117 CHAPTER 125: Edge of Conviction

The icy edge of Retsu's Zanpakutō grazed Kazuya's skin, but he remained unmoved, meeting her penetrating gaze with unwavering calm.

"I am exactly who I say I am. The events you mentioned are merely reflections of my capabilities, not indications of any malicious intent."

The air between them grew dense, thick enough to cut with a blade. Retsu slowly lowered herself onto one knee. As Yachiru Unohana, she would have severed his vocal cords long before allowing such a discussion to proceed. But she had forsaken that past life, evolving into a woman committed to aiding others.

"Do you know why Soi Fon wanted to fight me? Because I was smiling to myself during the ceremony," he began, smiling as if the edge of a katana wasn't pressed against his skin. "You, of all people, should understand her obstinacy."

His voice, known for its power to sway others, dripped with sincerity. He understood that against someone of Retsu's caliber, the truth was his best weapon. Her grip on the hilt relaxed ever so slightly — a validation that he had chosen his strategy wisely.

"What is your goal behind joining the Gotei 13?"

"You."

That singular word made her features crease in a puzzled frown. "What?"

"I desire you, Captain Unohana. I need you more than you could ever imagine."

She was no stranger to flirtation, but Kazuya's audacity—to make advances on her under the looming guillotine of her Zanpakutō—left her flabbergasted. She was, once again, reminded that she was dealing with the Shin'o Academy's notorious playboy.

The thought of her being a nonexistent threat in his eyes never crossed her mind; her faith in her combat prowess was like an unbreakable fortress.

"Explain or I'll gut you alive."

"Take it easy, Captain," he whispered as he cleared his throat and gently gripped the edge of her Zanpakutō. "I want to be good in Kaido skills. So I can be as efficient and prepared as possible when I find a worthy opponent. Fighting to my heart's content without worrying about my physical limits — that's my plan."

She could feel the passion and hunger in his voice, and it made her heart throb. However, she maintained control, not letting her dark impulses get the better of her. "Your Kaido is already above average. I assume you desire my mentorship to further improve."

"Exactly. The true nature of healing. Not just the physical act, but the essence of it. The balance between life and death, and the boundaries that define them." He paused, his eyes becoming focused. "If anyone understands my longing, it's you, Captain Unohana."

Time seemed to freeze as Retsu absorbed his request. Then, with a slow grace, she retracted her blade, the bloodlust in her eyes receding. She sheathed her katana, once again wearing the smile associated with the benevolent captain of the Squad 4.

"Unfortunately, I can't take you under my wing."

She genuinely wanted to see him succeed in experiencing his defining battle, but she couldn't aid him. Being around him provoked her instincts, which must not be allowed to surface.

Kazuya's eyebrow arched in genuine surprise. "A shame. I thought the 'First Kenpachi' would understand my situation."

"That was a lifetime ago," she responded, her eyes momentarily clouding as if touching upon the fragments of a past life. "I'm no longer that person. However, if you genuinely wish to improve, let Isane be your mentor. She is amazing in both Kidō and Kaido utilization."

A smirk made its way to his face. "I'll make you reconsider by surpassing Vice Captain Isane."

He'd show so much potential that she wouldn't be able to ignore him.

The audacity of his confidence made her smile widen. The smile of a seasoned veteran taking delight in the enthusiasm of a novice. "I wish you luck on your endeavor."

Just then, the door slid open and Isane shuffled in, setting a tray on the floor. She glanced around, a perplexed frown clouding her features. "Is it just me or is the room somehow colder...?"

Something was different in the room, but she couldn't put the change into words.

"Forget that. Isane, Captain Unohana decreed that I'm to learn Kaido spells under you."

{Partner being the bottom... that's a new fetish.}

Isane glanced questioningly at her captain, who nodded in confirmation. "Welcome to Squad 4. I'll save the rest for when you graduate and officially join us."

"It won't take more than two weeks," he replied nonchalantly, lifting a cup of tea for a sip. "For a porridge lover, you sure brew some good tea."

Retsu giggled at Isane's troubled expression. "Isane used to think she wouldn't grow if she kept eating porridge."

"That didn't work out," he said, the playfulness in his voice erasing any trace of the life-or-death confrontation that had just unfolded. "I find tall women quite cool and captivating."

"Please, no teasing," Isane murmured, a flush coloring her cheeks.

...

As Kazuya left the barracks, Yoruichi landed in front of him. "Let's go home."

He had already relayed his departure plans to Momo, Toshiro, Rukia, and Renji. His last task was to visit his old friend Kaien. Using Garganta was risky — the 12th Squad constantly monitored spatial anomalies in case of any invasion. Even the Soul Society wasn't safe from Hollow attacks.

'Hopefully, Kaien isn't out on some mission.'

{We can always persuade his wife to open the gate.}

'True.'

…

Isane had outlined the route to the 13th Squad. Despite this, Kazuya found it hard to navigate the place. It was Yoruichi who eventually guided them, relying on her lingering memories of the place.

Upon their arrival, he instantly spotted an unusual Shinigami duo: a petite young woman sporting a pixie-cut of blonde hair, and a taller man with unruly curls and a short goatee. 

"You big buffoon, Kaien told us to send this letter. We'll send this letter first then drink," the young woman argued, waving an envelope in the air.

"Are you a dumbass? We can do it after taking a sip."

"I said no!"

The tension between them crackled, fueled by a timeless debate over duty versus pleasure, and neither side was willing to budge an inch.

{You recognize them, don't you?}

'Kaien's idiot subordinates. The girl is Isane's sister.'

Approaching them, Kazuya laid his hands gently on their shoulders. "Excuse me, could you direct me to Kaien?"

His soothing voice cut through their squabble like a hot knife through butter. The young woman examined him curiously before her gaze fell on Yoruichi. She waved at Yoruichi with a bright smile. "You have a nice kitty. I'm Kiyone Kotetsu. This meathead is Sentaro Kotsubaki."

Sentaro's brow twitched at her introduction. He playfully slapped Kiyone's back. "Dumbass."

"Hey! What was that—"

"Kotetsu?" Kazuya cut in, preventing them from having another fight. "Are you related to Isane by any chance?"

Kiyone's eyes widened. "She's my older sister. How do you know her?"

"Friends. Now, can you take me to Kaien?"

Kiyone smirked and placed her hands on her hips. "Addressing Vice Captain with his first name and without proper honorifics. You two must be friends."

Given their Captain's chronic illness, Kaien pretty much managed the entirety of the 13th Squad, even if his subordinates rarely vocalized their respect for him. Kaien was one of the central pillars of the 13th Squad.

"You can say that."

With a dramatic flick of her hand, Kiyone pointed toward the door behind her. "Kaien is taking a nap in the garden. Come with me."

***

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