Making an Enemy (III)

The corners of Unohana's mouth curved into a dangerous smile. "Why don't you take me out and become the Fourth Division Captain yourself?"

The moment she finished speaking—

A faint trace of killing intent spread from her.

Though faint, it was enough to make everyone present—including Tsunayashiro Shigure—feel their hair stand on end.

Liu Ziyun screamed inwardly, Huajie is angry! Huajie is really angry! Tsunayashiro Shigure, you're finished! You're finished!

He acted at once, darting forward and grabbing Unohana's right hand. "Captain! Don't be angry! Don't be angry!"

He spoke as fast as a machine gun. "He's just a nobody! Don't take it to heart! Come on, come on! Let's go back to the division! I'll make you something delicious!"

The students around them froze at his words.

Make her something delicious? Liu Ziyun could cook?

And... he dared talk to Captain Unohana like that? He was even holding her hand?

Did he have a death wish?!

But what surprised them even more was that Unohana didn't lose her temper.

The killing intent around her slowly faded.

Then she lowered her head and looked at Liu Ziyun, her voice returning to its usual gentleness. "Hmm... shouldn't you let go of my hand first?"

Only then did Liu Ziyun realize what he'd done. He quickly let go. "Ah! Sorry... sorry! I got too worked up!"

He scratched his head and grinned. "Captain, what would you like to eat today? Tell me so I can get the ingredients ready."

Unohana thought for a moment, a hint of anticipation flashing in her eyes. "Let's have that dish you made for Tazawa Kentarō last time."

"Which one?" Liu Ziyun asked.

"That one..." Unohana thought for a moment. "What was it called? 'Sichuan Boiled Pork'?"

Liu Ziyun's eyes lit up. "No problem! I guarantee you'll love it!"

He patted his chest. "I'll get started right away! I guarantee you'll enjoy it, Captain!"

With that, he pulled Unohana toward the exit—or, more accurately, she led him out.

Before leaving, he looked back and glanced at Tsunayashiro Shigure.

His look clearly said, Kid, you got lucky.

Tsunayashiro Shigure stood where he was, his face turning pale and then livid.

He watched Liu Ziyun and Unohana walk away, his fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug deep into his flesh.

Damn Liu Ziyun...

Damn Unohana...

Don't think this is over...

Liu Ziyun, do you think a mere medical division captain can protect you?

I'll make both of you... wish you were dead!

He gritted his teeth, plotting his revenge.

But what he didn't know was—

The moment that thought crossed his mind,

Unohana, who had already reached the entrance to the training ground in the distance, paused ever so slightly.

She turned and glanced at him.

That glance was light and fleeting.

As light as a feather brushing past.

So quick that almost no one noticed.

But Tsunayashiro Shigure felt as though, for that instant, some savage beast had fixed its gaze on him.

A chill shot from the base of his spine to the top of his head.

He shuddered and instinctively took a step back.

When he looked up again, Unohana and Liu Ziyun were already gone.

The training ground grew noisy again.

The students resumed discussing their teams, as though none of what had just happened had ever taken place.

Only Tsunayashiro Shigure remained where he was, his face pale and his back soaked in cold sweat.

Some distance away, at the Fourth Division Barracks.

Liu Ziyun was busy in the kitchen.

He sliced the meat, prepared the vegetables, heated the oil, and added the ingredients.

His movements were as practiced as those of a chef with more than a decade of experience.

Unohana leaned against the kitchen doorway, watching him quietly.

"Captain," Liu Ziyun said as he tossed the food in the wok, "that Tsunayashiro Shigure from earlier... he won't cause trouble, will he?"

"No," Unohana said softly.

"Really?" Liu Ziyun looked back at her. "The way he looked, I don't think he'll let it go."

Unohana smiled.

Her smile was gentle, but a trace of coldness flashed deep in her eyes. "If he's smart, he won't."

"What if he's stupid?"

"Then there's even less reason to worry," Unohana said calmly. "Stupid people... don't live long..."

Liu Ziyun: "..."

As expected of Huajie. She really knows how to sound domineering.

He thought no more about it and focused on cooking.

Before long, a steaming plate of Sichuan Boiled Pork, glistening with red oil, was ready.

Its aroma filled the entire kitchen.

Unohana's eyes lit up. She picked up her chopsticks, took a slice of meat, and put it in her mouth.

Then her eyes curved into crescents.

"Delicious," she said softly, her voice full of undisguised appreciation.

Liu Ziyun grinned. "Of course! It's my specialty!"

He thought for a moment, then added, "But Captain, if you want it again, just tell me anytime. You don't have to make a special trip to the academy to pick me up—the whole academy gets nervous when you show up."

Unohana glanced at him. "What? Do you think I caused you trouble?"

"I wouldn't dare... I wouldn't dare!" Liu Ziyun hastily waved his hands. "It's just... a little too conspicuous."

"Conspicuous?" Unohana put down her chopsticks and looked at him. "Liu Ziyun, remember this—"

Her voice suddenly turned serious. "In Soul Society, sometimes it's good to keep a low profile. But sometimes..."

She paused, then said softly, "You need to let people know who's backing you."

Liu Ziyun froze.

He understood.

Unohana was... backing him up.

"Captain..." His nose tingled.

"All right," Unohana interrupted him. "Hurry and eat, or the food will get cold."

She picked up her chopsticks again and elegantly helped herself to the food.

But the corners of her mouth curved upward, unnoticed by anyone.

Outside the window, the sun was setting.

The aroma of Sichuan Boiled Pork wafted through the Fourth Division Barracks.

Meanwhile, on the training ground at Shin'ō Academy, Tsunayashiro Shigure was still standing where he was, his face dark.

His plan for revenge had only just begun.

But what he didn't know was—

The day his plan came to fruition would never arrive.

Because he had offended someone he shouldn't have.

Someone... who didn't even know how terrifying he truly was.

Night slowly fell.

The night in Soul Society was still long.

And Liu Ziyun's academy life continued.

Only, from that day on, some things began to change.

For instance—no one dared speak ill of the Fourth Division to Liu Ziyun's face anymore.

For instance—Liu Ziyun's image as the academy's "dead last" began to quietly change.

For instance...

The crimson-black pattern on the sheath of the Zanpakuto at his waist shimmered faintly in the moonlight.

As if to say:

Kid, you've gotten yourself into trouble.

But...

It's all right.

You have us.

The blade trembled gently.

As if laughing.