Chapter 52

Facing Takada Tai charging toward her like a war chariot, Shaolin Fēng's eyes flashed with determination.

There was no way she could escape with Yoruichi while dealing with a Captain-level opponent.

If that was the case, then she would fight to the death.

"Forgive me, Lady Yoruichi... I won't be able to repay your kindness in the future." 

She whispered softly, gripping her short blade tightly as she charged toward Takada Tai. 

"Shaolin!" 

Yoruichi's pupils shrank. 

She took a deep breath, and Spirit Pressure began to gather within her. 

For years, aside from training the Correction Corps, she had been developing a secret technique. 

This technique combined the Shihōin family's unique arts with her own insights, creating a hybrid of hand-to-hand combat and Kidō. 

However, it was far from perfected, and using it in battle could lead to severe aftereffects. 

But now wasn't the time to hesitate. 

Life and death hung in the balance. 

Just as she prepared to release her Spirit Pressure, she froze in surprise. 

A figure appeared behind Takada Tai. 

The shock left Yoruichi momentarily stunned, her body forgetting to move. 

Takada Tai, focused on Yoruichi, noticed her sudden gaze directed behind him. 

His instincts screamed at him, and without hesitation, he ignored Shaolin Fēng charging toward him and turned to look behind. 

To his astonishment, a black-cloaked figure had silently appeared at his back. 

In Takada Tai's startled gaze, Kaelith Yurei raised his Zanpakutō high with both hands and swung down forcefully. 

"Tōryūken!" 

The radiant arc of sword energy lit up the night, dispelling the surrounding darkness. 

*Boom!* 

An explosion of dust and debris erupted, centered on Takada Tai. 

Yoruichi's face lit up with joy. "Kaelith!" 

Shaolin Fēng, too, was initially overjoyed. 

However, hearing Yoruichi's warm tone and noticing her barely concealed happiness, Shaolin couldn't help but show a look of confusion. 

*Step!* 

Kaelith somersaulted mid-air and landed beside Shaolin. Without hesitation, he scooped her up. 

After briefly scanning her, he nodded with satisfaction. 

"Good. It looks like you're not hurt." 

Under Shaolin's astonished gaze, Kaelith held her by the waist and, with a Shunpo, brought her to Yoruichi's side. 

"How are you holding up, Yoruichi?" 

"Not too bad," Yoruichi replied, shaking her head. "But the real problem is him… Ninth Division Captain Takada Tai!" 

She quickly explained, "That rock armor of his is nearly impenetrable, with incredibly high defensive power!" 

"Rumor has it that Kensei Muguruma, the Ninth Division's Vice-Captain, once challenged him." 

"Despite using his Shikai, Kensei attacked Takada Tai for an entire tea ceremony's time." 

"In the end, Kensei couldn't even crack his defenses and had to admit defeat." 

Hearing this, Kaelith raised an eyebrow. 

At first, the mention of "impenetrable armor" made him feel apprehensive. 

But when he heard that the tester had been Kensei, his apprehension lessened considerably. 

Noticing Kaelith's unconcerned expression, Shaolin hurriedly added, "And you can't attack the gaps in his armor! Any blade that strikes them will be consumed." 

Kaelith smiled at her reassuringly. "Got it. I'll keep that in mind." 

Yoruichi, annoyed by his calm demeanor, kicked him lightly. 

At that moment, Takada Tai reappeared. 

With a wave of his hand, the dust surrounding him dissipated instantly. 

He glanced down at his chest. There, a faint sword mark was barely visible. 

"Kaelith Yurei… I've heard much about you before, but experiencing your strength firsthand is something else entirely." 

"A mere Rukongai commoner, having attended the Shin'ō Academy for just half a year, yet possessing such power." 

"If all of this is true, your talent might rank among the top in the entire history of Soul Society." 

As he spoke, the faint sword mark on his chest vanished completely. 

"If a genius like you grows further, it wouldn't take a century before you surpass me." 

"Unfortunately… you've stepped onto the stage too early." 

"Fall, genius!" 

As he finished, Takada Tai stomped forward and charged at Kaelith with explosive force. 

Kaelith gripped his asauchi with both hands and swung it in a diagonal arc. 

A brilliant blue wave of energy shot out from his blade. 

But this time, Takada Tai wasn't stopped. 

Extending his hands, he grabbed hold of the incoming energy wave. 

With a roar, Takada Tai exerted his strength, tearing the energy apart with his rock-covered hands. 

"Wow… Unit-01 vibes," Kaelith muttered, unable to resist a sarcastic comment. (t/n I did not catch this reference)

Realizing his energy wave couldn't stop Takada Tai, he charged forward with his blade. 

His asauchi traced a semi-circular arc, aiming for the vulnerable-looking joint in Takada Tai's rock armor. 

*Clang!* 

To Kaelith's utter disbelief, his blade rebounded harmlessly. 

He had aimed for what should have been the weakest point of the armor. Not only did it fail to cause any damage, but it also left his blade trembling in his hands. 

He attempted to withdraw and create distance, but just as he took a step back, Takada Tai extended his arm, grabbing the blade with a firm grip. 

"Don't even think about running." 

The towering rock giant unleashed a terrifying burst of strength, pulling Kaelith closer. 

Yoruichi's chest tightened. 

Having one's blade seized was the worst-case scenario for a Shinigami. 

Without their Zanpakutō, they were practically defenseless. 

But before Yoruichi could shout a warning, Kaelith released his grip on the asauchi. 

Takada Tai was unfazed by this move. 

Most Shinigami would either try to wrest their blade back or abandon it to look for another opening. 

He had countermeasures prepared for both scenarios. 

Taking a step forward, he released the blade, spreading his arms wide to envelop Kaelith in a crushing embrace. 

But to his shock, Kaelith didn't retreat. 

Instead, he surged forward even faster than before, diving directly into Takada Tai's opening. 

Kaelith drew a deep breath, clenched his fists tightly, and with surging Spirit Pressure, unleashed his attack— 

"Sōkotsu!" 

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