The Bankai unfurled.
The spiritual pressure surged instantaneously, twisting the air as if it were being compressed.
A colossal, majestic figure rose from the earth with a thunderous sound.
Breaking free from the diamond restraints, fragments of chains flew wildly.
Naruto halted, looked up, and gazed in awe.
So this is it. The ultimate form of a Zanpakutō, Bankai?
It's my first time seeing it.
Truly awe-inspiring!
"Myouou," clad in brown armor, helmeted with steel, bearing horns akin to a bull.
No pupils in its eyes, no tongue in its mouth, as if returning from the very depths of hell.
The sheer size of the entity already exerts overwhelming pressure, yet with spiritual pressure appropriately matching its form, this oppression multiplies several times over.
A shadow looms, like the sky is about to collapse.
"Captain Naruto, be careful!" Komamura Zajin called softly.
He leapt into the air, positioning himself on the chest of Myouou.
He raised his sword.
Myouou mirrored the action, raising its blade.
Then slashed down—
A violent gale roared, a cacophonous force, its sonic blast alone seeming to tear at the ears.
Yet the speed was no greater.
Only the strength was mightier, covering a vast range.
Naruto utilized Shunpo, easily dodging, crossing his arms as he drew his blades.
One long, one short, one red, and one gold.
"Rage with mournful cries, compassion in joyous song, wrath reborn, Nine-Tailed Asura!"
The Zanpakutō release flooded his body with spiritual energy beginning from these two swords.
A golden aura enveloped him, six arms extended.
He retained some features of the "fox."
Unohana Retsu narrowed her eyes.
The Shikai had changed.
It was a form entirely different from before.
The aura now felt peaceful, no longer filled with violent savagery.
Within the spiritual pressure lay an incredibly vibrant 'essence of life.'
"Naruto's Shikai is truly astonishing," Isshin Shiba observed with greater intensity, "The third dual blade in the Soul Society."
"It's quite stunning and enchanting."
"But, it's not quite like Captain Shunsui's or Captain Ukitake's blades," he noted.
Kyoraku Shunsui nodded.
Indeed, it was different.
Whether his dual blades or Ukitake's, in form or power, they complemented each other perfectly and remained symmetrical, even if 'Katen' and 'Kyoukotsu,' due to their origin's peculiarity, were somewhat unmatched in size, as they were 'mother and child.' They still adhered to their 'inherited essence.'
Yet, the two swords in Naruto's hands
in both appearance and core strength
had scarcely any similar points.
"Komamura's third seat blade is impressive, and its Bankai is powerful," Unohana Retsu softly remarked, "But it seems like he's already lost."
The remaining two captains nodded in agreement.
Though the battle proceeded, the outcome was unmistakably clear to them.
The colossal figure continued to wield its sword
its grandeur undeniable
its strengths evident, yet its weaknesses equally pronounced.
Naruto evaded several attacks
gathered vital information
This towering Myouou mirror's movements matched Komamura Zajin's precisely, the master swings, and so does the figure.
This implied
to defeat Komamura Zajin
the synchronized mirror couldn't be bypassed.
Nonetheless, this also suggested
Komamura Zajin's weakness was the mirror's weakness as well.
He was not particularly fast.
And this somewhat sluggish speed, when reflected onto the colossal giant several tens of times larger, appeared even more cumbersome and slow.
However, the increase in size also greatly expanded his attack range.
This effectively made up for this shortcoming.
Yet, Naruto's Shunpo was at a level that could pursue Yoruichi, the former Captain of the Second Division, who was famed as the "God of Flash."
Moreover, even though Komamura Zajin's spiritual pressure had increased after his "Bankai," it was not so overwhelming that it could suppress Naruto completely, forcing him to slow down and rendering him immobile.
With just a moment, Naruto could Shunpo out of the attack range.
No matter how vast the range or how formidable the attack, it was ineffective if it couldn't hit.
The most crucial point was that Naruto initially thought the appearance of "Armor King" was to protect Komamura Zajin.
But he quickly discovered something else.
This grand armored giant's life force was linked to Komamura Zajin.
The damage it sustained would be reflected back onto its master with pinpoint accuracy.
In a life-or-death battle, destroying this armor would equate to killing Komamura Zajin.
Naruto clapped his hands together.
"Adamantine Sealing Chains!"
Thicker golden chains than before danced through the air, dozens of them entwining and binding the "King's Colossus" by the arms.
This time, as it struggled powerfully, the chains creaked, showing signs of strain.
But strengthened by the "Asura's Power," they remained durable and did not snap.
Komamura Zajin himself was not bound and lifted his hand, ready to slash with his sword.
The golden chains surged again, binding him as well.
The colossal statue of the King once more struggled mightily, and several chains were snapped open.
And in that very instant.
A flash of white lightning gleamed.
"Bakudō No. 4: Byakurai."
It was Naruto who, forsaking the incantation, unleashed the Bakudō with twin tails of lightning from his hands.
The attack weaved through the chains and colossal figures to strike Komamura Zajin on the head.
A low-numbered Kido, even when enhanced by "Asura," couldn't inflict significant harm on a captain.
Not to mention, Komamura Zajin was wearing a helmet.
Yet, he was unharmed.
The wooden helmet shattered easily, splitting in two, revealing his furry visage.
"A member of the Wolf Tribe, huh." Shiba Isshin paused mid-sip, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on Komamura Zajin. "No wonder he's like that."
In the eyes of regular Shinigami, the Wolf Tribe didn't have the best reputation.
Their "unusual appearance" led only to "ostracization."
His reluctance to accept the captaincy suddenly made sense.
"Naruto's methods can be really crude," Kyōraku Shunsui quipped, casting a glance at the gathered officers, a smirk playing on his lips as he downed his drink, "but undoubtedly effective."
"We've gained yet another reliable colleague," Unohana Retsu murmured softly.
The origins of the Wolf Tribe were "sinister."
But, compared to "true evil," such things seemed rather insignificant.
How many captains can claim their hands are unstained by evil?
Unohana Retsu lowered her eyes to her blade.
The colossal statue of King Myōō ruptured its diamond bonds.
Yet Komamura Zajin chose not to press the attack.
He stood aloft, clutching fragments of his helmet.
"Zajin, turn boldly," Naruto addressed the onlookers, "see their reactions."
Komamura Zajin drew a deep breath and turned his head slightly.
The officers of Squad Seven cheered for him enthusiastically.
"Well done, Third Officer Komamura!"
"Your Bankai is truly powerful and awe-inspiring."
"I never realized you were this strong!"
The officers from other squads were more reserved.
The members of Squad Three and Squad Nine looked on with admiration, their eyes glowing with respect.
Of course, there were some who frowned thoughtfully or even exhibited open hostility.
But such individuals were few.
This was a stark contrast to the number that Komamura Zajin had initially expected.
"Am I not that disliked after all?" Komamura Zajin swung his sword, withdrawing the power of his Bankai.
Naruto also sheathed his blade and asked in return, "Why should they dislike you?"
"You're a good person."
"You will also make an excellent captain."
Komamura Zajin said quietly, "Is this what Captain Naruto wants to tell me?"
There were still those who disliked him for his appearance.
However, those who respected him for his personality and strength were far greater in number.
"Captain Naruto." Komamura Zajin landed softly and bowed to Naruto, "I am willing to take on the role of captain."
He was willing to accept the role graciously, even though he and Captain Naruto had never made such a promise.
But it was indeed a good reason to convince himself to do so.
Moreover, it was thanks to Captain Naruto that he had witnessed new perspectives.
Naruto beamed, his smile bright.
Komamura Zajin also broke into a grin.
Captain Naruto was not as inarticulate as he claimed himself to be.
(End of Chapter)
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