Naruto: Zanka No Tachi

Chapter 318: NZNT: Chapter 318

After drawing his Zanpakutō, Shūhei Hisagi didn’t initiate his Shikai, opting instead to rely solely on his swordsmanship against Ichigo Kur

After drawing his Zanpakutō, Shūhei Hisagi didn’t initiate his Shikai, opting instead to rely solely on his swordsmanship against Ichigo Kurosaki. He believed this untrained Shinigami would be easily dispatched.

However, Shūhei Hisagi was profoundly mistaken; this battle proved far more challenging than anticipated.

In the ensuing clash, while Shūhei Hisagi’s superior spiritual pressure and skill gave him a clear advantage, Ichigo Kurosaki proved remarkably resilient, relentlessly engaging him in a protracted struggle. He was a tenacious opponent.

The street became a whirlwind of flashing blades; the ground and walls bore the marks of their fierce exchange, scarred by their powerful strikes. The battle was intense.

Ichigo Kurosaki, wielding his massive Zanpakutō, retreated and parried, carefully maneuvering to avoid fatal blows. He was fighting defensively.

Shūhei Hisagi relentlessly sought openings, aiming for a decisive, lethal strike. He was relentless in his pursuit of victory.

Ichigo Kurosaki, it turned out, possessed exceptional innate combat talent. He understood that escaping unscathed was impossible against such a formidable opponent. Survival was his priority.

Therefore, Ichigo Kurosaki prioritized protecting his vital areas, evading non-critical attacks whenever possible. Minor injuries were acceptable if they allowed him to survive.

After a brief but intense exchange, Ichigo Kurosaki, though battered and bruised, showed no reduction in spiritual pressure. Instead, the battle honed his abilities, steadily increasing his power, gradually placing Shūhei Hisagi under increasing pressure. Ichigo Kurosaki was growing stronger.

”You’re Shūhei Hisagi, right? I’ve got your attack patterns figured out!” Ichigo Kurosaki said confidently, a self-assured smile playing on his lips, despite his injuries. He was adapting.

Shūhei Hisagi, angered by Ichigo Kurosaki’s boastful declaration, sneered. ”Brat, you’re in over your head.” He was enraged.

Enraged by Ichigo Kurosaki’s words, Shūhei Hisagi abruptly heightened his spiritual pressure, seizing what he perceived as an opening, thrusting his sword towards Ichigo Kurosaki’s abdomen. He thought he had won.

However, Shūhei Hisagi had been deceived; the opening was a deliberate feint.

Ichigo Kurosaki subtly shifted, evading Shūhei Hisagi’s blade. Though his evasion wasn’t perfect, resulting in a shallow wound to his abdomen, it didn’t significantly impair his fighting ability. He had anticipated the attack.

Simultaneously, Ichigo Kurosaki’s massive Zanpakutō accelerated, striking Shūhei Hisagi, who was still recovering his posture, with unprecedented speed. He had been caught off guard.

Shūhei Hisagi hadn’t anticipated Ichigo Kurosaki’s calculated strategy and reserve of power, his surprise attack catching him completely off guard.

He unleashed a burst of spiritual pressure, instantly activating Shunpo, the Shinigami’s signature high-speed movement technique, rapidly retreating.

However, Ichigo Kurosaki’s Zanpakutō was significantly longer than a typical Zanpakutō, possessing a wide range of motion. Even with his lightning-fast reaction and evasion, Shūhei Hisagi sustained a large, deep wound across his chest and abdomen. He had been severely injured.

Shūhei Hisagi, bleeding profusely, was now on the defensive, the tide of battle having dramatically shifted against him. He was losing.

”I told you, I’ve got your moves down pat! You’re strong, but I can beat you!”

Having landed a decisive blow, Ichigo Kurosaki didn’t press his advantage, instead calmly declaring victory. His confidence was unwavering.

However, Ichigo Kurosaki’s words were a profound insult to Shūhei Hisagi. His pride was wounded.

Unbeknownst to Ichigo Kurosaki, Tōsen Kaname, Shūhei Hisagi’s captain, was observing their fight from the shadows, making Shūhei Hisagi’s defeat even more humiliating. He was being watched.

”Ichigo, run! Lieutenant Hisagi isn’t using his full strength. You’re no match for him,” a voice called out urgently, cutting through the tense atmosphere.

Just as Ichigo Kurosaki believed victory was within his grasp, he heard Rukia Kuchiki’s anxious cry. He was caught off guard.

Ichigo Kurosaki looked at Rukia Kuchiki in confusion. He didn’t understand why he should flee when his opponent was already severely wounded. He was confused.

”Human, you’re not going anywhere. I only intended to strip you of your spiritual power, forcing you to live as a human. But since you’ve forced me to release my Zanpakutō’s Shikai, your survival depends on your luck,” Shūhei Hisagi said coldly, his voice devoid of emotion. He was enraged.

”Zanpakutō release?” Ichigo Kurosaki looked puzzled. He had gained Shinigami powers through Rukia Kuchiki, but he lacked a full understanding of the Shinigami combat system and the concept of Zanpakutō release. He was inexperienced.

Shūhei Hisagi, holding his Zanpakutō horizontally, said slowly, ”Reap, Kazeshini!”

As Shūhei Hisagi spoke, a powerful spiritual pressure erupted from him, generating violent winds that forced Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki to raise their arms to shield themselves from the sandstorm. The power was immense.

After several seconds, the spiritual pressure stabilized, and the wind subsided. Ichigo Kurosaki saw that Shūhei Hisagi no longer held his Zanpakutō; he now wielded a bizarre weapon.

This weapon consisted of two scythe-like blades with S-shaped edges, connected at their hilts by a thin chain. It was a unique and dangerous weapon.

Rukia Kuchiki explained the concept of Zanpakutō release to Ichigo Kurosaki, urging him to flee. She believed Ichigo Kurosaki had no chance against a lieutenant who had released his Shikai. She was worried.

Ignoring Rukia Kuchiki’s urgent pleas, Ichigo Kurosaki smiled unconcernedly. ”Rukia, as long as I hold this blade, they won’t take you!” He was determined.

Before Rukia Kuchiki could react to Ichigo Kurosaki’s words, he charged towards Shūhei Hisagi, his massive blade raised high. He was ready to fight.

However, Shūhei Hisagi, having released his Shikai, experienced a significant increase in spiritual pressure, his strength and speed surpassing his previous state. The weapon’s unique attack style also caught Ichigo Kurosaki off guard, inflicting several new wounds on his already battered body.

”Honestly, I admire your spirit, but this ends now!”

Observing Ichigo Kurosaki’s determined efforts to protect Rukia Kuchiki, Shūhei Hisagi expressed a degree of grudging admiration. He respected his opponent’s courage.

However, due to the Gotei 13’s orders, he couldn’t afford to show mercy. Duty called.

”Kazeshini: Kubikake!”

With a powerful downward slash, Shūhei Hisagi forced Ichigo Kurosaki back two steps. Before Ichigo Kurosaki could regain his balance, Shūhei Hisagi’s left scythe-blade flew out, circling Ichigo Kurosaki’s neck before the chain firmly secured his neck.

Shūhei Hisagi had shown mercy; if he had intended to kill Ichigo Kurosaki, he would have used the blade to sever his head. He had chosen to capture him.

Ichigo Kurosaki reacted swiftly, raising his Zanpakutō to sever the chain, but failed; his blade couldn’t even leave a scratch on the chain. The chain was exceptionally strong.

The scythe-blade, having circled Ichigo Kurosaki’s neck, returned to Shūhei Hisagi’s hand. He held both ends of the chain, firmly restraining Ichigo Kurosaki.

Slowly approaching Ichigo Kurosaki, who was still struggling, Shūhei Hisagi said calmly, ”I’m taking Rukia. Live your life as a human.” He was leaving.

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