Chapter 102: Incomplete State

“Next time, don’t make me do such a troublesome task…”

The atmosphere between the two had been very heavy, but amidst this tension, a voice emerged from Chōjirō’s Shihakushō that clearly annoyed him greatly.

“You still have the nerve to complain? It’s all because of your invention, that so-called Modified Limited Spirit Seal, that things have become such a hassle.”

Chōjirō pulled out the communicator from his pocket and retorted without courtesy.

The inventor of the Modified Limited Spirit Seal was none other than the current head of the Technical Development Bureau, Nemu Kurotsuchi.

“You’re still the same as always—a truly unpleasant man…”

The sticky voice from the communicator scolded the ancient Soul Reaper, who had lived for over a thousand years, without holding back.

“If it weren’t for the captain’s request, I wouldn’t have bothered inventing such a thing just for you. Also, your seal release application must be personally approved by the captain and then executed by me. Looks like I’ll have to improve it a bit more next time.”

“Go to hell.”

The Modified Limited Spirit Seal, customized for Chōjirō, was already troublesome enough. Who knew what kind of perverse modifications that mad scientist might add next time.

Chōjirō immediately shut off the communicator and tucked it away, focusing again on his opponent.

“Apologies, a noisy fellow just now delayed me a bit.”

“…You seem to have a method over there to seal power effectively.”

“I thought Aizen would have told you.”

Sal Apollyo smiled, though the grin looked forced.

Judging by the spiritual pressure he had just unleashed to instantly kill five long worms, this man’s strength exceeded that of a captain.

Without the laboratory’s support, dealing with him might be quite difficult...

“…”

Chōjirō opened his robe and looked at the spirit seal imprinted on his chest. Unlike the others who only had their squad insignia stamped there, his Modified Limited Spirit Seal was unique not only in effect but also in appearance: the insignia of the First Division—a sunflower—was enclosed within a perfect circle, which was bisected by a horizontal line.

Originally jet black, about two-fifths of the seal had now turned white.

“Only released two-fifths… Genryūsai-sama really is…”

Fortunately, Sal Apollyo was unaware that this represented only about one-third of Chōjirō’s power. Otherwise, he might have immediately opened his black cavity and turned to leave.

“Hmph…”

Raising his Zanpakutō, Chōjirō traced a white streak in the air.

“Then I’ll make the first move!”

A white spear shot rapidly toward Chōjirō. However, now partially freed, Chōjirō did not dodge as before but caught the spear in his hand.

“If you’re still using the old tricks, I suggest you change it.”

“Indeed, it’s the old, old, old trick…”

“Roar!”

The tail of the white spear suddenly transformed into a long worm’s head, snapping viciously at Chōjirō’s face from mere inches away.

“Boom!”

The worm’s head exploded suddenly, and its half-limp body collapsed softly.

Discarding the spear, Chōjirō lowered his sword held in reverse grip and extended his right index finger.

‘Injecting my spiritual pressure through my finger into the body of the Reigo worm, causing it to explode internally from being unable to withstand the overwhelming pressure…’

Sal Apollyo frowned upon witnessing Chōjirō’s move. As a scientist, this was the first time something outside his experiments had proven troublesome.

‘But the Reigo worm’s body has been specially modified by me. Normal spiritual pressure from a lieutenant commander isn’t enough to affect it…’

“I’m somewhat interested in you. You might make a fine experimental subject.”

“I’m not interested in modifications…”

Suddenly appearing before Sal Apollyo, Chōjirō swung his Zanpakutō directly toward his head.

“!”

A shadow blocked the strike, and Sal Apollyo, sensing danger, immediately recoiled, but the blade still left a small scratch on his body.

“As expected of the Eighth Division—you can dodge even this?”

“Truly troublesome…”

Steadying himself, Sal Apollyo suddenly struck out a palm toward Chōjirō. Six slender white figures shot out from his arm, rushing at Chōjirō.

“Shh!”

Chōjirō stepped back slightly and slashed one of the white shadows apart. But the severed shadow split into two, maintaining its speed and charging again.

“…”

Using Shunpo, Chōjirō quickly moved out of their range and extended his hand to test the waters.

“Bang!”

A gigantic fireball surged toward the white figures—the Soul Reapers’ signature Scarlet Flame Cannon.

“Shriek!”

The white figures screamed simultaneously, intertwining like twisted ropes before being hit squarely by the fireball.

Yet, the expected explosion never came. The fireball seemed to strike the sea itself, gradually being absorbed into the white forms.

“!”

This caught Chōjirō off guard; he stared blankly at the white shapes before him.

“Gah…boom…ugh…”

The intertwined white forms, having absorbed the fireball, rapidly swollen into a strange mass of flesh. From this blob, five branches extended, gradually transforming until the bizarre giant mass became a massive white creature resembling a colossal phantom.

“What is this…”

Frowning, Chōjirō observed the strange entity capable of absorbing Kidō.

“Quite a pity, Soul Reaper.”

Sal Apollyo shrugged, looking smug and proud.

“I originally intended to have you absorbed; that would have significantly increased the power of this modified spiritual weapon.”

He was clearly proud of his creation.

“It will continuously absorb any Kidō or lightning you emit. The more it absorbs, the stronger it becomes. You might as well surrender now.”

Pointing a slender finger at Chōjirō, Sal Apollyo narrowed his eyes.

“Up, Faisaros.”

“Gugagaah!”

The creature named Faisaros let out a strange roar, then, moving at a speed completely incongruous with its massive size, lunged toward the tiny figure of Chōjirō.

“I see…”

“!!”

“Shiiiii!”

Holding his Zanpakutō, Chōjirō gracefully pierced through Faisaros’s body and spoke calmly.

“It’s surprising it can absorb Kidō and such, but…”

“Shkrrk…”

The giant white figure split neatly down the middle behind Chōjirō and toppled to both sides.

“It’s not really troublesome to deal with.”

“…You insolent fellow…”