Chapter 142: Flowers Bloom in an Instant, Fleeting Beauty, Bankai, Scarlet Angel

Yamabuki Haruto gazed at Silver Angel’s flustered expression and smiled softly. “It’s okay. I’m not here to learn Bankai. I know the truth. If you’re unwilling, I won’t force you. We’re in this together, through life and death.”

“Really?!” the Zanpakutō spirit asked.

“Yes, really,” Haruto nodded.

Silver Angel sat to the side, hugging her knees, cheeks puffed out like a wronged child. “Actually, it’s not that I don’t want to teach you…” she whispered. “It’s just… the situation is very complicated!”

“I know. At worst, I’ll train harder, boost my reiatsu, refine my swordsmanship. I might not die,” Haruto said with a bitter smile.

His guess was correct: Bankai would trigger an irreversible change in Silver Angel, perhaps erasing her current self. He liked her as she was; he didn’t need a replacement. Silver Angel’s Shikai was already formidable, rivaling most Bankai. And with Yamamoto Genryūsai above him, the Soul Society would defeat Yhwach, who’d fall into a thousand-year coma, only to stir trouble again in a millennium.

Why am I so soft-hearted? Haruto thought, stroking Silver Angel’s head. Though part of his soul, he couldn’t see her as just an extension of himself.

“Alright, rest here. I’ll leave now and visit when I have time.” Haruto turned to go, but Silver Angel gently tugged his arm.

He paused, startled. “What’s wrong? Something up?”

Her eyes darted away, avoiding his. “Are you thinking I’m selfish? Other Zanpakutō go to any lengths for their masters. I know you face danger, yet I’m hesitating, unwilling to give you Bankai,” she whispered.

“No, that’s not it! Don’t overthink—”

“You can’t lie to me; our souls are connected. Do you know why I look like this?” Silver Angel spread her hands, revealing her pure white form. “Because this is the form you like most!”

“You want Bankai? No problem, but it’s dangerous and arduous. Once you start, there’s no turning back. One chance. Fail, and we’re both devoured,” she said softly. “Do you still want to continue?”

Haruto knew retreat wasn’t an option. He’d considered leaving the Gotei 13 to avoid Yhwach, but what if Yamamoto lost? The Soul King had said Haruto’s arrival altered this world’s timeline. If Yhwach destroyed the Three Realms, where could he hide?

“I’ve decided. If you’re okay with it, teach me Bankai,” Haruto said solemnly.

An extra power source was always good. He’d vowed not to force her, but if Silver Angel offered willingly, he wouldn’t refuse.

A charming smile crossed her face. She drew her blade from her waist. “Reversal, Silver Angel.”

Silver-white reiatsu erupted. Haruto drew his own blade. Silver Angel gripped her sword with both hands, pulling them apart. To Haruto’s shock, the blade split into two, a pure red short blade separating from Silver Angel.

“This is our Bankai!” Silver Angel said, her eyes reluctant. “Flowers bloom in an instant, fleeting beauty! Bankai! Scarlet Angel!”

The heavens, earth, and endless space turned blood-red. Vast scarlet reiatsu burst from her body. As Haruto stared in awe, soft hands cupped his cheeks from behind.

“It’s been so long! You finally released me! Hahahaha!” a girl’s voice chimed in his ear.

Haruto turned to see a girl nearly identical to Silver Angel hugging him from behind. She wore a black-and-red gown, twin-tails, and a sickly sweet smile, differing only in style. He understood: Bankai didn’t change Silver Angel; it split her into two spirits with distinct personalities—tsundere and yandere.

Silver Angel waved, and the scarlet blade grazed Haruto’s cheek. The Bankai spirit, Scarlet Angel, gripped it.

Haruto spun, gripping his sword tightly, eyeing Scarlet Angel warily. “Don’t be afraid! You’re my favorite person! I won’t hurt you! Be good! Hahahahaha!” Scarlet Angel laughed, her tone unhinged, swinging the scarlet blade lightly.

Haruto took a deep breath. A battle, then. “Spatial Severance!” His silver-gray slash split space. Scarlet Angel retreated far. “How rude! But aren’t your injuries serious?”

“Injuries?” Haruto glanced down, shocked. His chest and back were pierced by an unseen blade. “What’s going on? I wasn’t attacked!” he gasped, sweating.

Logically, Bankai enhances Shikai. Silver Angel’s spatial control should carry over, but this…

Scarlet Angel smiled. “Do I have to defeat you to gain Bankai?” Haruto asked.

“Who knows? Maybe if I’m happy, I’ll just give it to you. Oh, and you, Whitey, aren’t you helping me beat him up?” Scarlet Angel called to Silver Angel.

“I don’t have time for that, you annoying red pest,” Silver Angel retorted, rolling her eyes.

“Hey, stop chatting! Shouldn’t we start?” Haruto stared at Scarlet Angel. My aesthetic sense was top-notch—she’s stunning.

“Start?” Scarlet Angel feigned surprise, covering her mouth. “It’s already over!”

Before Haruto could react, dozens of wounds erupted across his body, blood gushing like a fountain.