Chapter 7: It is hard to step on Ants Without Hurting Them

Seireitei

Gotei 13, 11th Division, Combat Special Division's Quarters.

Inside the dojo with wooden floors, numerous Shinigami dressed in the standard black hakama practice their swordsmanship with wooden swords, repeatedly chanting "Heish! Heish!" as they swing their blades.

The 11th Division, known for being the most battle-oriented of the Gotei 13, spends every day either training in the dojo or engaging in combat. According to the members of the 11th Division themselves, from the moment they wake up, their tired eyes are already prepared for battle.

As for the leader of this ruthless division, it is no surprise that she is formidable herself. The captain of the 11th Division, known as one of the strongest Shinigami in the entire Gotei 13, besides Captain Yamamoto, is the woman with the title "Kenpachi," Unohana Yachiru.

At this moment, the woman who subdued all the swordsmanship schools in the Soul Society with a single sword stood expressionless, watching her subordinates practice. Her face is cold, without joy or sorrow. The training in the dojo cannot stir the woman's inner strength, which thirsts only for "battle" and "slaughter."

However, just when she thought that this monotonous life would continue forever, an unexpected guest arrived at the 11th Division's quarters.

"Is this the 11th Division?"

The visitor, Araki, stood outside the relatively humble quarters compared to the other divisions, smiling as he observed the building.

"Just standing outside the quarters, I can already feel the overwhelming spiritual pressure of that 'Kenpachi' inside."

"Is this the first Kenpachi, Unohana Yachiru? How terrifying."

Araki showed no bias toward the 11th Division's quarters due to their simplicity. After all, "It's not the height of a mountain, but the immortal within that gives it its name. It's not the depth of water, but the dragon within that makes it spiritual."

Araki didn't come to inspect the 11th Division's building; he came for the person inside—the leader, Unohana Yachiru.

"Mm?"

Meanwhile, standing in the dojo, observing the training of the division members, Unohana seemed to notice something. 

She slightly raised her chin, narrowing her eyes as she looked in the direction outside the 11th Division quarters, deep in thought.

"Very strong."

After a moment, a slight smile appeared at the corner of her mouth as she muttered the words. Two simple words with immense meaning—after all, very few people in the entire Gotei 13 could be called strong by this woman.

At the same time...

Araki, who had been standing outside the quarters, boldly walked in without any attempt at concealment.

Araki was here today to make a scene, to show off his muscles to the upper echelons of the Soul Society, and also to inform his soon-to-be-bald teacher that Araki had come.

Naturally, there was no reason to hide his presence—his goal was to stir up trouble and make a big scene!

He wanted the entire Seireitei to know that the "master" of the 11th Division was changing today.

"Hey! Who are you? How dare you barge into the 11th Division's quarters?"

Because Araki made no effort to hide his presence, he was quickly surrounded by several Shinigami patrolling the area, each holding a Zanpakuto.

"It doesn't matter who I am. As for why I'm here at your 11th Division quarters...

"I'm just feeling a little curious today. I came to learn from the sword of the Kenpachi, Unohana Yachiru."

"I heard her sword is deadly, but I wonder if it's deadlier than mine."

Araki revealed his intentions plainly to the surrounding Shinigami.

"Impudent! Who allowed you to call the captain by her name?"

"You, an unknown person, dare to challenge the captain's swordsmanship? Absurd! Shameless!"

"Do you know who Captain Unohana is? She is the top swordsman in the entire Soul Society! How dare you challenge her?"

"You will have to defeat us first! If you can't even beat us, you'll never meet the captain!"

These words caused an uproar among the 11th Division Shinigami. They couldn't accept this unknown person casually calling their respected captain's name or threatening to challenge her sword skills.

"The top swordsman? I don't think so."

Araki shook his head when he heard them extol her title.

"Huh?! This bastard is just trying to draw attention? Captain's title as the top swordsman in the Soul Society is acknowledged by even Captain-commander Yamamoto! Who do you think you are?"

The 11th Division members, enraged by Araki's words, had never encountered someone so audacious.

"Heh..."

Araki couldn't help but laugh as he heard them invoke his teacher's name.

"Just because the old man said something, does that mean it's true? I don't think so."

"And as for Unohana Yachiru being the number one swordsman in the Soul Society, how can you claim she's the strongest without having faced my sword?"

Araki said these words in a calm tone, as though he were merely stating a fact rather than boasting.

"How arrogant! You dare to disregard even Captain-Commander Yamamoto's words!?"

"Everyone, don't waste time with this madman. He must be here to cause trouble. Let's take him down and send him to the Prisoner Division, where he can pay for his insolence!"

""Right!!""

After hearing Araki's repeated boasting, the 11th Division Shinigami could no longer contain their anger. They drew their zanpakuto and rushed at Araki, intent on teaching him a lesson.

"Stop."

Araki sighed as he saw the Shinigami draw their swords.

"Finally afraid? It is too late!"

The Shinigami's expressions shifted as they heard Araki's words.

"You misunderstand. It's just that, for me, stepping over ants without hurting them is a difficult feat to master."

Araki's tone remained indifferent as he revealed a hint of emotion.

At the first hearing, the meaning was unclear, but in an instant, the words were already out of his mouth.

"..."

Silence enveloped the scene.

As Araki's words settled, the entire 11th Division quarters fell eerily silent.

"Dammit! How dare you speak such nonsense at a time like this?"

Suddenly, someone shouted, breaking the silence.

This was followed by the Shinigami's furious expressions. At this moment, the 11th Division members were truly enraged. They were going to make Araki feel their wrath with their blades.

"Die, you despicable fool!"

Suddenly, the first strike was launched, and in the leader's sword flash, a barrage of silver sword lights rushed toward Araki.

"Swish!"

For a moment, the sky seemed filled with blade lights, like snow, filling the air.

However, when the countless blades descended, Araki stood unscathed at the center of the encircling Shinigami.

"How is this possible?!"

The Shinigami who surrounded him were left stunned and in despair.

"Snap..."

At that moment, the gate of the 11th Division dojo suddenly opened, and the Shinigami, who had just finished their training, poured out in waves, their faces filled with murderous intent. 

Behind them stood a woman dressed in white, with long black hair like ink. But the white clothing she wore symbolized the position of Captain of the Gotei 13.

The woman, who was respected by all 11th Division members, was now staring at Araki, who stood alone in the middle of the courtyard, as if the surrounding plants and trees were enemies.

"Finally, I've found someone who seems worthy of battle."

"I hope you can satisfy my thirst for combat."

As the woman smelled the blood in the courtyard, she gently licked her pale red lips, and then, with a twisted and somewhat sickly smile, she turned her gaze toward Araki.

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