Genryusai's Rage

With a single slash, the dojo trembled as if it were about to collapse. Layers upon layers of cracks spread from the floor to the walls and ceiling. Even though it was just pure swordsmanship, the force was terrifyingly potent.

The excitement on Tokikaze's face had already faded, replaced by unprecedented seriousness.

Although it had been stated beforehand that this was merely a swordsmanship spar, and both parties' spiritual pressures were controlled to the same level, facing Yamamoto Genryusai directly still brought overwhelming, suffocating pressure.

The air was filled with scorching heat, and every breath brought a burning sensation to his nostrils and throat. Under such conditions, Tokikaze couldn't imagine how terrifying Yamamoto Genryusai would be at full power.

Incinerating the Soul Society was no idle boast!

Not far away, Kenpachi Zaraki watched intently, arms crossed and left eye gleaming. To him, this so-called swordsmanship was no different from simple hacking and slashing.

In fact, this swordsmanship duel seemed less thrilling than fighting on instinct.

"Tch, boring..."

This time, the spectator clearly didn't grasp the subtleties.

Tokikaze struggled, even with his formidable eleventh-dan swordsmanship, unable to alleviate the pressure.

Swordsmanship: Extreme Sword Style!

A swift sword light flashed across the dojo. The air split instantly, and the sound of tearing fabric echoed ahead.

Yamamoto Genryusai's eyes lit up with fire. His arm sank slightly, and the previously raised Ryujin Jakka suddenly appeared in front. An overwhelming force erupted like a volcano, with a scorching heat carrying imminent danger.

Clang!!

The sound of metal clashing was deafening, spreading out in visible waves. More black cracks appeared on the ground.

After a brief clash, Tokikaze was forced back several steps.

His trembling arm felt weak and sore as if the previous strike had drained all his strength.

It was entirely different from sparring with Unohana. If Unohana's swordsmanship embodied the pinnacle of technique, Yamamoto Genryusai's was the epitome of overwhelming force.

There were no fancy moves, just sheer, unbeatable power.

Tokikaze estimated that Yamamoto Genryusai's swordsmanship level surpassed his, reaching the newly established twelfth-dan.

It's worth noting that the first person to defeat Unohana Yachiru was not Zaraki Kenpachi but the founder of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.

Defeating him was out of the question; merely maintaining a draw would save face.

However, Yamamoto Genryusai didn't intend to make things difficult for Tokikaze. After a few brief exchanges, he controlled his strength to a manageable level.

His goal was to make Zaraki Kenpachi appreciate the swordsmanship style and help Tokikaze improve.

The swordsmanship spar ended when the dojo was reduced to ruins.

With a final slash, Tokikaze pushed Yamamoto Genryusai back a step, ending the fight.

"How about it, Captain Zaraki?"

Yamamoto's gaze fell on Kenpachi. "Regarding swordsmanship..."

He didn't finish his sentence before his face turned visibly red with rage.

"You bastard!"

"I worked hard sparring with Captain Tokikaze to demonstrate swordsmanship, and you fell asleep?!"

In a fit of rage, Yamamoto swung his sword at the drowsy Kenpachi. The force formed a semi-circular arc of sword pressure.

Clang—

In his sleep, Kenpachi instinctively blocked with his serrated blade, preventing a bloody outcome.

"So, it's finally over?"

He grinned at Yamamoto. "Old man, don't blame me. That weakling sparring didn't interest me at all."

"Real fighting comes with blood and screams!"

"But since it's your wish, I'll learn a bit of swordsmanship."

Kenpachi did respect the strong. Although he had sealed much of his power, his instincts were sharp. Yamamoto Genryusai was beyond his ability to challenge.

Kenpachi enjoyed fighting and killing, but he didn't seek death.

Ikkaku Madarame's loyalty to Kenpachi wasn't just because of his defeat but also because of his words afterwards.

"Don't think about dying just because you lost. You should think about how to survive."

"Try to live, and figure out how to kill the one who didn't kill you."

Kenpachi never sought death. The fear and joy born from the battle were what he pursued.

"That's better."

Yamamoto lowered his burning Ryujin Jakka, his anger subsiding, returning to his seemingly harmless old-man demeanour.

"Since you know nothing of swordsmanship, let's start with the basics."

...

Half an hour later.

"Idiot, utterly stupid!"

Yamamoto cursed, his anger flaring again. His eyes seemed to burn with real fire, making him more terrifying.

"I've never seen anyone as dumb as you!"

"Just basic two-handed swordsmanship, and I've demonstrated it dozens of times!"

After teaching geniuses like Kyoraku Shunsui, Ukitake Jushiro, and Tokikaze, Kenpachi's lack of swordsmanship talent was baffling.

However, this wasn't entirely Kenpachi's fault.

Considering he couldn't control his spiritual pressure well, practising with a Zanpakuto might demolish the entire Eleventh Division.

So Yamamoto gave him a bamboo sword instead.

Holding something so flimsy, Kenpachi was completely out of sorts, unable to even stand properly.

He was itchy all over.

Boom!

Under the infusion of spiritual pressure, the bamboo sword in Kenpachi's hand exploded, scattering bamboo fibres everywhere.

"Tch, useless thing, couldn't handle my strength."

He tossed the handle onto the battered ground, looking displeased.

This tedious teaching was boring him.

The so-called swordsmanship wasn't as impressive as he had imagined.

It couldn't make one stronger.

Tokikaze stood aside, remaining calm and composed. The scolding was for Kenpachi, not Tokikaze Kamimiyada.

He had merely activated his Hell Butterfly's recording feature, capturing Yamamoto's outburst.

It seemed Kyoraku Shunsui might pay a hefty price for this video.

Maybe Ukitake Jushiro would be interested too.