"Lieutenant! Thank you very much!!"
"Yes, take care. If anything happens again, please call me anytime."
After bowing and parting with the juniors who thanked me, I sighed lightly.
"Haa... again."
"What is 'again'?"
"Wah!! C-Captain Unohana!?"
"What is it, getting surprised just because someone called out to you... It is rude, you know?"
Naturally, I'd be surprised if the Captain appeared without sound or presence...
"N-No, I apologize! Also, what I was sighing about was the attitude of the Eleventh Division members!"
"Eleventh Division... Ah, I see."
With just this much information, she seems to have understood to some extent.
However, to avoid any misunderstandings, I will say it until the end just in case.
"Yes. A while ago, the Captain changed from Kenpachi Kiganjo to Kenpachi Zaraki, right? That seems to be encouraging their arrogance."
"Kenpachi, Zaraki... is it... Ufufu..."
Hii! S-She is making an expression somewhat like a yandere!!
Now, here is a review.
The Eleventh Division has the alias of a combat specialist unit, and Shinigami confident in their skills gather there.
And the one who becomes Captain follows the custom of inheriting the name "Kenpachi," which means "no matter how many times they are cut, they do not fall."
(For example, if Taro Yamada became Kenpachi, he would become Kenpachi Yamada... sounds weak...)
And the Captain of the Eleventh Division is basically decided by a duel.
By defeating the current Kenpachi, a new Kenpachi is born.
Thus, the name and strength of Kenpachi increase from generation to generation—it's a dangerous system of increasing Reiatsu by washing blood with blood.
...Though the founder of that dangerous system is right in front of my eyes.
The one who became the 10th Kenpachi was Kenpachi Kiganjo.
He was a large man like a bear with a bushy beard. His manners and attitude were bad, and he was selfish and the worst. He even skipped ceremonies saying, "It's troublesome."
The one who defeated him and became the 11th is Kenpachi Zaraki, whom everyone knows.
He is a dangerous guy who came from the 80th District of North Rukongai, the place with the worst public order.
Kenpachi Zaraki became the new Captain, and the Eleventh Division started with a new system!
...And well, it was good up to that point.
By defeating Captain Kiganjo and becoming the new Captain, the members of the Eleventh Division probably got carried away.
In recent years, the members of the Fourth Division have been targeted excessively by the members of the Eleventh Division.
—Our Captain is the strongest! We are the strongest in the Gotei 13! Do you think we can listen to what the non-fighting Fourth Division says!! Stay back!!—
That usual thing has been excessively frequent in recent years.
Discipline had been gradually loosening since Captain Kiganjo's time, and I think the restraints came off all at once when it became Captain Zaraki.
Just a while ago, I disciplined an Eleventh Division member who was causing trouble by rampaging like that, but people forget danger once it's passed. It happens frequently before the tongue is even dry.
Naturally, I want to sigh not just once or twice, but by the dozen.
"When it was Captain Kuruyashiki, everyone was polite and it was good..."
I turn my unreachable thoughts to the Captain of the Eleventh Division who is no longer here.
Captain Kuruyashiki was the 7th Kenpachi.
His appearance was quite wild, but he felt like a polite and reliable big brother.
What should be noted is that he was strong, strong, and as a bonus, strong. His Bankai was so powerful that the Central 46 imposed usage restrictions on it.
Perhaps admiring Captain Kuruyashiki, there were many female squad members aspiring to join the Eleventh Division back then.
The entire Eleventh Division was united like "A combat group that stands directly in front and fights gallantly!"
Oh my, they were cool!
But then that happened and the Captain changed...
Captain Azashiro was also removed from Captain in about a year...
After that, the Lieutenant at the time managed things as the 9th Kenpachi (Acting). That person was doing his best too...
...Huh?
That means Captain Kiganjo falls outside the definition of Kenpachi... Because the formal predecessor was Captain Azashiro... Defeating the (Acting) and acting all high and mighty means...
At best, he was "Kenpachi (Provisional License Training)"...?
Damn it!! I should have beaten that bearded daruma old man two or three times before he disappeared!!
"Captain Kuruyashiki, is it... Indeed, he was a good Shinigami..."
"I won't say go as far as those days, but at least inside the Relief Station, I want them to obediently follow the instructions of the medical squad members... The rookies are frightened..."
It's bad for rookie education... That...
"Fumu... Then, what do you think should be done?"
"Eh? Let's see... I think someone like Captain Kuruyashiki who tightens things up firmly is necessary after all. If someone whom the Eleventh Division members cannot disobey keeps an eye on them, I think their behavior will calm down."
"Fufu, that is certainly true. I think it is a good idea."
"...?"
I should have realized when I saw the Captain's face with a beaming smile.
Ah, this was a flag.
-----
"Airi, today I order you to a special mission."
One week after that exchange.
Just before starting the morning work, the Captain suddenly said such a thing.
—Special mission.
As soon as I heard these words, I had nothing but a fiercely bad feeling.
"...Umm, Captain... What on earth is that special mission...?"
"Seeing is believing, as they say. First, read this."
Saying that, the Captain held out something like a letter.
"H-Haa... let's see...?"
I receive it and look through it.
What caught my eye first was—
Letter of Challenge
—Those three words.
At this point, my premonition turned into conviction.
Reading further, it roughly said something like this.
-----
To the members of the Eleventh Division.
Your tyrannical behavior is intolerable.
It was so intolerable that I decided to sanction you personally.
Ah, I am sorry.
You are stupid, so you don't understand what this is about, right?
To put it simply.
Looking at you guys pisses me off, so I'll beat you all up.
Seven days later at noon, I will raid the Eleventh Division barracks.
Do your best to intercept me.
If you can, that is.
Since you can only act tough against the weak, it's impossible for you, right?
Do your best to be scared and prepare to beg for your lives.
Even if you run away crying, I will beat up every last one of you and instill fear and manners into you.
Wash your necks and wait.
Fourth Division Lieutenant Airi Yukawa
-----
It's a loose translation, but the text is roughly like this.
"...Umm, what is this?"
"As you can see?"
"No, wait!? I didn't write something like this!?"
I omitted it, but this letter has a proper preamble and closing.
It starts with "Dear Sir/Madam" and ends with "Sincerely."
The fact that the text is written incredibly politely makes the provocation level high, conversely.
That's not it!!
Naturally, I have no recollection of this at all.
In the first place, this is not my handwriting. Or rather, I see this handwriting every day.
"Oh my, oh my, you say strange things. Last week, you mentioned it, didn't you? That it was intolerable and needed to be tightened."
"I said that, but... Eh!? Eeh!? That!?"
"Therefore, I took the liberty of ghostwriting for you. Ah, that is a draft. The fair copy has already been delivered to the Eleventh Division."
"Aaaaaaaahh!!"
I inadvertently held my head and crouched down.
"Moreover, this seven days later..."
"Of course, it means today. There is about one hour left until the appointed time."
Checking the position of the sun, she says it happily.
Thinking it's someone else's problem... Ah, it is someone else's problem...
"In other words, you mean I should stop today's work, go to the Eleventh Division, and beat up each member?"
"Oh my, oh my, Airi, you must not use such violent words. You are going to persuade those who cannot follow the ways of the Fourth Division one by one, politely and carefully, using the ways of the Eleventh Division. That is today's mission."
Setting aside what she's saying, what I'm doing is the same, right...
Rather, it's annoying how she acts like "the just cause is on our side"...
...Strange. Was the Captain a person who thought in such a muscle-brained way?
"...Is something wrong?"
"No! There is absolutely no problem!!"
Could you please stop reading my mind naturally?
"Well, please rest assured. I am not a demon either. I have made arrangements as much as possible on my end."
"Haa..."
"Also, this is a farewell gift."
Saying that, the Captain took out a large amount of... wooden swords, from somewhere.
About fifty wooden swords are tied to a carrier frame.
You know how the statue of Kinjiro Ninomiya carries firewood on his back? She took out something like that.
"What on earth are these large amount of wooden swords for...?"
"What for... fufu, you say strange things."
When I compared the pile of wooden swords and the Captain, the Captain giggled.
"When invading enemy territory, you must never trust anything other than what you brought with you. It is common sense, right?"
"N-No! I certainly learned that teaching from the Captain, but...!! Enemy territory, is it...? The Eleventh Division consists of Shinigami of the same Gotei 13!?"
"Because they are the same comrades, you use wooden swords. Don't tell me you intended to turn your Zanpakuto on your fellow Shinigami?"
"Aaaaaaaahh!!"
T-Talk doesn't get through!! What do you want me to do!!
"In other words, beat everyone up with this wooden swo—"
Girori! She glared at me so hard I could almost hear the sound.
"—C-Correction! persuade them around following the ways of the Eleventh Division, right?"
"That is correct."
"By the way, what about pretending I didn't know and going home..."
When I fearfully proposed it, the Captain's smile became even brighter.
"Now now, that is a funny joke. Ufufu, it is too funny to laugh."
Ah, this is the one where there is no escape anywhere.
"Understood! I understood!! Unworthy Yukawa! I will now carry out the special mission!!"
"Yes, have a safe trip."
Seen off by Captain Unohana, I departed for the Eleventh Division barracks.
Since I left the Relief Station carrying a large load on my back, I was looked at suspiciously by our squad members.
Ufufu, your Lieutenant is going to raid the demon beast's den now\~♪
Cheer for me\~♪
-----
'Well well, to think such a grand tentacless development was waiting!! It is truly a case of "ignorance is bliss even for Buddha"!!'
Tentacless...? Ah, spectacle.
But I never thought the words from that time would lead to such a stupid development.
I agree with only that part.
'However, will you be okay? In the current Eleventh Division...'
Don't say it!
'Zarakima-dono is...'
Don't say the name!!
I know, at least that much!!
Kenpachi Zaraki.
The first Captain that our protagonist and eternal straight man, Ichigo Kurosaki, defeated, right?
...Why could the protagonist beat that??
Even I know about Captain Zaraki.
I've even seen him directly when he assumed the position of new Captain.
His appearance is dangerous enough that a wild beast would run away even if its legs were torn off, let alone barefoot.
He leaks ridiculous spiritual pressure, and moreover, the bottom of his spiritual pressure cannot be seen... the upper limit of his strength is invisible.
He's a Captain who has glaring eyes and looks like he's seeking battle all year round.
A person like the phrase "I like fighting more than three meals a day" walking around wearing clothes—but he's such an outrageous person that the moment our eyes meet, I feel like doing dogeza and begging for my life.
'In the first place, he is a gentleman who prefers slashing each other to fighting.'
Don't say it... I feel like giving up...
I'm confident I've become quite strong, but I can't imagine winning against that at all.
Also, I just remembered, but he defeated an Espada alone just by realizing the obvious logic that "a sword is stronger when swung with both hands," right?
I forgot the enemy's name though. What was it? Someone with a name like Runga Runga.
'(It is Nnoitra-dono...)'
Yeah, thinking about it again, he's crazy.
Probably just because I don't know, he must have done even crazier things during the decisive battle with Aizen.
Probably, surely, maybe, definitely, no mistake.
...Really, why could the protagonist beat that?
If I proceed like this, I will fight Captain Zaraki.
But if I return, I will be killed by Captain Unohana.
'A tiger at the front gate, a wolf at the back gate, indeed...'
If the opponents were a tiger and a wolf, I could still win...
While having such a conversation, it drifted in.
It's about time to brace myself.
What is it? The smell of iron rust and violence.
There was a scent from a while ago, but from around here, there is an exceptionally strong smell.
Residents with tough faces look at me with curious eyes. Naturally, I probably don't quite fit in this district.
They are all those who admired the Eleventh Division.
It seems that hot-blooded brave men who want to see Kenpachi's strength up close live here voluntarily without anyone asking them.
The headquarters of such battle idiots is here, the Eleventh Division.
A large gate blocks the way with a deden, and there were two squad members who seemed to be gatekeepers nearby.
From here on, I have no choice but to do it with momentum.
-----
"Hello."
"Hah? Who the hell are you!?"
Did you hear that, everyone? Just approaching and greeting them, and it's this.
Well, if someone carrying a large amount of wooden swords on their back approached, I would be wary too.
"If you have no business, get lost! Today, a Fourth Division member who doesn't know their place..."
Oh, it seems they noticed.
The color of the eyes looking at me changed.
"You bas... tard!!"
"Too slow."
When I slammed a backfist into his face, one sank with just that.
"Yes, one more."
"Gaaah!!"
In the same way, I punched the other one flying.
Good grief... stopping your movement in surprise there is no good.
What were you two doing gatekeeper duty for? I'll return you properly with a gift wrapping paper attached.
"Now then. Well then... Excuse the intrusiooooooon!!"
When I grabbed the collars of the two unconscious ones, surprisingly, both my hands were occupied.
So, kicking the large gate flying while greeting vigorously, a sound like an explosion echoed, the gate crumpled in an instant, and I jumped inside aiming for the interior.
...I broke it with momentum, but this much is within necessary expenses, right?
"What the hell! What was that sound!?"
"It was from the front gate!!"
"Ha! Finally came, you insolent fool!!"
Reacting to the roar, squad members appear one after another from the back in a flustered manner.
Fumu fumu, I'll evaluate this quick response. About five points added.
Still, there are many people.
Could it be that all the members of the Eleventh Division are gathering? To deal with me?? Even taking a break from their usual duties???
Oh my, I'm popular.
"It's you, right? The one who sent such a ridiculous letter of challenge to our Captain!?"
No, it's Captain Unohana! Even if I say that, they definitely won't believe me...
My name was clearly written on the letter of challenge.
Among those gathered, there are faces I have seen here and there, so my face is known too.
...Come to think of it, these people didn't say anything even though they had a week.
Was a strange gag order issued or something?
"So what will you do? Ah, or perhaps you couldn't understand the content? It says that since you don't seem to understand no matter how much I warn you, I will persuade you with your method. Did you understand?"
So I also bluff with all my might.
Then what happened?
All the Eleventh Division members around me floated anger marks on their foreheads.
Veins popping, looking like they're about to pounce any moment.
I wonder what was bad...? Even though I'm persuading so kindly and politely...
"...Even if you're a Lieutenant, for a lowly Fourth Division member, you have guts. I'll admit just that."
"Unfortunately, being admitted by you guys only lowers my rank... Here!!"
Throwing the two I was holding in both hands in different directions, everyone's gazes gathered on the two for a moment.
In this momentary gap, I throw the wooden swords I carried on my back—keeping only one for myself—scattering them.
"Ah, these guys were outside!"
"Uoh!? What!?"
"Wo, wooden swords... Guwah!!"
Is the mountain of wooden swords suddenly raining from the sky just like Gate of Babylon?
Their attention diverted, their reactions were delayed, and there are people taking direct hits here and there.
Even though I set it up to happen like that, they were caught off guard too much...
"Sei!"
"Gaa... h!"
Striking a gap in the confusion, I flash the wooden sword at one person nearby.
Without even being able to respond properly, he foamed at the mouth and fainted with a single blow.
"What's wrong? To let your guard down when the sender of the letter of challenge is here... Perhaps you can't fight unless a referee says 'Begin!'?"
"You!!"
Good grief, seems they finally ignited.
Picking up the wooden swords scattered around, they glare at me with bloodshot eyes.
"Oh my, looks like I'm going to be violated..."
"Diiiiieeee!!"
Finally, they attacked.
With this, I can administer iron fist punishment.
However, the current situation is surprisingly many against one.
They often say, "Defeat the strongest guy first when dealing with many people," but not this time.
Because if I don't beat everyone up, I will be beaten up by the Captain.
So the point to note this time is to try to create one-on-one situations as much as possible.
To utilize the entire situation so as not to deal with multiple opponents at the same time.
For example—
"In the way!!"
"Uoooo!?"
"Idiot, don't come! Guoooo!"
I grab a nearby squad member and throw him at another squad member.
Then the opponent couldn't avoid it and they fell down entangled amicably.
"Damn! Don't underestimate us!!"
"Yes, your opponent is this way!"
"Guh... wait, uoooo!?"
"Daaa!! Wait, sorry!!"
I use a nearby squad member as a shield.
The attacking opponent couldn't stop his sword, resulting in a beautiful friendly fire.
—And well, like this.
I utilize anything usable even if it's an enemy, and if they are standing, I'd use even my parents.
If I don't do this, I'll be surrounded and beaten up.
Also—
"Here, for you."
"Eh...? Gah!?"
—If I pass the wooden sword I held lightly, the opponent flinched for a moment.
In that gap, I punch him down.
Well, I can't use such surprise tactics many times, though.
In the first place, the purpose of this raid is "making them understand."
If I defeat them so instantly they don't know what happened, I can't make them understand.
"Hah!"
"Guaaaah!!"
"Gyaaaa!!"
So while holding back appropriately, I cut them down with a single stroke.
Well, since it's a wooden sword, I don't cut—though I can if I try—bruises and fractures are the most I do.
I've defeated about thirty people with this.
However, there are still many people, and the opponent's morale seems high.
"Damn! For a Fourth Division member, you're pretty good!!"
"...Is that so?"
From the look of it, the ones coming first seem to be young squad members.
Is it to let the rookies gain experience, or are the veteran squad members waiting behind as stoppers?
...Hmm, even for young squad members, is this the level of skill?
They should have graduated from the academy properly—
"—You think this level is strong..."
"What did you say, hey!!"
Oh no, I said it out loud.
I blow away the opponent who attacked in a rage, this time with brute force.
"Gyaaaaaaaah!!"
He flies well.
The blown-away Eleventh Division member rolled gorogoro and...
"Ou, seems you're rolling around energetically."
"T-Third Seat Iba!?"
Stopped by hitting the leg of a Shinigami.
"Long time no see, Lieutenant Yukawa."
"Yes, likewise. Third Seat Iba."
I know this person's face and name properly.
It's Tetsuzaemon Iba of the Eleventh Division.
A man with a fierce appearance, crew cut, and even sunglasses.
In addition, he speaks in Hiroshima dialect, so combined with his appearance, he looks like nothing but a "person in a trade with a Y in the name," but if you talk to him, he is a person passionate about duty and humanity who follows logic properly.
He's a good person; he doesn't demand protection money or anything.
"When that letter arrived from you, I thought it was a joke. But seeing you here like this means you were serious."
"Yes, well. If everyone in the Eleventh Division listened properly to what the Fourth Division says, there would be no need to do this."
This is true.
Iba-san is a good person and has a position, so if he had disciplined his subordinates properly, I wouldn't have had to do this...
It would have been fine if he just said "Hey, kora!" to the guys who messed up a little, you know?
'My Lord, your thinking is becoming strange! There is no duty and humanity!! I want that to be spared only in fiction...'
"If so, you should have just told me. Then I could have tightened things up... but with this much damage already, the guys below won't be settled. Above all, our squad has face too..."
Saying that, he picked up a fallen wooden sword and assumed a Seigan stance.
"Sorry, but you'll have to be prepared to break a bone or two!"
It suits him so well! Like a V-Cinema!!
...This person is polite and a good person who doesn't rampage especially in the Fourth Division, so...
I don't want to fight...
But half-heartedness is no good.
"Hup...?"
Receiving the attacking sword—oh my, somehow strange.
It wasn't a serious sword; it was a sword line asking me to receive it.
So I inadvertently received it but...
"(Oi, can you hear me?)"
As expected, there was an aim; he spoke in a small voice pretending to be in a sword lock.
"(What?)"
"(Receiving a letter like that, it's natural for the squad members to be enraged. I admit I have a little responsibility for not being able to stop them. So, could you lose to me here? If you do, I'll manage the rest.)"
I see, that's it.
Since they were provoked, it was necessary to let them fight to vent their pent-up anger.
But if outnumbered, I should definitely lose somewhere.
Watching for that timing, Iba-san appears, mediates the situation, and settles it amicably.
That means this was the scenario he initially envisioned.
I'm sorry, my Captain jumped the gun and made you worry...
In addition, because I rampaged unexpectedly, the scenario went completely crazy.
But correction is still possible.
By Iba-san coming out himself and being the opponent, he seals the interference of other squad members.
And if "even a Lieutenant is just Fourth Division after all," then "it's not strange to lose against a Third Seat," creating a just cause, and if he glares after the battle ends, there is no worry of retaliation.
After that, if I just play dead appropriately, he will settle the situation on his own.
The Eleventh Division won this fight so their name isn't tarnished, and since they angered the Fourth Division enough for a raid, it also becomes a reason to strongly admonish the rank-and-file members.
I see, a perfect strategy.
...If I follow it, that is.
"I'm sorry."
Pushing Iba-san away with arm strength while still in the form of a sword lock to take distance, I instantly slam in several slashes.
"W-Why... Why such a thing..."
I can't believe she won't follow, I don't understand.
Showing such an appearance, Iba-san fell.
Well, you wouldn't understand.
Since I don't know what Captain Unohana will do if I lose, I am facing this with my back to the wall.
...Ah, how weak I am...
"Iba-san!!"
"You bastard!!! How dare you do that!!!"
"I'll absolutely never forgive yooooou!!"
Naturally, it becomes like this.
If it were a low-ranking thug, it would be one thing, but if the young head is attacked, the group can't be disciplined.
Towards the crowd of squad members burning with revenge, I readied my wooden sword.
-----
"Guwaaaaaaaah"
"Fuu, this is everyone."
There is no reason to lose at this level.
Certainly, they were tough if I had to say, but I won't lose.
Since there were many people, my breath is disordered, but that's about it.
No injuries either.
Conversely, the Eleventh Division side is in a terrible state.
Everyone is lying on the ground, and in appearance alone, it's a state of heaps of corpses and rivers of blood.
There are about two hundred people.
Of course, I haven't killed them.
Some seem to be unconscious, but many are groaning in agony.
Now, the real thing starts from here.
These people—
"...!!"
—Killing intent that makes me tremble from the bottom of my body!
My body moves before I think, reflexively hardening my defense.
Then, almost at the same timing as I defended, a powerful blow was slammed into the wooden sword.
A powerful blow that made me inadvertently lose my balance.
The one who can do this is...
"Hahahahahaha!! I finished a boring job and came to see, and it's become quite interesting, hasn't it!!"
...Where on earth was he until now.
Kenpachi Zaraki was wearing a smile of ecstatic joy with a wooden sword in one hand.
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]