Despite not being directly under Shiraha's gravity field, both Kuchiki Silver Ridge and Byakuya Kuchiki still remained under the heavy pressure of the lingering tenfold gravity.
"Grandfather, Shiraha's Reiatsu just surged again," Byakuya said, narrowing his eyes, his voice edged with disbelief.
"I noticed," Silver Ridge replied with a glint in his eyes, unable to fully explain the abrupt increase. He could only speculate the sudden boost was somehow linked to Shiraha's Zanpakutō, the only variable that might account for such a drastic change in power.
In a blur of Shunpo, Shiraha appeared in front of Ichimaru Gin, his right arm already cloaked in Armament Haki. With a sharp arc, he brought his staff-sword down in a powerful slash. Though rooted in place by the crushing fifteenfold gravity, Ichimaru Gin still managed to intercept the blow with Shinsō, his Zanpakutō.
A metallic crash rang out as steel met steel, but Ichimaru Gin staggered, eyes narrowing. The impact sent a pulse of force through Shinsō and into his body—Shiraha had channeled gravity through the clash itself. The ground beneath Gin gave way, cratering from the force concentrated in that single exchange.
Under the immense pressure, Gin's body trembled slightly, held in place only by his vast Reiatsu. He couldn't budge.
Shiraha smiled faintly, sensing the shift in the momentum. "It seems Captain Ichimaru Gin can't move," he thought. "I have to capitalize on this opening."
Without hesitation, he launched a flurry of slashes, each strike amplified by the Haki wrapped around his blade. Gin, pinned where he stood, parried as best he could, but even his swift reflexes couldn't block every blow. A few strikes tore through his white captain's haori, slashing open shallow cuts that began to bleed across his body.
Blood dripped from Gin's shoulder where a precise strike had nearly broken through. With each hit, Shiraha's momentum surged. Their weapons clashed again and again, sparks erupting with each strike, until one collision rang louder than the others. Shiraha followed through with a fluid whip-kick, his leg also encased in hardened Haki, and drove it into Gin's midsection.
The impact launched Gin like a bullet, sending him crashing through stone and debris before skidding across the dirt. He rebounded using Shunpo, flickering back to his feet, panting as he steadied himself. Blood stained his mouth, and his grip on Shinsō trembled.
"Your strength is formidable, Shiraha-kun," Gin said with that familiar, enigmatic smile, even as fatigue edged into his voice.
Before Shiraha could press the assault, Gin raised a hand. "That's enough. No more fighting. I surrender."
He sheathed Shinsō, signaling the end of the duel.
Kuchiki Silver Ridge's laughter echoed from afar. "Byakuya, you saw that? Shiraha won."
Byakuya remained composed, arms folded. "Captain Gin didn't use Bankai."
The old man shot him a glare.
"…Still, considering Shiraha just awakened his Zanpakutō, defeating a captain—even one holding back—is impressive," Byakuya admitted after a pause.
He couldn't deny the truth. His brother had grown far beyond expectations.
Shiraha, withdrawing his blade, dispersed the gravity field. "Captain Gin, thank you for the guidance."
The system voice echoed in Shiraha's mind.
[Sign-in complete. Reward acquired: Fujitora's Template Progress +10%. Total Progress: 30%.]
[Abilities: Advanced Observation Haki | Intermediate Armament Haki | Gravity Fruit (Intermediate) – Allows control of up to 15x gravity within a 5km radius; gravity can be applied to weapons, used in swordplay, or transmitted through physical contact to heavily suppress enemies.]
Power surged through him. His Reiatsu spiked again—denser, deeper, more oppressive.
Gin blinked, visibly unsettled. "How is it possible… his spiritual pressure increased again?"
"Now then," Shiraha said, calmly stepping forward, "I think it's my turn to get serious."
He lifted his staff-sword, and with a slight gesture, increased the gravity surrounding Gin from fifteenfold to its maximum. The ground shattered beneath Gin's feet. His body sagged from the renewed pressure, unable to shift, every muscle resisting collapse under the force.
Shiraha enveloped both his sword and arm in Armament Haki, now reinforced by the boost from his evolving template. Each movement was precise, his spiritual power crisp and honed.
Gin dug his heels into the ground, sinking deeper as he struggled against the gravity. Though his Reiatsu shielded his internal organs from the worst of the pressure, the sheer weight was suffocating.
Even Gin—a captain famed for his deadly speed and sharp instincts—was now completely immobilized.
Still, Shiraha didn't strike.
Instead, he eased his stance, releasing the gravity with a casual flick of his fingers.
Gin gasped softly as the crushing weight vanished.
"You're stronger than I expected, Shiraha-kun," he said, massaging his arm and smiling. "With such power, you should consider joining Seireitei now. The Third Division would be lucky to have you."
"I appreciate the offer, Captain," Shiraha replied politely, "but I plan to enroll in the Spiritual Arts Academy first. I'll think about divisions after I graduate."
There was no way he'd willingly join Aizen's division, not with the knowledge he carried.
Gin's smile deepened. "Ah, what a pity. But do remember—our Third Division has its doors open for you. I'll be waiting."