Chapter 57 – Kakashi's Bankai Practice
After parting ways with Might Guy, Kakashi walked in deep thought toward the Hokage Building.
He didn't want to bother Su Li if he could help it.But at this point, he had to admit—on his own, it would be impossible to surpass the current Might Guy.
He could laugh it off, act disinterested, or claim it was too troublesome to compete anymore…
But deep down, Kakashi hated losing.
If that weren't true, the two of them wouldn't have fought hundreds, even thousands of times over the years.
Now that he'd seen his eternal rival ascend to Super Saiyan heights, how could Kakashi bear to remain stagnant?
In a way, it reminded him of Naruto and Sasuke—the same burning rivalry that never seemed to die.
Knock, knock...
"Come in."
Su Li's calm voice came from within.
Kakashi pushed open the door and stepped into the office.
"Mr. Kakashi, please have a seat," said Yakumo, Su Li's assistant, who had taken on the role of Hokage's secretary.
She quickly stood and poured tea for him.
"Thanks… uh, did something good happen?" Kakashi asked, noticing the soft smile on her face.
"Ah—was it that obvious? Hehe."
Yakumo didn't explain, only smiled a little wider before leaving the room and gently closing the door behind her.
She understood that whatever Kakashi was here to discuss might be confidential, and it wasn't her place to stay.
Su Li set down his brush and turned his attention fully to Kakashi."So, Kakashi. What brings you here today?"
"That's… well, Mr. Agent…"
Kakashi paused, carefully organizing his thoughts, then explained everything—about Guy's transformation, his own frustration, and his wish to become stronger.
It wasn't hard for Su Li to understand.
"In other words," Su Li said with a small smile, "you want to become stronger, right?"
That single sentence made Kakashi's expression tighten slightly with embarrassment.
After all, it was thanks to Su Li that he'd already gained power beyond the ordinary. To come asking for even more strength now… it felt shameless.
But Su Li didn't seem to mind at all.
"Not a problem. Honestly, even if you hadn't come today, I was planning to call you over."
With that, Su Li reached to his desk and handed Kakashi a freshly finished manga.
"This is a new one I just completed. It's specially prepared for you."
Of course—Su Li had made one for Might Guy earlier. How could he possibly forget Kakashi?
"...Your Excellency!"
Kakashi accepted the manga with both hands, his expression serious.In his heart, respect and gratitude toward Su Li deepened even more.
The fact that this manga had already been prepared meant that Su Li had thought of him all along.
Kakashi wanted to give something in return… but he couldn't think of anything worthy.
All he could do was hold the manga—"Shinigami: The Strongest Kenpachi"—tightly in his hands as he left the Hokage's office.
Not long after, Kakashi arrived at his usual training spot.
Without hesitation, he opened the manga and began to read.
To be honest, the story itself was simple—almost plain.But something about it drew Kakashi in immediately.
By the time he reached the final page, the world around him shifted.
"...This place is—?"
Kakashi looked around. He seemed to be standing in the lowest level of the Seireitei Great Prison.
A woman stood there, poised and calm, holding a blade.
"Are you the one who's come to train under me?"
Her voice was soft, yet carried a chilling authority.
This woman was none other than Unohana Retsu, the first Shinigami to ever hold the title of Kenpachi.
Gentle and kind on the surface…But a thousand years ago, when she was still known as Yachiru Unohana, she had been one of the most bloodthirsty, battle-hungry warriors in Soul Society's history—known as the greatest villain of her age.
"Please guide me, senior," Kakashi said, drawing his Zanpakutō – Yanling Pill, taking up a ready stance.
Knowing the kind of monster Unohana was, his hands trembled slightly. He swallowed hard, muscles tightening with nerves.
"Your Zanpakutō… Yanling Pill?"
Unohana's sharp gaze focused on the weapon in his hands, a flicker of surprise crossing her eyes.
Everyone knew that a Zanpakutō was born from the Shinigami's soul—no two were ever the same.
And yet… the blade in Kakashi's hands was unmistakably Yanling Pill.
Even though this Unohana was merely an NPC in Su Li's manga world, she clearly possessed a degree of awareness.
"I'm… not sure how to explain it," Kakashi admitted awkwardly. "Sorry."
"It doesn't matter," Unohana said with a serene smile. "It seems you haven't mastered Bankai yet, have you? Since you already possess Yanling Pill, you cannot neglect Bankai training alongside your swordsmanship."
"Understood, senior. What do I need to do?"
Unohana's gentle smile turned sharper.
"It's simple. Whether you're training swordsmanship or learning to awaken your Bankai… there's only one thing you must do."
Kakashi braced himself, knowing what was coming.
Then, with a gleam in her eyes, Unohana said the same words Goku had once said before battle—
"Fight me!"