[Sponsored] Chapter 54: Fight like a Man!

[This chapter is proudly sponsored by "Shawn Muradzi." Please join me in expressing your thanks in the comments! If you're interested in sponsoring a chapter, consider joining the Patreon.]

Naruto found Komamura Sajin and shared his thoughts with him.

"Captain Uzumaki, you want to fight me?" Komamura Sajin was surprised.

Naruto nodded, "Yes."

"Why?" He shook his head, puzzled.

Naruto smiled awkwardly, "I'm not very good with words, and I can't say things as eloquently as the other captains."

"I'm still young, and my words don't carry as much weight as theirs."

"I can't persuade you with language."

"But..."

"During this time, Vice-Captain Kotsubaki taught me something."

"And that is to trust the people close to you."

At this point, Naruto tilted his head, observing the person sitting opposite him, "Sajin, you are clearly a very good soldier and a responsible lieutenant."

"There are many people in the squad who respect you."

"But in this regard, you are too reserved."

Komamura Sajin remained silent.

That "respect" and "admiration" were evident.

He only used his helmet to cover his eyes and ears, not his heart.

However...

He believed that this "respect" was based on his "human image" in their minds.

If he revealed his "beast face," he feared the outcome would not be favorable.

"But if I question you for not trusting them, it would be unfair to you," Naruto continued, "It's not easy to let go of what protects you."

"But I believe in you."

"And I believe in my subordinates."

"So... if you are unwilling to take off the helmet yourself, then let me break it with my own hands."

"I believe they won't dislike the strong and reliable Komamura Sajin, regardless of his appearance."

"And no matter the outcome this time, as your captain, I will support any choice you make."

"We need to witness things with our own eyes to confirm our beliefs."

Komamura Sajin was silent.

After thinking for a while, he nodded, "Captain Uzumaki, I accept."

For two individuals with "captain-level spiritual pressure" to engage in a duel within the Seireitei was quite a rare event.

Especially with Naruto's request.

He asked for permission to use "Bankai"—Naruto had not yet mastered it, but Komamura Sajin had.

This made it even more complicated.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto readily agreed.

The Central 46 Chambers hesitated but ultimately consented under the pressure from the Captain-Commander, with the condition that at least three other captains be present to ensure safety.

News of the "duel" spread quickly.

In the 7th Division barracks:

"Captain Uzumaki is going to duel Third Seat Komamura?" Some squad members were incredulous.

"I heard Third Seat Komamura has the strength to be a captain," someone explained, "But he seems unwilling."

"Becoming a captain is a big deal. If I had that ability, I would have applied long ago."

"It's because of that, isn't it?"

Although Komamura Sajin kept himself well-covered, he was active within the squad every day. A secret, no matter how well-protected, is hard to keep once it's exposed to the public eye.

Ordinary squad members didn't interact with him much and just thought he had a unique preference.

But...

The lieutenants had their own speculations.

This news spread not only within the 7th Division but also throughout the entire Seireitei.

Especially the 3rd and 9th Divisions, which paid particular attention to this matter.

They still did not have new captains.

If this "Third Seat Komamura Sajin" could be persuaded, he might become the captain of one of these divisions.

They, of course, wanted to learn more about the future captain in advance.

On the day of the duel.

In the training grounds of the 7th Division headquarters.

There were not many spectators.

"I thought Naruto would let more people come," Shiba Isshin said, sitting cross-legged and looking at the crowd casually. "Didn't expect only the seated lieutenants from each division."

Naruto had given the order.

The 7th Division headquarters was under lockdown.

Only seated lieutenants from each division were allowed to enter and watch after registering their names.

Even within the 7th Division, this rule had to be followed.

"Naruto is a very gentle person," Unohana Retsu said softly, shaking her head.

"If too many people came, it would seem like we're forcing Third Seat Komamura to take on the role of captain," Kyoraku Shunsui said, taking a sake flask from his sleeve and giving Shiba Isshin a knowing look.

Isshin nodded in understanding and took the sake cup: "But what's the deal with Third Seat Komamura?"

"He looks like big trouble."

Unohana Retsu and Kyoraku Shunsui shook their heads, not saying much more.

"Just watch," Kyoraku Shunsui said softly.

The three of them were invited by Naruto to watch the duel and provide support "just in case."

On the training ground.

Naruto and Komamura Sajin stepped forward.

"Captain Uzumaki," Komamura Sajin said softly, "I respect you very much."

"But I... am very strong!"

"Before joining the Gotei 13 and serving the Captain-Commander, I had already wandered the Soul Society for decades."

"And unlike you, Captain Uzumaki, I have already mastered Bankai."

From within his body, spiritual pressure erupted.

Causing the faces of the seated lieutenants watching to change.

Such a presence...

Naruto's expression remained calm: "Then do your best to stop me."

He instantly stepped forward.

A golden light drew an arc.

He swung his sword, aiming at the head.

With a clang—

Komamura Sajin raised his sword to block, his wrist twisting and pressing down to stab.

At the same time, he began reciting the release phrase.

"Roar, Tenken!"

Spiritual pressure surged.

A giant hand, even larger than his own body and clad in armor, formed behind him, gripping a massively enlarged Zanpakuto.

With a rumbling sound, it cast a shadow over the area.

It came down with a simple yet overwhelming force.

Massive, powerful, and fierce!

Naruto clapped his hands together, and golden chains flew out from behind him, binding the giant hand, wrapping it in a net, immobilizing it in mid-air.

Komamura Sajin raised his other hand.

Spiritual pressure gathered, ready to strike.

With two swift movements—

The golden chains moved, binding that hand as well.

Like a snake, they coiled around his entire body, tying him up completely.

Naruto looked up at Komamura Sajin's head: "This level is not enough to stop me."

"Sajin, although I haven't mastered Bankai."

"I am still a captain."

The chains danced, striking the helmet.

The three captains watching.

Shiba Isshin, holding the sake cup, stared intently: "Is this the technique Naruto used to suppress those captains who had hollowified?"

"Truly impressive."

Unohana Retsu said softly: "Naruto has improved again."

"But this Third Seat Komamura is really surprising."

They had long known he had the ability to be a captain.

But... their previous guesses still somewhat underestimated him.

Komamura Sajin's spiritual power was "Third Class."

However, even within the "Third Class," he was quite outstanding, and perhaps in a few decades, he could reach the "Second Class."

His talent was very high.

No wonder the Captain-Commander paid so much attention to him.

"If I don't release my powers, I'd also be at a disadvantage under Naruto's move," Kyoraku Shunsui said softly. "But... Naruto hasn't released his powers yet either."

"I've heard his second sword has the ability to amplify Kidō."

As they discussed.

The golden chains approached the helmet.

Komamura Sajin lowered his voice: "Captain Uzumaki!"

"This is not my limit."

He gripped his sword tightly.

Spiritual pressure surged like a volcanic eruption.

"Bankai!"

"Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō!"

~~~

Did 2/40...? Hmmm not even a dent. Ok ok,

Enjoy! More to comeeeeeeeeeeeeee