Blades crossed, sword energy erupted.
Unohana Retsu's azure spiritual pressure clashed continuously with Shigure's pale blue spiritual pressure through their wooden swords.
Enhanced by spiritual pressure, Shigure could now match Unohana Retsu blow for blow.
Though he remained uncertain how much strength Unohana Retsu was restraining.
However, he recognized that he had now merged completely with the sword's intent.
Each swing of his blade brought a harmonious sense of perfect coordination.
Only now did he truly comprehend—
The chasm between excellence and mastery resembled an insurmountable divide.
"Bang!!"
The wooden swords clashed again, spiritual pressure and sword energy creating a tempest that whipped their long hair upward.
This time, however, both wooden swords shattered simultaneously.
Clang!
The broken ends of both weapons fell to the ground, leaving them grasping only splintered remnants.
This outcome fell within Shigure's expectations.
For ordinary sword combat, bamboo and wooden blades could serve adequately.
Under such intense spiritual pressure enhancement, however, their durability proved insufficient.
Shigure raised his gaze toward Unohana Retsu, discovering she was observing him with equal attention.
The instant their eyes met, smiles bloomed simultaneously across both faces.
At this moment, Shigure understood Unohana Retsu's earlier words.
Kendo instruction truly represented an exchange of hearts and minds.
Although he had previously maintained favorable impressions of Unohana Retsu, considerable emotional barriers had persisted within his heart.
Now, however, he seemed capable of reaching directly into her soul through her gaze.
At minimum, when wielding swords in combat, they had achieved perfect unity.
Unohana Retsu gradually withdrew her kendo stance, spiritual pressure dissipating slowly.
She lowered her eyes, contemplating the fractured wooden sword in her grasp.
After a moment, she looked up with renewed warmth:
"Segawa, it appears my instruction must conclude."
Shigure nodded with gentle appreciation: "Throughout this past half-month, I'm deeply grateful for your tireless daily guidance."
"Ah, that's incorrect, Segawa."
Unohana Retsu shook her head softly, then smiled with narrowed eyes.
"This wasn't labor, but genuine pleasure." Her expression maintained its characteristic gentleness and serenity.
The moment she lowered her sword, she transformed from Unohana Yachiru back to Unohana Retsu.
Shigure's gaze flickered with understanding, though he hadn't yet found words to respond.
Unohana Retsu extended her hand, accepting the broken blade from his grasp, then smiled warmly:
"With this, my instruction officially concludes."
"Congratulations on your graduation... Segawa."
Shigure bowed respectfully, speaking with heartfelt sincerity:
"I am profoundly grateful for your instruction."
Unohana Retsu remained silent, approaching the sword chamber door and opening it wide.
Golden sunlight streamed inward, causing her to squint reflexively.
With gentle smile gracing her lips, she spoke softly:
"Should you wish to continue refining your kendo in the future, I shall remain here awaiting you, Segawa."
After these words, she avoided looking toward Shigure, instead stepping gracefully through the doorway.
Clad in pristine white kendo attire, her movements retained their characteristic elegance.
The 4th Division members training outside expressed considerable surprise at Unohana Retsu's unusually early emergence.
Nevertheless, they promptly bowed in respectful greeting.
"Captain Unohana! Good afternoon!"
Unohana Retsu nodded with characteristic warmth: "Please tidy the sword chamber somewhat. It's become rather... disheveled."
"Yes, ma'am!!" the division members responded with enthusiasm.
Unohana Retsu's figure subsequently vanished from Shigure's sight.
She departed carrying both broken swords.
The division members then rushed inside, immediately bowing upon seeing Shigure:
"Vice-Captain Segawa! Good afternoon!!"
"Good afternoon." Shigure smiled pleasantly.
Only then did the division members survey their surroundings.
The moment they comprehended the scene, complete stupefaction overtook them.
When Unohana Retsu mentioned the chamber being "rather disheveled," they had anticipated minor disarray.
Instead, they encountered absolute devastation.
Rather than simple displacement, virtually nothing remained in its proper position!
Across the floor, embedded in surrounding walls, and even piercing the ceiling, various bamboo and wooden swords protruded at impossible angles.
The weapon racks had disintegrated into scattered wooden debris.
Shigure smiled diplomatically: "I shall take my leave. Please handle the cleanup."
The division members responded reflexively: "Ah, certainly, sir."
Shigure departed the sword chamber.
The remaining team members immediately lost their composure.
"You've got to be kidding... this was supposed to be a kendo match...?"
"Just what kind of force embeds bamboo swords that deeply into solid walls?!"
"The captain said to 'tidy up,' but seriously—where do we even begin???"
The bewildered team members exchanged helpless glances, utterly incapable of imagining what catastrophe had transpired within.
After leaving the sword chamber, Shigure bypassed the 13th Division entirely, heading directly toward the 10th Division barracks.
This morning, Rangiku had conveyed Hitsugaya Tōshirō's request for a meeting.
He had anticipated today's kendo instruction continuing until evening as usual, yet it had concluded unexpectedly early.
This presented perfect timing for the visit.
Walking along the street toward the 10th Division, Shigure's heart felt completely unburdened.
Half a month of intensive effort had yielded remarkable results!
His kendo had undoubtedly ascended to unprecedented heights.
The additional task no longer warranted concern.
Now he need only await Ichigo Kurosaki and his companions' invasion.
At that time, he could proceed to the Penitence Palace and complete his sign-in beside Rukia Kuchiki.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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