The Lightning Clash: Awakening Vs. Bankai

Meanwhile, at the same and a while back, as Ginjo, the fullbring user, and Chōjirō Sasakibe, the trusted Vice-Captain of the First Division, also clashed mid-air, the sky around them resonated with their spiritual energy.

Positioned somewhere between Sokyoku Hill and Seireitei, the two warriors clashed with a ferocity that resonated with their individual spiritual pressures.

Ginjo, his rage, and thirst for revenge radiating off him like a heated force, had already long summoned his Fullbring. The Saltire pendant from his necklace transformed with a flash into a large, two-handed broadsword.

On the other side, Chōjirō Sasakibe, steadfast and somber, brandished his released Shikai, a piercing reaper. His face was taut with concentration, his gaze focused on Ginjo with unwavering resolve. His grip tightened on his weapon, preparing for the storm that was about to break.

The air was ablaze with the crackling aura of their Shunpo and Fullbring Light, weaving a spectacular display of swift movements and precision strikes that seemed to dance and spark against the night sky.

The raw power emanating from them created a maelstrom of spiritual pressure. Amidst the flurry of movement and intense power exchange, their eyes met, setting the stage for a verbal clash as well.

"So this is the might of the vice-captain of the head captain, huh?", Ginjo sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. He was burning with a need for vengeance, his anger directed toward the entire Soul Society. His attacks were relentless, his fury channeling into his every slash and strike.

Chōjirō, on the other hand, was battling with a quiet intensity. His concern for Yamamoto, who was fighting his own battle high in the air against that traitor, and the future of Soul Society was evident in his tight grip on his sword, his gaze sharp and focused on his adversary,

"You dare underestimate the Gotei 13... especially the First Division? Such arrogance will be your downfall...", He retorted, not allowing Ginjo's words to deter him.

As their swords clashed, sending out sparks of energy, Chōjirō was inwardly perturbed. He was a seasoned warrior, having served under Captain Commander Yamamoto for centuries.

And yet, he found himself pushed back by Ginjo's superior physical prowess, 'Fullbringers... Were they always this strong?', He questioned inwardly, his surprise evident in the slight falter in his attacks.

"Oh, what's the matter, vice-captain? Losing your footing already?", Ginjo taunted, his smile wicked. His arrogant attitude was a stark contrast to his earlier rage, "I must say, I expected more from the esteemed vice-captain of the head captain."

An unexpected surge of anger rushed through Chōjirō, "You know nothing about me, Ginjo Kugo...", He responded sharply, his voice echoing through the sky, "You have yet to see my true strength.", As he finished his sentence, he raised his sword, ready to unleash the power that lay dormant within it.

The time had come for him to reveal his Bankai, a testament to his dedication and strength. His grip on his sword tightened, and his spiritual pressure surged with renewed vigor, creating a tangible aura around him. He was ready to confront his adversary to the fullest.

"Your mockery will be your undoing, young man!", As if to punctuate his words, Chojiro suddenly lifted his Zanpakutō skywards, the blade pointed towards the heavens, "Bankai!"

In response to his command, a surge of lightning erupted from his sword, streaking upwards to the sky in a dazzling display of raw energy.

The lightning then extended outwards, morphing into a vast dome of electrical energy that connected the ground and sky with pillars of pure electricity. The sight was breathtaking, reminiscent of an ancient power harking back to the very origins of the Soul Society.

Dark clouds gathered overhead, churning and swirling in an ominous dance. A low rumble of thunder echoed through the air, underscoring the immense power Chōjirō had summoned.

His Bankai's capacity to control weather had created a tempestuous canvas in the sky, facilitating its own electric-themed abilities—a rarity in the Soul Society.

Chōjirō's Zanpakutō remained in its Shikai form, the conduit through which the intimidating dome of lightning was maintained. The electricity crackled and sizzled around him, its hum reverberating through the air as he glared at Ginjo, his eyes reflecting the electrified energy around him.

Even Ginjo couldn't hide his surprise as he observed the transformation, "Didn't think you hid this kind of power in you geezer!", He muttered, eyeing the swirling energy dome with a touch of unease.

The power gap between them the two of them had changed substantially with the activation of Chōjirō's Bankai, it was like comparing a house cat to a lion, he was that kind of Shinigami.

Chōjirō had always been a man of principles, adhering to a strict code that was closely intertwined with his unwavering respect for Yamamoto.

His captain rarely called upon his Bankai, the power of which could wreak havoc on their surroundings. The potential for such collateral damage was not a risk Yamamoto was willing to take lightly. In this, Chōjirō saw a lesson to be learned.

He had adopted a similar stance, opting to keep his own Bankai—a force of overwhelming strength and power—under wraps. The ability to manipulate weather and create powerful storms was a formidable asset.

Yet, the potential for catastrophic damage was high, too high for him to use it without a significant reason. It was a testament to his measured approach to battle, a testament to his respect for life and the sanctity of their world.

But there was another reason, a strategic one. Concealing one's true strength could offer an advantage in dire circumstances. It could serve as an unexpected trump card, tipping the balance of a precarious fight. Chōjirō, with his dutiful and strategic nature, valued this aspect of keeping his Bankai hidden.

His eyes flickered back to Ginjo, his electric dome of energy humming ominously around them. This was one of those desperate situations. The situation called for drastic measures.

Despite his principles, despite the potential risks, Chōjirō had found it necessary to draw upon the full might of his Bankai.

"I do this out of necessity, not desire...", Chōjirō addressed Ginjo, his voice steady despite the tumultuous energy swirling around them, "I will do whatever it takes to protect the Soul Society. Even if it means abandoning my principles for this fight.", His declaration hung in the air, resounding amidst the crackling of lightning. This was a battle he couldn't afford to lose.

He traced the hilt of his sword along the lightning pillars surrounding them, imbuing the blade with searing yellow energy. The air around them crackled and popped, filled with static electricity.

Then, with a decisive, purposeful movement, he sliced his blade through the air. Lightning ripped through the space between them, surging toward Ginjo like a lance of pure energy.

Yet Chōjirō was not done. His movements continued, his blade conducting the storm, lightning bolts lancing down from the ominous clouds above. They fell like piercing beams, filling the arena with their blinding brilliance, while the close-range electricity wrapped around Chōjirō's blade intensified, ready for a swift and powerful strike as he began to move.

Ginjo, however, suddenly unfazed and more confident, met Chōjirō's attack with his own bold declaration, "You still underestimate me!", He spat, his grin growing wide and wild, "I've discovered more about myself, and I am far more powerful than you can comprehend!",

Indeed, Ginjo's journey had been a strange and winding one. Discovering he was a substitute soul reaper, a fullbringer, and a part of Quincy had been a shock, but with Esteban's help, he found balance and power in his newfound heritage.

His Fullbring object, a treasured cross given to him as a keepsake in his youth, was more than a symbol. It held residual Quincy spirit power, enhancing his own Fullbring abilities.

As Chōjirō's relentless attacks pressed in, Ginjo enacted the next phase of his own power—the Fullbring Awakening. His cross-shaped sword pulsed with life, transforming into a more intricate and grander version of itself, adorned with symbols of dominance and control.

His aura flared, vibrant, and green, contrasting with Chōjirō's lightning-yellow energy. This was "Cross of Dominion," a testament to his evolution.

Ginjo lifted his enhanced blade, absorbing the potent spiritual energy of Chōjirō's lightning attacks, his own power growing stronger with each stolen watt.

He could manipulate energy more broadly now, not just through his sword but also from his surroundings, leeching from the atmosphere and his enemy's onslaught.

However, such immense power came with its drawbacks—absorbing too much energy could strain his body, and the influence of stronger foes' energy could potentially amplify that.

Moreover, like other Fullbringers, in their group, who also got their own second-level fullbring powers awakened thanks to Esteban, they never used his powers in such a serious and real-time battle before.

But right now, facing Chōjirō's electric storm, Ginjo was willing to take any risk and evolve himself, his new abilities, and his understanding of them, on the spot.

His newly unleashed power clashed against Chōjirō's ancient Bankai power, creating a stunning tableau of spiritual might, as they both braced for the next phase of their battle.

The energy emanating from the clashing forces of Chōjirō's Bankai and Ginjo's Fullbring Awakening reached a point of equilibrium, the pulsating vibrations resonating between them like an invisible tether.

The two warriors, locked in this incredible display of power, found themselves in a brief moment of stillness amidst the storm of their conflict.

Suddenly, a monumental force echoed from the distance. Both warriors turned their gazes upwards, drawn by the overwhelming spiritual pressure. High above, at the edge of the Soul Realm, Esteban and Yamamoto were engaging in their own respective battles.

The shockwave of their conflict was enough to reverberate down to Chōjirō and Ginjo, stirring their senses and pulling their attention away from their own fight.

Ginjo, seeing the ferocious battle between Esteban and Ichibei, found himself taken aback, "I never knew the Soul Society harbored such power...", He muttered, his eyes wide. Even as a part of Xcution, he had never faced or seen anyone able to stand against Esteban's mighty spiritual pressure.

Meanwhile, Chōjirō's eyes were glued to the cataclysmic confrontation between Yamamoto and Aizen.

The level of power Aizen was displaying was enough to shock even him, who had known Yamamoto for centuries, "I always knew Yamamoto-dono was powerful... but Aizen, this traitor, he has become a monstrosity...",

He said, a hint of worry creeping into his voice. As the vice-captain to the Captain-Commander, Chōjirō was intimately aware of Yamamoto's capabilities, but Aizen's power was an unknown, a threat that could spell disaster for the Soul Society.

Despite the astronomical battles unfolding above them, the momentary lull ended as quickly as it began. Chōjirō and Ginjo locked eyes, their gazes steely as they each acknowledged the enormity of what was happening around them.

The two resumed their own clash, the electric storm of their battle once again thundering through the skies.

Whatever happened above, they had their own fight to resolve, their own destinies to fulfill. Their swords met again, spiritual energy sparking in the air as their epic struggle continued.