"Captain Zaraki, you're the captain of Squad Eleven, and Gin is just a newly graduated student from Shin'o Academy. The difference in your ranks makes such a fight inappropriate, don't you think?
If it were within your squad's training, with you coaching your own members, that would be normal. But as far as I know, Gin isn't part of your squad, is he?"
As Retsu, smiling gently like a Yamato Nadeshiko, posed her question, Zaraki's face twisted into a look of genuine disdain.
It's not that Kenpachi disliked Retsu as a person; he just hated the current facade she wore.
Few in Seireitei knew that Kenpachi and Unohana were old acquaintances.
Kenpachi came from the worst and most lawless district of North Rukongai, the 80th district, known as Zaraki. Originally a nameless commoner, he later adopted the last name "Zaraki."
When the first captain of Squad Eleven, Unohana Retsu, arrived at the outskirts of Rukongai with her subordinates in search of a powerful fighter, she found a mountain of dead Rukongai civilians slain by Zaraki's blade.
As Unohana approached to inspect the scene, Kenpachi suddenly attacked her, stabbing her below the collarbone. They then engaged in a fierce battle, resulting in Zaraki receiving a scar on his left cheek from Unohana's blade. This battle is the origin of Unohana's collarbone scar and Zaraki's facial scar.
During that battle, Kenpachi experienced fear and joy in combat for the first time. Fearing that losing such an "enemy" would mean losing the thrill of battle, he subconsciously weakened himself to match his opponent's level.
The outcome of that fight remains unknown, but it appears Unohana might have lost, as Zaraki was holding back his full power.
Despite this, Unohana did not release her Zanpakutō, fighting only in its sealed form. Yet, she was known as the strongest "First Kenpachi," a woman whose swordsmanship was unparalleled, titled "Yachiru."
After returning from Rukongai, Unohana voluntarily resigned as captain of Squad Eleven, believing herself unworthy of the title "Kenpachi," and became the captain of Squad Four, serving in that role ever since.
Kenpachi admired Unohana, and his decision to become a Shinigami and come to Seireitei was largely influenced by her. However, he despised the current Retsu, knowing she was suppressing her true nature.
"Annoying. Gin, you haven't officially joined Squad Four yet, right? Why not join Squad Eleven instead?
I heard from Ikkaku that you're from North Rukongai and quite skilled.
You have two choices: join Squad Eleven and fight me properly, saving us both a lot of trouble, or join Squad Four, and I'll still come after you. At worst, I'll get scolded by the old man, but I don't care."
Hearing Zaraki's words, which were more of a threat than an offer, Gin's expression froze, and he glanced at the bald man across from him.
Feeling guilty, Ikkaku avoided Gin's gaze, responding only with the shine of his bald head.
"Captain Zaraki, Gin has decided to join Squad Four, and your behavior is clearly overstepping. Should I consider this a provocation from Squad Eleven?" Retsu asked calmly.
Though she appeared gentle, Retsu had a fierce side. If she remained indifferent to this blatant threat, she wouldn't be the strongest Kenpachi she once was.
"Interesting. If you'd be my opponent, that would be even more exciting!
This strong spiritual pressure... it's been a while. I didn't come to Seireitei to be a Shinigami. Now it seems my wish might come true!"
With the release of Unohana's spiritual pressure, the bells tied to Zaraki's hair started jingling wildly.
Due to his unique physique, Zaraki's immense spiritual pressure made him unable to sense others'. So, he styled his hair into spikes with bells to gauge his opponent's strength through their movements.
Seeing the bells shake like they were in a storm, Zaraki grinned, thrilled by Unohana's powerful spiritual pressure.
Without hesitation, Zaraki removed his eyepatch, releasing his sealed spiritual pressure. It exploded like a tidal wave, manifesting as a golden pillar shooting up from Squad Four's recruitment area.
Unohana hadn't intended to clash with Zaraki, but his unleashed spiritual pressure reignited her long-dormant battle spirit. She found herself responding with an equally powerful surge of spiritual pressure.
The two captains' spiritual pressures collided, creating waves of force. Gin and Yachiru remained relatively unaffected, their spiritual pressure strong enough to withstand the clash.
Ikkaku and Yumichika, though strong, were bent over, struggling to stand under the intense pressure.
Meanwhile, Kotetsu lay on the ground, completely overwhelmed.
(End of Chapter)