BLEACH: SURVIVAL SYSTEM

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As the clash of lightning and fire raged on, the onlookers remained solemn.

"Shunsui, who do you think will win?" Jūshirō Ukitake asked, his gaze fixed on the battle.

"Of course, it will be the Captain-Commander. That much is obvious," Kyoraku Shunsui replied.

"Even after witnessing Akira's strength, do you still believe so?" Ukitake questioned.

Shunsui shook his head. "Akira is powerful, no doubt about that. But he is still far from being on the same level as our teacher."

"Just from sensing their Reiatsu, you can tell, right?" he added.

Ukitake paused for a moment, closing his eyes to feel the spiritual pressure in the air. As realization dawned, he nodded.

"Indeed… Akira's Reiatsu has weakened significantly. No wonder."

After all, Akira had been recklessly unleashing attacks, even managing to suppress Ryūjin Jakka's flames momentarily. Everyone had witnessed it firsthand. However, such an overwhelming offensive output was akin to repeatedly casting high-level Kidō—an immense drain on spiritual energy.

Most present knew they wouldn't have lasted as long. Even Kurotsuchi Mayuri had already analyzed the situation. If it had been him, he would have depleted his spiritual energy long ago.

"In contrast, the Captain-Commander's Reiatsu remains as formidable as ever," Unohana Retsu noted. "That is the difference in experience and endurance."

"In a battle of attrition, Akira stands no chance," Chōjirō Sasakibe added.

Shunsui nodded. "At this point, capturing him shouldn't be difficult."

Although Yamamoto Genryūsai had declared his intent to kill Akira, Shunsui suspected he still harbored a slight inclination to take him alive—after all, those were the orders from Central 46. That was likely why he hadn't used his Bankai yet.

"Yes," Ukitake agreed. "Once Akira's spiritual energy is drained a little more, he won't be able to resist."

Boom—!

As they spoke, lightning and fire clashed violently, triggering a massive explosion. The barrier, which had been gradually repairing itself, was once again riddled with cracks. Gasps spread through the crowd.

"Tsk. Can't relax for a moment, can we?" Shunsui sighed, increasing his spiritual power output to reinforce the barrier.

Inside, Yamamoto Genryūsai stood firm, his expression unwavering.

"Your Reiatsu has weakened considerably. It seems this fight is reaching its conclusion," he declared, his voice carrying an air of finality.

"Akira, I acknowledge your strength—it is no small feat to have battled against me for this long." His eyes narrowed. "But for someone of your caliber to stand against the Gotei 13… how foolish."

With that, Yamamoto raised Ryūjin Jakka, channeling a vast amount of spiritual energy into its blade.

"This ends now—Jōkaku Enjō!"

A towering inferno erupted from the sword, forming an enormous wall of flames that enclosed Akira like a fiery prison. The flames surged like a massive hand, tightening its grip.

If Akira attempted to break through from within, the flames would relentlessly pursue him. Meanwhile, Yamamoto could continue reinforcing the inferno from the outside, ensuring no escape.

It was over.

"Akira has been subdued," Yamamoto announced. "Summon the Onmitsukidō to take him into custody."

In the future, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni used this technique to imprison three of the most powerful enemies: Aizen Sōsuke, Ichimaru Gin, and Tōsen Kaname.

This demonstrates his absolute confidence in Ryūjin Jakka's ability to contain his foes, believing that no force could break through his flames.

Not to mention, the opponent now—who was already exhausted and low on spiritual power!

All the captains breathed a sigh of relief, except for Ichimaru Gin, who frowned slightly.

"Ciee… Lord Aizen… is it really over? No… if it's that man, it wouldn't be so easy…"

No matter how one looked at it, the battle seemed over. But deep down, Ichimaru Gin had a lingering feeling—this opponent wouldn't fall so easily.

"That man… he's more than this!"

Although Gin remained skeptical, the rest of the captains believed the fight was settled.

"He was strong… if not for his reckless use of spiritual power, it wouldn't have been this easy to capture him."

"Who would argue with that? But if he hadn't fought so desperately, would he have been able to stand against the Head Captain at all?"

Listening to the murmurs of his fellow captains, Komamura Sajin snorted.

"Regardless, the sinner is finally vanquished. Aizen and Tōsen can rest in peace!"

"Wait! Don't lower the barrier!"

Suddenly, Yamamoto's eyes widened, and he shouted.

"What…?!"

The captains were stunned as they saw Yamamoto unsheathe Ryūjin Jakka again, reactivating his Shikai and pouring even more spiritual power into it.

"What's happening?! Why is he reinforcing the flames?"

The captains could only stare in confusion as Yamamoto's expression grew darker.

"No… this can't be…!"

Sweat dripped from the Head Captain's forehead. His teeth clenched, his face filled with shock.

"I can't hold it any longer—!"

Before the others could even ask what was happening, the truth unfolded before their eyes.

The towering inferno of Jokaku Enjō—the burning prison—was collapsing. Despite Yamamoto continuously reinforcing it with spiritual power, the flames were shrinking at an alarming rate!

Under the horrified gazes of the captains, the firestorm rapidly compressed into a small vortex—until, impossibly, it was devoured by the very enemy they thought had been defeated!

"What?!"

"This—this is impossible!"

"What kind of power is this?!"

The captains were in utter disbelief.

Had he just… eaten Yamamoto's flames?!

The opponent licked his lips, a smirk forming.

"The taste isn't bad. Thanks for the meal."

This was no ordinary ability—it was the ultimate magic he had acquired: the power to consume and assimilate flames.

Dragon Slayer Magic—Fire Dragon Mode!

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