Ukitake blinked a few times, then rubbed his eyes again.
Kyōraku chuckled softly. "Heh, I knew you thought the same. Didn't Cole smacking the old man look just like whack-a-mole? I've played that game in the Human World."
But seeing his friend's smirk, and the shadow rising behind him, Ukitake's gaze softened with pity.
He remembered—hundreds of years ago, Shunsui used to tease Yamamoto just like this. And every time, the old man would beat him half to death barehanded as a "lesson."
"Kyōraku… Shunsui!"
The voice thundered behind him. Shunsui froze, turning with a stiff smile.
"Shishō(teacher)…"
"Now you call me teacher? Not 'old man' anymore?" Yamamoto's fists clenched. Had he really gone centuries without disciplining this rebellious student?
Shunsui coughed and bolted. "I'll capture the traitors! Ukitake, come with me!"
Yamamoto snorted but let him go, striking the ground with his staff-like blade. "And don't forget to capture that brat."
Captains quickly agreed. But Yamamoto's glare deepened.
"You all say yes so easily. Yet when that brat attacked me, why didn't anyone stop him?"
Faces turned awkward.
Soi Fong blushed—Cole had blackmail on her.
Komamura sulked—his friend's betrayal crushed him.
Ukitake coughed weakly, pointing at his health.
Byakuya stayed silent, expression unreadable.
Unohana simply smiled, eyes gleaming with heat, lips moist as she licked them.
Yamamoto growled but returned to tend Sasakibe.
In the Second Division barracks, Soi Fong stormed into her bedroom—only to find Cole sprawled on her bed. Her teeth ground audibly.
"I told you not to go out!"
Cole grinned. "How could I miss Aizen versus the strongest shinigami? That's once-in-a-lifetime!"
Soi Fong folded her arms. "What's so interesting? You think that traitor could ever match the Head Captain? He wasn't even serious."
Cole nodded. "True. If Yamamoto used bankai, Aizen wouldn't stand a chance."
Soi Fong huffed. "So stay here. If you go out again, the Head Captain will kill you."
Cole smirked. "What, hiding me away like your lover in a golden cage? Relax. As long as he doesn't use bankai, I've got nothing to fear."
Her anger flared. "You arrogant brat! Do you know his power? When I first became captain, I fought him. Even using my best shunko, he floored me with a single punch—sent me flying two ri, through walls!"
Cole leaned closer. "But did you see his hand when he blocked me earlier? Shaking like an old man with Parkinson's! Hahaha!"
Soi Fong froze. Thinking back, she remembered Yamamoto leaning on Ryūjin Jakka like a cane…
Cole roared with laughter. "Even the strongest old man had to use his blade as a walking stick after a few swings! If I'd hit harder, I'd have planted him in the ground like a radish!"
Soi Fong turned red with fury. "Impossible. If you'd hurt him that badly, he'd have burned you to ash!"
Cole shrugged. "He couldn't. Not with Aizen and the Hōgyoku to worry about."
Before she could retort, a gentle voice floated in:
"Soi Fong-taichō, he's telling the truth."
The bedroom door slid open. Unohana stepped inside, black hair flowing, eyes soft yet burning.
"Unohana-taichō!?" Soi Fong snapped, blade drawn. "This is my squad's barracks. Get out!"
Cole whispered nervously, "I thought you were only harsh to men…"
"Don't misunderstand," Soi Fong hissed back. "The only one I treat gently is Yoruichi-sama."
Unohana's gaze locked onto Cole, lips curving. "Cole-kun, long time no see."
"…It's been half an hour," Cole coughed.
"Not like that," Unohana said softly, pressing a hand to her chest, eyes burning. "I mean, it's been too long since we fought. Just seeing you makes my heart race."
Cole paled. "Hearts are supposed to beat, you know…"
Soi Fong stepped in front of him, blade aimed at Unohana. "Leave. Now."
But Unohana's smile only deepened. "Strange… harboring a wanted man in your bedroom? Soi Fong-taichō, I'll be sure to tell Yoruichi-san. Perhaps she'll arrange a wedding…"
Soi Fong's face flushed scarlet. "Don't you dare!" Her blade snapped into bee-stinger form, ready to strike.
Cole flailed. "Unohana-taichō! Why me!? Shouldn't Zaraki suit you better?"
Unohana nodded thoughtfully. "He did once. But you're different. Your kenjutsu is beyond compare. I know you'll surpass me one day—and when you do, I want to die by your blade. That is my love."
She drew her zanpakuto, fingers trembling with desire. "Cole-kun… let me train you. Let me scar you, heal you, fight you… again and again…"
Cole's blood ran cold. "That's not training—that's torture!"
He turned to run—but Unohana embraced him from behind, whispering:
"You can't escape. I left my mark on you during our battle. It won't fade for months."
Cold sweat trickled down his spine.
Thinking fast, he groaned dramatically. "Unohana… I fought all day. I'm exhausted. Let me rest just one night."
She tilted her head, considering. "True. You've fought many today, even the Head Captain. Very well…"
She sat gracefully on Soi Fong's bed, patting the space beside her.
"Then tonight, I'll sleep with you. I'll heal your wounds… and tomorrow, we'll begin."
(End of Chapter)
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