Bleach: The Strongest Shinigami

"Could it be..." Akira's eyes widened as he stared at the dark-skinned girl before him, drinking in every detail.

Of course, this was because the sight before him was truly captivating.

Unaware of his thoughts, Yoruichi stood with an expression as excited as a cat that had found catnip, basking in golden electrical arcs. Lightning condensed behind her, forming six ancient magatama that swirled in the air.

As the magatama began to move, electrical arcs surged around her, her purple hair dancing wildly as lightning horns grew from her head, taking on the appearance of the lightning beast she had witnessed before.

⤫ Shunkō: Raijin Senkei ⥤ Flash War Cry: Thunder God Battle Form! ⤬

Yoruichi's hands flowed through the air, her golden eyes gleaming with excitement, her smile growing more mischievous. Before Akira's astonished gaze, an enormous pillar of lightning crashed down onto the training ground like divine punishment, instantly engulfing the area.

The rampaging golden lightning transformed into a lightning dragon, crashing violently into the earth!

BOOM BOOM!!

The ground cracked and collapsed, countless fissures spreading as dust billowed upward. The training ground was instantly reduced to ruins. Violent explosions rang out as terrifying shockwaves spread from the lightning's impact point, turning everything in their path to dust.

After the display, Yoruichi released her Raijin Senkei. Her aura relaxed, and her flying purple hair settled down. She smiled at Akira like an elementary school student awaiting praise after acing a test. "How was that move of mine?"

Akira gave an enthusiastic thumbs up, "Powerful! Dominating! Strong! That's my cat for you — very impressive!"

Receiving the praise, Yoruichi licked her cracked lips contentedly, revealing her white fangs.

Only with him could she open her heart without reservations, saying what she wanted to say and doing what she wanted to do. His presence brought complete relaxation.

Although this guy wasn't very reliable most of the time.

"About the advanced techniques of Shunkō." After a brief rest, Yoruichi began explaining the technique's specifics, "Every Shinigami's Reiatsu has corresponding attributes. Mine is lightning, and Captain-Commander Yamamoto's is fire. This has some connection to the Zanpakutō, but it mostly depends on one's own soul."

"The key to advanced Shunkō techniques lies in deeply integrating your Reiatsu attributes with it and bringing them out. Like this."

As she spoke, Kidō Reiatsu burst from her bare shoulders, golden electrical arcs crackling within — just like Pikachu entering battle mode.

But soon her aura relaxed, and she became listless like a deflated balloon.

"I'm not too familiar with this technique yet." Yoruichi admitted, shaking her head, "Its development was inspired by the Lightning Beast's materialization of my Raijin no Tenshi. To fully master it might still take some time."

{T/N: Yes, I created a Zanpakutō name, command, Shikai and Bankai for her. And it will be revealed throughout the novel. But here it is, the name, Raijin no Tenshi=Thunder God Divine Emissary.}

Akira raised his hand like a good student.

"Teacher Yoruichi, have you considered developing even stronger Shunkō techniques? Like fully mimicking the lightning beast?"

As a butterfly who had influenced the course of worldlines, he was happy to provide inspiration to his cute cat, encouraging her to develop more advanced forms of Shunkō.

From what he knew, the Raijin Senkei (Thunder God Battle Form) wasn't Yoruichi's ultimate technique. With further development, there could be the Shunryū Kokubyō Senki (Flash God Black Cat Warrior Princess).

In this form, Yoruichi's emotions would flow freely, and as her feelings shifted, the Reiatsu released would change accordingly. Both her speed and power would increase dramatically.

It would far surpass the current Lightning God Battle Form. If he could help her develop this technique early and master it fully — allowing her to perfectly control her emotions in the Lightning Cat Warrior Princess Battle Form — Akira couldn't even imagine how powerful Yoruichi would become.

Hearing this, she paused, surprised by how far ahead he was thinking.

Then she shook her head, "I don't have many ideas yet. Let me fully master the Raijin Senkei first. Right now, my Shunkō already incorporates lightning attributes. Both my attack and speed have improved greatly."

Akira nodded, understanding that things couldn't be rushed. Taking things step by step was essential in life — as Yama-jii had drilled into his head so many times his ears nearly had calluses.

"I understand." He smiled confidently, "Since Yoruichi isn't up to the task, I suppose I'll have to show you what true world-shaking wisdom looks like."

Yoruichi: "..."

Though her blood pressure threatened to spike, she remained the consummate teacher, patiently reviewing the advanced techniques of Shunkō once more.

The technique suited Akira perfectly. Even small improvements yielded dramatic increases in combat power.

They continued practicing in the ruined training ground, undeterred by their sweat-drenched bodies. Only when their Shihakushō became too tattered to maintain modesty did they finally end the day's training.

At Yoruichi's invitation, the two went to the secret base to soak in the hot springs and relieve their physical and mental fatigue.

Shortly after, a black cat and a white cat frolicked in the hot springs, splashing water everywhere.

Unfamiliar with his cat form, Akira was soon subdued by Yoruichi, who perched atop him. The black cat stood on the lynx's lower back, head held high and chest puffed out like a victorious general who had conquered an enemy army.

The defeated general below showed no sign of dismay, contentedly letting her paws step lightly across his back, his face radiating pure enjoyment.

"Yoruichi."

"Hmm?"

"Move your right paw a bit to the left."

"?"

Seeing the defeated general dare to make demands before her triumphant army, Yoruichi grew indignant and raised her paw, determined to dunk him in the hot springs.

Yet despite her best efforts, the size difference made this impossible. Instead, she could only deliver a hefty swat to an unfortunate spot.

Then Tom's scream echoed through the cave.

⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬

In the days that followed, Akira resumed his leisurely lifestyle.

He divided his time between overseeing the barracks reconstruction, putting Kisuke to work, sparring with Zaraki, and consoling Rangiku whenever Yachiru pestered her.

The harmonious atmosphere of the 11th Division seemed to work its magic — after a few days, Rangiku abandoned thoughts of escape. Still, he didn't intend to keep her in the 11th Division forever.

Unlike Kaname and Sajin, Rangiku, though talented, was younger and better suited for the Shin'ō Academy. He could always recruit her back later if needed.

Notably, his Reiatsu manifested both lightning and fire attributes, likely due to the Kidō patterns. While dual-attribute Shinigami were uncommon, they weren't unheard of.

What truly astonished Yoruichi wasn't his dual nature, but his extraordinary learning speed. He often grasped and expanded upon techniques before she finished explaining them.

Though this planted seeds of defeat in her heart, the young woman wasn't one to stay discouraged. She quickly bounced back, throwing herself into training with renewed vigor, determined to impress him.

Together they pushed each other forward, making remarkable strides in developing Shunkō.

⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬

At Jūshirō Ukitake's office.

"Captain, you haven't rested for three days." Sentarō knelt on the floor, his head touching the ground as he pleaded, "Even if you've fully recovered, you shouldn't abuse your body like this."

Hearing this, Jūshirō, who had become quite the workaholic, paused. His brush stopped moving as his gaze drifted toward the window, where an azure sky beckoned with birdsong and fragrant flowers.

"Has it been three days already?" He set down his brush with a dazed expression and rubbed his strained eyes.

Since his lung transplant surgery, he had thrown himself into an intense work schedule, as if trying to make up for all the tasks he'd delegated to others over the past hundred years. Free from his former illness, Jūshirō felt energized each day, as if powered by some boundless force.

While he was thoroughly enjoying his work, his Lieutenant Sentarō suffered — staying constantly by his Captain's side, worried he might relapse and work himself to death.

Though at present, Jūshirō appeared even more vigorous than that Akira from the 11th Division.

"I'm sorry for making you worry." Jūshirō accepted the warm tea Sentarō had prepared, taking a gentle sip before offering a warm smile, "Sentarō, you really don't need to fret like this. I'm completely transformed now. With the disease gone and Captain Unohana's therapeutic medicine, I'm fully recovered."

Despite his reassurance, Sentarō continued to eye his Captain with concern.

"It's all thanks to my little brother disciple." Jūshirō remarked with deep emotion, "If it weren't for him, I might still be bedridden now."

At the mention of "little brother disciple", an expression of admiration crossed Sentarō's face.

In the thousand-year history of the Gotei 13, there had never been a Shinigami quite as legendary as Akira Kisaragi.

Setting aside his natural talent, his ability to cause trouble was unmatched — even the Captain-Commander couldn't compare.

From fighting the five nobles with his bare fists to challenging the Gotei 13, and most recently, blowing up half of the 11th Division — earning himself the title of the Gotei 13's Premier Demolition Expert.

"Alright, let's prepare to leave."

As Sentarō was lost in reflection, Jūshirō had already tidied his desk and adjusted his appearance. His white hair flowed elegantly, cutting a dignified and handsome figure.

"Where to?" Sentarō asked, bewildered.

"Captain's Council." Jūshirō replied without looking back.

⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬

1st Division.

In the corridor, the other Captains had taken their positions, exchanging greetings and sharing work-related complaints.

The Lieutenants waited in an adjacent room while the Captains proceeded to the meeting room for the Captain's Council. Their curious gazes drifted toward the 11th Division's position, where the newly appointed Lieutenant stood.

Kisuke Urahara.

Unlike his energetic peers, the young man appeared utterly drained, with dark circles shadowing his pale face. He looked nearly at death's door.

When encountering acquaintances, Kisuke merely offered a curt nod — the barest acknowledgment of a greeting — showing no interest in further conversation.

He had been overwhelmingly busy lately, managing both the barracks reconstruction and refining various details while attempting to improve the Tenshintai.

Since Akira's last attempt at learning Bankai with the Tenshintai had failed, he planned to try again after growing stronger. Given how quickly that beast was gaining power, Kisuke had no choice but to work overtime, fearing he might miss the window of opportunity.

Contemplating his miserable life as a lieutenant, he wore an expression of utter despair, as if mourning the death of his "dear" Captain.

If Mayuri hadn't been helping shoulder the burden, he might have considered deserting the Soul Society altogether — that Captain was far too quick to treat people like workhorses.

In the meeting room.

Genryūsai stood with both hands resting on his cane, eyes slightly closed, radiating authority without menace.

"At this Captain's Council, beyond our monthly work report, I have an important announcement. Ninth Division Captain Tōdō Keiichi (OC), due to accumulated soul damage and physical injuries over the years, has requested to step down to the second line. The position of Ninth Division Captain now stands vacant. Are there any candidates to recommend?"

Surprised expressions swept through the assembly as all eyes turned toward the 9th Division Captain's position.

There stood a middle-aged man bearing facial scars, maintaining perfect composure, his gaze fixed forward and expression serene — as if Genryūsai's words had nothing to do with him.

A Captain's reassignment was no trivial matter. Throughout the Gotei 13's history, such situations had rarely occurred, with most Captains serving until death in the line of duty.

For Tōdō to peacefully reach retirement was quite remarkable — a fact everyone understood.

However, Akira furrowed his brows in confusion.

Who was Tōdō Keiichi? He had absolutely no recollection of the man. To be a Captain with such an unremarkable presence was truly extraordinary.

Seeing no response from the crowd, Genryūsai looked toward Tōdō and gave an acknowledging nod.

Given permission, the middle-aged man stepped forward and spoke in a deep voice, "I recommend Ninth Division's Lieutenant, Kensei Muguruma. He has recently mastered Bankai and knows the division's duties intimately. I believe no one would be more suitable than him."

Hearing this, no one raised any objections.

Bankai was the ultimate symbol of strength, and mastering it meant one's power had reached the Soul Society's apex. Within the Gotei 13, only a select few had achieved this feat.

With his impressive strength and deep familiarity with the 9th Division's operations, Kensei was indeed the perfect candidate for Captain.

Seeing universal agreement, Genryūsai tapped his cane, producing a resonant sound.

"In that case, the Captain Qualification Test will be held tomorrow. The examiner will be..."

He glanced pointedly at Akira, noting his disciple's eager expression and hand-rubbing — clearly ready to beat up the youngster.

The Old Man withdrew his gaze, his eyelids lowering as his deep voice filled the spacious meeting room.

"Thirteenth Division Captain, Jūshirō Ukitake!"

Akira: "?"

⤫⤬⤫

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