Chapter 6: The Soul Society
Byakuya picked up his sword from the floor, and Baki allowed him to do so, ensuring the fight remained as competitive as possible. The night air hung heavy with unspoken words as they stood in silence, each wordlessly provoking the other. Their gazes remained locked in a quiet struggle beneath the starlit sky, the intensity of their silent confrontation adding to the charged atmosphere.
Amidst the charged atmosphere, Baki's clenched fist cut through the night air as he lunged towards Byakuya. His punch aimed at Byakuya was met with the swift resistance of a sword, the clash echoing the unresolved tension between them. The struggle intensified as Baki, fueled by the unspoken conflict, pushed his fist against the blade, momentarily overpowering Byakuya. With a strategic retreat, Baki swiftly retracted his arm and delivered a forceful kick to Byakuya's temple, sending him sprawling into the unforgiving embrace of the wall.
"What's the matter, struggling to keep up?" Baki taunted. Byakuya, growing impatient, uttered, "Scatter Senbonzakura." His blade transformed into delicate pink petals resembling those of a sakura tree, engulfing Baki, who stood grinning with arms outstretched, welcoming the impending attack.
As the petals struck Baki, he remained unfazed, a grin stretching from ear to ear. Onlookers were captivated by the unfolding spectacle, unable to tear their eyes away. The tension escalated with each passing moment, amplified by a chilling wind that tousled both Byakuya and Baki's hair.
Amidst the petal swarm closing in on a now-bleeding Baki, he abruptly appeared before Byakuya with swift precision. With a surge of ferocity, Baki seized Byakuya's face, his fingers digging into the skin, and mercilessly slammed him into the wall. The repetitive impact echoed through the night, each collision intensifying the brutality of the assault. Byakuya, caught off guard, struggled against the relentless force, his body subjected to the unforgiving wall, while the onlookers, including Renji and Rukia, could only watch in horrified disbelief. "CAPTAIN" Renji yelled, adding to the already present chaos. The air crackled with tension as the chaotic scene unfolded beneath the starlit sky, marking a pivotal moment in the relentless battle.
Ignoring the pleas from onlookers, Baki seized Byakuya's hair, taunting him. Though bloodied, Byakuya's determination remained evident. Baki, irritated by the interruptions from Renji, turned to Ichigo, remarking, "Even if he broke your sword, your blade is still long enough to finish the job." Baki prepared for a final strike, raising his leg for an axe kick to end the confrontation.
However, a mysterious figure with silver hair and slanted eyes intervened, blocking Baki's leg with a swift move. The man ordered, "Shoot him dead, Shinsou," sending his blade flying towards Baki. Baki, caught off guard, managed to defend against the attack, but the force pushed him back.
The man's arrival had been meticulously planned. He had already instructed Renji to prepare for opening the Senkaimon, ensuring a swift escape. Prior to that, he efficiently dealt with Ichigo, who now lay unconscious on the floor, a testament to his strategic prowess.
As the Senkaimon began to open, creating a gateway for the departing Soul Reapers, Baki seized a last-ditch opportunity. In a daring move, he leaped into the closing portal, disappearing with the group. The battleground, now devoid of combatants, echoed with the residual intensity of the fierce confrontation under the watchful gaze of the starlit night. just before it closed, disappearing with the Soul Reapers.
As Baki emerged from the Senkaimon gate, the transition was marked by an immediate shift in the atmosphere. The fresh air that greeted him was not just a mere inhalation; it was an infusion of spiritual energy that filled his senses. Each breath carried the essence of the Soul Society, a tangible manifestation of the realm he had just entered.
The air, crisp and charged, resonated with the unmistakable presence of spiritual entities. It was as if every molecule held a trace of the profound energy that permeated the Seireitei. Baki couldn't help but feel invigorated, as if the very air he breathed resonated with the unique spiritual nature of the Soul Society.
As Baki acclimated to his surroundings, the silver-haired man, looked back to see what followed them through the gate, his expression shifting to one of deep concern. "What even are you?!" the man scowled, frustrated. Baki let out a deep breath before saying, "That's not very kind, neither is the fact that you left in the middle of our battle." The silver-haired man seemed astonished. This muscular figure wasn't here to rescue Rukia; he was more concerned with fighting, the man thought to himself.
"My name is Gin Ichimaru, it's a pleasure," he responded after having calmed down. Baki smiled and suggested, "Well, Gin, why don't we continue our battle?" However, Gin responded, "That isn't possible right now; you see, these two are in urgent condition, and this one is a prisoner of ours. First, I need to deal with them," all while wearing a smile of his own.
Baki wasn't elated to hear Gin attempt to dodge another one of his challenges. However, he was patient enough to wait; after all, he had spent most of his days doing nothing recently. Besides, he had new surroundings he could explore in the meantime. "Fine, I'll go explore this place then. Maybe I'll find someone that could provide me with some fun," Baki said after deep contemplation.
However, Gin wasn't too happy hearing this. He couldn't have an intruder running around. "Why don't you stay put for a while? We will send someone over that would provide you enough enter—" Before Gin could finish, Baki jumped down and began roaming the streets of the Seireitei. Gin cursed before mumbling to himself, "He is too much of an anomaly. He isn't good for Lord Aizen's plans." Gin took off with Rukia and the wounded still in his arms, Renji followed along.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone