Bleach: The Strongest Shinigami-Chapter 234 ⥤ If Hashirama Can Do It, Why Can’t I?

Jugram's mood was complex.

The Wandenreich's first expedition after being sealed off for hundreds of years hadn't given him much hope initially. Yet someone had delivered quite a surprise.

Not only did they bring back intelligence from Hueco Mundo, but they even captured one of the highest-ranking Arrancar.

Though Pernida made the decisive move, it was Hashirama who had tied down most of the enemy forces, allowing Pernida to end the battle smoothly.

In Pernida's words, the Vice-Captain was the greatest contributor to this victory. During the retreat, he even used his own flesh and blood to block the mighty technique of Baraggan, the King of Hueco Mundo.

That was an absolute power capable of rotting away everything in existence. Many even saw signs of their Captain's body being corroded.

{T/N: Just to clarify that the MC holds both the Captain and Vice-Captain titles simultaneously, one for his squad and the other for the Sternritter.}

If they hadn't been concerned about staying in Hueco Mundo becoming a burden, they would have surely fought the Hollows to the climax!

"If that's the case, Hashirama..."

Just as Jugram was about to speak, an inhuman cackle echoed from within the Gate of the Sun.

"Kekeke, victorious return, victorious return indeed!"

A figure wrapped in tattered cloth strips burst through the light screen, dropping from the sky like some pervert wearing red underwear on the outside.

"Have you all come to congratulate my vanguard unit on their glorious achievements?" Akira crossed his arms over his chest, exuding an overwhelming presence, "Today we captured that Arrancar, tomorrow we'll defeat the King of Hueco Mundo. Making all of Hueco Mundo my playground is within reach!"

As soon as these words fell, thunderous cheers erupted from below.

"As expected of our Captain!"

"Strong and mighty, strong and mighty!!"

"I was too weak to fight alongside the Captain until the end!"

"After returning, we must train twice as hard, we swear to fulfill the Captain's goals!"

"Captain, we adore you!"

Looking at the chaotic scene below, Jugram rubbed his throbbing temples.

What was with this strange form of address? Wasn't Hashirama just the Vice-Captain?

What exactly happened in Hueco Mundo to make these people so fanatical?

If this continues, the Wandenreich might as well change its name to Tausendreich.

{T/N: This is a pun on Senju (Thousand Hands). The new name would be Thousand Empire.}

At this moment, even someone as slow as Jugram realized Akira's terrifying prestige within the empire.

However, he didn't take it too seriously. As mentioned before, the Quincy's power all came from the slumbering Yhwach. As long as His Majesty remained, the Wandenreich wouldn't turn upside down.

What gave him a headache now was that what had started as a casual remark had led to Akira actually defeating Hueco Mundo and earning great merit for the empire. Now that he had been promoted to Vice-Captain, it was difficult to think of an appropriate reward.

Should he give up the position of Grandmaster of the Sternritter?

"Hoh, could it be that Jugo is worried about what reward to give?" Akira grinned, apparently sensing what was on his mind, "Actually, there's no need to worry about it, just allocate some more training funds and improve the Quincy's meals, that's all."

Jugram pondered for a few seconds, his furrowed brow relaxing somewhat.

"Since that's your request, it shall be granted. Additionally, you may move to the residential area near the First Tower, and when His Majesty awakens from his slumber, I will request to have you transferred to the Schutzstaffel."

{T/N: Tower and Spire mean the same thing here. In a previous Chapter it was using Spire everywhere, but know that they are the same. If I have the energy, I can correct it to Tower, but it doesn't really matter either way.}

Akira laughed heartily, "Excellent!"

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First Tower.

In a palace within the residential area, three figures sat around a stone table laden with baked sweet potatoes, dried persimmons, rice dumplings, tuna sushi, sake, and a large heap of konpeitō.

"Are these from Hashirama Senju?" Gerard removed his helmet, revealing a resolute face twisted with dissatisfaction.

Having been severely beaten by that person and nearly dying in the process, he harbored no good feelings toward Hashirama. Even these attempts at bribery with trivial snacks made no difference.

Gerard's contempt for such an opportunist ran deep.

What's more, rumors suggested Hashirama showed not even a hint of respect or loyalty to His Majesty Yhwach, which infuriated him further.

Just some country bumpkin who had come to the Wandenreich looking for food, yet somehow became Vice-Captain of the Sternritter.

"Gu..." Pernida made a gulping sound.

Gerard immediately looked toward Lille Barro beside him.

Without looking up from his large gun, Lille said, "Pernida says these are snacks that Hashirama gave him. They're high-grade items only found in the World of the Living, not something you can taste in ordinary places. He specifically saved a portion to share with us. Gerard, this is Pernida's goodwill, it has nothing to do with Hashirama Senju."

The last sentence was his own opinion.

Even after hearing this, Gerard maintained his disdain. He would rather starve, jump from here, die outside, than eat a single bite of that man's food.

A hint of regret flashed in Pernida's bulb-like eyes.

While uncertain if they were truly high-grade items, they were undoubtedly rare in the Wandenreich, and each one was delicious. He could even taste the strong emotions imbued in these delicacies.

Indeed, only someone who put their heart into it could make such delicious food. Since Gerard couldn't appreciate them, Pernida would keep them for himself.

A white left hand emerged from under the cloak, grabbed a handful of konpeitō, and disappeared back inside. Soon, chewing sounds emerged from beneath the cloak.

Though Pernida's external form was that of a giant left arm, his forced evolution ability allowed him to manifest different forms. Through his recent interactions with the Quincy, developing multiple mouths had become effortless for him.

"Hmph!" Gerard slammed the stone table, "That Hashirama Senju has repeatedly provoked us, and now he's even managed to move near the First Tower by earning merits. And I hear that Haschwalth fellow plans to recommend him to His Majesty for a position in the Schutzstaffel... Don't you have anything to say about this?"

Pernida looked at him calmly, then made a grunting sound.

Translator Lille immediately interpreted, "Gerard, you clearly hold a grudge against Hashirama. If His Majesty approves of him, I have no objections."

Lille's days consisted mainly of training and polishing his rifle. With minimal contact with others, he naturally didn't share Gerard's hostility toward Hashirama.

As for Pernida, his recent interactions had already influenced his demeanor. If asked to choose sides now, he wouldn't hesitate for a moment.

Between someone who understands you and those who can't comprehend your words, even a fool knows the right choice — especially for the Left Arm of the Soul King with its profound wisdom.

Seeing no support from either of them, Gerard stormed off with an angry snort.

Lille didn't try to stop him. He knew that despite Gerard's hot temper, he wouldn't foolishly challenge Hashirama again. Their previous one-sided battle had made the power gap crystal clear.

If such a confrontation happened again, even Jugram might not be able to intervene.

After finishing with his rifle, Lille took a baked sweet potato from the table, peeled it, and took a bite.

"The flavor is remarkable. Though it's cooled, you can still feel its inner warmth. Like basking in sunlight — it fills your whole body with comfort, truly wonderful."

As Soul Society's premier sweet potato roasting expert, Genryūsai's technique could win over anyone.

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Gerard walked out of the palace, his face dark with fury.

If anyone opposed Akira joining the Schutzstaffel, it was him. The mere mention of "Hashirama" sent phantom pains through his body.

Damn that guy!

If Hashirama could earn his way into the Schutzstaffel through achievements, then so could he. If Hashirama could do it, why couldn't Gerard Valkyrie?

I am the Heart of the Soul King! An immortal, magnificent being! The one truly closest to godhood!

After brief contemplation, Gerard's eyes hardened with resolve. He strode from the First Tower toward the Gate of the Sun.

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⤫ Vollständig: Zofiel ⥤ Complete Holy Form: Blaze of God! ⤬

Bambietta's eyes blazed with determination as she unleashed her strongest technique, perfected through rigorous training.

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A massive Quincy cross materialized, its powerful pressure making the ground groan beneath her feet. Cracks spider-webbed across the surface, unleashing waves of shocking force.

As Reishi fragments scattered, Bambietta emerged with a Heiligenschein (Halo) above her head and Reishi wings spreading from her back.

This new form granted her tremendous power. Having mastered the Complete Holy Form, she stood confident and proud for the upcoming knight examination.

⤫ Heilig Pfeil ⥤ Sacred Destruction Arrows! ⤬

The girl drew her bow, and a crimson-glowing arrow materialized on her Heilig Bogen. When she released it, the air shrieked as it tore apart.

This strike surpassed ninety-nine percent of the Spirit Weapons in the Wandenreich!

The watching crowd gasped in amazement. Yet in the next moment, that all-destroying Sacred Destruction Arrow was caught in someone's hand.

"The power is decent." Akira grinned, "However, such a straightforward attack is too obvious. It might work on someone as stupid as Bazz-B, but any skilled fighter could easily dodge it."

Bazz-B: "?"

He sensed someone's strong malice toward him.

Across from him, Bambietta smiled confidently, "Captain, my Heilig Pfeil isn't that simple!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Akira noticed a faint sound coming from his hand.

Tick—Tick—Tick—!

BOOM!!

The Heilig Pfeil exploded violently. Shockwaves spread wildly as flames roared, engulfing his entire body and the surrounding ground, scorching everything.

When the intense heat subsided, a completely unharmed figure walked out.

Akira looked at Bambietta with curiosity, "Did you develop this ability yourself?"

The girl chuckled proudly, "Of course! This is a technique I spent a long time developing. Would you like to learn it, Captain? I can teach you!"

Akira pondered thoughtfully.

During his time under Jugram's tutoring, he had learned much about Quincy intelligence and internal knowledge.

While Schrift was usually bestowed by Yhwach, some genius Quincy could develop new techniques through their own efforts before receiving it. Combat Quincy Arts like Sankt Zwinger weren't all Yhwach's creations.

Like Bambietta, a future member of the Sternritter, her talent in Quincy Arts far surpassed other Quincy.

However, what surprised Akira was that her move bore similarity to her future Schrift { E }, The Explode. Indeed, the bestowal of Schrift had a strong connection to the Knight's own nature.

"Infusing unstable properties into Reishi within the Heilig Pfeil, then attacking the enemy through explosion."

Akira praised, "Very good, little Bambi! Congratulations, you pass the Knight examination!"

The girl beamed with joy at receiving the praise.

Seeing this, Candice felt a surge of wariness. Her feminine intuition warned her that this seemingly sweet girl was dangerous.

She absolutely couldn't let her get close to Captain-sama!

"Let's end today's examination here." Akira said, waving his hand, "I've prepared some delicious food for everyone, let's eat!"

The Quincy followed him curiously to a spacious palace.

Inside, long tables were arranged neatly, reminiscent of the Great Hall of Hogwarts, with covered plates laid out under heat-preserving lids.

"Please, take your seats." Akira welcomed them warmly.

The Quincy sat down eagerly and, upon receiving permission, lifted their plate covers simultaneously. A dazzling golden light burst forth, causing them to shield their eyes instinctively.

"This is..."

"Could it be..."

"Whoa!!"

Akira chuckled, "This is the glowing cuisine I plundered from Soul Society! What are you waiting for?"

As the golden light faded, an array of exquisite dishes appeared before them, making their mouths water.

The Quincy gazed gratefully at him as he sat at the head of the table. His status in their hearts had reached its peak.

Who cared about Yhwach? They didn't know him! They revered their one and only Captain-sama!

Joy permeated the palace, nearly overflowing.

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Meanwhile, things weren't going so well for Gerard.

Upon arriving in Hueco Mundo through the Gate of the Sun, he found himself facing an endless expanse of desolate desert. After getting his bearings, he set off toward Las Noches, guided by the fluctuations in Reiatsu.

{T/N: Something similar exists in Canon. The fact that he can sense where the fluctuations are going, even if they are minimal, is due to his Schrift, The Miracle, allowing him to achieve the lowest probabilities through his own will.}

Not long after he departed, several black-purple worms emerged from the sand, their ugly compound eyes fixed intently on his trail...

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