Episode 113: Bone

Imperfect Single Bone.

It was the hand-to-hand combat technique Chojiro had developed through a thousand years of tempering and refinement—the one best suited to him.

Calling it “developed” was not entirely accurate. In truth, it was closely connected to Genryusai Yamamoto’s Single Bone and Double Bone.

Yamamoto’s Single Bone was an extremely simple method of combat: relying on sheer strength to crush the enemy’s body with overwhelming force.

Yet such a straightforward method was not something just anyone could accomplish. Chojiro was one of those people.

Suppressing an opponent with absolute physical strength placed extraordinary demands on the body. Without reaching that level, attempting to use a devastating technique like Single Bone would be nothing more than a fool’s dream. Thus, after practicing for nearly half a year without success, Chojiro had no choice but to give up.

He also abandoned another of Yamamoto’s famed hand-to-hand techniques, one as renowned as Single Bone—and even more powerful:

Double Bone.

The technique performed with one hand was called Single Bone. Naturally, the one performed with both hands was called Double Bone.

Double Bone had enough power to defeat Wonderweiss in a single blow, even after he had released into his “Extinguishing Fire Prince” form and gained an astonishing regenerative ability. Its might naturally stood at the very pinnacle of all hand-to-hand combat techniques.

As a transmigrator, Chojiro was not willing to give up on these two alluring techniques so easily. But when faced with the harsh reality of his physical limitations, he had no choice but to seek another path. Thus, Imperfect Single Bone was born.

Unlike Single Bone, which relied on overwhelmingly tyrannical external force to crush an opponent, Chojiro—unable to meet the physical requirements—adopted a different approach. If the enemy could not be destroyed from the outside, then he would begin from within.

By making contact with the opponent’s body through his fist, he injected spiritual pressure into the enemy’s interior, then caused that spiritual pressure to erupt and destroy the body from within, leaving not even a trace behind.

That was the true nature of Imperfect Single Bone.

Chojiro had no idea how much effort he had expended to reach such a level. Yet Yammy, standing before him, had employed the hand-to-hand technique he had created with astonishing ease.

Perhaps because he was not yet fully proficient, Yammy had been unable to unleash the technique’s complete power. Even so, Chojiro could never mistake that familiar sensation.

“You… how could you…”

“Gahahaha, just like he said. You look pretty surprised.”

Yammy did not answer Chojiro’s question. Instead, a malicious smile spread across his face, making his entire appearance seem even more savage.

“He…”

Chojiro carefully savored Yammy’s words, wondering who exactly he meant by “he.”

Someone who had come into contact with him and also understood his Imperfect Single Bone…

“Could it be him?”

After considering those two conditions, the face of a pink-haired man immediately surfaced in Chojiro’s mind.

Szayelaporro.

The only scientist among the Arrancar. If it was him, then implanting Chojiro’s Imperfect Single Bone into Yammy’s regenerated arm would not have been particularly difficult. Yammy clearly had not mastered the technique completely, either. Otherwise, that previous strike would have been enough to shatter his entire arm.

“Gahahaha! It doesn’t matter if you figured it out. Since you know now, that’s even better…”

Yammy raised his regenerated arm and rushed straight toward Chojiro. Then he swung a fist directly at Chojiro’s head.

“Smack.”

Now that he knew Yammy’s arm could use Imperfect Single Bone, Chojiro naturally would not allow that dangerous limb anywhere near a vital area. He seized Yammy’s wrist with one hand and violently flung it aside.

At present, Chojiro possessed only two-fifths of his full strength. That had also been the case when he fought Szayelaporro earlier, meaning that the power of his Imperfect Single Bone was likewise limited to less than two-fifths.

But if Szayelaporro was involved, Chojiro was more inclined to believe that the pervert had amplified the power of his technique. As for how far he had amplified it, that depended entirely on the mood of the madman when he had reattached Yammy’s arm.

He had to sever Yammy’s arm before Yammy could use the technique completely.

Having made up his mind, Chojiro placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. If he wanted to remove his opponent’s arm, a blade would naturally be the best choice.

But the moment his hand touched the hilt, Chojiro unexpectedly hesitated.

Would a sword really be useful?

If he were serious, removing Yammy’s arm with his Zanpakuto would be no difficult task. Yet something within him strongly resisted that method.

He did not want to use his sword.

That was the thought filling his mind.

Slowly, he loosened the hand that had been gripping the hilt. It then dropped limply to his side.

“?”

Seeing Chojiro’s strange action, Yammy could not help raising an eyebrow. What was this guy doing?

Could he use Imperfect Single Bone as well?

Chojiro stared at Yammy with profound intent, making the enormous, hulking man’s hair stand on end.

For years, Chojiro had wanted to find an opponent who could also use Imperfect Single Bone, someone against whom he could test the level he had reached. Unfortunately, Imperfect Single Bone was only marginally less difficult than Single Bone, and nearly every Soul Reaper had instinctively chosen to abandon it.

Now that such a splendid opportunity had appeared before him, how could he possibly let it pass?

“Whew…”

A breeze suddenly swept past, causing Yammy’s eyes to narrow involuntarily. But when he opened them again, Chojiro—who had previously been some distance away—was now only a few centimeters in front of him.

“Boom!”

Chojiro had launched his attack with careful preparation, while Yammy had merely countered on instinct. Their fists collided.

“Ugh…”

“Hmph…”

Both men grunted, then rapidly retreated.

The force of Imperfect Single Bone caused considerable hidden damage to them both. Their arms had not yet been injured, but the burning, stabbing pain radiating through their nerves made them frown.

Chojiro had originally assumed that Yammy simply had not mastered the technique. It seemed he had underestimated him. The force behind that last attack had already reached a certain level. The first time, Yammy must have been holding back.

Imperfect Single Bone against Imperfect Single Bone, with neither side holding the advantage…

Chojiro licked his slightly dry lips, revealing a rare, excited smile. His previously relaxed left hand clenched tightly as well.

“Swish.”

The two figures vanished once more, charging toward each other. The only difference was that Yammy had clenched one fist, while Chojiro had clenched both.

“Whoosh!”

Yammy’s enormous fist came roaring down toward Chojiro. Chojiro, however, did not so much as change expression. He halted and thrust his seemingly frail fists forward to meet it.

“Boneless.”