Chapter 24 ⥤ Gentle Women Are the Most Fickle
Akira's Zanjutsu has reached a new level, his sword techniques now exquisite beyond compare. Even the elite academy students watching can't follow his lightning-fast movements.
The bamboo swords clash, like invisible hands weaving a tapestry of broken notes, building to a crescendo.
Akira switched to a one-handed grip, his body bending forward to dodge Unohana's downward strike. His head tilts back, his gaze eerily calm.
Suddenly, a thunderous roar erupts. His right arm twisted, and an insane scene unfolds before the spectators' eyes.
He abandons defense for all-out offense!
While others might still be struggling to survive against Unohana, Akira has transcended their limitations!
Sharp tones burst from his bamboo sword. His offensive becomes a relentless downpour, an unbroken screen of attacks enveloping Unohana's white-clad figure.
A frenzied melody explodes skyward as bamboo fibers scatter throughout the dojo.
Unohana shifted to defense, nimbly blocking the onslaught. Yet, her eyes betray a hint of passion as she regards the young man.
How long has it been — three centuries, perhaps five? Soul Society hasn't seen a genius like Akira in ages.
Another thunderous roar!
Akira's all-out swing collides with Unohana's sword, creating a deafening crash.
The impact tears apart the floor, invisible ripples spreading throughout the dojo. Floorboards shaked violently as if caught in a vicious storm, peeling away layer by layer like dry twigs.
As the dust settles, the academy students' faces showed only bewilderment and incomprehension.
The arena is a wreck — wood chips and dust covered the fractured floor. Scattered bamboo fibers adding a unique touch to the devastation.
Akira stared at the shattered bamboo sword in his hand, lost in thought.
Is it... over?
When he raised his head, a hint of daze appeared in his expression.
Initially, Unohana's overwhelming pressure made him think he might die in this sword duel. However, by tapping into his ultimate trait, the Heart of a God, Akira gradually absorbed many of her sword techniques and styles — knowledge he couldn't normally access.
As he internalized this learned wisdom, his understanding of Zanjutsu began to progress by leaps and bounds.
Noticing this, Unohana slowly lowered her bamboo sword. Compared to him, who still struggled to control his own power, she seemed much more at ease.
Although her bamboo sword bore many marks, it remained largely intact and fit for another battle. In contrast, Akira's had exploded, leaving only the handle.
After a brief silence, Unohana sighed with a tinge of regret, "We should have used Zanpakutō."
Hearing this, Akira instinctively looked towards her.
Did this woman really want to kill him?
The duel with bamboo swords had already been fierce — if they had used Zanpakutō, he might have immediately joined the previous Head Priest of the Sakahone Shrine.
Observing Unohana's slightly flushed cheeks, Akira let out a long sigh, his face nearly spelling out "dejected".
This woman was still too dangerous.
He had been considering learning Zanjutsu under her guidance. After all, Uruoi no longer had anything to teach him—even after this improvement, Akira could probably defeat him in just two or three strikes.
Upon reflection, it seemed only Unohana was suitable to be his Zanjutsu teacher.
But every time he recalled their recent duel, a subconscious fear gripped him. It was only because she hadn't gotten carried away. If she became too excited, his small frame might be cut down on the spot.
"Kisaragi-kun, you've proven what you said before." Unohana said, her cheeks still flushed from excitement, her familiar gentle smile reappearing. "In Kaidō, you're an undoubted genius, but your Zanjutsu skills are even more outstanding. Although it might be presumptuous, please consider joining the 4th Division as your first choice after graduation. With your talent, even succeeding my position isn't out of the question."
As her words fell, a series of sharp inhales echoed through the dojo, as if trying to turn the area into a vacuum.
Never before had an academy student, prior to graduation, received such high praise from a Captain — let alone from Captain Unohana, the most popular among the Shinigami.
Yet Akira Kisaragi — the Shrine Priest, the honorable helper of female students, the troublemaker among troublemakers in his class — had actually done it.
But when Akira himself heard these words, he didn't show the joy they expected. Instead, he bristled like a startled hedgehog.
'Hah, fickle woman!' He thought.
She had just expressed concern about negatively influencing him, preferring to extend the invitation privately. Yet in the blink of an eye, she'd changed her tune.
Now his name would likely sweep through the entire Shin'ō Academy once again.
"Sigh, I'll think about it..." Akira muttered.
Truth be told, the 4th Division wasn't his first choice. But out of respect for her, he couldn't bring himself to refuse outright.
Hearing this answer, Unohana showed no disappointment. She simply smiled and nodded gently.
She turned around, hands folded in front of her, and bowed slightly to the surprised academy students. In a soft voice, she said:
"Everyone, today's Zanjutsu class ends here. Regarding the advice I've given, please don't slack off in your daily practice. Also, if any of you are interested in Kaidō, the 4th Division would be very welcoming."
As she finished speaking, her gaze swept the room, lingering deliberately on Akira for a moment before she smiled gently and turned to leave the dojo.
Just as she stepped out the door, a familiar voice once again sounded in his ears.
〈 Retsu Unohana's trust level has reached the threshold. Check-in condition achieved! 〉
〈 Character Check-in: Retsu Unohana! 〉
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