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"I still don't really get why that Soul Reaper captain's power jumped so drastically… but the fact he one-shotted Zommari proves he does deserve a spot on the list."
On the palace's left staircase—
Starrk straightened his posture, dropping his usual lazy slouch. His expression slowly grew serious.
At the start, all he felt was disappointment and doubt.
But the moment Zommari was sent to his burial and vanished from the screen completely, Starrk finally accepted the result.
"…Looks like Soul Reaper captains aren't totally useless after all."
Lilynette withdrew her mocking grin.
Even though she and Starrk shared a soul, most of their spiritual pressure had ended up with him after the split. Her power was never that strong.
So as a subordinate officer, watching an Espada-class Arrancar erased in an instant—of course Lilynette felt terrified.
A short distance away—
Harribel's expression also shifted slightly.
As one of the top three Espada and a rare Vasto Lorde–level Hollow, her strength wasn't exactly the same as Zommari's… but their gap wasn't that big.
Not enough to be casually steamrolled.
Which is why, despite maintaining outward calm, Harribel's heart was already in turmoil after watching the Seventh go down in a single strike.
So that's how it is…
The true threat of a Soul Reaper captain wasn't just in their Bankai—but in the simplest, most unassuming sword swing.
"Harribel-sama…"
"I noticed something earlier. On that captain's white haori, there was a big '6' on the back. Does that mean he's ranked sixth in the Gotei 13?" Apacci asked, curiosity overriding her nerves.
The thought came naturally to her.
Ever since Aizen became ruler of Hueco Mundo, all Arrancar had been ranked by "killing ability," leading to the creation of the Espada.
Simply put—
The Espada were the peak of Hollow strength, and the number on each Espada's body was their power and status.
So by that logic…wouldn't the Gotei 13 work the same?
Harribel lowered her gaze slightly and answered with certainty:
"It's very possible."
"With strength like his, being in the upper middle ranks of the captains sounds about right."
"So that means… there are five Soul Reapers even more terrifying than him?" Apacci's face went pale.
An Adjuchas-level Arrancar was cut down in one hit.
If there are captains stronger than that…wouldn't they be above Vasto Lorde level?
That's way too scary!
Seeing her subordinate's panic, Harribel gave a confident, reassuring smile."Apacci, no need to get so worked up. Only two people have been shown so far. There are still thirteen empty slots."
"Harribel-sama, you mean—?" Apacci's eyes widened.
Golden hair swaying, Harribel crossed her arms and said calmly, with complete self-assurance:
"Even if six more captains show up later, the list will still have room. Which means the remaining spots should belong to the Espada."
"Exactly! I agree!" Sung-Sun looked at Harribel with open admiration. "The Soul Reapers may have taken the lead for now, but it doesn't matter. Harribel-sama will take the stage eventually. Her moment will come."
"Let's keep watching."
Harribel's gaze sharpened, her low voice rumbling like a predator from the deep:
"I'm certain the Espada will appear very soon."
Meanwhile — Sixth Division Barracks
In the office, the oppressive atmosphere finally lifted.
In front of the glowing screen, Renji punched the air in excitement."That was insane! Captain Kuchiki, the way you swung your sword just now was ridiculously cool!"
Instantly killing an Adjuchas-class Arrancar?
That was crazy.
When will I ever accomplish something that badass?
Anyone else might've been flattered to the heavens by Renji's rainbow-colored compliments.
But—
Kuchiki Byakuya was not "anyone."
Maybe it was pride, maybe it was his noble ice-prince persona, but even after witnessing his own glorious future self, Byakuya kept the same blank, unreadable expression—only allowing himself the tiniest flicker of satisfaction inside.
He gave a small nod, speaking with calm restraint:
"Renji, I understand your excitement. The outcome of that battle was indeed uplifting."
"But…"
His tone shifted.
Byakuya's expression hardened as he continued:
"Have you thought carefully about why these images are appearing? I've never set foot in Hueco Mundo."
"Captain, you mean…?"
"The future."
"I believe these scenes are fragments of battles that will happen later." Byakuya said with quiet certainty. "It's possible that before long, Soul Society and Hueco Mundo will go to war."
"War?!"
Renji's face drained of color.
Soul Society had been peaceful for nearly a hundred years.
If a war broke out…the entire realm would be thrown into chaos.
"Exactly. That is the only explanation for why I would be in Hueco Mundo." Byakuya nodded.
"But… isn't this way too sudden? I—" Renji didn't finish.
Because—
The scene that had vanished after Zommari's death suddenly returned.
And beneath it—
appeared familiar subtitles:
[NO. 13]
[Prodigy Captain — Hitsugaya Tōshirō]
"…Huh?!"
"That fast? They're already starting the next reveal?"
Renji blinked, stunned.
When he saw the name, his brows immediately furrowed:
"Hitsugaya Tōshirō? Seriously? The youngest captain actually made the list? And he's ranked above Captain Kuchiki? That can't be right!"
His doubt burst out instantly.
Renji looked genuinely surprised—he wasn't convinced by the ranking at all.
And of course—
Byakuya was also taken aback."Captain Hitsugaya? Why him?"
There were still thirteen slots above his own.So naturally, Byakuya first thought of the long-standing veteran captains—
Unohana Retsu, Kyōraku Shunsui, Ukitake Jūshirō…
Across the Gotei 13, aside from the Head Captain, only those centuries-old commanders could earn Byakuya's respect.
But then…why Hitsugaya?
Was it his youth?His untapped potential?Or the incredible power of Hyōrinmaru, the strongest ice-type Zanpakutō?
Byakuya couldn't help feeling puzzled.
"Captain…"
Renji rubbed his chin, thinking hard. Then his eyes lit up."What if—just like you—Captain Hitsugaya grows way stronger in the future? Maybe he also takes down an Adjuchas-class Arrancar?"
Before Byakuya could respond—
The footage began to play again.
The scene shifted to a place they had seen before—
The outskirts of Karakura Town.
"..."
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