"Is that him?"
Masatsuki Aozaki turned his head and asked.
Retsu Unohana had appeared silently beside him. A chilling smile tugged at the corner of her lips, sending shivers down one's spine.
"I would never forget that face or the feeling of his Reiatsu," she said. Her tone was calm, yet filled with certainty. "He's changed quite a bit over the centuries, but there are still traces of resemblance. It must be him."
Masatsuki Aozaki nodded. "Then, I'll go have some fun with him."
"Be careful. Don't underestimate him—he's dangerous," Unohana cautioned softly, her gaze shifting to the pink-haired girl. "As for this child, I'll take care of her to keep her from getting in the way."
"Handsome Aniki, Yachiru Kusajishi doesn't get in the way!"
The pink-haired girl floated in midair, arms crossed, puffing out her cheeks in protest. She had already sensed that this "Aniki" had been protecting her just moments ago.
"You're quite the little troublemaker… But for now, Yachiru, it's best if you stay put."
Masatsuki Aozaki chuckled helplessly and shook his head.
Ignoring the girl's protests, he handed her over to Unohana. Strangely enough, the moment she was with Unohana, she suddenly quieted down considerably.
...
Meanwhile, the long-haired man who had just been sent flying—Kenpachi Zaraki—climbed out of the massive crater with a grin plastered across his face.
"You caught my slash with just one finger… That's a first."
"You're strong, Shinigami… Completely different from the others I've fought before."
"Are you their captain? The strongest among them?"
Masatsuki Aozaki simply smiled, spreading his hands casually. "You wouldn't be wrong to think that."
"That's perfect! I came here specifically to find you—so let's have a real fight."
Kenpachi Zaraki gripped his sword excitedly, a wicked grin stretching across his face.
"Only someone like you can give me the battle I've been looking for."
"What a coincidence. I came here for you too—to fulfill a promise."
"A promise?"
Kenpachi's grin twisted into something even more menacing, as if he had just been insulted.
Masatsuki Aozaki smirked, raising a hand in a calming gesture as he spoke lightly.
"No need to get so worked up. While I did come for someone, I have to say—you intrigue me."
"I like warriors like you. Strong, but… not too bright."
"If I win, you'll come with me. How about it?"
Kenpachi Zaraki: "?"
...Something doesn't feel right.
That… didn't sound like a compliment. But he is acknowledging my strength…?
I know I'm not the sharpest, but did he really have to say it to my face?
Is this how the Gotei 13 recruits people?
…Whatever. Thinking's not my thing. Let's fight first!
A savage grin spread across his face as he charged forward, blade swinging in a wild arc toward Masatsuki Aozaki!
...
But Masatsuki remained composed. Clenching his right fist, he slowly extended his pinky finger.
He aimed the fingernail directly at Kenpachi's sword and, in a sudden burst of force, thrust forward like a raging gust of wind!
A sharp, ringing clash of metal echoed through the battlefield.
In an instant, Kenpachi's blade and Masatsuki's fingernail clashed, colliding and intertwining at blinding speed. In mere moments, they had already exchanged dozens of blows!
The surrounding onlookers were stunned, their faces filled with shock. None had expected the battle to be this intense.
The Gotei 13 soldiers were in disbelief. They had never imagined that someone this powerful had been hiding in Rukongai—someone who could stand toe-to-toe with Masatsuki-sama and fight him on equal footing!
Meanwhile, the bald man and the flamboyant man stood frozen, jaws practically hitting the ground.
They never could have imagined that anyone could block Kenpachi Zaraki's ferocious attacks… with nothing but a fingernail!
Both of them had fought Kenpachi before. They knew how monstrous his strength was.
That guy was already an absurdly strong freak.
But this captain of the Gotei 13?
He was a monster among monsters!
"Hey, hey… this isn't a joke, right?"
The bald man muttered as he tugged at the flamboyant man, desperately retreating backward.
Kenpachi Zaraki and the captain of the Gotei 13 were locked in an intense battle. The clash between them had unleashed a terrifying storm of Reiatsu, distorting the very air around them into something as sharp as a blade.
Even as Seated Officers, a single misstep could put them in extreme danger.
Meanwhile, Ryuuseki and Izumo acted swiftly, pulling their comrades away from the battlefield.
"That Aniki is actually pushing back Ken-chan?"
Kusajishi Yachiru murmured unconsciously.
Hearing her words, Retsu Unohana, who was carrying her, gently shook her head.
"No, little one, that Aniki isn't just suppressing him—this is nothing more than a game to him."
"Hmm… you're right. It really does seem like just a game."
Propping her chin on her hand, Yachiru blinked her large, lively eyes. After a moment of thought, she nodded seriously.
"You think so too?"
Unohana was slightly surprised. She had expected a child her age to instinctively take Kenpachi's side and argue against her without hesitation.
Yet, Yachiru shook her head and responded earnestly, "That cool Aniki hasn't even drawn his sword yet!"
"He's just using his fingernails to fight, and he's doing it effortlessly. He's completely in control."
"If I had to guess, that Aniki's strength is way above Ken-chan's right now!"
Unohana smiled slightly, a glint of appreciation flashing in her eyes.
"Oh… it seems our little Yachiru has quite the keen eye and natural talent."
"But Yachiru, I've always been curious… who gave you such a beautiful name?" she asked with genuine interest.
"Ken-chan did!"
Yachiru raised a small hand excitedly, her voice full of pride.
"I see..."
Unohana murmured thoughtfully, then looked at Yachiru with a meaningful gaze before continuing,
"Yachiru, have you ever thought about learning kendo? Maybe one day, you could be as strong as that Aniki."
"No way!"
Yachiru shook her head furiously.
Learning kendo? That sounds exhausting! No way I'm doing something like that!
"Is that so?"
Unohana lowered her head slightly, feeling a hint of disappointment. Yachiru had the potential to be an exceptional swordswoman.
But then she thought of Masatsuki Aozaki… and realized it wasn't a big deal after all.
"If you're not interested, that's fine," Unohana said.
There was nothing to regret. She had already found the best student she could ever ask for, and that student had not disappointed her.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake