Chapter 126: Chapter 89.2: Infiltrating the Soul Society
In the past, Chu Yang would have avoided him.
But with Observation Haki functional here, Chu Yang was inclined to confront Gin, seeing it as a chance to showcase his abilities.
However, knowing Gin's character, he likely wouldn't go all out against a mere intruder. He wouldn't release his Bankai in a fight with Chu Yang.
Chu Yang didn't intend to escalate the fight that far.
If he could stall Gin long enough and demonstrate his potential, Captain-Commander Yamamoto might just approve Chu Yang's entry into the Shinigami ranks.
Gin's Zanpakutō, Shinso, could rapidly extend in an instant.
So long as he refrained from Bankai, Chu Yang was confident in dodging Shinso's attacks with Observation Haki.
In its Shikai state, Shinso could extend up to 100 times its length with incredible force, able to pierce any defense.
Objectively, Shinso was more akin to a sniper rifle, capable of striking targets from a distance with pinpoint precision.
Perhaps a more fitting name would be "Barrett."
In Bankai, the sword's reach and speed would increase dramatically.
The immense speed generated such force that Shinso could cleave through nearly anything.
What made it most lethal was its ability to release a potent toxin that dissolved cells upon striking.
Even Aizen, hailed as the most formidable Shinigami, nearly fell to Gin's Bankai due to a moment of carelessness.
Were it not for the Hogyoku's regenerative powers, he would have met his end.
Such was the strength of Gin's Shinso.
Yet, despite its power, Shinso had a critical flaw.
As a purely offensive-type Zanpakutō, Shinso's attacks were straightforward and forceful.
If one could anticipate its moves, they could dodge it.
At least in its Shikai form, Chu Yang, with his Observation Haki, felt confident in evading Shinso's attacks.
Even if he slipped up, he'd be fine—his physical resilience, combined with Armament Haki, Lightning Release Armor, Sage Mode, and other enhancements, meant that he could endure Shinso's strikes without sustaining serious injury.
With his powerful life force, Chu Yang could regenerate from any wounds inflicted during the battle.
As a certain shield-loving character would say, "I can keep this up all day!"
In a flash, Jidanbō was defeated by Ichigo, quicker than anyone expected.
Humiliated, Jidanbō began to cry, and Ichigo's attempts to comfort him only hurt him more deeply, causing his tears to flow faster.
"We're in a bit of a hurry—could you open the gate and cry later?" Chu Yang suggested kindly.
"You really are heartless," Jidanbō said with a hurt look, but then lifted the gate to let them in.
However, they didn't notice someone approaching from the other side.
"Sorry, but you won't be passing through today. You'd best turn back."
Gin Ichimaru, with his white hair and ever-smiling eyes, stood on the other side of the gate. Drawing his Zanpakutō, he unleashed a flash of light, wounding Jidanbō.
The giant dropped to one knee in pain but kept holding the gate.
"You're a disgrace," Gin said coldly. "Failing to fend off a few intruders. This is your punishment for not guarding the Hakutou Gate properly."
Ichigo, furious, was about to strike when Yoruichi held him back.
"This man is a captain, a high-ranking Shinigami. You're no match for him. We should regroup and plan."
But Ichigo ignored her, charging at Gin with Zangetsu raised.
He attacked, but Gin easily parried him.
With a slight smile, Gin unleashed Shinso, the blade extending like a white flash and sending Ichigo flying, knocking Jidanbō aside as well.
In that moment, Chu Yang stepped up, holding the gate open, and shouted, "Now's your chance—go through!"
The others rushed through the gate, and Ichigo quickly followed after getting back on his feet.
Gin, surprised, remarked, "Strong enough to hold the gate open, are you?"
He then attacked Chu Yang, sending Shinso's blade hurtling toward him.
But as Chu Yang was holding the gate, there was no way for him to dodge.
In a split second, the blade struck him, sending dust and debris flying.
The group paused, anxiously looking back.
When the dust cleared, Chu Yang was still standing beneath the gate, lightning crackling over his body like a god of thunder.
"He withstood it?"
Gin and Yoruichi both wore shocked expressions, knowing well the power of Shinso.
Seeing that Chu Yang was unharmed, Ichigo and the others charged forward.
But in quick succession, Shinso's light knocked each of them back.
"I told you it's pointless!" Yoruichi shouted.
Unable to break Gin's blockade, Chu Yang saw no reason to keep holding the gate. Releasing it, he stepped into Seireitei alone as Ichigo called after him.
Gin Ichimaru squinted his eyes, saying, "I believe I mentioned that you wouldn't get through here…"
Chu Yang grinned. "If you've got the skills, why don't you try to knock me out?"
"I could keep this up with you all day."
Looking at Chu Yang, whose body was crackling with lightning, Gin's curiosity was piqued. "A Fullbringer? I'm curious to know what kind of ability could withstand my attacks..."
"You want to know?" Chu Yang stretched a bit, his eyes locking onto Gin's Zanpakutō, then smiled. "Beat me, and I'll tell you."
"Tsk, tsk…" Gin shook his head slowly, smiling faintly. "I think you're mistaken. I wasn't even using a tenth of my strength in that last attack. If I go all out, you'll turn to dust in an instant."
Chu Yang beckoned him with a finger. "Then bring it on."
As soon as he finished speaking, Shinso transformed into a streak of white light, lunging towards Chu Yang with lightning speed.
A glint of coldness flashed in Gin's eyes as he applied about 30% of his power, sending Shinso's speed to five times what it was before. No way this arrogant Ryoka could dodge.
He waited, expecting the sight of Chu Yang being torn apart.
Yet, just as Shinso extended, Chu Yang vanished from sight in front of Gin. The seemingly inevitable strike of Shinso pierced only empty air, and Gin's usual smile vanished.
"Such fast Shunpo(Flash Steps)… faster than most Soul Reapers in the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. Where'd you learn that?"
Gin's curiosity about this young man only deepened.
Chu Yang chuckled lightly. "Same as before—beat me, and I'll tell you."
The smile on Gin's face shifted, a sure sign to those who knew him that he was getting annoyed.
"You don't seem like some random weakling, so I suppose I'll take this more seriously."
Gin's Shinso blurred, the blade transforming into countless streaks of light that shot towards Chu Yang, creating cracks in the nearby walls and ground with each thrust.
It was like a Barrett M82 machine gun; the thought of it made one's scalp tingle.
To handle such a relentless assault, Chu Yang fully activated his Observation Haki, constantly predicting the direction of each strike while using Shunpo to dodge.
After ten seconds, Gin stopped, his squinted eyes widening slightly in surprise. Chu Yang had dodged every single thrust, as if he had foreseen Gin's moves.
"This guy… he's no ordinary Ryoka..."
Frowning, Gin asked, "Who are you, exactly?"
Chu Yang laughed. "You can call me Yang. I'm a freshman at Karakura First High School, top of my class, by the way."
Gin paused, his expression turning peculiar. "What kind of nonsense is that? I asked where you learned Shunpo!"
Chu Yang rubbed his chin thoughtfully, answering, "A shady-looking owner of a general store…"
Hearing this, Gin's eye twitched twice, and he took a deep breath, restraining his smile as he glared coldly. "It seems you're not going to be honest. If you end up dead, don't blame me."
Chu Yang shrugged. "I'm being truthful—you're just really stubborn."
Without further words, Gin unleashed Shinso's power at full strength, moving so fast it was nearly invisible. The impact was worlds apart from before.
Feeling immense pressure, Chu Yang stopped holding back as well.
With the support of Armament Haki and the Lightning Release Armor, he entered Sage Mode.
Surrounded by dazzling lightning, Chu Yang looked like a deity.
In an instant, Shinso struck hundreds of times.
Only once did it actually hit Chu Yang, and even then, he took it head-on without flinching.
Gin's face remained expressionless, though his mind was startled by Chu Yang's resilience.
Chu Yang didn't just stand still; he constantly shifted his position, staying just out of Shinso's maximum range to avoid most of the attacks.
Had he stayed too close, it would've been much harder to evade.
As the two moved, the battlefield shifted, affecting many areas within the Seireitei and drawing a crowd.
Many Soul Reapers (Shinigami) gathered, including some Captains.
A Ryoka who had trespassed into the Soul Society and could hold his own against the Third Division Captain was both astonishing and intriguing.
When Gin realized it would be hard to take Chu Yang down quickly, his expression soured.