3rd District West Rukongai.
Shiba Clan Mansion.
Unlike the luxurious mansion Tokikaze had imagined, the current Shiba Clan mansion was built in the simplest manner possible.
The spacious and well-kept courtyard, although slightly different from the surroundings of Rukongai, still appeared somewhat humble for the mansion of one of the Five Great Noble Families.
Compared to usual, the courtyard of the mansion was filled with a festive atmosphere. Residents of Rukongai occasionally came and went, presenting gifts that represented their heartfelt wishes.
After exiling themselves from the Noble District, the Shiba Clan settled in this area.
Their good conduct quickly gained the favor of the commoners, and on such a grand occasion, many people naturally came to congratulate Shiba Kaien.
"This is the first time I've seen a wedding of a major Noble Clan."
Matsumoto Rangiku patted Tokikaze's shoulder. Her graceful figure constantly approaching, with a teasing look on her face.
"To be honest, it's also my first time seeing this kind of ceremony."
Tokikaze closed his eyes and felt the soft touch on his arm, replying, "Instead of inviting the Nobles, they allow commoners to freely come and go."
"The Shiba Clan's maneuver will be considered a disgrace by the Nobles."
Although Tokikaze didn't care about these trivial details, it didn't mean that other nobles didn't care.
At least, the person standing to his left seemed quite concerned about it.
Kuchiki Byakuya furrowed his brow slightly giving off the demeanor of an ancient iceberg.
He had maintained this attitude since he recovered from his injuries.
And when Kuchiki Byakuya was ordered by Kuchiki Ginrei to invite Tokikaze to accompany him to Rukongai, his expression became even grimmer.
Apparently, his impression of Tokikaze had worsened.
If it weren't for the fact that he couldn't defeat him...
To the surprise of Shiba Kaien, Tokikaze and Kuchiki Byakuya arrived.
Kuchiki Byakuya's presence was understandable.
As a model Noble Clan, the Kuchiki Clan strictly regulated their every word and action.
For an event of this caliber, the Kuchiki Clan would certainly not remain indifferent.
What surprised Shiba Kaien the most was Tokikaze's presence.
The two of them didn't talk much, just exchanging a few pleasantries.
Shiba Kaien expressed sincere gratitude for Tokikaze's presence.
At the same time, he introduced his Clan to the two guests.
There was no need to mention Shiba Isshin, as they often met at Captain's meetings and had fought side by side before because of the incident involving Kuchiki Koga.
What surprised Tokikaze was that at this moment, Shiba Ganju was still a cheeky little brat.
With his height, he only reached Tokikaze's waist.
And Shiba Kūkaku had not yet grown into the mature woman she would become, showing a mischievous expression as she greeted Tokikaze and Byakuya, her eyes constantly shifting between the two, clearly having some weird ideas.
Tokikaze and Kuchiki Byakuya didn't stay too long.
Because they were really well-known figures even among the nobles, the commoners who came to visit didn't even dare to breathe normally in their presence.
Considering that this was Shiba Kaien's big event in life, after presenting their gifts, the group bid farewell and left.
However, on the way back, a small unexpected event occurred.
"Captain Tokikaze, after the recent battle and the war that affected the Soul Society..."
Kuchiki Byakuya's gaze was firm, as if flames were burning in his black eyes.
"I have gained a new insight into the art of the sword, so..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Tokikaze impatiently waved his hand, interrupting him.
"I understand. You want to fight, right?"
"Come on, let's find a place and settle this quickly."
To the surprise of Matsumoto Rangiku and Ginjiro Shirogane, the two found a quiet spot in the forest of Rukongai.
Then they began their duel without any Reiatsu involved.
In less than ten minutes.
Tokikaze's arm shook, his right foot stepped forward, and the blade in his hand swiftly descended, instantly striking at a weak point in Kuchiki Byakuya's defense.
As the blade slid down, it smoothly moved to his neck, and the chilling blade tip rested on Kuchiki Byakuya's neck.
A dismal defeat, even more humiliating than the last defeat.
Kuchiki Byakuya's face turned pale, as if he were reduced to black and white lines, reaching the depths of despair.
He had anticipated multiple outcomes beforehand, but never this one.
Casting a disdainful glance at the disheartened Kuchiki Byakuya, Tokikaze casually sheathed his Zanpakuto and left with Matsumoto Rangiku, assuming the posture of the victor.
"He's got a big appetite for humiliation."
That was Tokikaze's evaluation of him.
Given that the Kuchiki Clan had reimbursed all expenses for the Ninth Division, Tokikaze decided to let Kuchiki Byakuya have his way for a while longer.
Setting aside Reiatsu, in terms of swordsmanship alone, Tokikaze could easily crush him with his high level of proficiency.
"Lord Byakuya, are you alright?"
Ginjiro Shirogane hurriedly approached, supporting the now pale Kuchiki Byakuya.
"It's nothing, just a minor defeat."
Kuchiki Byakuya shook his head, seeming to have regained his composure.
Watching Tokikaze's departing figure, Kuchiki Byakuya's gaze became deep and inexplicably complex.
...
Human World, Naruki City.
A week after beating Kuchiki Byakuya, Tokikaze, in his capacity as a Captain, arrived in the Human World through the Senkaimon.
According to the information provided by the Thirteenth Division member, the last abnormal Reiatsu fluctuation occurred in Naruki City.
However, upon reaching the designated location, he was surprisingly stood up.
The Soul Reaper assigned to meet him did not arrive on time.
After waiting for half an hour, Tokikaze decisively chose to give up and aimlessly wandered the Human World.
However, as a neighboring town to the spiritually dense area Karakura Town, it had a high concentration of Reishi compared to other normal cities.
Not even ten minutes after wandering the modern streets, Tokikaze sensed the presence of Hollow Reiatsu.
Whoosh!
A dark shadow swiftly flew across the sky, its speed surpassing the limits of the naked eye.
Boom!
Under the impact of some unknown behemoth, a several-meter-high building collapsed suddenly, stirring up clouds of dust.
In the midst of the dust, a brilliant blue beam of spiritual particles tore through the air, shooting out forcefully.
"Roar!"
To Tokikaze's surprise, the beam of Reishi hit the Hollow's forehead accurately, instantly destroying its brain with overwhelming destructive force.
The enormous body, comparable to a building, stiffened on the spot.
A gust of wind blew, and the Hollow instantly turned into countless points of light, disappearing into the air.
Watching this scene, Tokikaze narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression gradually becoming serious.
The soul of the Hollow did not return to the world but was completely obliterated by that beam of Reishi.
The remnants of the Quincy in the Human World...