Chapter 22 ⥤ Backstabbed by a Good Brother
In Akira's eyes, Uruoi's mental fortitude was unparalleled.
Despite often causing trouble and leading Class 1-A to be repeatedly labeled as problematic, he would still show up at the Zanjutsu dojo rain or shine. Though his skills were somewhat lacking, his dedication surpassed that of over 90% of his colleagues.
But now... Akira gazed dejectedly at the white figure at the front of the dojo, his expression a mix of bewilderment and resignation.
Exactly, Restu Unohana was there, not the middle aged teacher of them…
He turned slightly towards Aizen beside him and asked in a low voice.
"Sōsuke, do you think... Does Kaoru-sensei still have a chance of survival?"
Hearing this, Aizen fell into deep thought before giving his assessment.
"It's hard to say."
Although he wasn't clear about Unohana's true identity, his instincts told him that this woman was far more complex than she appeared. When he first met her, he seemed to see mountains of corpses and seas of blood emanating from her presence.
Even a genius like Aizen had to admit: so far, Retsu Unohana of the 4th Division was the strongest existence he had ever encountered — bar none!
Based on this inference, if Uruoi insisted on not giving up this Zanjutsu class, Aizen couldn't guarantee he would come out unscathed.
But what intrigued him more was what exactly Akira had said to her. However, it was obvious that she was here for him.
The white figure stood at the front of the dojo, Unohana holding a bamboo sword, her gaze kindly sweeping over everyone. Whether it was an illusion or not, the moment she gripped the bamboo sword, her aura suddenly sharpened, as if emanating a crisscrossing radiance.
"Everyone, unfortunately, I just received news that Teacher Kaoru Uruoi has fallen ill and been sent to the Coordinated Relief Station. So, I will be teaching this Zanjutsu class for you all. But please don't worry, I hold a 10th Dan in Kendō, which is more than enough to instruct you. Moreover, I understand from Teacher Kaoru Uruoi that today's Zanjutsu class content is practical combat. And what I excel at is — practical combat!"
As soon as the words fell, her sharp gaze swept over, like two swords instantly piercing through Akira hiding in the crowd.
The moment their eyes met, his Danger Instinct let out a shrill alarm. He instinctively gripped his bamboo sword tightly, his whole body instantly entering a combat state.
The fierce aura immediately caused him to undergo a drastic change!
Aizen looked at his friend beside him with surprise, finding his current appearance somewhat unfamiliar.
However, Akira quickly regained his composure. After a brief shiver, he returned to his original state, as if the previous scene had been merely an illusion.
"Everyone, are you ready?" Unohana asked gently, "Bring out your full strength. Now we begin the Zanjutsu practical combat! Let's start with you."
The academy student sitting at the front was momentarily stunned but soon became excited. He grabbed the bamboo sword and charged forward with a roar.
Regardless of Unohana's actual Zanjutsu level, she was still one of the Captains of the Gotei 13. In the entire Seireitei, she was considered one of the top figures. To engage in practical combat with such an existence was something academy students of many generations could only dream of.
The student who stepped forward was visibly thrilled. His hands, gripping the bamboo sword, trembled slightly as blood rushed to his face, flushing his cheeks.
After bowing respectfully, he swiftly stepped forward and swung his sword down at her. As an elite student of Class 1-A, he did possess some skill.
However, the moment Unohana's stance unfolded, the student's fate was sealed. With just two or three parries, she knocked his bamboo sword flying, and he met with defeat.
"Your movements are too broad and open." Unohana commented, "You're unable to adapt quickly. During daily practice, focus on integrating basic Kendō into your instincts, completing multiple technique variations in the instant of swinging your sword. Of course, at your current stage, your Kendō standard is still above the passing line."
The defeated student's expression, initially dejected, brightened upon hearing the latter half of her words.
"Thank you, Captain Unohana!"
Another student stepped forward, taking his stance. Then, with one strike, he too was defeated. Unohana offered a few explanatory sentences, pointing out his shortcomings and indicating the path for his future training.
The practical combat progressed swiftly. Students came forward one after another, only to have their bamboo swords knocked flying within two or three moves.
Under Unohana's guidance, everyone's understanding of Kendō, and consequently Zanjutsu, improved significantly.
Akira looked sorrowfully at his classmates around him, suddenly realizing that this group of elite academy students seemed to have all become fans of Sister Hana.
"Sōsuke, you're the only comrade left in my camp."
Aizen brushed Akira's hand from his shoulder with slight disdain. He picked up the bamboo sword beside him and stood up, saying without looking back.
"No, we were never in the same camp."
Betrayed by his friend once again, Akira's demeanor instantly became more desolate.
As he grappled with his emotions, Aizen had already positioned himself before Unohana. She observed the brown-haired youth with a contemplative gaze.
She recalled this young man, Sōsuke Aizen. He had accompanied Akira to the Coordinated Relief Station when the latter needed treatment for his arm. The two young men seemed to share a close friendship.
"Captain Unohana, please guide me." Aizen bowed slightly, then gripped the bamboo sword with both hands, assuming a standard starting stance.
Unohana raised her bamboo sword and nodded solemnly, "Let's begin."
The moment she finished speaking, Aizen exploded into action with astonishing speed. He moved like an arrow released from a bow, radiating an aura of sheer intensity.
Unohana's eyes gleamed with interest, like a hunter who had found worthy prey. Her bamboo sword moved in a flurry, filling the air with its presence.
In an instant, the atmosphere crackled with tension, and a powerful aura permeated the room.
Unlike the previous bouts with the academy students, this clash between Aizen and Unohana felt like a real battle.
His bamboo sword slashed fiercely, but she sidestepped with grace. She countered with a powerful strike, knocking his weapon from his hands.
The match was over.
The academy students stared at the two figures standing at the front, stunned by a sudden realization. It seemed Akira's unassuming companion was also an undeniable genius.
"Impressive Kendō skills." Unohana praised, "Indeed, geniuses tend to attract one another."
After lowering her sword, she and Aizen suddenly looked at the last person who would go through the practical combat...
"Kisaragi-kun, I hope your performance won't disappoint me..."
Watching the two smiling figures before him, Akira felt a chill run down his spine. In that moment, he sensed a multitude of malicious intentions converging upon him.
He mused bitterly: So, betrayal by a close friend truly is the most painful, isn't it?
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