Chapter 104 – Zaraki

Chapter 104 – Zaraki

‘As long as I'm within this barrier, and the spiritual particles I've released can touch Sōsuke Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu blade, I won't be affected by its abilities.

I have to admit, Gin Ichimaru is a genius. In just three months, he's become proficient at applying this ability in combat. Over time, once Gin has mastered this skill to the point of instinct, with this ability alone, he will have earned the right to stand before Aizen.

Of course, that's only the right. After all, in terms of innate talent, Aizen is by no means inferior to Gin.’

Suddenly, Ailin sensed an extremely powerful killing intent approaching. This killing intent was pure, without a shred of malice, as if its very existence was solely for the sake of killing.

"Gin, we have a visitor. Let's end today's training here."

Upon hearing Ailin's voice, Gin abruptly opened his eyes and unsheathed the Zanpakutō at his waist.

"Tsk—"

Without any obstruction, Gin's blade pierced straight through the mask of the Hollow before him, killing it. Then, Gin sidestepped, thrusting his sword forward, and the second Hollow impaled itself on Gin's blade. Afterward, Gin flashed past the final Hollow.

After easily dispatching the three practice Hollows, Gin returned to Ailin's side.

Thud, thud, thud...

Heavy footsteps gradually approached, accompanied by an immense killing intent. As Gin looked up, a towering figure entered his vision.

Upon seeing this silhouette, Gin's pupils constricted. For an instant, it seemed as if all color had drained from the world. This towering figure's gaze alone felt like countless blades piercing through Gin's body.

Darkness momentarily clouded Gin's vision, and as the illusion dissipated, he realized his entire body was drenched in cold sweat.

Uncertainty flickered in Gin's eyes. That this person's unconscious killing intent alone could create the illusion of death was terrifying. What a horrifying being.

Ailin stood before this man, his expression solemn, as the figure blocked Gin's path. Tattered clothes, disheveled hair standing on end like needles, and a battered Zanpakutō gripped in his hand.

On his shoulder sat a small girl, perhaps only a few years old.

This was Zaraki, not yet known as "Kenpachi," and the young Yachiru Kusajishi whom he had found.

Ailin had thought he might encounter this person decades later during a captain's challenge in the 11th Division. But he never expected that after just a few months of training Gin, they would come across him.

"Hahahahaha, you seem pretty strong! Let's fight!" Zaraki's mouth stretched into a wide grin, almost reaching his ears, at the sight of Ailin.

In these past few centuries, he had killed nearly all the strong fighters in the Rukongai districts.

The man before him today had rekindled Zaraki's long-absent desire for battle. It seemed he would finally be able to thoroughly enjoy the thrill of combat again!

"Gin, step back ten kilometers..."

Ailin began to instruct Gin to retreat, but then his brow furrowed slightly. "Never mind, no need. Gin, you'll be the one to fight him."

A battle between captain-level combatants could potentially impact an area with a three-kilometer radius, affecting even vice-captains.

Ailin had intended for Gin to retreat further, as although a genius, Gin had trained for less than two years since entering the Shin'ō Academy and had yet to fully manifest his Zanpakutō. Additionally, Ailin anticipated that his clash with Zaraki might have a wider area of impact.

However, after carefully observing Zaraki, Ailin lost all interest in fighting him.

Zaraki Kenpachi could be considered the pinnacle of genius in the Soul Society's world. Born with the strongest level of spiritual pressure and an innate bloodlust woven into his very being.

Centuries ago, Zaraki encountered Yachiru Unohana, and their intense battle allowed him to experience the thrill of fighting a powerful opponent.

Unfortunately, as their combat continued, Unohana's strength gradually surpassed Zaraki's. To prolong the enjoyment of fighting Unohana, Zaraki unconsciously suppressed his spiritual pressure, keeping himself on par with her for intense battles. Ultimately, Unohana, with her superior swordsmanship, defeated Zaraki.

After tasting the joy of battle, Zaraki spent the following years engaging in countless fights. However, contrary to growing stronger through combat, Zaraki grew weaker.

To relish the thrill of battle, he had instinctively suppressed his spiritual pressure. Thus, after defeating all the strong opponents, even the weak found themselves on Zaraki's list of opponents to fight. In the end, Zaraki had successfully suppressed himself to become weak!

"What?"

"This form... could it be that Unohana has learned of Zaraki's condition and aims to awaken him here, restoring his full power?"

Although perplexed, Ailin had no intention of avoiding her. Whether Zaraki regained his true strength or not made no difference to Ailin. In fact, Ailin was almost anticipating the chance to clash with Zaraki at his peak.

Swish!

Unohana's arrival did not disrupt the ongoing battle between Zaraki and Gin. Originally, Unohana had intended to seek out Ailin for a "Kenpachi" duel tonight. But when she landed beside Ailin and saw the figure fighting a child, she trembled.

The wound on her chest seemed to ache once more. In that moment, Unohana forgot about Ailin, her gaze fixated solely on the battle-crazed Zaraki.

But the more she watched, the more vacant her stare became. So weak, so weak, so weak...

How could this man have become so weak?

After observing for a while, Unohana quickly realized that this man was unconsciously suppressing his spiritual pressure to engage the small figure in battle.

This scene reminded Unohana of their own battles centuries ago, where Zaraki had unknowingly lowered his power to match her weakness and prolong their combat.

The inability to elicit her opponent's full strength, even while exerting her own, and requiring their unconscious restraint was a humiliation for Unohana and the "Kenpachi" title itself.

Realizing her own weakness, upon returning to the Seireitei, Unohana had abandoned her position as the 11th Division Captain to study Kaido from Tenjirō Kirinji, transforming her sword into a Zanpakutō.

All of this was for the sole purpose of becoming strong enough to make this man fight her at his full power and relish their battles.

After mastering the healing techniques and integrating the ability to turn spiritual pressure into a blood-red hot spring into her Zanpakuto's Bankai, Unohana has always looked forward to the day she would meet Zaraki again, eagerly anticipating the moment when the boy could unleash his full power and enjoy the pleasure of battle.

But she never imagined their reunion would lead to this outcome. Soon, by observing Zaraki's battle with Gin, Unohana understood the reason for his weakened state.

In her absence, this unnaturally strong man had deemed no one else worthy, mercilessly killing any strong opponents that crossed his path.

It was she who had ignited his enjoyment of battle. And it was also she who had inadvertently caused this man to suppress his spiritual pressure in pursuit of that thrill. The root cause of this man's weakened state was none other than herself!

"Captain Unohana?" Seeing the dazed Unohana, Ailin called out in concern. "What's the matter?"

Ignoring Ailin, Unohana was shaken by Zaraki's transformation and their reunion.

For over ten minutes, Unohana silently watched their battle. Eventually, the clash between Gin and Zaraki reached its conclusion.

Although Zaraki had suppressed his spiritual pressure to the limit, his overall spiritual power remained unchanged.

Gin, on the other hand, had a finite amount of spiritual power. Once depleted, instead of stubbornly persisting, Gin retreated behind Ailin.

"I'm sorry, Captain Ailin. I failed to defeat him."

"No, you did well, Gin. When faced with an insurmountable opponent, preserving your own strength is crucial." Patting Gin's shoulder, Ailin approved of his decision.

Gin was a snake, slithering in the shadows, striking only when certain of his lethal blow. This was Gin's true nature.

"Hm?"

Losing his opponent, Zaraki turned his gaze toward Ailin. Upon seeing Unohana beside him, Zaraki's pupils constricted.

"Hahahahaha, hahahahaha..."

Of all his battles over the centuries, the ones Zaraki enjoyed most were his clashes with this woman centuries ago.

Unfortunately, he had been defeated by her sword back then. All these years, he had relished the memory of that battle. He believed she felt the same way.

To experience that exhilarating combat once more, Zaraki had never strayed far from the site of their initial battle, hoping for her return and another life-or-death duel.

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