The moment Retsu Unohana swung her sword, her demeanor underwent a drastic change.
In that instant, she seemed to emerge from the polar ice, emanating a bone-chilling coldness.
Even though her face showed no emotion, one could clearly feel that at this moment, her heart held nothing but battle.
Upon seeing this, Yoriichi immediately signaled Uta to move away from him and wait at the edge of the arena.
Only when he was alone did he tightly grip his bamboo sword again, his gaze fixed forward like a torch.
His pupils clearly reflected the image of Retsu Unohana instantly vanishing from her spot, then striking with astonishing force.
The angle of this strike was extremely tricky; although not much force was used, it felt almost impossible to defend against.
—Shikai?
Yoriichi pondered for a moment, then quickly shifted half a step and deftly parried the bamboo sword upwards.
With a soft "clack," Retsu Unohana's strike was completely nullified at a unique angle.
The flying bamboo sword had not yet touched Yoriichi when it was deflected elsewhere by the sword in his hand.
A piercing whoosh echoed in his ears, and the stray hairs at Yoriichi's temples were blown away by the fierce wind.
Taking advantage of Retsu Unohana's slight shift in posture as she adjusted, Yoriichi seized the opportunity to unleash a horizontal slash.
A bright, dragon-roaring flame entwined itself around both sides of the bamboo sword the moment it was swung.
The flame illuminated Retsu Unohana's cheek, causing her pupils to suddenly contract.
Although she didn't understand why Yoriichi's momentum was so distinct, even manifesting physically, completely different from her own blood-hell-like aura of a Shura.
But Retsu Unohana still reacted quickly.
She lightly tapped her toes on the ground, retreating while swiftly twisting her wrist, barely blocking the horizontal slash.
However, at this very moment, Yoriichi's subsequent double slash completely shattered her defense.
"Clack," the sound of the bamboo swords colliding was crisp and pleasant.
The second strike left Retsu Unohana no time to dodge; before she could defend, the sword in her hand was knocked away.
The tearing, burning sensation from her tiger's mouth as the sword flew out instantly brought Retsu Unohana back to her senses.
Immediately after, a whistling wind assaulted her, blowing her hair, and a cold gust lingered three feet from her body.
Her black pupils reflected the image of Yoriichi's sword about to strike her, but then pulling back just in time.
She stared blankly at all of this, her thoughts interrupted by the sound of the bamboo sword hitting the ground.
Then, she heard Yoriichi softly say:
"Are you alright?"
"This is a spar."
"Unless absolutely necessary, it's best to know when to stop."
After speaking, Yoriichi retracted his sword and stepped back.
He glanced at Uta, and seeing her look of relief, he finally relaxed.
While Retsu Unohana's swordsmanship was excellent, it focused a bit too much on the techniques themselves.
Also, due to her age, the swordsmanship she used first had already become a habit.
After all, it was undoubtedly her strongest and most practiced strike.
Although Yoriichi had never seen it before today, he possessed Transparent World.
Judging the direction of an attack through muscle contraction and blood flow was relatively easy.
"Heh heh…" Retsu Unohana regained her composure and chuckled twice.
She looked at her empty hands, then waved, and spiritual power materialized into threads, retrieving the bamboo sword that had been knocked away from a distance.
Re-gripping the bamboo sword, its cold touch did not reassure her.
After the small skirmish just now, she felt like she had been seen through.
Shikai was indeed her most proficient sword style.
Although she was known as Yachiru, she couldn't possibly use eight thousand sword techniques in battle.
Rather, she extracted the essence and discarded the dross from those techniques, turning thousands of forms into ten, or even fewer.
As Shikai, which integrated hundreds of sword styles, it should have had no equal.
Whether fighting Yamamoto Genryusai or others, it could always gain an initial advantage.
Simply because it was undefendable.
However, today it was blocked.
This made Retsu Unohana incredibly hard to believe, but at the same time, it thrilled her immensely.
This meant that besides Yamamoto Genryusai, there was now another person in Seireitei who could defeat her.
And this person was still so young, much like Kenpachi when he was a child.
Retsu Unohana's long-dormant fighting spirit was reawakened; she stared intently at Yoriichi Tsugikuni, her gaze as if looking at a rare treasure.
After all, being able to defeat her meant she could learn other things from him.
The Kenpachi she was waiting for wasn't Yoriichi, but Zaraki Kenpachi would grow up eventually.
Before Zaraki Kenpachi matured, she had to become stronger, so as not to betray the battle from back then.
Retsu Unohana took a slight breath, her calm voice suddenly ringing out:
"I must admit, I underestimated you. You are indeed worthy of being Captain-Commander Yamamoto's disciple."
"In just a few short years, your swordsmanship has already surpassed Kyōraku and Ukitake…"
"If you were a bit older, the next Captain-Commander would undoubtedly be you."
"Yoriichi Tsugikuni, continue. Regardless of victory or defeat, after today, I will firmly stand by your side."
"After all… the current Captain-Commander Yamamoto is already old."
"Though he can still defeat me, he can no longer find the joy he once did."
"Only you are special."
With such a clear stance, Yoriichi nodded lightly.
Then, watching Retsu Unohana disappear again, a chill permeated the air, and the second fierce exchange began.
…
At the edge of the arena.
Behind Uta.
A dark figure quietly peeked her head out from beside the door.
The figure watched the battle between the two in the center of the arena, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes.
The setting sun in the sky cast its rays upon the figure's shoulders, illuminating her dazzling silver hair.
This was Isane Kotetsu.
Around noon, she had accidentally overheard Yoriichi Tsugikuni and Captain Retsu Unohana's duel, which was why she came to watch in the evening.
She greatly admired her Captain, and it was something she had never expected that her Captain was the first Kenpachi of the Eleventh Division.
At this moment, Uta vaguely heard some movement and instinctively turned her gaze.
When she saw Isane Kotetsu, she instinctively wanted to speak, but then saw Isane Kotetsu quickly make a "shush" gesture.
—Just watch quietly.
Reading this emotion from Isane Kotetsu's eyes, Uta understood.
Someone like herself…
Because she couldn't stop worrying about the person closest to her, she wanted to come and observe.
But why hide?
Was it because she was afraid of her Captain seeing her in an undignified state?
How gentle.
…
Time flew by like a white steed, and in an instant, the second exchange concluded.
After the previous lesson, Retsu Unohana became extremely cautious, no longer initiating attacks rashly, fearing she might reveal the slightest weakness.
However, even so, she still lost a point.
Simply because Yoriichi Tsugikuni's opening speed was unimaginably fast.
Transparent World combined with the Mark allowed him to exert his physical abilities to the limit.
Even if Retsu Unohana intended to block, her reaction speed ultimately couldn't keep up with Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
The relentless attacks roared in like a downpour; Retsu Unohana exerted her utmost, only barely blocking five moves before being struck again.
The sword precisely pierced her chest.
The surging sword wind ruffled her hair, and Retsu Unohana's eyes held an unreadable expression.
The pain in her wrist brought her back to her senses.
She watched Yoriichi Tsugikuni retreat again, knowing in her heart that she had lost two points.
If this were a formal match, she would have already lost.
With a helpless sigh, Retsu Unohana slowly said, "Indeed, your combat prowess is comparable to Yamamoto Genryusai, and even surpasses him in some aspects…"
"I have to admit, you are probably the most skilled Shinigami in swordsmanship in Seireitei, under two thousand years old."
Since she hadn't witnessed Yoriichi and Yamamoto's spar, she could only make this judgment, then paused,
"However, I won't give up easily either."
Saying this, Retsu Unohana changed the subject,
"Isane, come out."
"Sneaking around is not something a Shinigami should do."
No sooner had she spoken than Isane Kotetsu rubbed the back of her head and slowly walked in from outside the door.
Her face was full of embarrassment, and she offered an apologetic smile.
Retsu Unohana slightly turned her gaze to Isane Kotetsu.
Seeing Isane standing beside Uta, she nodded slightly: "As you can see, I am sparring with Captain Tsugikuni."
"I know what you're thinking, but it's best to sit down for now."
"Kiyonosuke will soon leave the Fourth Division, and then as Third Seat, you will become Vice-Captain. At that time, I will tell you everything you want to know."
Isane Kotetsu sat down obediently, not saying a word, knowing full well that now was not the time to ask questions.
It wasn't until Uta revealed a friendly smile that the battle between Captain Retsu Unohana and Yoriichi Tsugikuni resumed.
As the sounds of bamboo swords clashing echoed, Isane Kotetsu's heart grew increasingly tense.
This was simply because Captain Retsu Unohana was clearly at a disadvantage in the fight.
Every one of her attacks could be easily seen through by the man opposite her.
Whether it was a preemptive strike or a follow-up, an aggressive offense or a defensive stance, her seemingly flawless movements always contained imperceptible flaws.
And that man could always precisely hit those flaws.
Isane Kotetsu completely failed to understand what was happening before her eyes.
In her opinion, if she were in Captain Retsu Unohana's opponent's position, she would be utterly unable to withstand Captain Retsu Unohana's attacks.
Yet, the attacks she found impossible to defend against were effortlessly resolved by Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
Captain Retsu Unohana lost in such a baffling manner.
Is he even human?
This disparity was as outrageous as an ordinary Shinigami swordsman facing Kenpachi... at least that's how it seemed to Isane Kotetsu.
And considering that Captain Retsu Unohana herself was the first Kenpachi, such a disparity shouldn't exist at all, so why was it happening?
Isane Kotetsu's eyes widened slightly, she even forgot to breathe.
In the blink of an eye, Captain Retsu Unohana lost three more points.
Beside her, Uta seemed to notice the emotions Isane Kotetsu was displaying and softly explained:
"This is Yoriichi's unique ability; any technique appears as clear as slow motion before him."
"I'm not entirely sure of Captain Retsu Unohana's strength, but if her physical prowess cannot surpass Yoriichi's, then Yoriichi can block any attack."
"Ms. Kotetsu, you know what a bear is, right?"
Uta's words brought Isane Kotetsu back to her senses slightly.
She looked at Uta and asked, "Yes, I do. What about it?"
Uta pondered for a moment, then said, "If I remember correctly, it was when I was thirteen."
"At that time, Yoriichi and I were cutting firewood on the mountain when we encountered a bear."
"That bear was tall and strong, and one of its paws could even push over a tree."
"It lunged at us, and I thought I was going to die, but unexpectedly, Yoriichi captured it with just one hand."
"At that time, Yoriichi was still human. Could Captain Retsu Unohana have done that when she was human?"
Isane Kotetsu's expression was a bit stiff. Her words made it sound as if everyone was a superhuman.
In her eyes, humans were quite frail creatures.
They had neither long lifespans nor powerful spiritual pressure.
While some humans occasionally possessed spiritual pressure, their strength was mediocre, unable to defeat even a single Hollow.
Therefore, Shinigami and humans were two completely different races.
Forget about capturing a bear with one hand; it would be difficult even to escape.
At this point, Isane Kotetsu, listening to Uta, finally understood Yoriichi Tsugikuni's uniqueness.
Although there might be some exaggeration in the description, since Uta was Yoriichi Tsugikuni's wife, her words would naturally be biased towards him.
But looking at the current situation, it wasn't impossible.
No wonder Captain Retsu Unohana was having such a difficult time.
A pure sword art competition naturally involves a contest of physical prowess, reaction speed, and certain techniques.
Given that Captain Retsu Unohana could not win unless her physical abilities surpassed Yoriichi Tsugikuni's, she was bound to lose.
Because no matter how extraordinary Retsu Unohana was, it was impossible for her, as a human teenager, to defeat a bear barehanded, let alone with one hand...
The strength, reaction speed, calm composure, and judgment of timing involved were all unimaginable.
—He's practically a superhuman!
Isane Kotetsu genuinely exclaimed, her eyes flashing with complex and unreadable emotions.
If she weren't wholeheartedly on Captain Retsu Unohana's side, she might even be cheering for Yoriichi Tsugikuni at this moment, given what he was facing.
Because both Shinigami and humans admire the strong and are very eager to see how far they can go.
No wonder her sister had that expression when she learned that Yoriichi Tsugikuni had a wife.
She would have felt the same way herself.
Such beings were not only rare but also few and far between across the entire Three Realms.
Phew...
Isane Kotetsu let out a slight breath. While she was sighing with emotion, Retsu Unohana lost three more points.
Adding to the previous ones, it was now eight points. Anyone with eyes could see that Retsu Unohana had lost, and it was a crushing defeat.
But as a Captain, as the first Kenpachi, even if she had one breath left, even if there was a sliver of hope, Retsu Unohana would not give up.
Seeing this, Isane Kotetsu grew even more respectful of Captain Retsu Unohana, and at the same time, she showed profound respect for Yoriichi Tsugikuni, who was before Captain Retsu Unohana.
He possessed such immense strength yet remained so humble.
His presence was rarely seen.
Even after defeating Captain Retsu Unohana, he showed no signs of complacency.
No wonder he could repel Aizen.
The word 'strongest' seemed to have been born for him.
...
After some time, Retsu Unohana slowly lowered her bamboo sword.
Her eyes were filled with complex emotions.
Ten clashes, ten complete losses.
This sense of defeat was as powerless as facing Yamamoto Genryusai.
Every time her attack barely touched Yoriichi Tsugikuni, it would be precisely blocked by him.
It was as if she had actively run into it.
Too bizarre.
But then she remembered that Yoriichi Tsugikuni had once severely wounded Yamamoto Genryusai, and this bizarreness suddenly became commonplace.
This was something she could never achieve in her lifetime.
Her sword could barely even touch Yamamoto Genryusai, let alone make him bleed or severely injure him...
Yoriichi Tsugikuni's talent was far more dazzling than that of the people who founded the Seireitei back then.
Retsu Unohana sighed softly in her heart and said, "Congratulations, you won."
"Fighting you is simply despair. It seems only Zaraki Kenpachi can please me now."
"But fortunately, you are still young, and I have not yet grown old."
"Captain Tsugikuni."
Retsu Unohana slowly raised her head.
"For Uta's sake, could you come and spar with me every once in a while?"
"I am very interested in your sword art."
"Of course, Uta can also come, as she is a member of my Fourth Division..."
At this point, Retsu Unohana suddenly turned her gaze to Uta.
She paused slightly, carefully choosing her words:
"If you are interested in Kaido, I can also teach you appropriately."
"Currently, your Zanpakuto can only help people relieve fatigue, but it cannot heal injuries."
"Although as a high-ranking noble, you don't need to do these trivial matters, having a skill is always better than having none."
"Uta, what do you think?"
In Retsu Unohana's view, exchanging her Kaido techniques for the opportunity to spar with Yoriichi Tsugikuni was a perfectly equitable trade.
Because.
Her Kaido techniques were currently the best in the Seireitei.
And Yoriichi Tsugikuni was also the best in sword art.
There was nothing that couldn't be exchanged.
As for Uta, Retsu Unohana was not worried.
The main concern was Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
Exchanging sparring opportunities, that's what it was on the surface.
But in reality, Retsu Unohana wanted to learn Yoriichi Tsugikuni's sword art.
However, as a Captain, she couldn't openly show this, just as Yamamoto Genryusai, even if he couldn't defeat a junior, couldn't humbly seek instruction from them.
This wasn't a matter of 'the accomplished being a teacher'.
It was a matter of dignity.
Therefore.
More subtle words, when heard by others, might be misunderstood, and she was afraid Yoriichi would misunderstand.
Fortunately, Yoriichi didn't overthink it.
After a moment of contemplation.
Yoriichi glanced to the side, seeing a hint of surprise on Uta's face, and immediately understood the choice he should make.
He nodded, indicating his agreement.
Immediately after, he looked at Uta: "During this time, you should study diligently with Captain Retsu Unohana."
"Once you've learned Kaido, you can teach others, like Rukia and Rangiku."
"You don't need to master extremely refined Kaido techniques; being able to heal yourself when injured is enough."
Turning his head, Yoriichi faced Retsu Unohana.
"Thank you, Captain Retsu Unohana. I'm not sure about Uta's talent for Kaido."
"If she's a bit slow, please be understanding."
"Not at all."
Retsu Unohana smiled and waved her hand.
"We are simply getting what we need. In my eyes, there are never dull students, only teachers who aren't as clever."
"I believe I am not among that category."
Her smile was full of confidence.
"If there are no objections, let's start now. While it's relatively quiet, let's first test your control over spiritual pressure."
Hearing Retsu Unohana say this, Yoriichi understood that the matter was settled.
He called Uta over, and then the two of them proceeded with the test.