Bleach: New Generation

Chapter 32: Training Arc, The True Battle

Kazui's POV:

Before Kenpachi could walk away, I hybrid dashed in front of him. I looked at him dead in the eyes and spoke.

"Sorry for my performance earlier. I'd like to fight you once again", I used my Spiritual Pressure to return my Zanpakuto to my hand, "And if I bring you down to one knee, this training sesh is over"

There was a long pause. We both stared at each other, trying to see which one of us would waver first. Trying to see which one would stand down. But I wasn't afraid anymore because I had something to look forward to. And now I've renewed that resolve to become even stronger. The moment that Kenpachi showed off his teeth in a menacing grin, the answer was already spoken before he could say anything.

"I like your attitude, kid. And the same with that Spiritual Pressure. You've grown in a matter of minutes after getting knocked out...I accept your challenge, Kazui Kurosaki"

He held his Zanpakuto in front of him and took a few steps back. I did the same, my blade was still in Shikai form and shining black in the sun. We rushed at each other almost instantly. Our blades clashed against each other, emitting sparks of Spiritual energy with every hit. Kenpachi was nonstop slashing with one hand and smiling crazily, whereas I was stone faced and focused, trying to pierce through his defense. It was a battle of strength as we pushed forward to bend our opponent to their knees. To weaken them to the point of shame. I would not lose this time.

From the 'training' that Mugetsu gave me, it seemed that it passed down to my physical form. I was able to adapt to Kenpachi's strength and forced myself to use mine as well. The fight with Mugetsu helped me understand that I didn't need to hold back anymore against opponents like this, and to unleash the strength that I've been suppressing unintentionally. I continued to slash and hack with precision while keeping up with Kenpachi's strength. My large blade clanged against his chipped one. Beads of sweat dripped down my body, but I pressed on. After one final hit, both of us were blown back for some reason.

It seemed that the energy we were trading between hits was too much for both of our blades that it created an explosion to separate the tension.

My eyes narrowed. I didn't know what this brute of a captain was planning but I didn't wanna take any chances. The madman kept on smiling.

"You've managed to keep up with me at a game of strength, eh? Well, let's keep going, this is just the start and I'm finally starting to have some fun"

Kenpachi launched himself onto me and crashed into my blade. I pressed forward to hold him back, but I could feel my feet still sliding onto the floor. I guess it couldn't be helped. Using Shun-So-Hi, I gained more distance from him before using that momentum to propel myself back. This time, I was able to make him stumble a bit. It was a start.

I collided with Kenpachi multiple times, now adding both strength and speed into the mix for an edge in this battle. It seemed to be working since I had the upper hand for a few minutes. After a while, I felt as if I've gotten used to fighting like this; the new strength being a major help in this. I forced myself to use it to its full extent. My arms were beginning to burn with how much I've used it, and my legs were becoming tired, but I dismissed it. Exhaustion was unnecessary until I landed a cut on him. Just one cut.

Clutching my Zanpakuto tightly, I focused all my energy on the edges of the blade and imagined that I was sharpening it. If I wanted to land a cut, I needed to sharpen my blade with Spiritual energy to add some extra damage. Using my new knowledge of reishi and Spiritual energy, I decided to use my ability to control it and create a strategy.

All it takes is one strike, and one strike is what I'll do. I gathered the reishi in the air to place it inside of my blade. Closing my eyes, I kept striking until I felt just one slight mistake or lack of defense.

There, I felt it. It was like the whole world had slowed down as I was getting ready to cut him down. With the energy I harnessed, I drove myself to strike downwards with all my strength. I appeared behind him, confused about whether I hit him or not.

SPURT!

I turned around to see Kenpachi's blood spraying in the air, the red liquid dropping onto the dirt floor. I did it. I landed a hit on Kenpachi for the first time. And it seemed like a fatal hit since that amount of blood was...was...

"Congratulations, Kazui. You finally sliced my chest after minutes of fighting. I have to admit, you are a fine fighter", Kenpachi slowly turned around and looked directly into my eyes with a manic expression, not minding the blood dripping down from the cut of his chest, "But you haven't brought me down to a knee yet"

"Impossible. How strong are you?"

"I've been holding back this whole time. But I'll let out a little more power so that I can have even more fun"

Kenpachi reached towards his face, his fingers lingering over his black eyepatch before removing it. A large burst of Spiritual Pressure exploded out of him, shaking the environment around it. Trees were getting blown away, dust and wind blowing around us and eroded the ground under him. I saw the glowing yellow aura swirling and moving erratically, which was his Spiritual Pressure surrounding Kenpachi, making me almost collapse to my knees.

"I had the Department of Research and Development make these things for me so that it can reduce my Spiritual Energy. And this is how I enjoy longer battles. But now this is the time that the battle is over"

He was extremely powerful, and like he said, this was only just a part of his full power. But if he was holding back a little, then so was I. The base strength that I used amplified by the extra spiritual energy, pressure, and reishi was just the beginning of my Zanpakuto's power. I haven't used a single Getsuga Tenshou against him since I wanted to test the strength that I've obtained, which was effective. But now it was time to lock in and finally bring Kenpachi down.

I looked at him while also trying to reach out to my Zanpakuto. I needed it to lend me its power and strength; the same power I've used inside the white dimension. Suddenly, while trying to focus my power, I heard a voice inside my thoughts.

I am the final form of Getsuga Tenshou, the ultimate form of utmost destruction. Are you sure that you will be able to hold this power? asked a deep voice.

Yes, I am ready. I'm ready to truly understand my Zanpakuto. To become stronger for not my selfish needs but to protect. I will surpass my enemies. Please, lend me your power.

I respect you, Kazui. I shall lend you my power to your wishes. Abandon your fear. Look forward. Go forward. Never stand still. Retreat and you will age. Hesitate and you will die. Be proud and say my name so everybody will know the power that you wield.

Conquer...

"Conquer..."

Mugetsu

"MUGETSU"