The Rebels Are Coming

The execution turned out to be much more spectacular than Tokikaze had imagined.

The majestic Phoenix spread its wings upon the enormous spears, emitting a terrifying heat that distorted the surrounding air.

Beneath the terrifying beak of the bird, the fourteen criminals instantly turned to ashes, and their Reishi returned to the air, leaving no trace behind.

However, witnessing this familiar scene, Tokikaze couldn't help but look towards Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, who stood at the frontmost.

Considering Shunsui Kyoraku's earlier remarks, Tokikaze couldn't help but wonder if this so-called Sokyoku was, in fact, the unleashed form of Ryuujin Jakka.

Heat, flames, incineration—everything was eerily similar.

No one paid attention to the shapes the criminals took after execution. During this period, most Captains didn't think highly of the nobles.

After the execution concluded, people dispersed, engaging in conversations as they left Sokyoku Hill.

"Captain Tokikaze, my work for today is done."

Unohana Retsu intercepted Tokikaze with a smile. Her arms crossed in front as she slightly leaned toward Tokikaze and added:

"I've had some new ideas regarding Zanjutsu recently."

It was clear what she implied here: she was in the mood for a spar.

Winning or losing wasn't important, and neither was the Zanjutsu. The most crucial thing was to please her.

Tokikaze furrowed his brow slightly. Just as he was about to speak, he heard that gentle voice again.

"You won't refuse, right?"

The aura, as fierce as Asura, unfolded on the Sokyoku Hill, sending a chill down everyone's spine.

The surrounding air seemed to instantaneously cool, even eliminating the residual warmth left by Sokyoku.

"Ahem, of course!"

Tokikaze immediately changed his mind. Considering the potential danger of refusal, he chose to follow his heart.

Shunsui Kyoraku was already at the edge of the Sokyoku Hill laughing.

"Hahaha, break a leg, Captain Tokikaze! I'll go to the Fourth Division to collect your corpse out of kindness!"

Tokikaze squinted his eyes, staring at that pink figure.

He would make sure that Shunsui Kyoraku got what was coming.

On the other hand, Unohana Retsu was completely indifferent to others' opinions. Her eyes were glued at Tokikaze.

Compared to the somewhat tedious healing work, sparring with Tokikaze was undoubtedly a great way to vent.

The exhilarating clash of swords made her feel as if she had returned to a thousand years ago.

...

Clap! Clap! Clap!

The sound of bamboo swords striking like a torrential rain once again echoed in the training grounds of the Fourth Division.

Two figures intertwined, leaving deep and profound marks on the wooden floor, forming a scene resembling deep grooves.

Although the pressure had increased compared to the last time, Tokikaze could clearly sense that his Zanjutsu had made remarkable progress thanks to Unohana Retsu's attacks.

Even in the heat of battle, he could come up with new techniques on the spot to counter his opponent.

This was something he couldn't even imagine in the past.

After the battle concluded, Tokikaze's undershirt was almost soaked with sweat, and the strands of his hair clung to his cheeks, no longer portraying the suave appearance of the past.

 "You're making progress very smoothly!"

Unohana Retsu placed the broken bamboo sword back on the wooden rack, then bent his knees and knelt before Tokikaze.

"Every time we cross swords, you never cease to amaze me, Captain Tokikaze."

His gentle gaze met Tokikaze's, and the reflection in the depths of his pupils was filled with his figure.

Due to the close proximity, Tokikaze could clearly smell the fragrance emanating from the person in front of him.

Crystal-clear sweat slid down Unohana's exquisite face, along his fair neck, and into his black hair.

"It's all thanks to your guidance."

Tokikaze was too immersed in the scent of the flowers and replied with natural sincerity, "Without your guidance, I wouldn't have made a progress so quickly."

Unlike Rangiku Matsumoto and Nanao Ise at this stage, Unohana Retsu's mature and intelect charm was almost irresistible to any normal man.

It was said that within the Gotei 13, Unohana Retsu had no shortage of admirers.

However, once they learned his true identity, each one chose to withdraw.

The disparity was too great, causing them to shrink back in awe.

Even Captain-Class individuals were completely inadequate in front of Unohana Retsu.

While the two were exchanging words, a Hell Butterfly fluttered in and landed on Tokikaze's shoulder.

An elderly voice came out from it.

"The rebel forces are approaching. Please, proceed to the Research and Development Institute to collect the developed spiritual tools and return to the mansion in a few days, Lord Tokikaze."

Upon hearing this voice, Tokikaze's good mood instantly dissipated, and he furrowed his brow deeply.

"At this timing? Are they deliberately giving me some work?"

Unohana Retsu also heard the content of the message and hesitated, "Is it an internal strife?"

Tokikaze raised his gaze and nodded, "Yes, the rebellion is causing chaos. The situation on the battlefield is not optimistic. Branch families and lower-ranking nobles are suffering heavy losses, and even the main families are deploying private armies."

Internal strife in the Soul Society.

To be precise, it was an internal conflict among the nobles.

The conflicts among the Five Major Noble Families involved their respective interests and some undisclosed secrets.

Most of the wars were incited by the Tsunayashiro Clan.

However, occasionally, other Clan would launch counterattacks.

In theory, wars of this magnitude were like child's play in front of true powerhouses.

However, neither Gotei 13, the Kido Corps, nor the Central 46 Chambers would get involved.

Ultimately, they were forces guarding the Seireitei.

The only ones who could deal with the nobles were the nobles themselves.

"Never mind. Let's end today's spar here."

Regaining his composure, Tokikaze stood up, "Thank you for your guidance, Captain Unohana. After the internal strife ends, I will come to seek your advice again."

Unohana Retsu smiled, slightly bowing, "It's an honor."

...

Research and Development Institute.

After leaving the Fourth Division's headquarters, Tokikaze arrived at the Twelfth Division's headquarters. With the guidance of passing squad members, he successfully reached the underground area where the Research and Development Institute was hidden.

The architecture presented a different style from the Soul Society, resembling a futuristic city, even surpassing the technological development of Human World.

If there was anything similar to the Soul Society, it was the intricate Kido spells occasionally shimmering on the walls.

"By the way, if I remember correctly..."

Muttering to himself, Tokikaze looked at the figures passing by, "The target entrusted by Tsunayashiro Clan should be that dangerous guy, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, right?"