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Seireitei Central District, Squad One Barracks.
Captain's Office.
Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto stood before a crimson portrait, his hands resting on his cane.
The portrait depicted a man with an ancient samurai hairstyle, holding a katana, his body engulfed in raging flames that seemed to incinerate the world.
The man in the painting was a monster who had appeared in Soul Society in the past, nearly destroying the world—
Yamamoto Genryusai!
Sharp blades, howling winds, roaring thunder, and scorching flames…
Battle reports flashed through Yamamoto's mind, making him lost in thought.
"Just how much has Reiji hidden from me?" Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto narrowed his eyes, muttering to himself.
"Captain-Commander, sir."
A clear female voice sounded from outside the door.
"Come in."
Yamamoto replied, slowly withdrawing his gaze, his expression returning to normal.
He turned around, and what met his eyes was Unohana Retsu pulling open the paper door.
Unohana Retsu softly said:
"Captain-Commander, sir, the investigation has concluded."
Yamamoto scrutinized the smiling Fourth Division Captain before him.
They had known each other for a thousand years; he knew Unohana Retsu was genuinely happy.
He nodded, asking kindly:
"How are things?"
Although Kenpachi Kiganjo was dead, he was, after all, the Eleventh Division Captain, a Shinigami bearing the title of Kenpachi.
Coupled with Aozaki Reiji's truly unexpected performance in this battle, everyone naturally paid extra attention to the details of this fight.
Unohana Retsu bowed her head and said:
"Third Seat Reiji has finished treatment, and his injuries have mostly recovered."
"As for the specific situation regarding this rebel disturbance…"
"Many strange battle traces were found at the battle site and on Kenpachi Kiganjo's corpse."
"However, it can be confirmed that Kenpachi Kiganjo was indeed killed by Third Seat Reiji."
Yamamoto rolled his eyes in annoyance.
"That child's performance was excellent, but it's not yet time."
Unohana Retsu chuckled awkwardly.
Knowing that Aozaki Reiji had single-handedly slain Kenpachi Kiganjo had indeed made her a little excited.
She truly wished she could go to the Fourth Division right now to find Aozaki Reiji and immediately engage in a few exhilarating sword practice sessions.
"Speaking of that brat Reiji, the specific details of this battle will remain confidential for now," Yamamoto said. "You must keep an eye on the other little ones."
Unohana Retsu pondered for a moment, her expression grave, and said:
"I understand. I will convey your orders, but if they don't listen…"
"Kill!"
Yamamoto spoke coldly.
It was as if, in an instant, he had transformed from a kind Old Man back into the terrifying monster of a thousand years ago.
Seeing this, Unohana Retsu felt a moment of trance.
She fell silent, sighing inwardly.
Those truly were unforgettable, beautiful years.
Although that era was tumultuous, filled with slaughter and death everywhere.
For her, however, it was the best of times.
And when did this demon, more terrifying than herself, ever rein in his bloodlust?
Aozaki Reiji… Unohana Retsu thought of this man again, who had repeatedly challenged her understanding.
This man had not yet lost his edge, and his talent was outstanding; he would catch up to them sooner or later.
A battle between them was inevitable.
For that intoxicating pleasure, she must teach him well!
How I look forward… to the day of joy!
"…Where is Third Seat Reiji now?"
Yamamoto didn't notice the subtle changes in Unohana Retsu's expression; he just asked to himself.
"Third Seat Reiji is recuperating in the Fourth Division. Although his injuries have healed, this battle was extremely brutal, so I've had him stay in the hospital for observation."
"Hospital observation? You're spoiling him too much!" Yamamoto said irritably. "Such minor injuries don't require hospitalization. Don't forget how we got through things back then."
The more Yamamoto listened, the more annoyed he became.
Why is this Shinigami so good to that brat?
It makes it seem like he, the teacher, is incompetent!
How infuriating! Why did this murderous woman turn into such a gentle Yamato Nadeshiko!?
"Times are different now, Captain-Commander, sir."
Unohana Retsu lowered her gaze, speaking softly:
"Didn't we establish the Gotei 13 precisely to protect this hard-won beauty?"
Is that your line?
Yamamoto immediately flared up, feeling like he was about to revert to being a thousand years old from sheer anger.
This woman's personality was just as awful as it was a thousand years ago!
He pondered for a moment, then sighed: "Have Reiji come over."
… … … …
"Reiji, you're here."
From the First Division Captain's Office, Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto's kind voice rang out.
Aozaki Reiji's expression was strange as he nodded in response: "Teacher."
It was too strange that the Old Man wasn't stern-faced; there must be a trick.
Yamamoto coughed twice, then asked caringly: "You look well… Your injuries aren't serious, are they?"
Hearing Yamamoto's words, Unohana Retsu, who stood nearby, immediately chuckled, and Aozaki Reiji's expression changed.
The Old Man was actually concerned about him!
Something's wrong!
Very wrong!
He reached up to his forehead, swaying his body, and said with exaggerated acting:
"Teacher, I… I'm quite badly injured. I must return to the Fourth Division to recuperate. Captain Retsu, please take me back to the Fourth Division."
Unohana Retsu walked over, looked him up and down, shook her head, then walked out of the Captain's Office with a smile.
What did that mean? Was she questioning his acting?
Or was she saying he was doomed, and even the First Kenpachi couldn't save him?
Aozaki Reiji was stunned.
No, judging by her gloating expression, perhaps the Old Man's behavior had something to do with her!
Yamamoto watched Unohana Retsu's retreating figure as the office door slowly closed.
Looking at Aozaki Reiji, who was lost in thought, He was silent for a moment, seemingly struggling with something, but eventually returned to his true self, the benevolent expression on his face disappearing as he asked in a deep voice:
"Tell me, what's going on with your Zanpakuto?"
"Zanpakuto?" Aozaki Reiji was first startled, then let out a sigh of relief.
The Old Man returning to his original self meant he was most likely not in danger.
He understood Yamamoto's meaning, relaxed, and scratched his head:
"Teacher, I'm not criticizing you, but isn't it a bit inappropriate to ask such a private question in public? Be careful of eavesdroppers!"
Yamamoto said nothing, simply tilting his head to the side.
Aozaki Reiji understood immediately, walked to the wall, placed his hand on it, and felt a barrier.
The old ginger is the spiciest; Old Man Yamamoto had considered everything thoroughly.
Aozaki Reiji sat before him, took the teacup, and took a sip, his expression quite serious:
"Actually, between me and Shinra Bansho…"
Just as he was about to speak of his intimate relationship with his Zanpakuto, he felt Old Man Yamamoto's sharp gaze and, from the bottom of his heart, changed his words:
"Actually, I learned Shikai."
"You've truly grown up. Not only did you defeat Kenpachi Kiganjo, but you also dare to make fun of this Old Man." Yamamoto smiled and sighed, reaching for his cane. "This Old Man is very pleased!"
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