Laid-back Highschooler In Bleach (With Soul Cube)

As Kai sent Rukia back to the Mirror Dimension, he turned his attention back to Ichigo, Sado, and Uryuu. The path they tread was marked by the remnants of battles past, yet Kai carried himself with a relaxed ease that belied the tension in the air.

After a few moments, a strange sensation rippled through him. Without another word, he turned to the others. "Keep going, I'll catch up." In a swift motion, he was gone, his figure dissipating into thin air.

Materializing in another chamber, he was greeted by the sight of a pink-haired Arrancar busily working on something. The Arrancar turned, a confident grin curling on his lips as he prepared to deliver his cliché monologue.

However, before a single word could be uttered, the Arrancar vanished. Kai's powers at work, he had been sent to the Zoo in the Mirror Dimension. Kai planned on dealing with him later.

Switching his focus, Kai honed in on another powerful Reaitsu and was soon standing before a pair of Arrancars. The male had striking blue-gray eyes and wavy, dark brown hair ending at the base of his neck. His clothing was typical of an Arrancar, but his white jacket, outlined in black, bore an upturned collar that gave him a certain edginess.

Beside him stood a young-looking female Arrancar. Her revealing vest, white briefs with a black line down the middle, and fur-lined thigh-high boots hinted at an air of nonchalance. But her eyes suggested otherwise. They were Number 1 Espada Starrk Cayotee and his counterpart Lilynette Gingerbuck.

Starrk looked Kai up and down, his eyes narrowing slightly. "So, you're the guy who's been messing with Aizen's plans," he said, his voice low and casual. "Gotta say, didn't expect you to show up here."

Lilynette chimed in, a grin spreading on her face. "Oh, this is going to be fun."

"How about we cut to the chase, Starrk?" Kai's voice was a lazy drawl, devoid of the tension that marked the room. Starrk, the Number 1 Espada, looked taken aback, but there was a glint of intrigue in his icy blue-gray eyes.

He'd sided with Aizen for companionship, his overwhelming power leaving him perpetually isolated. It was this loneliness that had led him to split himself into two, creating Lilynette. Aizen had gifted him with a sense of belonging, companionship – something Kai had no interest in.

"You're lazy, I'm lazy," Kai continued, his tone light, almost casual. "I don't want you following Aizen to Earth. If possible, just take your leave, if not, let's fight."

Starrk's eyes flickered with a hint of annoyance, a stark contrast to his otherwise composed expression. "So, those are my only options, huh? Fight or flee?"

Starrk frowned, the idea of betrayal wasn't appealing to him. Nor was the prospect of a battle. "How about another option?" he suggested, not ready to commit to either choice.

A sigh escaped Kai's lips. It would've been easier if Starrk had been compliant, but he understood the Espada's predicament. "Sadly, we can't," Kai stated, his voice cold. "Aizen will drag you into battle regardless. My aim is to isolate him, let him feel the bitter taste of solitude despite his efforts. So, make your choice."

Starrk's gaze bounced between Kai and Lilynette, mulling over his options. The weight of the decision hung heavily in the room. The silence stretched on, only to be broken by Starrk's resigned sigh. "I guess we have to fight."

Kai nodded, appreciating Starrk's choice. He'd hoped it wouldn't come to this, but he was prepared nonetheless. Gathering his Reiatsu, Kai quickly changed their surroundings. They found themselves in a seemingly endless meadow, the vast open space devoid of any distractions. "This is another dimension where we can fight without disturbances. Let's begin."

The sun danced off the blades of grass, setting the meadow aglow with emerald light. Kai and Starrk stood in the open field, their eyes locked in a silent challenge. Lilynette stood off to the side, her arms crossed over her chest as she watched the two with interest.

Kai's hand rested on the hilt of his Zanpakutō, a tranquil air surrounding him as he waited for Starrk to make his move. He was not eager for battle, but he wouldn't back down either. His silence wasn't one of intimidation but a silent promise of the impending duel.

Starrk, on the other hand, was a picture of irritation and resignation. He had hoped to avoid a fight, but it was clear that wasn't an option. As such, he was prepared to defend himself.

Using his arm as a blade, Starrk moved with unexpected speed. His figure blurred as he appeared before Kai, aiming a swift slash at him. However, Kai sidestepped with equal speed, his movements unhurried yet precise. He did not retaliate, merely evading Starrk's onslaught with agile ease.

As the duel progressed, Starrk increased his pace, his attacks becoming more aggressive. Each of his moves were met with Kai's effortless evasion, the latter choosing to only deflect when necessary, a lazy smirk on his face all the while. He was toying with Starrk, allowing him to exhaust himself before striking.

Suddenly, Starrk launched a barrage of swift, sharp thrusts. Kai swiftly parried, the clash of his hand with Kai's sword creating sparks in the cool air. The rhythmic clanging filled the meadow, a stark contrast to the serene environment. Kai's expression remained unbothered, even amused, as he continued his defense.

Just when Starrk's attacks became almost relentless, Kai finally made his move. His sword darted forward, faster than the eye could follow. Starrk barely managed to bring up his hand to block, but the impact sent him skidding back.

"Didn't think anyone but Aizen could push me this far," Starrk said, his gaze drifting to Lilynette. "Let's do this, Lily."

The girl seemed to liquefy, her form merging with Starrk in a dazzling display of power. In a blink, the Arrancar’s outfit transformed drastically. He now appeared as a Wild West gunslinger, his body adorned with a grey fur-lined jacket and skin-tight pants. Two ornamental pistols hung from his sides, their existence testaments to Lilynette's symbiosis. Chains wrapped around his right eye, connecting to a fragment of Lilynette's mask stretching over his left eye. Starrk was ready to pull out all the stops.