With the desperation of a cornered beast, Zabimaru was swung with more force and recklessness than ever before!
A horizontal sweep harvested large swathes of trees in the park forest like weeds, causing the hundred birds within to cry out in sorrow.
A vertical slash carved a half-meter deep trench into the ground, the earth rumbling, dust spreading.
Under Renji's final frenzy, Ichigo could only continuously dodge.
Like the most skilled hunter, waiting for the prey to bleed out.
And as Renji unleashed Zabimaru for the third time again.
Ichigo closed in once more!
Facing Zabimaru hastily retracting towards Renji, Ichigo raised Zangetsu high!
Then-
"Getsuga... Tensho!"
The massive blade came down, striking directly at the steel cable of the retracting Zabimaru!
Screech-
A piercing sound of twisting metal rang out.
Under Renji's disbelieving gaze,
Zabimaru... broke!
"Ah!"
Rukia's startled cry came from afar.
A fragment of Zabimaru, shattered by the Getsuga Tensho, struck the tree she was tied to, severing the ropes binding her.
But at this moment, no one had the attention to spare for Rukia in the distance.
Looking at the long sword, now only the hilt remaining, Renji's expression trembled: "You... you bastard!"
A Zanpakuto is something every Shinigami treats as their life. But today, his Zanpakuto was broken by Ichigo.
However, having broken Renji's Zanpakuto, Ichigo had no particular thoughts.
"What's wrong? A Zanpakuto in Shikai state can be repaired if damaged. But if that slash had landed on you, you'd be finished!"
"I believe if Zabimaru were here, it would also be willing to block that slash for you!"
"Abarai Renji, you've lost!" Ichigo stated the fact calmly.
By now, Rukia had run over from the distance, bringing another segment of Zabimaru: "Renji, are you okay?"
"Tch, I'm fine!" Facing Rukia's concerned gaze, Renji felt a mix of emotions.
He had lost today's duel.
Naturally, he no longer had the right to comment further on Rukia's matter.
But the unwilling Renji had one last question.
Looking at Rukia, who, after asking about him, turned to speak to Ichigo, though it sounded more like concern than complaint, Renji asked seriously:
"Hey, Rukia, let me ask you, do you really still want to stay in the Living World with this kid?"
Even though he lost, if it was for Rukia's sake, Renji was willing to break his promise, if only Rukia said half a word of refusal!
However, facing such a question, Rukia fell silent!
Then, under Renji's expectant gaze, Rukia smiled, a bittersweet yet sweet smile: "He's done so much for me... so I guess I have to stay!"
"I see... So that's how it is..." Renji turned away, unwilling to look at Rukia any longer.
As childhood friends who grew up together, they were closer than family.
If Rukia truly chose this path, then he could only offer his blessings!
"In that case, I'm going back!" Renji said.
"I'll keep my promise. I'll take responsibility for this Menos Grande. I'll cover up your affair. But how long I can hide it from my Captain, I don't know!"
"Rukia, from this moment on, pray. Pray that Captain Byakuya finds out about your situation as late as possible!"
After saying this, Renji left with his broken sword, not looking back.
Under the setting sun nearing dusk, his lonely figure looked very desolate!
"Look at his silhouette, he looks like a dog!" Watching Renji leave, the bullet comments started memeing again.
But on the other side, Ichigo finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Let's go! We should head back too!" Ichigo looked at Rukia.
"Mhm!" Rukia nodded gently.
Although the days ahead were unknown, at least for now… it was sweet.
Quickening her pace, Rukia looped her arm through Ichigo's.
Under the setting sun, the sight of the two walking home together was so beautiful.
"I'm shipping it!"
"Wow, PDA!" (T/N: Public Display of Affection.)
"Ah, the proud Queen Rukia has also fallen for this scoundrel Ichigo!"
"Nothing more to say, we approve of this marriage!"
Excited bullet comments appeared one after another.
However, while Ichigo was out here showing off affection, elsewhere...
Looking at Ichigo, who had been inconspicuous the entire cycle but suddenly shot up to first place at the last moment, all the other players couldn't hold it in!
"Holy crap, an underdog!"
Looking at the rankings, players who were Hollows in Hueco Mundo or fighting Hollows in the Hollow Expeditionary Force were utterly dismayed.
"Damn it, stealing the top spot, huh? I won't sheathe my sword tonight!" Wang Zongchao said indignantly.