[BleachxMultiverse] - Conquering Worlds After Death

Under the dim light, several imposing figures sat around a round table.

"The Tiger Vessel is dead."

"Who killed him?"

"That's irrelevant. Do we have a backup?"

"This is troubling. Will the Master be upset?"

"Hard to say, but the Tiger Vessel is indispensable. Prepare a replacement."

"What about the Kengan Annihilation Tournament?"

"The Worm will handle it. We, the Western Conquest Faction, have other matters to attend to."

...

As the underground world stirred with unseen currents, Ren arrived at his destination under the starry sky.

"It's huge…Money really can make the impossible possible," he murmured, gazing at the colossal mansion and sprawling lawns below from the hillside.

With a forward leap, Ren descended the hill, landing lightly on a tree branch. Using its rebound, he soared into the air and crossed the expanse.

When his feet touched the mansion's grass, not a single sound was made.

Earlier that evening, old man Erioh had contacted him, saying he had already spoken to Kengan Association Chairman Katahara Metsudo.

However, the chairman had an unusual proposal—he wanted Ren to come and meet him directly.

Landing silently, Ren sharpened his senses, scanning his surroundings with hawk-like precision. Moving with stealth and speed, he infiltrated the mansion undetected, even by Katahara Metsudo's elite bodyguards.

Yes, he was known for his brute force, but that didn't mean he couldn't be subtle.

As a master of martial arts, his ability to suppress his aura was unmatched.

Katahara Metsudo was no stranger to him—the man was an eccentric old fox. This invitation was partly to test him and partly to see if something interesting might happen.

However, the outcome would likely disappoint the venerable patriarch of the Japanese economy and the de facto ruler of the Kengan Association. Despite his age, nearing a century, his presence still radiated the majesty of a tiger.

Knock, knock, knock.

Ren knocked on the door of the reception hall and quickly heard a voice inviting him in.

The massive doors were opened from within by two bodyguards, revealing a grand reception hall. At its centre sat an elderly man, thin and frail, reminiscent of Erioh.

Though physically feeble—his vitality weaker than even an ordinary person—his presence filled the room with an invisible authority, cultivated over decades of wielding power.

This was Katahara Metsudo, a man who had ruled the Kengan Association with an iron fist for over sixty years. His sharp eyes still gleamed with the ferocity of a tiger.

Behind him stood his elite guard—first-class fighters who could win dozens of matches in the Kengan bouts without breaking a sweat.

At the forefront of this group was a towering man clad in a tight black bodysuit, his gaze locked on Ren. The corners of his mouth twitched before stretching into a twisted smile.

The man's oppressive aura even made the two guards who had opened the doors visibly uncomfortable.

He was none other than the undefeated champion of the Kengan matches, holder of an unparalleled 157-win streak—the strongest fighter in Kengan history, 'The Fang of Metsudo', Kanoh Agito.

Katahara Metsudo studied Ren for a few moments before bursting into laughter. "So, you're the one Erioh spoke of. Quite impressive. Even my guards failed to notice your presence. It seems our security measures need improvement."

"My lord," Kanoh Agito interjected, his gaze fixed on Ren, his muscles tense. "Even so, you have nothing to fear. I am here."

Agito had no idea what the chairman had discussed with the Kure Clan's patriarch earlier in the day, but the fact that someone had infiltrated the reception hall without the guards noticing was an undeniable failure on their part.

Years ago, he had been rescued by Katahara Metsudo during a deadly trial by the Worm. Since then, he had pledged his life to the old man. If this young man before him was an assassin, Agito would make him experience the true terror of The Fang of Metsudo.

"Hahaha, ever so reliable," Katahara Metsudo said with a chuckle. He then turned to Ren. "Erioh tells me you wish to participate in the Kengan Annihilation Tournament as a fighter?"

"That's correct," Ren replied, stepping forward. "While I doubt the chairman truly cares about retaining his position, if I can win, why not go for it?"

"Oh?" Katahara Metsudo's expression became unreadable. "Do you think my Fang will lose in the tournament?"

"You, of all people, should know the answer to that better than anyone. Why bother asking me?" Ren replied with a smirk.

In the original story, Katahara Metsudo had specifically invited Kuroki Gensai to represent another company in the tournament, hoping the master would teach his Fang a lesson. Metsudo never cared about the tournament's outcome.

His vision surpassed petty schemes.

What he sought was a capable and magnanimous successor to lead the Kengan Association.

If he could temper his Fang in the process, it would be a bonus.

"Smart kid," Katahara Metsudo said, his eyes narrowing with amusement. "But I wonder if your strength matches your wit."

Without waiting for a response, he turned to Kanoh Agito. "You've heard him. He wishes to compete. Since he's made it this far, you know what to do, don't you?"

A twisted smile spread across Agito's face as he took a step forward. His towering frame, standing at 201 cm and weighing 130 kg, exuded a suffocating pressure. His physique was a masterpiece of muscle, perfectly proportioned, and accentuated by his tight suit.

Spreading his arms wide, he crouched slightly, adopting a stance akin to a predator preparing to strike. "I'll crush him completely."

"Crush me, huh…" Ren murmured, eyeing Agito's massive frame and sensing the purity of his intent.

He stepped forward without hesitation.

In an instant, Agito shifted his stance, drawing his arms back into a semi-defensive posture and retreating half a step.

"Ah?"

Ren seemed a bit surprised. "You're strong. Stronger than Raian was."

Kanoh Agito froze—not because Ren compared him to someone named Raian, whom he didn't recognize, but because he had retreated.

He didn't know why he instinctively switched to a defensive stance. He didn't know why he stepped back.

In that fleeting moment, it was as if his body reacted on its own, as though failing to do so would result in his complete annihilation in the next instant.

Even the members of Katahara Metsudo's elite guard standing behind him noticed something unusual. As Ren slowly approached, their shock grew—The Fang of Metsudo was trembling!

Yes, Kanoh Agito's towering frame quivered uncontrollably. This was a first for him.

Why? He wasn't afraid of death. Even if the man before him was the pinnacle of strength, fear was foreign to him. And yet, he trembled.

Ah…

He understood now.

He stared at the man before him, his silhouette illuminated under the light. He gazed at this unprecedentedly powerful opponent and realized the truth behind his quaking body. It wasn't fear—it was exhilaration.

In the next instant, Agito lunged forward like a pouncing tiger. He switched his stance fluidly, abandoning any fixed form for a shapeless one—a stance beyond predictability, blending adaptability and ferocity to counter any combat style.

This was the pure, instinctive fist of The Fang of Metsudo. His punch, infused with immense strength and intent, was so fierce that even Katahara Metsudo's eyes widened in astonishment.

Yet, what happened next defied all logic.

Ren didn't move an inch. He raised his hand and caught Agito's punch.

The immense force coursed through Ren's body, part of it dissipating harmlessly into the ground behind him while the rest seemed to vanish into nothingness.

It was a surreal sight. The 2-meter-tall, 130-kilogram Agito, with his full-body strength, was stopped by the seemingly diminutive Ren with a single hand. Not only that—Ren didn't even budge. The very physics of power seemed upended.

Before Agito could comprehend what had happened, Ren countered. A single punch struck Agito's jaw, launching him into the air and sending him crashing heavily onto the ground.

But Agito had earned his title as The Fang of Metsudo for a reason. Even as he was struck, his instincts kicked in, dispersing the impact across his body. His landing was expertly controlled, minimizing injuries. Though his mouth streamed with blood, his bones and brain remained intact.

As he stood and turned to face Ren, a grin spread across his face. It was a smile that radiated joy—unmistakable and infectious.

He trembled in excitement at encountering a powerful opponent. He was elated at the prospect of growth. For Kanoh Agito, this was the ultimate thrill—the joy of evolving against a worthy adversary.

Meanwhile, the elite guard members were utterly dumbfounded.

They couldn't believe it. The strongest Fang of Metsudo had been utterly outmatched in a single exchange.

_________

[T/N] - You guys should know the drill by now—60 Powerstones for an extra chapter.