Before the two Captains could recover from their momentary lapse, an overwhelming torrent of golden light surged toward the water from the outside world.
"BOOM—!!!"
The blinding radiance carried an ultra-high temperature, heating the entire water area at an alarming rate. Steam erupted instantly as the water began to vaporize on the spot.
"Ahhhhhh!"
"Ugh…!"
Kyoraku Shunsui and Jūshirō Ukitake couldn't suppress their cries as the surrounding waters turned scalding hot in an instant. Even with their spiritual power shielding them, the heat was unbearable.
"Bipolar Reversal!"
Reacting swiftly, Ukitake invoked Yin Yang Sōgyo no Kotowari, his Zanpakutō's ability activating in an instant. The boiling waters reversed into a freezing chill, dropping the temperature to subzero levels.
Before Akira, the entire massive water body crystallized into ice, trapping both Shunsui and Ukitake within.
"Gather with the breath of the celestial stars, the torrent of radiant life!"
Outside the frozen battlefield, Akira chanted the incantation for his holy sword's release. Gripping his blade with both hands, he gathered golden energy from all directions once more.
He had already anticipated Ukitake's reversal of the boiling water—being frozen was preferable to being burned alive. But breaking free from the ice would take time… and time was all Akira needed to charge his next strike.
"CRACK—!"
Fractures formed across the ice's surface before it shattered completely. Kyoraku and Ukitake broke free, but before they could stabilize themselves, a massive arc of sword light descended upon them.
"Excalibur!"
Their hearts clenched as they witnessed the impending strike. The sheer pressure of the attack left them no time to counter with either their Zanpakutō or Kidō.
"Jūshirō!"
Kyoraku made a split-second decision, shoving Ukitake aside.
"What—?!"
Ukitake's eyes widened as he watched the golden sword light swallow Kyoraku whole. He immediately understood why his friend had done it. Between the two of them, Ukitake had a better chance against Akira—Shunsui's tactics had already been countered at every turn.
"Hang in there! I'll heal you right away!"
Seeing Kyoraku plummet from the sky, his body charred and smoking, Ukitake activated his Bankai's ability, preparing to reverse Shunsui's injuries.
But Akira wasn't about to let that happen.
"Fire Dragon's Roar!"
A colossal pillar of flames erupted from Akira's position, rushing toward Ukitake with destructive force. Ukitake barely managed to raise Yin Yang Sōgyo no Kotowari in time, absorbing the searing attack.
But Akira wasn't finished. As his mouth spewed fire, his hand summoned a streak of divine lightning.
"God's Judgment!"
The crackling bolt of lightning tore through the void, striking toward Ukitake Jūshirō as he absorbed the roaring flames of the fire dragon.
"Tch...!"
Jūshirō gritted his teeth, drawing his other blade. With a swift motion, he redirected the fire dragon's roar, countering the incoming lightning strike midair. The two forces clashed, neutralizing each other in a violent explosion.
"God's Judgment: Enmma!"
But Akira was relentless. Almost instantly, another spear of lightning pierced through the smoke and debris, striking Jūshirō before he could fully recover. The force of the blast sent him hurtling backward.
Jūshirō twisted in the air, stabilizing himself just before impact. His expression darkened as he realized the truth—Akira was completely cutting him off. There was no way he would be able to reach Kyōraku Shunsui at this rate.
"Akira..." Jūshirō murmured, his voice low and steady. "I've never felt such unrelenting killing intent before. You will regret this."
Though Jūshirō was known for his gentle nature, he was the very one who proposed the creation of the Substitute Shinigami oversight system. And if a Substitute Shinigami resisted the Gotei 13's authority, he was willing to eliminate them without hesitation. His kindness only extended to those close to him—it did not conflict with his decisiveness when duty called.
"(Hah.) Do you really think this is the first time you've harbored such intent?"
Akira sneered. "Just now, you and Kyōraku didn't hold back against me in the slightest."
"Since you've chosen to kill me—then be prepared to be killed yourself!"
Jūshirō's brows furrowed at Akira's words. There was something off about his demeanor. The way he had reappeared outside the Broken Fish Abyss moments ago—how had he managed to deceive them and turn the tide so quickly?
No matter.
Jūshirō shook his head, discarding the distracting thoughts.
"Akira, I know you're strong. And I know that facing you alone is reckless."
"But in turn, it's nearly impossible for you to kill me!"
Jūshirō's voice rang coldly. "As long as my Bankai is active, I can instantly reverse any damage. You cannot stop that!"
Even if Akira prevented him from reaching Kyōraku, there was no way he could stop Jūshirō from activating his ability at close range. As long as he could repeatedly trigger it, he was functionally immortal.
On top of that, his Sōgyo no Kotowari in Shikai could absorb and redirect energy-based attacks, making him one of the hardest captains to take down in battle.
"Tch. A frog at the bottom of a well."
Akira merely scoffed at Jūshirō's confidence.
"Breaking your ability is easier than you think."
"What?" Jūshirō's eyes narrowed. His Bankai was rare and nearly invincible in application, despite its difficulty to control. Akira had only fought him for a short time—there was no way he had already found a countermeasure.
Akira offered no further explanation. Instead, he smirked.
"By the way, in case you were wondering how I escaped from the Broken Fish Abyss…"
"It was thanks to my other Shikai ability."
Jūshirō tensed.
"And now, your so-called 'unstoppable' Bankai—"
"It's about to be shattered by my Shikai."
"Ridiculous." Jūshirō's grip on his blades tightened. "Shikai could never surpass a Bankai in raw power!"
"Is that so?"
Akira slowly raised his zanpakutō, the edge of his blade gleaming with an ominous light.
"Then see for yourself."
With a single motion, he reversed his grip and called forth its name—
"—Reflect it, Hikari no Kagami!"
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