Death: Starting as the Guardian of Avici Hell

"I originally thought it would take at least a hundred years to grow to the expected level."

"But as time went by, I realized I was terribly wrong. Judging from the current situation, if I wait any longer, I might miss out forever."

Naraku Sora frowned, as if he had thought of something, and suddenly asked:

"Captain Unohana..."

"Just call me Lie. We're not that distant yet."

"Sister Lie, I'm actually curious about something. If Kenpachi's legacy is determined by life and death, then at some point in the future—"

"You, or that brute from the Eleventh Division, one of you is destined to die?"

Upon hearing this, Unohana Retsu was slightly taken aback.

She had never discussed similar topics with Naraku Sora, but judging from his words, the boy seemed to know everything.

But then he thought of Kenpachi Zaraki, the captain of the 11th Division, who would frequently run to the Central Prison and then be sent to the general medical center covered in bruises.

I should have thought of this a long time ago.

The people she values ​​are actually much closer to each other than she realizes.

Perhaps back in Rukongai, Kenpachi Zaraki had already told Naraku Sora about the battle in the Zaraki Ward.

Thinking this through, Unohana Retsu regained her composure and nodded slightly:

"This is Kenpachi's destiny, and it is also my destiny."

Upon hearing this, Nairoku grinned:

"Understood. I'll go back and kill that guy, Zaraki, so you won't have to die, Sister Lie."

Unohana Retsu: "..."

Although it looked like a joke, you could see the seriousness on Naraku Sora's face.

He would absolutely dare to take action on this.

A hint of helplessness appeared on Retsu Unohana's face, and the corners of her mouth curled up slightly:

"Ku, you really are..."

"As stubborn as ever."

Naraku Sora remained quite calm about this.

Although Retsu Unohana's teaching of him was not quite as good as Yamamoto's, she still did her best.

Calling him "teacher" is perfectly appropriate.

If we just stand by and watch her go to Kenpachi Zaraki to her death because of her so-called guilt...

He absolutely cannot agree to that.

Ultimately, it's still that guy, Kenjiro's, problem.

In order to enjoy the thrill of fighting, she sealed away her power, which led Retsu Unohana to believe that it was all her fault.

If Zaraki really wants to unseal his power, wouldn't it be enough to just go find the old man and beat him up?

If once doesn't work, try twice, or even three times.

Yamamoto is an absolute authority when itchy skin is being treated.

Ultimately, Kenpachi's personality is characterized by stubbornness.

To die for a mere title is, in Naraku's view, utterly not worth it.

"I wouldn't call it stubbornness, I just felt it wasn't worth it."

"To sacrifice one strong person for the birth of another, even if Old Man Shan knew, he would call it foolish."

Upon hearing this, Retsu Unohana's lips curled into a slight, pleased smile:

"What if I invited you?"

Naraku Sora grinned and said, "Of course..."

"It's an honor!"

……

……

The team leader assessment was held as scheduled the following morning.

The location was set at the newly built training ground of the First Division. As for why it was newly built, you'd have to ask Captain-Commander Yamamoto and his beloved disciple, Naraku.

Vice-captain Chojiro was quite helpless about this.

Since Naraku joined Genryu, most of the team's financial surplus has been used to build new training grounds, dojos, and other similar structures.

It is frequently maintained or rebuilt.

If it weren't for the financial support from the Ōmaeda family, he might already be considering cutting the salaries of the other team leaders.

In the spacious area, Fengqiao Lou Shilang bowed deeply, showing great respect and earnestness to his senior.

"Captain Ukitake, please give me your guidance."

Looking at the young face opposite him, Jushiro Ukitake couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia. He and Kyoraku must have been around this age when they took the captain's exam.

Those were truly wonderful times.

"Lou Shilang, you may have heard some things about me. Now I can tell you for sure that they are all true."

"With Kong's help, the lesions were completely cleared, so don't look at things from the past. I'm very strong now."

Seeing Ukitake Jushiro gradually becoming serious, Ootori Rōjūrō couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.

Captain Ukitake seems like a nice guy, so he probably wouldn't go too far, right?

Clearly, he realized he couldn't place his hopes on the other party, so he drew his Zanpakuto from his waist, took a deep breath, and chanted the release spell:

"Play, Kinshasa!"

The moment he finished speaking, Rojuro's spiritual pressure surged, instantly reaching a level that ordinary Shinigami could hardly attain. A howling wind swept in all directions, and the visible spiritual pressure covered the entire training ground.

The golden whips danced across the training ground, emitting a sharp whooshing sound.

The ground cracked open with jagged fissures, like the gaping maw of a giant beast, swallowing the swirling dust.

Jushiro Ukitake nodded approvingly.

As expected of a genius recognized by Isaba-senpai, his performance with this Shikai alone is no less impressive than that of other Shinigami captains.

Facing the healthy Ukitake, Rojuro Hōhashi dared not be careless and immediately unleashed his strongest move under his Shikai.

"Kinsara Symphony No. 11—"

"Izayoi Rose!"

The golden sand, shrouded in powerful spiritual pressure, instantly bloomed, forming countless interwoven ripples that expanded outwards.

Brilliant colors illuminated the dancing golden whip, and dazzling spiritual pressure burst forth, ripples of magical radiance forming a continuous, ferocious attack.

Faced with attacks that covered all possible dodge routes, Jushiro Ukitake showed no sign of panic. He raised his right hand and said softly:

"Binding Path No. 81: Severing Emptiness".

An invisible barrier, tens of meters high, appeared out of thin air, standing like a majestic city wall on the training ground.

The golden sands swept in, crashing into the broken sky and creating countless visible ripples.

The heavy spiritual pressure made the air in the arena thick and sticky, and the bloodthirsty spectators on the outside would occasionally let out excited gasps.

For the Shinigami members, there are usually few opportunities to witness battles between captains.

Compared to the previous two team leader assessments, which were almost overwhelmingly successful, this one is clearly more interesting.

Two figures moved swiftly through the training ground, their casual strikes causing the ground to crack and dust to billow.

As they passed each other, Kinsara was blasted away by a Thunder Roar Cannon fired casually by Ukitake, nearly hitting Rojuro, who was on the offensive.

When he realized that he posed no threat to Ukitake at this stage, Lou Juro's expression became more serious:

"Please be careful, Captain Ukitake."

The golden whip retracted in front of him, and a materialized pillar of spiritual pressure shot into the sky.

"Solution—"

"Jinshalu Dance Troupe!"

Chapter 221 If only you were mute

"Hmph, he's already pulled out his Bankai so quickly. Rojuro is still too young and inexperienced."

Naraku Sora crossed his arms and analyzed the situation with an air of composure.

These words immediately attracted the attention of those nearby. Kyoraku Shunsui, with his hands clasped behind his back, asked with a curious expression:

What does this mean?

"By using Bankai first and taking control of the battle's pace, is there something wrong with that?"

Naraku Sora shook his head and explained with a smile:

"That's a bad word."

"Shikai and Bankai are like our two biggest trump cards for Shinigami, the key to turning the tide and winning."

"Often, a slight difference can change the course of a battle, not to mention abilities like Shikai and Bankai, which greatly enhance a Shinigami's fighting power."

“But you’ve overlooked something, Kyoraku-senpai.”

"The reason for using Shikai and Bankai is that the rhythm of the battlefield has now slipped out of our control, and we are at a disadvantage."

Kyoraku Shunsui rubbed his chin, then looked at the two facing off in the training ground, and said thoughtfully:

"Looking at it this way, it seems that's really the case."

"Lou Juro's expression was serious and focused, his body was tense, and even his spiritual pressure exuded a sense of tension."

"On the other hand, Jushiro looked relaxed and carefree from beginning to end, and even when facing the opponent's Bankai, he showed no fear whatsoever."