Tobiume, a fire-type Zanpakutō, could unleash fireballs that created storms and explosions, devastating its enemies.
When Momo Hinamori used this technique, even those on the viewing platform could feel the intense heatwaves.
"Is it going to hit?!"
"There's a chance!!"
The squad members watched intently, their expressions tense.
But at that moment, Shigure simply raised his hand.
Bang!
The crimson fire lines binding his body snapped instantly. Without even turning around, he delivered a backward elbow strike.
Hakuda Counter Technique, Form One: Inch Rebound!
Boom!
From his left elbow, a violent storm burst forth, directly detonating the three fireballs in mid-air!
However, the resulting explosion did not affect Shigure, who was standing nearby. Instead, the shockwave surged toward Momo Hinamori.
Her pupils shrank in alarm, and the surrounding squad members were equally shocked.
What?!
He actually used Hakuda to counter a Zanpakutō attack?!
But by now, the scorching shockwave was already upon her. Momo Hinamori had no choice but to react quickly. She thrust her palm forward and shouted:
"Bakudō #39: Enkosen!"
Zing!
A translucent, water-blue shield instantly unfolded in front of her.
Logically, this shield should have been sufficient to block the shockwave.
But she hadn't anticipated that within the shockwave was a concentrated core of destructive force—the very essence of Shigure's elbow strike!
Crash!
The Enkosen shield shattered instantly. Momo Hinamori gasped, hurriedly raising Tobiume to shield herself, narrowly avoiding direct injury.
Even so, the sheer impact sent her flying!
She felt a dull pain in her chest but pushed it aside. All she knew was that she couldn't give up—not when this was her chance to stay by Captain Aizen's side!
Quickly regaining her footing, she extended one hand forward and shouted:
"Bakudō #21: Sekienton!"
As her voice fell, crimson smoke billowed from her palm, engulfing the entire training ground and obscuring both combatants.
Within the smoke, a bright orange flame suddenly lit up, hurtling toward Shigure's direction.
Someone in the audience immediately recognized it.
"Hadō #32: Ōkasen!"
At that moment, they also realized Momo Hinamori's strategy.
In a head-on battle, her strength was far inferior to Shigure's. Thus, she relied on her proficiency in Kidō, using the smoke from Sekienton to conceal her movements and launch surprise attacks!
Following this, she unleashed a series of Hadō spells with suppressive effects, such as Shakkahō and Tsuzuri Raiden.
But then, a sudden sound echoed from the training ground—a single, sharp thud.
Instantly, all other noises ceased.
No one could tell what had happened, as everything was hidden within the smoke.
The training ground fell into an eerie silence.
Moments later, the smoke began to dissipate, revealing the scene within.
When they finally saw what had happened, every member of the Fifth Division froze in shock.
A chill seemed to creep up their spines.
Momo Hinamori was standing behind Shigure, clearly having attempted an attack amidst the confusion of her Kidō barrage.
But her Zanpakutō, mid-swing, had stopped just three inches from Shigure's back.
It was blocked.
Not by another weapon, but by Shigure's finger.
With just his index finger, Shigure had stopped the blade entirely, preventing it from moving even a fraction further.
Momo Hinamori's pupils contracted sharply, her body frozen in place.
Shigure smiled calmly and said, "Did you really think that releasing your Zanpakutō and using flashy Kidō techniques could bridge the gap between your strength and mine?"
Hearing this, Momo Hinamori's body trembled. She glared at him with frustration and shouted, "Why?! Why won't you release your Zanpakutō?!"
Shigure didn't answer her. Instead, he turned his gaze toward Aizen Sousuke and asked, "Captain Aizen, do you think this match needs to continue?"
Aizen tilted his head slightly, his expression calm. "It seems, Segawa, that your strength surpasses even my expectations. To condense your spiritual pressure to such an extreme degree at your fingertip to block Tobiume's attack... impressive."
"You flatter me," Shigure replied with a polite nod and smile.
This technique was something he had learned from the manga. It was the same method Aizen had used to block Ichigo Kurosaki'sTensa Zangetsu.
Aizen stepped down from the viewing platform, slowly walking over to Momo Hinamori. After a moment of silence, he said softly, "That's enough, Hinamori. There's no need to continue."
Hearing this, Momo Hinamori's body stiffened. She turned her head mechanically, her voice trembling. "B-But... Captain Aizen..."
Tears glistened faintly in her eyes.
Aizen smiled gently, placing a hand on her head. "You've done well, Hinamori. But Segawa is the victor."
At these words, Momo Hinamori bit her lip and lowered her head.
Aizen continued, "However, since Segawa has only just joined the division and is unfamiliar with many of its responsibilities, he will take over the title of lieutenant, while you, Hinamori, will serve as Third Seat and continue managing the division's affairs."
"What?!"
Momo Hinamori looked up sharply, her expression shifting to one of surprise. Seeing Aizen's smile, she immediately responded with excitement, "Yes, Captain Aizen!"
Aizen then turned to Shigure, smiling as he asked, "What do you think of this arrangement, Segawa?"
Shigure bowed slightly, smiling. "Your arrangement is perfect."
As expected, Aizen would never easily discard Momo Hinamori, his loyal pawn.
In name, Shigure had indeed claimed the position of lieutenant. However, the actual duties of the role would still fall to Momo Hinamori.
But this outcome was precisely what Shigure had hoped for!
The whole pretense of his calligraphy skills was a lie. He had no intention of staying by Aizen's side for long, nor did he want to take on the responsibilities of a lieutenant.
His true goal had always been to complete his mission.
And now, the time had come.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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