"Vice-Captain Sasakibe, this way please~"
Unohana Retsu smiled gently, leading the way for Chojiro Sasakibe.
"Ah, yes—of course, thank you."
Chojiro Sasakibe followed closely behind, his face calm but his nerves far from settled.
"Careful, there's a threshold here~"
"Ah! Thank you for the reminder!"
From the outside, their interaction seemed graceful—like that of a proper host and a refined guest. Unohana Retsu played the part of the courteous guide, while Chojiro maintained the demeanor of a respectful gentleman.
Had any of the noble families of Soul Society witnessed this scene, they would no doubt have praised it as a model of etiquette and composure.
But the issue here wasn't who was watching.
It was who was acting.
Because the ones exchanging pleasantries were not nobles—they were two of the most feared figures in Soul Society's history.
Unohana Retsu, the original Kenpachi, the first "murderer" of Soul Society.
And Chojiro Sasakibe, vice-captain of the 1st Division and right hand of Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto.
It was a surreal sight—like two wild beasts in human clothing, behaving with the mannerisms of refined scholars. The contrast was deeply unsettling. The members of the 11th Division who bore witness to it were chilled to the bone.
Yet, as composed as Chojiro appeared on the surface, turmoil raged within him.
"Is this really the same Unohana Retsu who was once feared as the most bloodthirsty killer in Soul Society?"
"She just used a polite honorific with me...?"
Chojiro had heard rumors that Unohana's personality had changed after her battle with Araki—but this? This level of transformation was beyond anything he could have imagined.
Her mannerisms were softer, even nurturing. Her hair—once worn wild and loose—was now tied up neatly, a symbol of restraint. Content originally comes from novel⟡fire.net
If he hadn't known her legendary past, he would never have believed this was the same woman once infamous for leaving rivers of blood in her wake.
She now seemed more like a gentle older sister than the demon of the battlefield.
Chojiro's thoughts continued to spiral. "Vice-Captain Unohana seems gentler than before—but that's what makes her even more terrifying."
The pressure that emanated from her back was overwhelming. His forehead was slick with cold sweat.
"If the old Unohana was like a fearsome blade displayed in the light—deadly but visible—then the current Unohana is like that same blade sheathed in shadow."
"You could see the sword before. You knew it was sharp. You feared it. But now... now the blade is hidden. You don't know when it'll strike—or how."
"The sword in the dark is always more terrifying."
Sasakibe reached the only conclusion that made sense to him:
"This Unohana—the one who hides her edge—is far more frightening than the one who wore her madness on her sleeve."
"Vice-Captain Sasakibe~"
Unohana's voice brought him back to the present.
"Captain Araki is waiting for you inside~"
Jolted from his thoughts, Chojiro quickly straightened, bowing with excessive politeness. He then stood before the door of the 11th Division captain's office, not daring to delay any further.
He had one thought—and one thought only:
"Whatever happens... don't make her angry."
"Then, Vice-Captain of the First Division, Sasakibe-dono, I've brought you to the location."
Unohana Retsu said softly with a smile, turning to face him.
"From here on, please enter alone and speak with Captain Araki directly."
Sasakibe Chojiro nodded politely out of habit, but then, as if remembering something, glanced up and added earnestly,
"Captain Unohana, this really isn't anything too serious. If you don't mind… would you care to join us for the discussion?"
"If it's not important, then I trust the two of you can handle it on your own,"
Unohana replied with a faint smile, eyes narrowing slightly.
"I still have duties to attend to in the 11th Division."
Chojiro let out a small breath, relieved at her response. That smile—he had passed her test for now.
Just before turning to leave, Unohana gave him one final glance. A deep look that pierced straight through his composure.
That single look froze Chojiro in place.
In that brief instant, he saw it—the shadow of the first generation Kenpachi flicker in her eyes!
Yes, she hadn't changed at all.
Unohana Retsu—the murderer who once bathed in blood, had simply learned to smile while sheathed in civility.
Now hidden among the masses, her blade remained as sharp as ever… only veiled.
"Terrifying… truly terrifying…"
Chojiro muttered to himself and hesitantly pushed open the door to the 11th Division captain's office.
Within the room, Araki sat slouched in the captain's seat. His bloodshot eyes revealed nights of no rest, and his reiatsu stirred like a low-burning fire.
Chojiro's voice faltered slightly at the sight.
"I mean this sincerely—you really should take care of yourself."
"Don't throw away a body blessed with such talent."
Looking at Araki's sleepless state, Chojiro felt a subtle ache in his chest.
So this is the reason…
The change in Unohana Retsu—it couldn't have been unrelated to this man's relentless will. The pressure, the clash of souls—it had undoubtedly shaped her.
Araki, who had expected Chojiro's visit, twitched slightly at his words.
What was this guy going on about now?
"Moderation"? Heh. Was he joking?
A body like his needed moderation?
Ridiculous. He was built for pushing beyond limits!
He was a serious man! An honorable man!
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