Bleach: Threads of Destiny

Chapter 18: Test of Strength



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The Hadō #1: Shō that Aaron had just unleashed was about to hit Unohana Retsu square in the face.

However, a suffocating Reiatsu erupted suddenly!

The overwhelming spiritual pressure not only dissipated the Shō midair but also threw both Aaron and Unohana off their feet and onto the ground. Under the weight of this immense Reiatsu, the two combatants found themselves pinned down.

Both looked toward the source of the staggering spiritual energy: a burly old man.

The figure wore the standard black shihakushō beneath a white haori, marking him as a Captain. His stern demeanor added weight to the suffocating pressure that radiated from him. Beside him stood a middle-aged man with curly black hair, also clad in the same attire. However, his expression was more playful, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he glanced at Aaron.

"Little brother, we meet again so soon! Haha!" the curly-haired man exclaimed, clearly amused.

Though Unohana did not recognize these men, their uniforms and aura spoke volumes. She could guess their identities.

Aaron, on the other hand, was in a completely different state of mind. He knew exactly who they were, and the memory of his recent encounter with one of them made him grimace.

"Oh! That fight just now was a feast for the eyes! It's been a long time since I've seen such a thrilling battle!" said Ōetsu Nimaiya, his tone lighthearted as he clapped his hands in appreciation.

Before he could continue, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, the old man, turned to give him a piercing glare. Ōetsu sighed dramatically, shrugging with an exaggerated pout.

Yamamoto stepped forward, his voice low but heavy with authority. "You already know why we're here, so I won't waste words.

"One of you is Rukongai's most notorious criminal.

"The other is a Shinigami-killer.

"This old man will personally put an end to you today—to set an example for those who think they can act with impunity."

As he spoke, Yamamoto's Reiatsu flared once more, sharper and heavier than before. His killing intent rolled over the two like a storm.

Despite their mental preparation, both Aaron and Unohana couldn't help but feel the tremors of fear. Even so, their survival instincts screamed louder.

Ōetsu stepped between Yamamoto and the two, raising his arms theatrically. "Hey, hey, old man! You said you'd let them go! What's with the sudden change of heart?"

His interruption earned a silent glare from Yamamoto. Aaron and Unohana exchanged uncertain glances, momentarily dumbfounded. They could sense the truth behind Ōetsu's words: Yamamoto's threat, though terrifying, was merely a test.

"Ōetsu, stand aside!" Yamamoto barked, though his tone carried a note of resignation. Then, clearing his throat, he addressed Aaron and Unohana directly.

"You both show promise. Because of this, I will grant you an opportunity. Prove your strength to me. Use everything you have to attack. If I am satisfied, you will live. Now, come at me together!"

The two Shinigami exchanged a final glance. They had no choice but to comply.

Aaron tightened his grip on the sealed blade in his hand, his energy beginning to coalesce. Beside him, Unohana raised her weapon, assuming a poised and focused stance.

"Let's see what you're capable of!" Yamamoto bellowed, his voice shaking the air as he braced for their assault.

Even with only a fraction of his Reiatsu released, the oppressive atmosphere left Aaron and Unohana gasping for breath.

Aaron dashed forward, his movement enhanced by a rudimentary Shunpo, though his speed barely improved under the suffocating pressure. Unohana followed, her movements slower but precise.

As the two neared Yamamoto, they launched their attack. Aaron thrust his blade forward while simultaneously casting Hadō #1: Shō to disrupt Yamamoto's stance. Unohana's blade came in a calculated arc toward Yamamoto's shoulder.

Clang!

The sound of their weapons colliding against Yamamoto's body echoed like a gong. Their attacks had no effect. The reaction force hurled them backward several meters, leaving them sprawled on the ground.

Aaron groaned as he rose. He had already anticipated this outcome but felt an odd sense of relief. No matter how futile their efforts, it was clear this was a test of potential rather than survival.

He took a deep breath, raising his free hand. "Hadō #61: Rikujōkōrō!" Six rods of light shot forward, aiming to pin Yamamoto in place.

The cage of energy barely materialized before Yamamoto shattered it with a single wave of his hand. "Is this the extent of your ability?" he asked calmly.

Meanwhile, Unohana circled behind Yamamoto, her movements agile and deliberate. Her weapon flashed toward the back of his neck, only for Yamamoto to remain completely unmoving.

Aaron threw his sealed blade into the air, channeling spiritual energy through his fingertips. "Hadō #33: Sōkatsui! Hadō #63: Raikōhō!" He merged multiple Kidō in rapid succession, the amalgamation forming a five-colored beam that roared toward Yamamoto.

Yamamoto raised an eyebrow, momentarily intrigued. This display of combining Kidō was rare, even among seasoned Shinigami. Still, the attack dissipated effortlessly against his Reiatsu.

With a single, measured step forward, Yamamoto released a controlled wave of spiritual energy. The force knocked both Aaron and Unohana to the ground once more.

As they struggled to rise, Yamamoto's stern expression softened ever so slightly. "You are qualified," he said, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

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