Chapter 10: Prison

Threads of silver enveloped Su Li's hair, and a surge of energy emanated from him, causing the surrounding air to pulsate and ripple.

The assembled onlookers were transfixed by Su Li's altered appearance.

Even Soi-Fon couldn't help but voice her perplexity, her cold query hanging in the air, "What's the meaning of this?"

Meanwhile, the captains observing the battle from offstage exhibited a range of expressions.

Most wore expressions of bewilderment, struggling to make sense of the unfolding events.

A select few, however, bore expressions that revealed a deeper understanding.

Among them, Kyoraku Shunsui's eyes sparked with realization.

"I had a feeling about this youngster. He clearly hadn't exerted his full strength earlier! And now, it seems he's unveiling a hidden trump card!"

Nanao, wearing a quizzical expression, inquired, "Captain, how could you have known that he still had additional tactics up his sleeve?"

Kyoraku Shunsui, with his characteristic nonchalance, gave a carefree smile and provided an explanation, "Ah, you see, it's all about intuition, Nanao-chan. A man's intuition is remarkably reliable."

Nanao's face turned a shade darker; she was all too aware that the captain's next words would likely involve an inappropriate jest. Vowing to deliver a swift rebuke if he dared cross the line, she steeled herself.

However, before Kyoraku Shunsui could proceed with his likely jest, Jushiro intervened with a cough, diverting the conversation.

"Have you noticed, that young man's serene countenance?"

Jushiro interjected with a knowing smile, sidetracking the captain's inappropriate intentions.

Kyoraku Shunsui's expression shifted to one of feigned innocence, trying to cover his tracks.

"Ah, well, Jushiro, it seems my observations are no match for your keen insight."

Their long-standing friendship afforded them a deep understanding of each other's capabilities.

Thus, what Kyoraku Shunsui observed, Jushiro also observed.

In the background, Aizen silently focused his attention on Su Li's performance in the arena.

His spectacles reflected a glint of cold calculation.

"This young man possesses considerable strength, surpassing even the Gin at this time."

"Furthermore, his present state stands in stark contrast to his previous one."

"Though his Reiatsu remains imperceptible, his aura is undeniably suppressing his opponent."

"It's intriguing... Perhaps, I could extend an invitation for him to join my plans..."

Aizen contemplated silently, a subtle curl of his lips betraying his thoughts.

Further back in the scene, Madarame Ikkaku was on the verge of pounding the contactor in frustration.

"Dammit! Where's Captain Kenpachi? Can't believe I'm left dealing with these guys alone! If he doesn't show up, I'm out! Don't expect me to handle this by myself!"

Madarame Ikkaku jabbed at the button on the contactor desperately, his frustration mounting, while Gong Jin remained powerless to intervene.

...

Simultaneously, within the Chief's Office, Chōjirō Sasakibe provided Captain Yamamoto with a comprehensive report on the gathered information.

"Unacceptable!" Captain Yamamoto declared, his voice resonating with authority, his brows furrowed in disapproval.

"Are they attempting to transform the academy established by my predecessor into a battlefield?"

"A captain of the Second Division, having to resort to their Shikai against students?"

"This indiscipline is spiraling out of control!"

Without delay, Captain Yamamoto rose from his seat and headed towards the door.

Chōjirō Sasakibe appeared taken aback.

"Sir, is it necessary for you to personally intervene in such matters? Could we not entrust these matters to our subordinates?"

Captain Yamamoto's countenance remained stern, devoid of any expression.

With a calm and measured tone, he responded, "I wish to witness firsthand the young individual who faced off against Soi-Fon."

Chōjirō Sasakibe's astonishment grew.

Little did he expect that Su Li's prowess would rouse the captain's interest!

Even the Commander-in-Chief himself was intrigued!

"Incidentally, see to it that you delve into the background of this young man's life."

"If he's indeed as innocent as he appears..."

Captain Yamamoto's voice trailed off, yet his narrowed eyes and beard stroking conveyed the unspoken implication.

Naturally, Sasakibe, who had served alongside Captain Yamamoto for over two millennia, comprehended the unstated intention that lay behind those words.

Dedication to nurturing potential.

Meanwhile, the South Gate.

"You moron! You mean to say this is the exit?! Are you trying to get yourself killed?!" Kenpachi's brow veins pulsed, his eyes radiating a lethal intent.

"Uwaaah, Lord Kenpachi, please have mercy! I truly didn't dare deceive you. This is indeed the South Gate!" The gatekeeper, pinned to the ground by Kenpachi, pleaded amidst tears and snot, his face nearly flattened under the pressure.

"God damn it!!" Kenpachi exclaimed, his face concealed by his palm, exasperation palpable.

Chuckling softly, Yachiru on his shoulder playfully stuck out her tongue, her cheeks tinged with a hint of blush.

"Alright, I get it. This time, the direction is definitely right. No room for error!" Yachiru pointed in the same direction once more, albeit with a noticeable drop in confidence.

"Frustrating..."

Zaraki Kenpachi muttered irritably as he turned around and marched away.

...

He redirected his attention towards the examination arena.

Su Li's transformation had stirred quite the commotion among the spectators.

Onstage, Soi-Fon crossed her arms, a sense of haughty satisfaction in her demeanor.

In her assessment, Su Li's appearance had changed slightly, but the core of his being remained unaltered.

The continuously rising air around him seemed insignificant, apart from a heightened air of determination.

There was nothing remarkable about it, aside from its considerable momentum.

However, the one aspect that piqued her curiosity was the fact that she still couldn't sense any Reiatsu from Su Li.

Not that it particularly troubled her; he could have methods of concealing it.

Ultimately, as long as she emerged as the victor, everything else seemed inconsequential.

"Well, ready to go? If you are, then let's get this brawl underway!" Soi-Fon assumed a combative stance, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Indeed, I've become significantly stronger than before. Please give it your all; I wouldn't want to be disappointed," Su Li responded nonchalantly.

"Hmph, you're acting all cool just before you're about to bite the dust! Bring it on then!"

Is there anything else you'd like me to assist you with?

Soi-Fon's rage boiled over, launching herself into Shunpo at the highest level. In a flash, she surged forward to attack Su Li.

Yet, just as her foot touched the ground to launch her assault, Su Li materialized right in front of her.

"Too slow," Su Li's voice sounded casually.

With their faces inches apart, a wave of panic swept over Soi-Fon. In an instant, she channeled every ounce of her spiritual power, hurtling herself backward to create distance.

But her retreat was short-lived, as a figure suddenly blocked her path from behind.

"Too slow."

Once again, Soi-Fon's expression contorted, torn between confusion and frustration. She rapidly altered her direction, attempting to break free from the confines of her adversary's strategy.

Yet, as anticipated, Su Li's form appeared right in her chosen escape route.

"Still too slow," he reiterated.

Undeterred, Soi-Fon continued her attempts to evade, zigzagging in various directions, each time met with the same response.

Within a span of mere seconds, Soi-Fon's movements zigged and zagged in seven or eight directions, each ending with Su Li's calm utterance.

"Too slow."

Like an imperceptible cage, Su Li's presence entrapped Soi-Fon's every move.

The entire audience sat in stunned silence, their gazes fixed on the unfolding spectacle.

Among the onlookers, the captains from various divisions bore expressions of sheer astonishment. What they had realized was that Su Li's positioning had consistently anticipated Soi-Fon's movements, from the moment she initiated her attack.

An assault consisted of the buildup of energy, the release of an attack, and the subsequent impact. A seamless flow of these elements was crucial for a successful strike.

Yet, every step Su Li took coincided precisely with the instant Soi-Fon initiated her charge, depriving her of the opportunity to launch an attack.

In essence, Soi-Fon found herself trapped in an intangible prison.