“Oi, get outta here.”

Kenpachi’s growl was low and menacing, leaving no room for argument. The jealousy simmering beneath his gruff tone was impossible to miss, his irritation boiling over after watching those weakling Soul Reapers shamelessly flirt with you earlier.

His scowl, already ever-present, darkened further as the group hesitated, clearly too foolish—or too bold—to take his warning seriously. “Tsk… you’re gonna make me repeat myself?” he asked coldly, taking a deliberate step forward. His towering stature, combined with the sheer force of his presence, was enough to plant a deep-rooted fear in their hearts.

The men visibly tensed, their confidence faltering under his glare. Kenpachi crossed his arms firmly over his chest, his piercing gaze cutting through them like a blade. His reputation as one of the most ruthless and dangerous captains in the Gotei 13 spoke louder than words. The stories of his strength, his hunger for battle, and his complete disregard for convention had spread far and wide, making him a living nightmare for anyone foolish enough to cross him.

It was no surprise that they quivered under his glare, each one desperately trying to muster the courage to retreat with some shred of dignity intact. Yet, despite the fear he instilled in almost everyone around him, there was always you.

You stood there, watching the scene unfold without an ounce of fear, the same way you had when you first met him as his lieutenant. While others kept their distance, you had faced him head-on, never flinching in the face of his rough demeanor or intimidating reputation. It was something he had taken note of immediately.

And, as much as Kenpachi would never openly admit it, that fearless attitude of yours had been his undoing. He had grown fond of you—too quickly and too deeply, if he were honest. His protectiveness over you now was fierce, and watching those weaklings try to get close had pushed him dangerously close to the edge.