To train one's Reiatsu to the level of a captain requires more than just hard work—it demands exceptional talent.
Hundreds of years ago, this man must have been considered a rare genius, someone who only appeared once in many years. But in the end, he accepted the nobles' offer and became their blade.
"How does it feel to defeat a captain before officially becoming a Shinigami?" Yoruichi patted Masatsuki Aozaki on the shoulder.
"It doesn't feel like anything. If you hadn't already crippled him, I wouldn't have even had the chance to step in," he said, shrugging.
"This guy probably hasn't learned Bankai yet. If he had, things would've been a lot more troublesome," Yoruichi Shihōin grinned.
Captain-level Reiatsu is a prerequisite for learning Bankai, but just having Captain-level Reiatsu doesn't mean one can attain it.
The long-haired man had endured her attacks for so long without using Bankai—it was obvious he hadn't learned it yet.
"Oh my… how lively!"
"Looks like everyone could use some help..."
A sudden voice echoed as if drifting directly into everyone's ears.
Just from the sound of that soft, melodic voice, it was clear it belonged to a gentle and beautiful woman.
Feeling a delicate hand resting on his shoulder, Masatsuki Aozaki sharply turned his head to look behind him.
"Captain Unohana, why are you here?"
Hearing this, Unohana covered her mouth with a smile. "Ever since you left, I've been keeping an eye on your Reiatsu. When I sensed fluctuations, I figured you might have run into some trouble."
Masatsuki finally managed to pull his gaze away and looked behind Unohana—sure enough, a number of 4th Division members had accompanied her.
Most of the rebels had no idea who she was, but the moment they saw this beautiful woman wearing a white haori, they shrank back like mice encountering a cat, retreating in a hurry.
Sazanosuke Takasugi's eyes widened in shock as he stared intently at Retsu Unohana, his grip on his Zanpakutō trembling slightly.
Seeing his reaction, Masatsuki Aozaki found it a bit odd.
Could this guy also be from a thousand years ago? Did he recognize Yachiru Unohana?
Shaking just from seeing her—wasn't that a little pathetic? Did he really deserve to have Captain-level Reiatsu?
With that kind of cowardice, no wonder he hadn't made a name for himself even after a thousand years.
Sazanosuke Takasugi swallowed hard, his hands clenching unconsciously.
He wasn't a Shinigami from a thousand years ago, but as someone sent by the Tsunayashiro Clan to assist the rebels, he knew far more than they did.
She was one of the people the clan had explicitly warned never to provoke—a top combatant of the Gotei 13.
And since he couldn't use Bankai, even if he had ten lives, they wouldn't be enough to survive against her.
Unlike the visibly panicked Takasugi Sanosuke, Retsu Unohana remained completely at ease, even in the face of rebels drawing their blades.
She calmly lowered her gaze to Masatsuki Aozaki and the long-haired man at his feet, then asked, "Was this your doing?"
"No, I only managed to land two hits on him with Captain Yoruichi's help. The victory was entirely thanks to her," Masatsuki Aozaki waved his hand and pointed toward Yoruichi.
Yoruichi chuckled but glanced at Unohana with a hint of awkwardness.
After all, she had just stolen something from Unohana's home. And knowing the woman's reputation, it was hard not to feel at least a little nervous.
Even among captains, there were differences in strength—Yoruichi knew she wasn't Unohana's match.
"Last night… it was Captain Yoruichi who entered my room, wasn't it?" Retsu Unohana smiled knowingly at her.
Hearing this, Yoruichi stiffened, debating whether to tell the truth.
Sneaking into a captain's quarters was no small matter. If Unohana framed it as something more sinister, things could get complicated.
But then again, the item originally belonged to Kisuke—she was just retrieving it for him.
It shouldn't be a big deal... probably.
Before she could say anything, Masatsuki Aozaki chuckled. "She was just helping a friend retrieve something. I guarantee she didn't do anything else, so please don't hold it against her."
"Why would I blame her? That item was merely something Kirinji entrusted me to keep—it was never mine to begin with. Returning it to its rightful owner is only fair." Retsu Unohana nodded. "Besides, I had quite an enjoyable evening."
Hearing this, Yoruichi Shihōin's expression turned odd. That wording was way too misleading!
Oblivious to the implications, Unohana continued, "Speaking of which, you truly live up to your lineage as a Shihōin. When I was your age, I hadn't hunted many captain-level opponents either."
She finished with a somewhat regretful look.
Yoruichi: "…"
Is Captain Unohana really this terrifying? She was already hunting captains as prey when she was barely a hundred?!
It's said that Shinigami from that era were all ruthless and battle-hardened due to their harsh environment… but to casually hunt captains? That's monstrous!
Masatsuki grinned. "Captain Unohana, don't scare her—she's easily spooked."
"I am not!" Yoruichi muttered weakly, though her tone lacked conviction.
Masatsuki and Unohana exchanged a glance before both burst into laughter.
Watching the three chat so casually, Sazanosuke Takasugi finally lost his patience.
I'm a captain-level fighter too! Unohana's strength is undeniable, but that doesn't mean she can just ignore me!
And to stand there so defenseless, right in front of me… Since that's the case, don't blame me for not playing fair!
His gaze turned icy as flames erupted along the blade of his Zanpakutō, forcing Sōjun Kuchiki back. Then, in an instant, he used Shunpo to flash behind Retsu Unohana.
Die!
Gritting his teeth, he swung his blade, striking at Unohana's neck with a speed too fast for the naked eye to catch.
Yet, as she spoke with Masatsuki, Unohana had already drawn her sword at some point. With one hand, she casually held it behind her neck, effortlessly blocking his full-strength strike.
Takasugi recoiled but immediately launched a relentless barrage of slashes. Pushed to the brink of life and death, his attacks carried even greater force.
But Unohana, still facing away from him, continued to hold her sword in a relaxed grip, its blade resting behind her neck as if she had eyes in the back of her head. Every strike was anticipated, every move rendered useless.
"Decent Reiatsu… but your swordsmanship is far too crude."
If before, Takasugi had only heard rumors of Unohana's terrifying reputation and felt a distant sense of reverence, now he was experiencing true, bone-deep fear.
A fear born from the very presence of death.
The oppressive aura Unohana radiated was suffocating.
Despair flooded Takasugi's heart. No matter how desperately he fought, he knew—he would never defeat this woman.
His fighting spirit crumbled under the weight of terror. The only thought left in his mind was escape. He had to get away from her.
"Have you lost the will to fight?"
Unohana raised a finger toward Takasugi's retreating form.
"Bakudō 61: Rikujōkōrō."
Six massive beams of light materialized and snapped together from all sides, binding him in place.
He struggled for a moment, but it was useless. Panic overtook him as he shouted, "Retsu-sama, please! Don't kill me! I'm from the Tsunayashiro Clan! I know—"
Before he could finish, Unohana's figure flickered. In an instant, she was in front of him.
Under Takasugi's horrified gaze, her curved blade fell.
His head flew into the air.
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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