Chapter 13: Kenpachi Zaraki

Upon seeing the man in front of him, the name "Kenpachi Zaraki" immediately flashed through Yamahiko's mind.

Kenpachi Zaraki, the captain of the 11th Division, was known as the strongest Kenpachi of all time after unsealing his power. He was also one of the Gotei 13's five most renowned combatants.

He exuded a tremendous aura, his over two-meter-tall figure obscuring their view, leaving only a black silhouette in front of them.

Just his presence felt like a looming threat, as if a blade hovered in front of each of them, ready to strike.

Faced with his question, everyone shivered, momentarily unable to answer.

Kenpachi Zaraki, growing impatient, asked again, "I'm asking you, where is this place? Hurry up and tell me."

Renji finally regained his composure and whispered, "This is the food street in the northern part of Seireitei, Zaraki-taicho."

Kenpachi Zaraki, upon hearing this response, seemed displeased and grumbled, "Damn, how did I end up here? Yachiru, do you even know the way?"

With Kenpachi's words, a pink-haired girl crawled out from behind him, Yachiru Kusajishi, looking annoyed as she said, "Of course, I know the way. You just took a wrong turn."

Seeing the girl, Yamahiko was momentarily stunned - Yachiru Kusajishi.

Born in District 79 of Rukongai, Kusajishi, she encountered Kenpachi Zaraki from District 80, who, impressed by her fearlessness in the face of his killing intent, took her under his wing.

However, after the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, Yachiru Kusajishi disappeared due to Kenpachi Zaraki's Bankai awakening, only to reappear after Kenpachi Zaraki's collapse, allowing him to fully utilize her abilities.

Many believed Yachiru Kusajishi to be Kenpachi Zaraki's Zanpakuto spirit, but she herself could also use a Zanpakuto, leading to this contradiction.

But was Sanpo Kenju indeed a Shikai? After all, this was Yachiru's speculation.

It was highly likely that Sanpo Kenju was actually Yachiru's ability, using two invisible Hollows as her allies.

The concept of Zanpakuto materialization had been demonstrated elsewhere in the story. Ōetsu Nimaiya, the creator of all Zanpakuto, could transform them into females. Among his assistants, there were five members, with the likes of Mera Hiuchigashima, Hasuka Hashihara, and Tokie Tonokawa, who possessed unique abilities thanks to their materialized Zanpakuto.

So, the materialization of Zanpakuto could grant unique abilities. Yamahiko believed that Yachiru Kusajishi was indeed a Zanpakuto materialization, and those two Hollow-like entities were her ability.

Thinking about Yachiru Kusajishi's future disappearance, Yamahiko couldn't help but feel a sense of regret.

Kenpachi Zaraki was still arguing with Yachiru Kusajishi when he turned back and asked, "Kids, which direction is the Shin'o Academy?"

Renji Abarai pointed to the south and said, "First, exit this food street, then head east, and then south."

Kenpachi Zaraki scratched his head and finally said, "Forget it, you guys are students of Shin'o Academy, right? Lead the way."

"Alright."

The group didn't expect Kenpachi Zaraki to make this request and proceeded to lead the way cautiously.

As they walked out of the food street and headed east, no one dared to make a sound. However, Yamahiko was unafraid and curious. He asked, "Captain Zaraki, what are you going to do at Shin'o Academy?"

Kenpachi Zaraki glanced at Yamahiko and replied, "I'm going to recruit students at Shin'o Academy."

"Captain Zaraki is personally recruiting?"

Yamahiko widened his eyes. When a Captain personally invited someone, it usually meant they had the potential to become at least a seated officer, on par with individuals like Toshiro Hitsugaya or Gin Ichimaru in terms of talent.

Yamahiko tried to recall the future members of the 11th Division but realized most of them had already joined the division.

So who could it be?

Renji Abarai interjected, "Could it be Shūhei Hisagi?"

Shūhei Hisagi, currently the strongest student at the Shin'o Academy, was in his sixth year and had only recently acquired a Asauchi(Sealed Zanpakuto). In just two months, he mastered Shikai. His strength was such that joining a Gotei 13 Division would guarantee him a seated officer position.

Kenpachi Zaraki nodded and said, "Exactly, it's him."

Yamahiko was familiar with Shūhei Hisagi. In the future, he would become the vice-captain of the 9th Division. He played a crucial role in assisting Kisuke Urahara in defeating the Menos Grande during the events in Karakura Town. After that, he returned to the 9th Division and eventually became the vice-captain, even surpassing the former vice-captain, Mashiro Kuna.

Although he wasn't as naturally gifted as Toshiro Hitsugaya or Gin Ichimaru, he was considered a rare talent in Soul Society's history.

While he was still a student, various divisions were vying to recruit him. Due to his Zanpakuto's abilities aligning with the 11th Division's requirements, Kenpachi Zaraki personally recruiting him made perfect sense.

However, Shūhei Hisagi was destined for the 9th Division. It was his lifelong goal, and there was no way he would join the 11th Division.

Although Yamahiko knew these details, he couldn't reveal them. These were things he shouldn't be aware of.

The group, with Kenpachi Zaraki and Yachiru Kusajishi in tow, arrived at the Shin'o Academy and went directly to find Shūhei Hisagi.

Shūhei Hisagi was also a resident of Rukongai, so he lived in the dormitories of the Shin'o Academy.

After seeing the two off, the six of them stood at a distance, their expressions somewhat complicated. Renji Abarai said, "I'm really envious of Senior Hisagi. He hasn't even graduated yet, and so many Captains are already interested in him."

Upon hearing this, Yamahiko smiled faintly. Shūhei Hisagi was undoubtedly impressive, but could he compare to the six of them standing here right now?

Except for Kondo, who had no fame in the future and whose fate remained unknown, the others had achieved remarkable positions.

Momo Hinamori would become the Vice-Captain of the 5th Division, while Izuru Kira would be the Vice-Captain of the 3rd Division. After the betrayal of Gin Ichimaru, He would also act as the acting Captain of the 3rd Division.

Rukia would eventually become the Captain of the 13th Division. As for Renji Abarai himself, although he would remain the Vice-Captain of the 6th Division even after the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, he would reach a level of combat strength beyond that of a typical Vice-Captain.

Amongst these four, who could be considered weaker than Shūhei Hisagi?

They belonged to the grade that could be called the second-strongest at the Shin'o Academy, just slightly inferior to the first grade, which produced individuals like Byakuya Kuchiki and Jushiro Ukitake.

Even compared to the likes of Kaien Shiba, Gin Ichimaru, and Toshiro Hitsugaya, who had sixth-grade Reiryoku, their grade still surpassed them.

Yamahiko wondered, within this group of exceptional individuals, how could he be content with just being an ordinary Shinigami?

He calmly stated, "As long as we work hard, we can also reach Senior Hisagi's level."

Renji Abarai's face lit up again, and he said, "That's right, we should strive to catch the attention of other Captains too."

Today, due to the events that had transpired, the six of them secretly made a determination: they would work even harder to achieve their goals.