https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-370-Winterlion-I-ve-Seen-Through-Your-Weakness-/12944077/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-372-Emptied-Out-So-Give-the-Kidney-a-Slice-/12944083/
Chapter 371: You've Grown Stronger, Toshiro
Chapter 371: You've Grown Stronger, Toshiro
Having exited his Bankai, Toshiro may still have some fight left in him, but if Night City hadn't fallen, it was clear he had no chance of victory. So, at this moment, Toshiro's face was filled with tension as he gazed at the iceberg before him.
"Shunpu!"
But he didn't have to wait long. Accompanying the constant tremors in the iceberg, the frost layer began to crack like a spider web. The next second, a figure enveloped in Ghost Techniques and aura burst out of the ice.
Watching Night City break through the ice layer and continuously moving his body, emitting the sound of "crack, crack" as his joints flexed, Toshiro couldn't help but let out a bitter smile. "As expected, I can't beat you, this monster..."
Regarding the outcome of this battle, Toshiro accepted his defeat without complaint. After all, he had long understood the capabilities of Night City's Zanpakuto, "Beyond," and had done everything he could.
Even so, he still lost, so he could only blame himself for being too weak and not anyone else.
Knowing Night City's ability with the cursed longsword, Toshiro had been avoiding direct contact with it during the fight. After all, with Night City's swordsmanship, he was easily injured.
And with the curse of the Beyond's shortsword, once injured, he would quickly accumulate negative buffs.
Since his Bankai had a time limit, and Beyond's blessing was suited for a war of attrition, Toshiro had rushed to use his ultimate moves to decide the outcome.
Ice Wheel's weather control, combined with the cold breath to alter the environment and knowledge of his opponent, gave him the advantage.
He had the upper hand in terms of time, location, and people, yet he still lost. What else could he say?
"So now it's 167 battles, 167 losses." Seeing Toshiro's concession, Night City kept a malicious record.
The little brat, who was small in stature but had a big ego, needed to save face. This embarrassing history might come in handy in the future.
As Night City recorded all his losses, Toshiro's expression turned sour. Just as he was about to retort, he found his head being held down by a hand.
Toshiro, with his pride and arrogance, was about to swat away the impolite hand on his head when he heard the other person's voice, which was surprisingly gentle. "You've grown stronger, Toshiro."
Toshiro had indeed become stronger. The previous Night City, even without using his Initial Release, could have easily defeated Toshiro with just unarmed combat and Zan Ken So Kui. But now, it was clear that wasn't the case.
In the previous Millennium Ice Prison, Night City had almost unleashed his full power in Aura Liberation state. Compared to half a year ago, Toshiro had indeed grown significantly.
"Hmph, I just lost this time. Next time, I'll definitely win. Once I completely master my Bankai, I'll quickly turn around these hundred-plus losses!"
Although he had lost the battle, Toshiro wasn't overly disappointed. He could feel that the gap between him and Night City had indeed narrowed.
Before, Night City had pinned him to the ground and rubbed him, but this time, even with his Zanpakuto released, it was just a narrow victory.
The main reason for his loss this time was that he hadn't fully mastered his Bankai yet. Once he could completely control this power, defeating Night City would be as easy as turning his hand.
Of course, if Toshiro had known that Night City still had three layers of Aura seals during their fight, he might not have had such thoughts.
"Night City, what are you up to? I thought you were going to go easy on me?"
You're just like that, letting him win! If Winterlion can't succeed as the 10th Division Captain, then I'll have to keep acting as the Vice-Captain and carry out the Captain's duties!"
Yecheng won the fight, but Luan Ju was far from pleased. As the Captain-Commander and the others approached Winterlion, Luan Ju pulled Yecheng aside and began to vent her frustration.
"The Captain is watching, and they're not fools. How could I possibly throw the fight?
It's better to show our strength than to have them suspect foul play. This way, we might even earn their favor by showcasing Winterlion's abilities."
"Whether Winterlion becomes the 10th Division Captain or not, it's just a nominal issue for you, right? In the past six months, haven't you been doing the work of the 10th Division?"
Upon hearing Luan Ju's words, Yecheng couldn't help but show a look of disdain.
In the past six months, the White Hair Youngster had been completely dominated by the Large Bust Maiden under the guise of "punishment." After being beaten by Yecheng, Winterlion was made to continue doing the work of the 10th Division.
Later, when Winterlion finally mastered Bankai, Luan Ju used the excuse that he would eventually become the 10th Division Captain and had him familiarize himself with the work procedures. Then, she offloaded all the work onto Winterlion.
Speaking of which, Winterlion might even be more familiar with the 10th Division's work procedures than Luan Ju herself. Did he really need to familiarize himself with them? But Luan Ju spoke with such righteousness, and with the Maiden's natural dominance over the Youngster, Winterlion couldn't help but feel that her words made sense. So, he buried his head and continued to toil away...
Of course, Winterlion eventually achieved his wish and became the 10th Division Captain.
Although he failed the Captain Examination, the purpose of the examination was not to win but to assess his potential and qualities as a Captain.
It was evident that during the examination, Winterlion had gained the recognition of most current Captains, including the Captain-Commander, for his response capabilities, overall strength, and innate potential.
Winterlion might not be exceptionally strong at the moment, but the Captains could see that it was only because he had mastered Bankai for a short time. Given time, he would undoubtedly grow into a qualified Shinigami Captain.
And so, the youngest Shinigami Captain in the history of the Soul Society was born.
With the appointment of the 10th Division Captain, a celebration was held in the 10th Division barracks today, and Yecheng was also invited, along with the members of the 10th Division.
The Gotei 13 members performed their duties, and there was a deep barrier between the divisions. Normally, a member of the 13th Division like Yecheng should not have been present at the 10th Division's internal celebration.
However, the 10th Division members showed no surprise or discomfort at Yecheng's appearance. Instead, they warmly welcomed him as soon as he arrived.
Even the Seat Officers of the 10th Division proactively approached Yecheng, putting their arms around his shoulders and expressing their enthusiasm for his presence. They even offered to give up their Third Seat position for Yecheng.
After all, their Third Seat position became vacant when Winterlion became the Captain.
"Brother Yecheng is indeed popular wherever he goes. Someone who doesn't know better might mistake him for a member of the 10th Division."
Just as Yecheng was chatting and joking with the 10th Division Seat Officers, a soft female voice suddenly appeared behind him.
(End of Chapter)
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