Chapter 58
As the light cannon surged forward, the Tengu-masked man spoke once more—
"Hadō #88: Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō!"
**Crackle!!!**
A massive blue-and-white lightning column, over two meters thick, erupted from the tip of his Zanpakutō. It chased after his previous Hadō, heading directly for the trio.
"Wait, wait! You're kidding me, right? He's casting Hadō #88 without incantation?!" Aikawa Love exclaimed, panic creeping into his voice.
He raised his massive spiked mace, flames bursting forth as his spiritual pressure condensed around it.
Hikifune Kirio moved even faster.
The elegant yet imposing woman stepped forward, her voice commanding:
"Bakudō #81: Dankū!"
**Buzz!!!**
A colossal, translucent barrier shot up from the ground with her step.
**Boom!!!**
The Senjū Kōten Taihō collided with the barrier, erupting in a fiery explosion.
Since Dankū only blocked one direction, the flames roared outward to the sides, threatening to engulf everything in their path.
Seeing this, Kyōraku Shunsui leaped into the air, crossing his twin blades with a flourish.
"Bushōgoma!"
With a sharp motion, twin cyclones of green wind swirled outward, containing the flames and preventing them from spreading.
Meanwhile, Aikawa Love had finished gathering his power.
Lifting his massive mace, now blazing with brilliant flames, he roared and brought it crashing down.
"Kaji no… Chīsai Hammer!!!"
The mace slammed into the ground, sending an explosive wave of force forward.
The Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō, having just pierced through Dankū, collided head-on with the fiery wave.
The two forces wrestled against each other for a few seconds before dissipating in a brilliant display of energy.
As Kyōraku Shunsui looked over the scorched ground, he couldn't help but click his tongue.
"To suppress three captains at once… who is this guy?"
Closing his eyes, Kyōraku tried to trace the masked man's spiritual pressure, but all traces had been cut off.
Shaking his head in frustration, he landed back on the ground and rushed to check on Kaelith Yurei.
---
After an indeterminate amount of time, Kaelith Yurei slowly opened his eyes.
"An unfamiliar ceiling," he murmured.
Lying on a soft bed, he squinted lazily like a satisfied cat.
"Though the ceiling may be unfamiliar, the doctor is quite the familiar face," a teasing voice chimed in beside him.
Turning his head, Kaelith saw Seinosuke Yamada sitting by his bedside, one leg crossed over the other and a thick book resting on his lap.
"Well, how's it feel to narrowly escape death?" Seinosuke asked with a smirk as Kaelith turned toward him.
Kaelith sighed, "Awful... Why isn't it a beautiful nurse?"
Seinosuke chuckled. "Because yours truly is a masterful healer. Even though I haven't officially joined the squad, I've already earned Captain Unohana's approval."
"The captain thinks my medical skills far surpass those of any beautiful nurse. That's why I'm here to keep an eye on you."
"So, be grateful to the captain for her kindness, you idiot Kaelith."
Kaelith raised his hand, intending to flip Seinosuke off, but froze midway.
Both his hands were wrapped in thick bandages, making it impossible to discern their original shape.
He stared at them in confusion for a moment before remembering what had happened.
In his battle against Takata Tai, he had forcibly used a technique that had only existed in his imagination. While the results had been effective, his hands had been utterly ruined in the process.
Seinosuke set his book aside, his expression turning serious.
"Kaelith, I know you're not one of those fragile weaklings, so I won't sugarcoat it," Seinosuke Yamada said seriously.
"Your hands… the situation isn't great.
"For the next few months, maybe even years, you might not be able to use them for combat."
His face darkened, but he quickly added, "But don't worry. I, Seinosuke Yamada, swear on my honor as a healer—I will find a way to fix your hands!"
"The nobles have their secret techniques for healing. One of them is bound to help.
"And don't forget, there's also Captain Unohana. She'll do everything she can to find a solution!"
Kaelith couldn't help but chuckle at Seinosuke's determination.
Frowning, Seinosuke snapped, "Don't think I'm joking about this! I—"
"I know," Kaelith interrupted, nodding.
"Relax, Seinosuke. I'm Kaelith Yurei—a genius on par with Sōsuke Aizen.
"A couple of busted hands? We'll figure it out eventually.
"And if all else fails, I've got you, the backup healer. No rush."
Seinosuke Yamada: "…"
Seeing Kaelith's lighthearted attitude, Seinosuke clicked his tongue in disbelief.
"This guy really doesn't take anything to heart, does he?"
Kaelith lowered his bandaged hands and asked, "How are Yoruichi and Shaolin Fēng?"
"Lady Yoruichi's fine. The nobles have their own private hospital, and I heard she was discharged yesterday."
"As for that short-haired girl, her injuries were more severe. One of her arms was broken in multiple places."
"Her life's not in danger, but how much function her arm will recover depends on luck."
Kaelith's brow furrowed slightly.
If Shaolin Fēng's arm was permanently damaged, it could mean the end of her career in the Onmitsukidō…
As the two chatted, there was a knock on the door.
After a response, the door opened, and several figures entered the room.
At the front was none other than Kyōraku Shunsui.
Seeing Kaelith awake, he grinned.
"Hey, hey, Ukitake, didn't I tell you? Our junior here is quite the powerhouse."
Ukitake Jūshirō shot him a glare.
If you had been more reliable as his senior, Kaelith wouldn't be lying here now!
Swallowing his words for the sake of peace, Ukitake remained silent.
Following behind them was Unohana Retsu.
She approached the bed, examined Kaelith's hands, and frowned slightly.
Turning to Seinosuke, she asked, "How is he?"
Seinosuke smiled. "No need to worry, Captain. This guy's mental fortitude is exceptional. I've already told him about his condition, and he's taking it surprisingly well."
Nodding in acknowledgment, Unohana promised to do everything in her power to find a treatment for Kaelith's hands.
After a thorough examination of his body, she concluded, "Aside from your hands, the rest of your recovery is going well.
"If there are no complications, you'll likely be discharged today."
With that, Unohana left, and Seinosuke followed shortly after.
Once they were gone, Kyōraku and Ukitake sat down to chat with Kaelith for a while.
However, their conversation was soon interrupted by another knock at the door.
This time, it was Chōjirō Sasakibe, the First Division's lieutenant.
He brought a box of snacks and offered Kaelith words of encouragement, urging him to focus on his recovery and not to worry about external matters.
After Sasakibe's departure, Kyōraku and Ukitake also took their leave.
Kaelith stretched lazily, preparing to take another nap when—
**Knock, knock.**
Once again, someone was at the door.
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