go first!"
Ikkaku Madarame yelled as he thrust Hozukimaru, instantly cutting through the air towards Tokikaze.
He started off with an all-out attack with no hint of holding back.
In that instant, Tokikaze was almost covered by the faint red Reiatsu. The powerful oppressive force was enough to make it hard for an ordinary Soul Reaper to breathe.
Following Tokikaze's advice earlier, Ikkaku Madarame focused on integrating the combat techniques he had learned into his attacks.
This seemingly chaotic strike actually incorporated techniques from various styles.
The spear moved like a dragon, aiming straight for the throat!
Tsunayashiro Tokikaze sidestepped, using his right hand like a knife to strike Hozukimaru down.
Ikkaku Madarame felt a tremendous force, and his hands trembled. In shock, his pupils revealed a fierce expression.
"Break, Hozukimaru!"
With keen combat intuition, Ikkaku Madarame immediately used his Shikai's ability to launch another attack with a more suitable form.
As Tokikaze struck it down, the lower half of Hozukimaru was indeed struck down. However, the tip of the spear came from an angle that defied the law of physics, countering from an unexpected angle towards a vital spot.
In the critical moment, he bent his waist, narrowly avoiding the strike by a hair's breadth.
Tokikaze had to admit that Ikkaku Madarame's talent was undoubtedly top-notch. Even with just a bit of guidance, he could master the most suitable combat style for himself.
Unfortunately, due to Reiatsu and Zanpakuto restrictions, his potential was limited.
Tokikaze advanced, closing the distance with Shunpo. With a knee strike, Tokikaze reached back to seize the front end of Hozukimaru's spear.
Seeing that the opponent wasn't relying on Reiatsu advantage, a crazed grin spread across the corner of Ikkaku Madarame's mouth, gradually turning into a maniacal expression.
"Using me to honing your skills is definitely your worst decision!"
Using the middle section of Hozukimaru to resist Sosuke's knee strike, Madarame Ikkaku held the end of Hozukimaru with his left hand and hammered the chain with his right hand.
Instantly, the spear at the end thrust forward like an arrow released from the string.
The battle between the two continued in the open field, leaving afterimages as they moved, only to shatter in an instant.
The Division members outside the field were stupefied, forgetting even to breathe.
Tokikaze continued to master various Hakuda techniques in his attempt to assimilate and achieve his goals.
In order to develop Shunko, perfect Hakuda skills were essential.
As time passed, Ikkaku Madarame felt the pressure doubled, and sweat dripped from his shiny forehead, wetting the collar of his Shihakusho.
Although their Reiatsu on both sides was at the same level, the gap in fighting skills made him feel gradually overwhelmed.
Sosuke's feet, knees, shoulders, elbows, fists, and fingers—almost every part of his body could become a deadly weapon. Constantly dodging left Ikkaku Madarame mentally exhausted.
"This guy is a monster!"