join p atreon.com/KeyofStars for advance chapters | Every 100 powerstones = 1 extra chapter | Report issues @discord.com/GVBdncd9Wr
Late at night, Aozaki Reiji sent the injured to the Fourth Division.
Looking at the injured Squad members, Unohana couldn't help but want to smile.
This Squad truly hasn't changed in a thousand years.
They can entrust their lives to each other when facing external enemies, and they will also be scarred because of their comrades.
"It's been many years, and while it might be late to reminisce now, you truly look different from before."
Unohana used Healing Technique and said to Zaraki on the hospital bed.
"Huh!? Who are you?"
Zaraki looked bewildered.
Unohana's eye twitched, and a strange black aura seemed to emanate from her again.
Before meeting Aozaki Reiji, this man named Zaraki was her favorite opponent.
What's going on now?
She clearly had always kept him in her heart.
Even though he had grown from that child into an adult, she could still recognize him at a glance.
She originally thought he would be the same as her.
Remembering that battle, remembering her fated rival, and looking forward to another thrilling life-or-death struggle with her.
But he didn't remember her at all?
I'm the clown!?
Could it be that her proud swordsmanship couldn't even leave a tiny impression on him!?
"Calm down, Unohana."
Aozaki Reiji walked behind her with a smile.
He gently took her hand and softly patted the back of it, as if comforting a wounded small animal.
"This guy has amnesia; he basically doesn't remember anything from that time."
"Amnesia? Really?"
Unohana's expression gradually returned to calm, but a suspicious look still lingered in her eyes.
"Of course. Even if I were to deceive you, how could this simple-minded guy possibly lie?"
Aozaki Reiji's tone was full of teasing, seemingly helpless at Zaraki's innocence.
As if to confirm Aozaki Reiji's words, Zaraki coincidentally asked:
"You know me?"
"We met before, in Rukongai, when you were still a little kid."
Unohana gently caressed her chest.
The originally hideous scar there had completely disappeared.
She couldn't help but sigh:
"That battle is still a pleasant memory."
"Battle? You and I had a battle?"
Zaraki showed a somewhat stunned expression; he didn't remember such a thing at all.
After spending nearly two and a half months with the Squad members of the Eleventh Division, he knew that the Fourth Division was the Squad responsible for medical and logistical affairs.
He didn't expect this seemingly delicate and fragile female Captain to have had a battle with him, and he had no recollection of it at all.
However, the faint killing intent just now seemed to prove that this past was not false.
Just from that killing intent, he could deduce that this woman was essentially very similar to him.
He just didn't know how strong she was, or if she could make him feel the joy of battle like the man next to her.
"But you didn't die, and I didn't die, so was it a draw?" Zaraki asked, puzzled.
"Not so; I lost that time."
Unohana admitted frankly.
"Oh? Is that so?"
Upon hearing the answer, Zaraki instantly lost interest in the woman in front of him.
At this moment, the only enemy he longed to defeat was the terrifyingly strong man standing beside Unohana.
Unohana narrowed her eyes slightly, and a cold voice rang out:
"That battle, indeed, I lost, but if we were to fight again today, the outcome is yet unknown."
Zaraki did not respond. He truly didn't understand this woman much, so he could only look at his boss.
"Unohana is right."
Aozaki Reiji shrugged helplessly.
The current Unohana has broken through the boundaries between Shinigami and Hollow, and her strength still has room for improvement.
As for the gap between Unohana and Zaraki, it was never too large to begin with.
If the two were to fight again now, the outcome is truly hard to say.
"That's great!"
Zaraki grinned, revealing a mouthful of sharp white teeth, and laughed wildly with a ferocious expression.
"Perfect! I don't remember that battle, so if you want to challenge me, I'm ready anytime!"
"Just as I wished."
Unohana's lips also curled into a chilling smile.
"Let's see who will be the loser this time…"
A few days later, Aozaki Reiji accompanied Unohana and Yoruichi to the First Division.
Unohana and Zaraki ultimately didn't fight.
Because her strength is currently on the rise.
Her idea was to defeat her once-favorite opponent in the best possible state, preferably without using Hollowfication.
After all, using that power now would inevitably cause unnecessary trouble.
Captain' meeting room.
All the Captain gathered, except for the missing Sixth Division Captain Kuchiki Kōga.
The pinnacles of the Gotei 13, wearing white haori, stood in two rows in the First Division Captain' meeting room.
Everyone looked towards the door.
Yamamoto glanced at his young disciple, his expression somewhat emotional.
He pressed his hands on his cane and said loudly:
"Gotei 13, the Captain' meeting officially begins!"
"Kucihki Captain, come in."
Under everyone's gaze, an old, white-haired figure walked in with elegant steps.
Outside his black soul reaper uniform, he wore their familiar white haori, and what met everyone's eyes was an even more familiar face.
"Sixth Division Acting Captain, Kuchiki Ginrei!"
Old Man Ginrei, who had finally gotten to enjoy his retirement, was ultimately pulled back to this familiar place.
The moment he stepped in, it was as if time flowed backward, and past years flashed before his eyes.
However, time had etched deep marks on his face; that once resolute face was now full of vicissitudes.
Everyone looked at Old Man Ginrei, their reactions varied.
Some showed regret, while others remained silent.
Everyone knew that the disappearance of his son-in-law was undoubtedly a heavy blow to this old man.
It was precisely because of this that this old man, who had already been enjoying his family life, returned to service.
At Yamamoto's command, Kuchiki Ginrei, less than a few years into his retirement, once again took on the heavy responsibility of the Sixth Division Captain.
All of this seemed so natural, but only he knew the helplessness and bitterness within.
After the inauguration ceremony, the Captain, led by Aozaki Reiji, gathered around to express their condolences and sorrow.
No one had the slightest doubt about Kuchiki Ginrei taking over the Sixth Division.
His legitimate son, Kuchiki Soujun, held an important position in the Central District, while his legitimate grandson, Kuchiki Byakuya, was not strong enough and could only temporarily serve as the Sixth Division Vice-Captain.
Under such circumstances, apart from Old Man Ginrei, the Kuchiki truly could not find a more suitable candidate to bear this heavy responsibility.
Facing the words of comfort from the crowd, Old Man Ginrei's expression remained as calm as a deep abyss.
He nodded slightly, responding to everyone in a serene tone.
This old man, who had weathered many storms, had long been accustomed to burying his emotions deep within his heart, never showing any weakness in front of outsiders.
Listening to Aozaki Reiji lamenting about Kuchiki Ginrei's situation, Aizen narrowed his eyes.
This guy's acting is truly beyond impressive.
That mournful and gloomy expression, and calling Kōga so intimately…
If he hadn't personally seen him cut off Kuchiki Kōga's head, he would have thought Kuchiki Kōga's death had nothing to do with him!
join p atreon.com/KeyofStars for advance chapters | Every 100 powerstones = 1 extra chapter | Report issues @discord.com/GVBdncd9Wr