{🥳Joining keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please support me.🥰 You can access upto 70+ advance chapter through by using the link: "Little Shiraha, you've grown stronger again." Perched in her black cat form, Yoruichi's golden eyes narrowed as she observed him. It hadn't been long since her return from the Human World, yet Shiraha's reiatsu had grown sharper, heavier, more refined—evidence of strength forged in silence. "Captain Shiraha…" Sidanfang's voice trembled as he looked upon the young captain. His heart, heavy with memories, churned with emotion. Ten years ago his younger brother, Yiguanbancifang, had been struck down by Shiraha despite the protections of the lock knot and soul sleep. That death had burned bitterness into Sidanfang's soul, yet even then, he had never judged Shiraha as unjust. His brother's crimes had demanded consequence, and now, standing here alive because Shiraha had intervened, Sidanfang could not suppress his gratitude. "Captain Shiraha, Captain Ichimaru…" Murmurs ran through the gathered Shinigami, unease spreading at the sight of two captains standing opposed. "Captain Shiraha…" Kira Izuru's eyes lingered with suspicion, his voice uncertain. "Well, Captain Shiraha," Ichimaru Gin's drawl sliced through the tension. He slid his Zanpakutō back into its sheath, folding his hands loosely at his waist as that foxlike smile spread across his face. "You've misunderstood me. How could I possibly be involved in these accidents? But you—why interfere when I sought to finish Sidanfang?" "As the guard of the Nineteenth White Gate, Sidanfang must be judged by the First Division, guilty or not. Captain Ichimaru, what you attempted is far from regulation," Shiraha replied, his voice calm, his smile steady. "Ah, ah, forgive me. A careless slip of the hand. Had you not intervened, Captain Shiraha, I would no doubt be punished for it." Gin's apology was accompanied by his ever-false tone of contrition. "Captain Ichimaru, Captain Shiraha…" Sidanfang lowered his head, lips quivering. "I lost in battle. By rights, it is I who should open the gate for them. That much is my duty." "What are you saying?" Gin's soft voice grew sharper, though his expression remained unchanged. "A defeated gatekeeper should not open anything. To lose means death." He stepped forward, smile unwavering, yet the chill of execution hung in his words. Sidanfang's body stiffened. Fear consumed his gaze as Ichimaru closed the distance. "Hey, fox-face, why the sneak attack just now?" Ichigo Kurosaki's voice cut through, his Zanpakutō raised as he stood before Sidanfang, defiant and unflinching. "Mr. Shiraha," Ichigo turned to him, his expression demanding, "how's Rukia? What's happened to her?" His tone carried no resentment for Shiraha's destruction of his soul sleep and lock knot. That anger had already dissolved the day Urahara Kisuke restored his powers. From Urahara, Ichigo had learned Shiraha's full name, though the connection between them remained a simple one. "Kurosaki Ichigo, you've trespassed into Soul Society unlawfully. You'll come with me," Shiraha replied lightly, ignoring the boy's plea. "So you're Kurosaki Ichigo…" Gin's pale eyes gleamed as he looked the substitute over, his smile widening. "Captain Shiraha, you're rather quick to seize these troublemakers. Perhaps you're hiding something yourself? The reports state clearly that Kurosaki Ichigo, the human who stole Kuchiki Rukia's powers, had his knot and soul sleep destroyed by you. And yet—here he stands, alive, strong, brimming with reiatsu. Doesn't seem powerless at all, does he?" Check latest chapters at N()velFire.net His words drew murmurs. The surrounding Shinigami, all but Izuru, glanced at Shiraha with suspicion. By law, the destruction of the soul sleep and lock knot should strip away spiritual power completely. Yet Ichigo stood here not only unweakened but victorious over Sidanfang. "Captain Ichimaru," Shiraha's reply came with a faint smile, "to doubt without evidence is to slander, and slander can kill. Speak carefully." "Ah, terrifying. Are you threatening to kill me now, Captain Shiraha?" Gin pressed a hand to his chest in mock fear, his grin never faltering. "Captain Ichimaru jests." Shiraha's words were light, though the air between them thickened, suffused with tension. The assembled Shinigami stood frozen, caught between the weight of two captains' gazes. None dared to speak, none dared to move. "Since you claim these accidents have nothing to do with you," Gin continued, tilting his head with deceptive casualness, "then it should be fine if I kill them here, shouldn't it?" "By all means," Shiraha answered, spreading his hands with a smile. Turning, Gin drew his Zanpakutō once more, his movements graceful yet dripping with malice. "Hey, fox-face, what do you think you're doing with that short sword?" Ichigo demanded, confusion flickering in his eyes. "Back away, Ichigo!" Yoruichi's voice rang sharp and commanding. "What are you saying, Mr. Yoruichi? Why should I—" Ichigo began, baffled. The words slipped from Gin's lips like silk. In an instant, his Zanpakutō extended, a lance of gleaming steel and light darting toward Ichigo's chest. Ichigo barely had time to raise Zangetsu. Steel struck steel, sparks exploding in the air. The force behind Gin's blade surged through him like a tidal wave. The impact hurled Ichigo backward, his body colliding violently with Sidanfang's. The two were sent flying, crashing into the distance with devastating force. As they were thrown clear, the Baidaomen, unsupported, groaned shut with finality. "Captain Ichimaru, what do you think you're doing? Letting intruders slip away—how bold of you." Shiraha's voice cut sharply. "Ah, ah, a misunderstanding. I thought that strike had already finished them off," Gin answered innocently, spreading his hands in feigned helplessness. "Misunderstanding or not, you will explain this to the Captain-Commander." Shiraha's words were edged with steel beneath the smile. "Are you trying to arrest me, Captain Shiraha?" Gin asked, still smiling. "You may understand it that way." Calm as ever, Shiraha lifted a hand. Within his palm coalesced a sphere of purple energy, its aura heavy, suffused with a destructive power that warped the air around it. His thoughts sharpened, cold. I've never unleashed Pyre at perfection before. Ichimaru Gin will be the first test. The energy erupted outward, a wave of violet light roaring toward Gin with devastating force. Gin's smile faltered as his pupils contracted. Even he could feel the weight of death pressing from the surge of power. To be struck by it would mean annihilation. With a flash of Shunpo, he vanished from its path. The purple wave detonated, expanding into a massive circular torrent several kilometers wide. The energy scythed through the Baidaomen, reducing its structure to dust in a heartbeat. The colossal walls, spanning a thousand meters on either side, dissolved into particles of spirit matter, vanishing into the air. Even the very fabric of space shuddered, rending open cracks that spread like fractures in glass. The White Road Gate was gone—completely obliterated. { Enjoying the chapters? Please Support me on and unlock 70+ advanced chapters, with 3 new chapters released every two days! The fanfic is also available for one-time purchase on – unlock lifetime access to the full collection, no membership needed! Don't miss out –support and own it forever!