"Interesting. I was just looking for someone to pass the time, never expected to run into the right person," Zaraki said, his excitement palpable.
"Hey, Yachiru, that old man told me not to go looking for him, but if he comes to me himself, that's different, right?" Zaraki said to Yachiru.
"Mhm mhm, then even if Ken-chan fights him, it wouldn't be disobeying the Captain-Commander," Yachiru nodded.
"Hey, what exactly is going on?" Toshiro asked, feeling lost.
"Oh, nothing much. Just heard about your strength before and wanted to fight you, but that old man stopped me," Zaraki explained casually.
"But since we've met, it wouldn't be right not to fight. So, come on. Take a swing at me first, let me see if your strength matches the rumors."
Zaraki tore open the front of his shirt, revealing his scar-covered chest.
Yachiru also jumped off Zaraki's shoulder to stand to the side.
The most deadly brag is the subtle one.
Although Toshiro knew this was just Zaraki's personality, the words still sounded like pure arrogance.
An involuntary surge of anger rose in Toshiro's heart.
This was the first time. The first time someone had looked down on him so blatantly.
Although Toshiro acknowledged the gap between his current strength and Zaraki's, the gap wasn't so large that he couldn't even break through his defense.
After all, Toshiro was someone who had defeated a Captain-level Menos Grande.
If Zaraki really stood still and let Toshiro hit him, Toshiro could absolutely kill him with one strike.
"Alright, I'll fight you," Toshiro said expressionlessly.
It wasn't that Toshiro suddenly believed he was Zaraki's match, nor was it blind rage.
But for a battle maniac like Zaraki, once he latched onto you, he wouldn't back down without a fight.
Besides, with his speed, even if he couldn't win, escaping unscathed shouldn't be a problem.
"However, before that, could you withdraw your Reiatsu and let my companions move farther away?"
Toshiro glanced back at Momo and the others, who were barely standing under the pressure of Kenpachi's Reiatsu.
Although most of Kenpachi's pressure was directed at Toshiro, even the scattered remnants were unbearable for Momo and the others.
It had to be said, Zaraki's Reiatsu was truly astonishing.
Last time against Alfred, Toshiro could easily withstand it and protect all the students from the pressure.
This time, Toshiro could only ensure he himself wasn't overwhelmed by Kenpachi's pressure.
"Tch! So weak. Can't even handle a bit of Reiatsu?" Zaraki said, glancing at them dismissively.
"Don't worry. I have no interest in weaklings. I won't harm them. As for withdrawing my Reiatsu, sorry. I got a bit excited and let it out unconsciously. Controlling Reiatsu isn't really my strong suit," Zaraki said offhandedly.
Toshiro frowned.
"In that case, follow me." With that, Toshiro's figure shot towards a distant clearing.
Seeing this, Zaraki followed.
Whoosh!
As Zaraki moved away, Momo, Renji, and the others finally let out a sigh of relief, drenched in cold sweat.
"What immense Reiatsu! Who was that person just now?" Renji Abarai asked, panting.
"According to Toshiro, it seems to be the Captain of the 11th Division, Zaraki Kenpachi," Kira said.
"You guys, are you okay?" Suddenly, a figure appeared in front of them.
"Who are you?" Momo asked.
"Me? I'm Yachiru, Kusajishi Yachiru. Ken-chan gave me the name. I'm the Lieutenant of the 11th Division now," Yachiru said, pointing at herself.
"What! A Lieutenant? Someone as small as you is a Lieutenant?" Rukia exclaimed in shock.
"Huh? Why the surprise? Shiro-chan is young too, but he has Captain-level combat power," Yachiru said, puzzled.
"Shiro-chan?" Momo beside her couldn't help but frown.
''Shiro-chan' is what I call Toshiro. How does this person know?' Momo thought, confused.
"Right! 'Shiro' means 'white', doesn't it? So, Shiro-chan," Yachiru Kusajishi explained.
Shiro in Japanese does mean white, which is why Momo called Toshiro 'Shiro-chan'.
Yachiru always liked giving people nicknames. This time, she coincidentally used Momo's nickname for Toshiro.
Hearing Yachiru's words, Momo felt a bit uncomfortable. 'Shiro-chan' had always been her exclusive nickname for Toshiro… no one else had ever used it.
The distant clearing.
"Alright, no more nuisances. Come on, strike here," Zaraki said, patting his chest.
"Hey, don't underestimate me! If you want to fight, then attack!" Toshiro said angrily.
"Tch! If that's how you want it, here I come."
Clang!
Zaraki drew his Zanpakuto, its blade full of nicks, and casually walked towards Toshiro. His leisurely pace showed he didn't take Toshiro seriously at all.
Swish!
Toshiro's figure instantly appeared behind Zaraki. Simultaneously, a flash of sword light.
"Is it wise to look down on me so much?" Toshiro said coldly, his back to Zaraki.
Schlick!
Blood spurted from Zaraki's chest.