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Chapter 338, Part 335: Count Me In

While Hitsugaya Toshiro was still standing there in a daze, Kurosaki Isshin walked up to him with a big laugh, patting him on the shoulder and putting his arm around him with a smile.

"Haha, although I always thought you were a very talented person, I never expected you to become a captain after all these years? How could that old man Yamamoto agree to it? Really~ the 10th Division has fallen on hard times."

If anyone else had said that, Toshiro would have punched them without hesitation.

After all, as the captain of the 10th Division, the legitimacy of this matter and the seriousness of the division itself are important aspects that he must uphold.

Even if you don't look very big, you must remain absolutely serious at times like this!

however.

This approach is clearly not suitable for Isshin Kurosaki.

Having titles like "former boss," "senior," and "old friend I haven't seen for many years" on his person made Toshiro feel angry, yet he didn't know where to begin.

Finally, he could only struggle back with a little helplessness, taking a few steps back, and standing there seriously like a bristling Hakimi.

"Don't address me so casually!"

"Oh, you're angry, you're angry."

Kurosaki Isshin chuckled and bounced back, grabbing Ichigo's shoulder and saying with a teasing expression.

"This kid has always been like this—he likes to act serious, and when he's nervous, he'll yell and scream to cover up his inner anxiety."

His secret was exposed, and he was somewhat embarrassed and angry.

"Isshin, you—"

Let's tone it down a bit before we start talking!

To be honest, it is indeed delightful to reunite with an old friend, but besides that, Hitsugaya is also a current captain with responsibilities.

"Your current status is that of a 'traveler' (or 'traveler'), and you are not allowed to move around freely until you receive official recognition."

Kurosaki Ichigo looked to his side, somewhat puzzled.

"Dad, what is this 'traveling calamity'?"

The latter did not answer immediately, but instead rubbed his chin, revealing a thoughtful expression.

hiss~

Ah—it seems there really is such a thing.

Oh no, I forgot.

"It's probably something like trespassing—"

"Huh?! Didn't you say all the procedures were completed? What's going on now? Is this for real? Are we going to go to jail?"

"Don't worry! If it goes according to procedure, it'll probably just be an interrogation, and then you'll be temporarily detained—it's not like you'll go to jail. The Ninth Division's pork cutlet rice is quite famous, and I used to really crave it."

Hitsugaya Toshiro calmly crossed his arms over his chest.

"The procedures have been simplified in recent years. In cases like this, they are directly detained as a priority—essentially equivalent to being a fugitive. Also, the Ninth Division no longer serves pork cutlet rice; they serve cabbage stew with tofu instead."

"Dad, you bastard!!!"

tread----

Before the three of them could figure it out, two figures suddenly appeared behind Toshiro Hitsugaya.

"Hey, hasn't this been resolved yet?"

"It seems we came to the right place—Captain Hitsugaya, you seem a little distracted."

Hitsugaya's eyes widened slightly, and he subconsciously turned his head to look behind him.

Upon approaching, Zaraki and Gin Ichimaru each struck their signature thunderous poses, coldly scrutinizing them.

A moment of tension welled up inside him, and Hitsugaya quickly said.

"I can handle this myself; there's no need for the Eleventh Division to get involved for now!"

"But that's your own judgment, right?"

Gin Ichimaru spoke first.

"The invading of the travelers should be dealt with as a priority, both morally and logically—Captain Hitsugaya, you can't possibly not understand this principle."

Of course I understand.

But how could he possibly let his old boss, Yindang, go to jail?

That's strange.

"Didn't Yusuke Matsushita explain this situation to you guys?!"

Yusuke Matsushita.

The mere mention of the name elicited varying reactions from the people present.

The Kurosaki father and son both turned their heads and looked over, their expressions leaving everyone wondering what they were thinking.

The two members of the Eleventh Division looked slightly more serious, as if they had reached a consensus on some matter through eye contact.

"I'm sorry, Captain Hitsugaya. Our captain didn't give any instructions on how to handle special situations—besides, we're currently in a period of joint training with other squads, and our Eleventh Division has the same responsibilities as you."

When training together, the tasks of both sides overlap, which is intended to increase team members' understanding and help them form good habits.

Originally intended to make things easier for ordinary Grim Reapers, it unexpectedly became a reason to make things difficult for myself.

In contrast, Toshiro's expression was somewhat distorted.

He should stand on the side of the Gotei 13, both morally and logically. This has been the case before, and it should be the case today.

but----

He may have to make a different decision.

"What if I were willing to vouch for these two people?"

To make guarantees and promises in the name of the captain carries considerable weight even within the Soul Society.

Even though many nobles would give face in such situations, it is clear that this does not apply to the current circumstances.

Gin Ichimaru scratched the corner of his mouth, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness.

"Captain Hitsugaya, this is just business. Please don't make things difficult for us at a time like this."

This time, it was Zaraki who responded.

"They're making such a racket! So what if two interesting guys showed up?! Ah, if they're so disobedient, why not just beat them up? They're going to jail anyway, so the process doesn't really matter!"

He strode forward, habitually ignoring Gin Ichimaru's attempts to stop him.

The tall and imposing Gengmu himself possessed an extremely terrifying intimidating power.

Now, he grinned broadly at the Kurosaki father and son, his expression revealing a strange sense of longing.

Compared to the original work, although Zaraki now has a clear goal and direction for improvement, the gap between them still exists.

There are no clues to break through upwards, and no rivals to match one's abilities downwards.

For him now, a thoroughly enjoyable battle is indeed what he is pursuing.

then.

He sensed a pleasant aura emanating from the two people in front of him!

"You—or you?"

He raised the tip of his knife and pointed it at Kurosaki and his son.

His tone was tinged with an indescribable excitement.

"Whoever it is, the stronger one, step forward—and fight me, hey!"

Gin Ichimaru wanted to say something, but he remained silent after hearing those words.

It's too late to stop it now. There's nothing we can do.

He stepped forward and drew his Zanpakuto from his waist.

Because of his official duties, he couldn't do anything too outrageous. In fact, Gin Ichimaru himself didn't have any objections to the Ryuka.

He simply wanted to maintain order, and if it was Zaraki who broke the rules, he wouldn't mind taking action against his own comrade.

"Hey, Ichimaru."

Zaraki suddenly said without turning his head.

"Normally, I'll let it slide because of the captain. But right now I'm really into it—I can feel the nerves in my head pounding, I'm so excited, Ichimaru!"

He suddenly turned his head, his single eye widening as he glared fiercely at Gin Ichimaru.

"If you dare to bother me at a time like this, don't blame me for getting serious!"

Given Zaraki's personality, he rarely threatens anyone. So in a sense—at this moment, he is issuing an ultimatum.

However, Gin Ichimaru did not hesitate at all.

"Then I'll return this to you: if you violate my principles and standards, you will also be my enemy—"

Zaraki.

"----Hey!"

Suddenly, Zaraki turned his whole body around.

With his back to the sun, he exuded a powerful and oppressive aura of shadow.

Now, he stared intently at his colleague, like a beast poised to pounce, and spoke in a trembling voice.

"You know what? I've actually wanted to have a proper fight with you for a long time. After all, we always just go through the motions—whether it's the captain, Yamamoto, or those random guys, they all interfere with our matches."

It was really boring.

That's why Zaraki is so determined to find a replacement.

However, Gin Ichimaru's response at that moment made Zaraki immediately put down the meal replacement in front of him and focus all his attention on the other person.

As mentioned before, this is exactly what he wants.

"Fight me, Ichimaru!"

"snort----"

Both sides tacitly adopted their stances, their confrontation resembling that of two ferocious beasts about to be unleashed, causing the air to swirl and tighten.

"Hey, you two, stop right there!"

Hitsugaya let out a subconscious roar.

But frankly, this behavior was completely meaningless—because neither of the two people present seemed inclined to listen to him.

Both sides remained silent, maintaining their stances, and gradually released their spiritual pressure.

The blazing light band floated upwards, gradually rippled, causing the surrounding air to sway as well, eventually forming a wave-like motion.

"You two bastards—"

Hitsugaya raised his hand to shield his face, letting out a low growl as if he were both embarrassed and angry.

Although the person involved understood that what he said usually had no effect, he did not expect the situation to get so out of control.

Are these two colleagues or enemies?!

No way—just watching these two get tangled up together will only lead to trouble later.

Of course, Hitsugaya wouldn't get involved, because he had already done what he was supposed to do—warn and stop, but all to no avail.

No one would say he did anything wrong by leaving like this, since neither of these two people were even members of his subordinate squad.

However—we can't just leave it unattended!

That was Hitsugaya's only thought at that moment.

As his thoughts settled, his previously hesitant expression suddenly hardened.

Hitsugaya gritted his teeth, drew his Zanpakuto, and shouted angrily.

"Stop it, all of you!"

But clearly, no one listened to him.

The three captain-level spiritual pressure streams surged up in an instant, like three giant dragons tearing at each other as they soared into the sky, continuously rising with a momentum that was enough to attract attention.

Matsumoto Rangiku, who had just arrived, stopped abruptly and stared at the three figures with a dumbfounded expression.

So what's going on? Why is it that my captain is already fighting with someone when I'm less than a minute late?!

"Are you... Matsumoto?"

Hearing the voice behind her, Matsumoto Rangiku was slightly startled at first, then turned around as if she had realized what was happening. She saw a familiar figure rubbing his chin with a subtle expression, looking at her.

It was Kurosaki Isshin!

Both sides paused for a moment almost simultaneously, then both showed happy expressions.

Of course, Matsumoto Rangiku's emotions came and went quickly.

While it's certainly a joy to reunite with a former boss, the current situation is clearly more worthy of our attention.

"Team—no, Mr. Isshin, what exactly is going on?"

"To be honest, I'm not really sure either, and I didn't expect young people these days to be so hot-tempered, ready to fight at the slightest disagreement. It's quite disheartening."

Shaking his head and sighing, Matsumoto Rangiku frantically called out from the side.

"Is this the time for lamentation?! Mr. Isshin, please help me! If those three start fighting, this entire Rukongai is doomed!"

Captain-level spiritual pressure is already beyond the norm, and it remains so even in this situation.

If it were to unleash its full power, even without making a move, the overflowing energy would be enough to dismantle and tear apart everything around it.

From an aerial viewpoint, the combined efforts of the three individuals could likely create a giant crater several kilometers in diameter.

However, Kurosaki Isshin's reaction was quite calm.

He waved his hand cheerfully, seemingly unconcerned about these things.

"It's alright, this matter will be resolved soon."

What does that mean?

She didn't even wait for Matsumoto Rangiku to ask a question.

The three people facing off not far away all turned their heads and stared in another direction.

Because over there, a blond-haired boy was walking confidently toward them.

"My dad told me that captain-level is the highest level of combat power in Soul Society — to be honest, I was a little excited before I came here."

But ah.

He disassembled it, removed the Zanpakuto from his back, held it in his hand, and revealed a confident expression.

"If this is all the strength you have—then it's really not enough."

Should we fight?

Count me in!

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