Chapter 267
Unohana Retsu's hair lay scattered across the ground-each strand fell softly, tracing delicate and curved lines against the floor. She slowly sat up, her gaze calm as she smiled faintly at Yuta standing before her.
At Yuta's level of power, death itself was becoming nearly impossible. Anyone who carried even the faintest trace of his reiatsu would inherit that same abnormal regenerative ability. The power of his so-called "immortality" had completely transformed his spiritual pressure-it flowed through his blood, bones, hair, and even his bodily fluids. Each part of him held immeasurable strength.
When Unohana had kissed Yuta the day before, she had unknowingly absorbed some of his reiatsu. And now, the wound she had sustained earlier had reactivated the portion of Yuta's spiritual pressure lingering within her body. That reiatsu spread through her limbs like warm light, healing not only her injuries but erasing the scars and internal damage accumulated over centuries of battle. Before Yuta's spiritual power, even those wounds seemed meaningless-effortless to erase.
Such power left Unohana momentarily speechless. The only person whose restorative ability she had known to rival this was Kirinji Tenjirō of the Royal Guard with his famed hot springs. Yet this recovery had come from merely partaking in Yuta's essence-an outcome that was terrifying to consider.
Her tranquil eyes-clear as autumn water-fixated on the white-clad man before her. The reflection of his figure shimmered faintly in her pupils.
Yuta... has your Kaidō grown this powerful already?
Just receiving the smallest portion of your energy was enough to heal everything. This is far beyond the boundaries of healing Kidō-it's no longer simply Kaidō anymore.
As those thoughts lingered, her heart softened unexpectedly. She felt certain Yuta had been observing the entire battle. Even though he hadn't intervened, she could almost hear his words echo within her mind-"I will not allow you to die."
It had been centuries-perhaps millennia-since she last felt affection of any kind. Hers was a heart born for battle, one steeped in blood and purpose. Yet now she found it stirring for the man before her. Her heartbeat quickened, and for the first time in uncounted years, she remembered that she was also a woman-a person capable of warmth and connection.
For the first time, she felt the desire not to die.
For the first time, she wanted to live-because of him.
From that moment onward, she decided she would set aside the title of Kenpachi, and live simply as Unohana Retsu-
as the healer who tended to life,
as the woman who embodied grace and compassion.
There were no words of thanks spoken between them, nor promises made aloud. None were necessary. They both already understood without needing to say anything further.
Yuta extended his hand toward her. Unohana met his gesture with another faint smile before placing her delicate fingers in his palm. Her grip was gentle but firm, as if reluctant to ever release it. A woman's hand intertwined tightly with that of the man who had spared her life.
When her Bankai's effect finally faded, the pool of blood that moments ago covered the ground vanished entirely, leaving the battlefield cleansed and calm once again.
Both of them turned as the earth trembled faintly underfoot. Several immense spiritual pressures approached rapidly.
"It seems the members of Squad Zero have arrived," Yuta said evenly. "Let's go meet them."
"Yes."
Unohana nodded and followed at his side, her dark hair flowing behind her as they walked forward together. Their two shadows overlapped across the stone path as they left the battleground in silence.
---
At the same time, the Captains of the Gotei 13 stood assembled before a massive cylindrical platform. It was shaped like a wide pillar flattened at the top-almost resembling some enormous stone disk.
In truth, the height of this "pancake" rose higher than the heads of two Komamura Sajin standing one atop the other. Its size alone conveyed its purpose before anyone spoke.
"Hey! Hirako!"
Kurosaki Ichigo called as he jogged toward the gathering with his hand raised high. He stopped beside the group, glancing around with confusion. "What's happening here?"
Hirako Mako-her straight blond hair cut neatly about her shoulders-turned toward him and lifted her brows casually. "Why, Ichigo? You planning to watch the show? I wouldn't recommend it this time. Squad Zero's about to make their appearance."
"Squad Zero?" Ichigo asked, frowning. "Where exactly are they coming from? And why wait until now-after Seireitei's been torn apart like this?"
His tone carried open frustration.
"The Soul King Palace," Kyoraku Shunsui replied, resting his hand lightly on the brim of his hat.
Ichigo turned to him sharply. "Isn't the Soul King Palace inside the Seireitei?"
"Watch closely," Shunsui said with measured calm. "They're arriving right now."
He pointed upward as the sky split open with light. A massive cylindrical structure descended at incredible speed, landing firmly atop the platform with earthshaking impact.
"This," Shunsui explained, "is the Tenshū Chariot-Squad Zero's personal mode of transport."
Before them stood what looked similar to a towering rocket from the modern world. Along its front section was a large door shaped like overlapping diamonds.
"There are five members in Squad Zero," Shunsui continued. "Each one holds the rank of captain-and their combined strength surpasses that of the entire Gotei 13."
As he spoke, the diamond-shaped door opened with mechanical precision. Five figures stepped forward-three male and two female-all clad in white haori bearing the emblem of the sunken dinghua on their backs.
Its flower language spoke of glory, immortality, and eternity-an apt description for the legends of the Royal Guard.
Leading the group was a broad, bald monk with a full beard and heavy juzu prayer beads hanging around his neck. The others followed behind him-each distinct in appearance and bearing tremendous reiatsu that pressed against the gathered captains' senses.
Among them, one man stood out immediately-a tall figure in loose, hip-hop-style clothing, green round-toed shoes, and tinted goggles perched on his head. Moving beside him was another man with close-cropped hair; both looked far too casual for the weight their presence carried. The first one's hair was long at the front, curving upward slightly-a feature said to withstand one hundred twenty kilograms of weight without bending.
"Finally!"
"It's about time!"
"Squad Zero makes its grand entrance!"
Their loud declarations broke the tension as the pair waved flags bearing the insignia of Squad Zero above their heads.
Kirinji Tenjirō bit down casually on the wooden rod he carried between his teeth and called out with his usual brash tone, "Yo! Been a while, little ones from the Gotei 13! Eating well? Sleeping enough? Growing up strong?"
Ichigo froze, eyes wide at the bizarre display before him. Hirako Mako stared blankly with unimpressed eyes and sighed faintly beneath her breath, "Why does this feel so different from what I imagined...?"
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