NOVEL NEXT Chapter 18: Chapter 18
In front of the Gate, Uehara Shiroha stood calmly, watching as Madarame Ikkaku and Ayasegawa Yumichika exuded black battle energy, their fighting spirit flaring up.
Yet, instead of showing concern, he suddenly laughed.
"Come on, don't be so serious. It was just a joke." He raised a brow lazily. "So, what do you guys want from me?"
Ikkaku stepped forward, his towering frame radiating oppressive battle intent.
"The original reason?" He sneered. "To beat you up for humiliating that idiot Aramaki Makizō. Thanks to you, he's still lying in the Fourth Division's barracks, crying his eyes out."
But then Ikkaku grinned, eyes filled with raw excitement.
"But honestly? That's just an excuse. A loser like him can only blame himself."
"The real reason," Yumichika interjected smoothly, "is that we want to defeat you—and prove that Captain Zaraki is the strongest."
Ikkaku nodded. "Yeah, by taking down you, the genius of the First Division, we'll show everyone that the Eleventh Division is the true powerhouse of the Gotei 13."
Uehara Shiroha crossed his arms, pretending to ponder seriously.
"I see, I see… But if you're really trying to prove strength, shouldn't you challenge Captain Aizen of the Fifth Division first?"
His tone was casual, but the moment Aizen's name was mentioned, the atmosphere shifted.
"If you manage to defeat him," Uehara continued with an amused smile, "then you can come after me. At that point, I'd believe anything—even if you told me Captain Zaraki plans to lead the Eleventh Division to the moon."
Ikkaku's vein popped on his forehead.
"Bastard, are you saying you're stronger than Captain Zaraki?!"
Enough talk.
With a growl, Ikkaku unsheathed his sword in one swift motion, gripping both the blade and the scabbard.
"Extend—Hōzukimaru!"
A surge of spiritual pressure burst forth, and his katana immediately transformed into a long spear.
However, aside from the change in shape… nothing seemed different.
Watching the scene unfold, Uehara Shiroha couldn't help but smirk inwardly.
Ah, Hōzukimaru… It has to be you.
This poor excuse of a Zanpakutō had been through hell.
First, a rookie Shinigami shattered its Shikai.
Then, in Bankai mode, it just became bigger—only to suffer a permanent durability debuff, making it weaker than before.
Finally, it got completely wrecked by an Espada.
At this point, Uehara seriously wondered:
Did Ikkaku hide his Bankai because he didn't want a promotion… or because he was too embarrassed to show it?
Seeing Uehara Shiroha's silence, Yumichika smirked smugly.
"What's wrong? Scared?"
He placed a hand on his hip, tilting his head with a condescending smile.
"I should remind you—though Ikkaku is only the Third Seat, our Eleventh Division is built for battle."
He flipped his hair dramatically.
"Among officers of the same rank, we dominate."
"Although your beauty isn't far off from mine," he added, feigning sympathy, "a delicate flower like you simply won't last. A shame, really. Such a promising genius—destined to wither away."
And then, as if he had delivered a grand monologue, Yumichika covered his mouth and let out a theatrical laugh.
Ikkaku followed suit, lifting his spear and aiming it at Uehara Shiroha.
"Don't worry, it'll be over soon. Won't take up too much of your time."
Uehara Shiroha smiled faintly.
"Thank you for your consideration."
And with that, he placed his right hand on the hilt of his sword and took a single step forward.
Ikkaku's narrow eyes locked onto Uehara Shiroha.
Here it comes!
But—too slow!
Is this really the genius of the First Division?
Before that thought could fully form, Ikkaku thrust his spear forward, the tip flashing coldly in the light, faster than lightning.
Yumichika smirked.
"Heh, fighting Ikkaku without drawing your sword? Foolish."
However—
Ikkaku's attack stabbed into empty air.
His smirk froze.
Where is he?!
The answer came too late.
By the time Ikkaku noticed—Uehara Shiroha was already behind him.
A fishing rod dangled lazily from his left hand, while his right hand slowly loosened from his sword hilt.
Then, he whispered:
"White Season (Hakuki)—Time Capsule."
Ikkaku is Sealed
Ikkaku felt it instantly.
A bone-chilling cold spread from his feet, racing up his body like wildfire.
When he looked down—his breath caught.
A white pattern had already spread beneath him.
In the blink of an eye—a massive capsule-shaped ice block completely encased him.
Yumichika's jaw dropped.
"…The hell?!"
His usual refined composure shattered.
He looked like a man whose entire worldview had just collapsed.
Meanwhile, Uehara Shiroha casually raised his fishing rod and tapped the frozen Ikkaku's forehead a few times.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
A small notification popped up in his mind.
[Ding! Merit +1!]
Uehara nodded in satisfaction.
"Didn't take too long at all. A real man keeps his promises."
He stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"You know… Buddhism has a saying—'cutting flesh to feed eagles.'"
He glanced at the frozen Ikkaku.
"How about a modern twist? Would you like to 'sacrifice yourself to feed the fish'? I promise instant enlightenment."
When Ikkaku didn't respond—probably because he was frozen solid—Uehara shrugged.
"Silence means consent."
Yumichika, snapping out of his shock, immediately drew his Zanpakutō.
"We were a bit too rude earlier. Now, please, undo your ability."
Uehara tilted his head.
"Oh? But I thought you'd appreciate it. Ikkaku looks way more elegant now."
Before Yumichika could respond, Uehara Shiroha vanished.
And at that exact moment—Ikkaku's ice prison shattered.
Coughing violently, Ikkaku staggered forward, still shaking from the effects.
Through gritted teeth, he muttered:
"…So, the rumors were true."
He clenched his fists.
"This is the White Season."
And just like Captain Zaraki, Uehara Shiroha's Zanpakutō was always in a permanent release state.
Ikkaku had no doubt now.
Uehara never activated a Shikai—yet his sword still exhibited unique abilities.
"…We've been frogs in a well all along." Yumichika muttered bitterly, watching Uehara's retreating figure.
From a distance, Uehara Shiroha chuckled to himself.
Admiration is the feeling farthest from understanding.
At that exact moment, a new presence arrived—
Aizen.
Hearing those words, Aizen's expression subtly shifted.
Moments later, he smiled gently.
"Uehara Shiroha… what just happened here?"
Uehara turned, eyeing the man in the white haori.
…This guy has no nightlife at all.
With an easy grin, he replied:
"Just a friendly spar, Captain Aizen. You're truly dedicated—no wonder the Captain-General chose you."
Aizen smiled warmly.
"No, I was just lucky to be chosen… The future belongs to geniuses like you."
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