Chapter 84: Unohana Yachiru

Unohana Retsu’s smile, soft as a spring breeze, disarmed the two Shinigami guards at Seireitei’s gate. How could such a gentle woman be a threat?

“Is there a Central Forty-Six in Seireitei?” she asked, voice lilting.

“Yes, it’s the highest authority—well, was,” one guard said. “The Gotei 13’s decisions are independent now. Got a grievance? We’ll help.”

“You can’t help with this,” Unohana replied, her smile unwavering as she stepped forward. Duty-bound, the guards blocked her, risking docked pay for letting a stranger pass.

“The highest authority? Surely guarded by the strongest,” Unohana murmured, her smile blooming. “Which way to Central Forty-Six?”

The guards hesitated. “It’s…” Her tone didn’t change, but a murderous reiatsu—rivaling Yamamoto Shigekuni’s—erupted. One guard, trembling, pointed west. “The center… there.”

“Thank you.” Unohana glided onward. The guards, too shaken to stop her, fumbled for a flare. One pulled it, and a signal exploded skyward, alerting Seireitei to an intruder.

Saitō Furofushi, stationed nearby, scowled. “The old man leaves, and someone picks a fight? They’re testing me.” Yanagi Junrei, spotting the flare, rallied his squad and rushed to the gate.

Yamabuki Haruto, napping by a fishing spot, was oblivious to the chaos.

Unohana strolled as if in her own garden, ignoring the Shinigami encircling her. Sasakibe Chōjirō and Takanotsume Hachi arrived, the latter shouting, “This is the noble district! Commoners stop here!”

Unohana continued, unfazed. Takanotsume released his Zanpakutō. “Poison, Hyakusatsu Hachi!” Sasakibe followed. “Pierce, Enyōmaru!”

Fearless rookies charged. Unohana didn’t draw Minazuki. With a flick, her scabbard struck Chōjirō’s stomach, dropping him instantly. Takanotsume lunged from behind; her backhand scabbard swing knocked him out cold.

The other Shinigami froze. Chōjirō and Takanotsume were elite, yet felled effortlessly. “She’s alone! Together!” one shouted, drawing their Zanpakutō.

Two figures flashed in, halting them. “Captain Saitō! Captain Yanagi!” the squad cheered, seeing their pillars.

Saitō’s face was grim. “Take the injured and retreat five miles. Now!”

The squad obeyed, confused but trusting the captain’s absolute orders. Unohana paused, eyeing her new opponents. Worthy foes. This trip’s worth it.

“Who are you? Why invade Seireitei?” Saitō demanded, sensing Unohana’s razor-sharp reiatsu, like an unsheathed blade. Yamamoto’s was fire; Haruto’s, erratic; hers, pure lethality. The pressure was suffocating.

“Are you Soul Society’s strongest?” Unohana asked.

“No,” Saitō admitted.

“Then don’t block me.” Unohana advanced toward Central Forty-Six.

“Stop!” Saitō drew her Zanpakutō, slashing at Unohana’s head. Unohana flicked Minazuki, parrying with ease. Saitō’s immortal swordsmanship relied on raw power, but Unohana’s strength matched it. She swung again, two-handed, forcing Unohana back half a step.

Saitō’s heart sank. Two hands, and only half a step? She aimed at Unohana’s chest, thrusting. Unohana vanished in a flash step, reappearing meters away, a tear in her robe exposing pale skin.

Unohana’s smile widened, thrilled. Masters indeed. “Two-handed? I can play.” She gripped Minazuki with both hands. “Don’t die too soon, little girl.”