The Hōgyoku Is placed Within Me

"So, this is what you guys call fighting?"

A few minutes later.

Abarai Renji's face twitched, staring ahead with a deadpan expression.

"Take this, Shinji!"

"This is the battle of real men—it's so much fun!"

"Damn it, that hurts!"

"The next strike will definitely hit you!"

In front of him, Zaraki Kenpachi—the man whose mere presence was enough to make others feel suffocated—was currently getting beaten down with just two fingers by Kuchiki Shinji.

On the small screen, the game character controlled by Zaraki Kenpachi was completely overwhelmed in a devastating combo.

"It's too short. I never knew something this interesting existed in the world."

Zaraki Kenpachi put down the game console and grinned.

"Jian-chan is really happy today too. Thank you, Si-chan, for your hospitality."

A little pink-haired girl approached, politely bowing with an adorable smile.

Seeing this, Shinji immediately picked her up in his arms.

In mid-air, Kusajishi Yachiru giggled happily.

"You're welcome to challenge me anytime."

Ruffling Yachiru's pink hair, Shinji smiled and nodded.

This experience of beating Zaraki Kenpachi was incredibly satisfying.

"But the problem is, I'm afraid Jian-chan and I won't be able to come and play with you for a while."

Yachiru sat in Shinji's arms, her small face full of discontent.

"Huh? Why?"

Shinji's expression changed.

Could it be related to the mission the Captain had mentioned earlier?

And sure enough, Byakuya Kuchiki confirmed his suspicions.

"The latest mission concerning you has been issued personally by the Captain. You will be responsible for taking over from the stationed Shinigami in the human world and will be posted there for a period of time."

Byakuya Kuchiki spoke lightly, omitting the fact that this was meant as a form of protection for Shinji.

"Tch, it's just a deployment to the human world. I'll come find you then."

Zaraki Kenpachi grinned.

"Captain Zaraki, traveling to the human world without permission is not allowed. It would be best not to entertain such dangerous thoughts."

Shiba Isshin, who had just walked out, reminded him seriously.

"Of all the people present, you're the least qualified to say that, Isshin."

Kyoraku Shunsui covered his face in exasperation.

Shiba Isshin had been reprimanded countless times by the Captain for sneaking off to the human world just to drink.

Hearing such words from his mouth was simply not convincing.

"Well, don't mind that little detail."

Shiba Isshin laughed awkwardly before extending his hand toward Shinji.

"Then, I'll be under your care. I am your captain, Shiba Isshin."

"What? You've been assigned to the 10th Division?"

Kira Izuru exclaimed in surprise.

"Becoming a full-fledged member of the Gotei 13 before even graduating, and receiving a direct mission from the Captain himself—you really are incredible, Shinji-kun."

Hinamori Momo gazed at him with admiration.

If it hadn't been for Shinji, they would have all been dead, right?

"Damn it..."

When did you meet so many big shots?

How much have you done behind my back?

As Abarai Renji recalled his zero score in the Kidō exam and the fact that he would struggle to get into any squad within the next month, his mood took a nosedive.

Rukia was also beaming with joy, but within seconds, her expression froze.

Reflected in her eyes, a blonde woman with an ample figure suddenly squeezed Shiba Isshin aside and pressed herself against Shinji with her curvaceous body.

"I'm your vice-captain, Matsumoto Rangiku. So, Shinji-kun, let's make sure we communicate frequently."

Matsumoto Rangiku practically smothered Shinji in her embrace, smiling playfully.

At that moment, Rukia felt her world collapse.

So jealous. I wish I had a figure like that too!

---

A Few Days Later, in the Human World

In a warehouse, Kuchiki Shinji slumped deeply into a sofa, looking completely at ease.

"This is the life I want."

With his arms folded behind his head, Shinji admired the peace.

Cleaning up a few unlucky Hollows occasionally, while spending most of his time relaxing—what more could he ask for?

Most importantly, it was safe!

This arrangement couldn't have suited Shinji's plan any better.

However, there was just one small issue with his assigned location.

This was Karakura Town, a spiritually dense area.

"As long as I stay cautious, nothing should go wrong, right?"

"As long as I avoid physical fights with powerful Hollows, there shouldn't be anything major to worry about in Karakura Town."

Shinji stroked his chin in thought.

If he kept a low profile for a few years and returned to Soul Society without any notable achievements (aka, successfully slacking off) or noticeable strength (aka, keeping it hidden), then how could he be assigned as the captain of the 6th Division or rise to a high-ranking position in the Gotei 13?

If that happened, wouldn't he just get thrown into some random squad where his days of carefree slacking would come to an end?

Thinking about it that way, his future looked quite promising.

Shinji almost laughed out loud.

Step! Step! Step!

Suddenly, urgent footsteps echoed outside.

A slightly balding middle-aged man burst into the room, panting heavily.

"Remember to knock next time, Yanagawa."

Shinji frowned and sat up.

The middle-aged Shinigami in front of him, named Saito Yanagawa, was a member of a lower-ranking noble family in Soul Society. He had been stationed in Karakura Town for over a decade as a permanent officer.

"Master Kuchiki, we have a situation."

Without responding to Shinji's remark, Saito Yanagawa took a deep breath and reported urgently:

"Reiatsu signatures of Menos Grande have appeared in central Karakura Town..."

"Menos Grande?"

Shinji's eyes narrowed as he asked in confusion.

"Why are you telling me this? Hurry up and report to Chonya Sani—this should be his responsibility."

"But Sir Chonya has already completed all the handover procedures with you today and returned to Soul Society."

Saito Yanagawa said with a bitter expression.

"???"

So, in short, you're expecting me to deal with the Menos Grande?

"...Got it."

Shinji's eye twitched several times before he stood up expressionlessly.

"Where's the location? Never mind, I've found it."

Sighing, Shinji's figure gradually faded and disappeared from the room.

"Got it? You got nothing, dumbass."

"Idiot. He actually went."

Yanagawa's face darkened, and he almost cursed aloud.

To be honest, he had only reported this to Shinji as a formality.

As a sixth-year student, someone just here to "gain experience," Yanagawa didn't think Shinji stood a chance against a Menos Grande.

The best course of action should have been to immediately notify Soul Society and wait for backup.

But unexpectedly, this noble heir who was supposed to "slack off" actually went straight into battle.

"Idiot. If you want to die, don't do it here."

Yanagawa muttered under his breath.

If Kuchiki Shinji died in this situation, the Kuchiki family definitely wouldn't let him off the hook.

He needed to report this to Soul Society immediately.

Hopefully, reinforcements would arrive in time.

Meanwhile...

Rumble!

The bustling city center was in chaos.

Tall buildings collapsed as if struck by an invisible force.

Panic-stricken pedestrians screamed and ran in all directions, thick black smoke filling the sky.

Bang!

Another explosion shook the city as a building burst apart, flames and shockwaves creating powerful gusts of wind.

Amid the smoke, a girl with short orange hair, dressed in a high school uniform, slowly walked out...

"You human woman."

"You dare to interfere in my lord's affairs—I'll kill you!"

Boom!

Amidst the fiery explosion, a giant Menos Grande, standing about five or six meters tall with tusks like a wild boar, charged forward.

It swiped at the girl in front of it, but its attack missed completely.

Almost as if leaving behind an afterimage, the girl reappeared behind the Menos Grande, drawing back her hands in the shape of a bow. A spiritual bow materialized instantly, and with a sharp release, an arrow struck the Hollow's back.

The impact sent Menos Grande flying several meters before it crashed into the ground. As it struggled to rise, its bestial eyes gleamed red with rage, pupils narrowing into vertical slits.

"You've completely pissed me off, woman."

Its voice was ice-cold, and the murderous intent mixed with its reiatsu was sharp enough to cut like ice.

From the wound on its back, blasted flesh twisted and pulsed disgustingly. The granulated tissue wriggled before rapidly healing over, scabbing and shedding within seconds—until it looked as though nothing had happened.

"High-Speed Regeneration and Steel Skin? Looks like you kept both abilities after evolving."

The girl frowned as she nocked another arrow.

But in that instant, the Menos Grande vanished.

"A Sonído?"

Her expression changed, and she immediately disappeared into thin air as well, reappearing several meters away.

Boom!

A deafening crash echoed as the Menos Grande's claw smashed into the concrete where she had just stood, its force tearing straight through the building's floor and down to the level below.

"Tch, those flying legs of a Quincy are really annoying."

Menos Grande licked its lips before grinning savagely. "But you, you're different. You must taste delicious. The soul of a Quincy isn't like a regular human's… it's unforgettable… irresistible..."

"You've eaten Quincy souls? Damn you!"

The girl's eyes burned with fury as she cursed, stomping against the air to suspend herself in midair.

An enormous surge of blue reiatsu condensed in her hands, crackling like lightning before shooting out in a brilliant flash, slamming into Menos Grande's body.

"Heilig Pfeil!" (Holy Destruction!)

As the explosion rang out, her voice followed.

She kept her gaze fixed on the enemy, not hesitating as she leaped from the nearly 100-meter-high building. During her freefall, she continued firing Heilig Pfeil after Heilig Pfeil at the falling Menos Grande.

---

Meanwhile, in a distant street…

Shinji Kuchiki narrowed his eyes as he watched the battle unfold.

Behind him, Saito Yanagawa panted heavily.

"Lord Kuchiki… what should we do next?" he asked, still catching his breath. "Should we wait for Soul Society's backup?"

"No need. It's already over," Shinji replied casually.

His perception told him everything he needed to know—the girl's reiatsu was clearly stronger than the Menos Grande's.

Even though it had only flared for a brief moment, Shinji had caught the surge of power.

That girl… she was strong.

"Nani?!"

Yanagawa was dumbfounded but still followed Shinji's lead as they turned to leave.

The less involvement, the better.

If anything happened to Shinji, his own life—after years of carefree laziness in Karakura Town—would take a very bad turn.

But then, a sudden noise from behind made both of them freeze.

They turned their heads at the same time, only for their expressions to twist in disbelief.

Above them, a massive chunk of a collapsing building hurtled down.

And it was heading straight for Shinji.

"Oh no—Oh no!"

Yanagawa shrieked in horror, cold sweat running down his face as he stared at the wreckage piling up.

Did Kuchiki Shinji… just get crushed to death?

As he debated whether he should run away or start coming up with a defense for when the Kuchiki family inevitably came after him—ah no, an explanation—something stirred within the rubble.

A hand suddenly reached out.

Then, a streak of thunderous sword energy erupted, stretching dozens of meters and obliterating everything in its path.

"You bastard!"

I was just here to watch—why the hell am I getting involved?!

Shinji cursed under his breath, his expression dark, before launching himself straight into the sky.

---

Back at the battle…

"It's over."

The girl fired another Heilig Pfeil straight into the Menos Grande's chest.

But the moment she saw its cruel grin, a sense of dread rushed through her.

She realized—too late—that she had made a mistake.

Behind her, something sliced through the air.

A red claw grazed past her, and suddenly, her entire body stiffened.

"Heh. Gotcha, woman."

Menos Grande grinned viciously, lifting its claw and observing the blood on it with delight. "My claws secrete neurotoxin. That's how I climbed up from a mere Gillian to an Adjuchas—by paralyzing my prey before eating them alive."

"Do you feel it? Your body growing stiff? Losing control?"

"Savor it, Quincy. Because this will be your final memory."

The Hollow stopped midair.

The girl, on the other hand, could no longer stabilize herself.

She began to plummet.

"H-How…? But that was just a physical strike… Why…?"

Her voice trembled as she clutched her wounded arm.

"Because that's my ability." Menos Grande sneered. "I split a portion of my power into that attack. And once I eat you… I'll evolve even further."

Its greed could no longer be contained.

Licking its lips, Menos Grande stretched out its claws.

Just one bite—one taste—and he would take another step toward becoming a Vasto Lorde.

"Eat her. Eat her now!"

The voice echoed in his mind.

Drool dripped from his fangs.

Then—

Pain.

Agonizing pain shot through his arm.

His pupils shrank in disbelief.

His severed limb spun through the air.

And in the next instant— a thunderous sword strike filled the sky.

BOOM!

The sheer force of the attack unleashed a powerful shockwave.

The ground shattered.

The entire battlefield trembled as if struck by an earthquake.

Menos Grande was sent crashing down from the sky, buried under a mountain of debris.

From a distance, Saito Yanagawa's eyes bulged in shock.

No way… Did that really just happen?

Did that useless Kuchiki brat, who was supposed to be here just to fool around, just slice that Menos Grande down with one strike?!

"…I must be hallucinating."

Yanagawa shook his head, trying to shake off the absurd thought.

And then, he saw Kuchiki Shinji, carrying the girl in his arms, land smoothly on the ground.

"I… was saved?"

The girl's pale face was full of disbelief.

She tried to move, but her limbs wouldn't listen.

The neurotoxin was spreading—she had completely lost control of her body.

"Are you… a Shinigami?" she asked weakly.

But the boy holding her barely paid attention.

His violet eyes burned with anger.

His fingers tightened around his sword hilt.

Then, with a deadly calm, he raised his blade.

"Ittōryū… Raibotsu." (One-Sword Style: Thunder Burial.)

----

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