Chapter 526: Aizen and Madara Clash Again
The Mythical Beast Contract Stone offered three types of contracts: master-servant, equal, and reverse master-servant.
The master-servant contract designated the Mythical beast as the servant and another race as the master. Its binding strength depended on the mental power gap between the two parties. If the master's mental state weakened, the control over the beast could falter, leaving room for rebellion if the beast was unwilling.
The equal contract was more acceptable to the Mythical beasts of Mythical Beast Island. Most Contract Stones used in the Mythical Beast Conference were of this type, as few beasts would willingly submit to a master-servant contract unless thoroughly defeated.
The reverse master-servant contract flipped the roles, with the human becoming the servant to the Mythical beast. However, this contract had limitations. Built on the Mythical beast power system, it was highly effective at restraining beasts but less so against other systems' powerhouses, especially those on par with Mythical beasts. Against weaker or less developed systems, it held a significant advantage.
Both Garp and Dragon opted for equal contracts, as neither had defeated their respective Mythical beasts.
Garp's case was somewhat fortunate. While wandering Mythical Beast Island, he stumbled upon the Steel Rock Monster embedded in an iron mountain. Intrigued by its steel-like form, he saw it as a perfect sparring partner for his fists. The beast was asleep when Garp began pummeling it, waking it with punch after punch. Impressed by Garp's hard-hitting fists and quirky personality, the Steel Rock Monster grew curious about the outside world and agreed to follow him. Conveniently, Garp had a Contract Stone, and they formed an equal contract without much fuss.
Dragon's experience was entirely different. He first encountered the Wind Weasel, a bearer of a God Killer Equipment, but couldn't defeat or persuade it. The Weasel's reclusive nature and dislike for combat spared Dragon from a dangerous fight. Later, when Fuki Aigolu arrived, Dragon was sidelined. After exploring various areas without success, he turned his attention to a poisonous swamp. Its green toxic mist deterred other contestants, but Dragon's wind abilities dispersed it easily.
Inspired by Morgans' broadcasts and his own ambitions, Dragon targeted a centipede Mythical beast in the swamp that spewed poisonous mist. If he couldn't enhance his wind element, combining it with poison could significantly boost his combat power. He earned the Elder Centipede's approval, and with a Contract Stone available, they formed an equal contract.
Rumble!
As Garp and Dragon reminisced, the three guardian Mythical beasts engaged in fierce battles, dividing the canyon into four battlefields: three for the guardians and one for Uchiha Madara and Aizen.
Madara, upon arriving, ignored the final treasure and fixed his gaze on Aizen. He had come solely to challenge him again.
Activating his Susanoo, the Wind and Fire God of War, he merged it with the Nine-Tails, forming what he called the Nine-Tails Susanoo: Wind and Fire Martial God. He then launched a direct assault on Aizen.
Aizen, smiling, drew his Zanpakutō in response. Madara's current combat power, enhanced by multiple layered states and the Nine-Tails, far surpassed his previous strength. Facing him barehanded would be arrogant, so Aizen took the fight seriously while also observing the guardian beasts' battles. As Orochimaru's supreme creations, they piqued his interest—especially the Sun Golden Crow, with its terrifying power domain, and the soul-attributed Dragon of Hades.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
From between Susanoo's brows, Madara looked down at the diminutive Aizen below. Aizen deftly parried the rapid strikes of Susanoo's twin swords and the Nine-Tails' claws, yet still had the composure to watch other battles. His speed and strength were undeniable, but his relaxed demeanor and unfathomable power pushed Madara to fight with greater focus.
"He's distracted during our battle!" Madara thought. "Let's try this move!"
His Eternal Mangekyō spun rapidly. Maintaining so many layered states demanded intense concentration, but with Susanoo anchored to the Nine-Tails, movement was less taxing, allowing for more extreme maneuvers.
"Nine-Tails, follow my orders." Madara communicated in their shared inner world.
The Nine-Tails rolled its eyes. It had a name, yet Madara insisted on calling it "Nine-Tails" and barking orders. It couldn't wait for him to leave Mythical Beast Island. But as they communicated, a glint of surprise flickered in its eyes. Could he really pull that off?
Aizen, sensing a shift in Madara's demeanor, smiled faintly. With a casual flick of his Zanpakutō, he deflected Susanoo's heavy sword, sending a massive shockwave rippling outward. The ground exploded, rocks flying as a gray haze clouded the air.
What move would Madara unleash next? Aizen's reflective glasses betrayed his anticipation.
Zira! Zira!
Dozens of black-and-white tomoe formed around Susanoo, hurled toward Aizen by Madara.
"Yasaka Magatama: Gunbai Edition!"
This move utilized the Gunbai's stable chakra as a prelude to his next attack. The magatama didn't strike Aizen directly but floated around him at precise intervals, piquing his curiosity.
Madara, atop the Nine-Tails, continued his assault without pause.
"Reverse Summoning: Flying Thunder God!" he shouted.
In an instant, the Nine-Tails and its Susanoo armor vanished. Under Aizen's surprised gaze, they reappeared behind him. Susanoo's massive sword descended like a divine weapon.
Clang!
Aizen raised his Zanpakutō, blocking the strike. The ground beneath him cracked and shattered under the impact.
Madara didn't relent, swinging his swords at high speed. The colossal figure teleported around Aizen like a phantom —swift, almost instantaneous, as if truly teleporting. Every attack targeted Aizen with relentless precision.
(End of this chapter)