The Arrogant Noble Lords (Part One)

Tsunayashiro Sōichirō stood in the Fourth Division reception room, still carrying the wooden box containing the head. The atmosphere had become unbearably awkward, but he seemed completely oblivious—or rather, he simply didn't care.

After Unohana told him that the matter was closed, he didn't leave immediately. Instead, he turned his attention to Liu Ziyun.

He looked at him as though inspecting a piece of merchandise.

"Student Liu Ziyun," Tsunayashiro Sōichirō said in a condescending tone, "I've heard that you're exceptionally capable, particularly in the field of medicine."

Liu Ziyun's heart skipped a beat. Here it comes! The classic poaching scene!

Sure enough, Tsunayashiro Sōichirō continued, "The Shin'ō Institute of Medicines is in great need of talent like yours."

He paused, his tone leaving no room for refusal. "I formally invite you to join us on behalf of the Shin'ō Institute of Medicines."

He stared straight at Liu Ziyun, as if he could already picture him nodding in tearful gratitude.

But he hadn't noticed—

As he spoke, Unohana's eyes had narrowed to slits.

It wasn't her usual gentle, smiling squint.

It was a dangerous squint, like a cheetah locking onto its prey.

A faint killing intent began to emanate from her.

It was as light as the morning mist, but it was piercingly cold, chilling them to the marrow.

The expressions of Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake, who were standing nearby, changed instantly.

Cold sweat broke out on both of them almost at the same time.

Shunsui Kyōraku screamed inwardly, Holy shit! Does this old bastard have a death wish?! He dares poach someone in front of Senior Unohana?! Someone she values, at that?!

Jūshirō Ukitake was thinking, We're doomed... There's going to be blood...

But Liu Ziyun remained calm.

He took a deep breath and replied in his most earnest, sincere tone, "I'm very sorry, Clan Head Tsunayashiro."

He looked at Unohana, his gaze resolute. "Captain Unohana saved my life and trained me. I've already sworn that after graduation, I'll join Captain Unohana's division and serve her until I die in battle."

He paused, then added, "So I can't accept your invitation."

His words rang out with conviction and heartfelt sincerity.

And the effect was immediate—

Unohana's killing intent vanished without a trace, like mist swept away by a strong wind.

The corners of her mouth rose in a gentle, satisfied smile.

Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake let out long sighs of relief and wiped the cold sweat from their foreheads.

We're saved... they both thought at the same time.

But Tsunayashiro Sōichirō was clearly not one to read the room.

After hearing Liu Ziyun out, he didn't give up. Instead, he frowned. "Is that so?"

His displeasure was plain in his voice. "In that case... could I ask Captain Unohana to arrange for Student Liu Ziyun to enter the Shin'ō Institute of Medicines?"

"Pfft—!"

Hearing that, Shunsui Kyōraku nearly spat.

Jūshirō Ukitake's face turned deathly pale.

Liu Ziyun's heart trembled.

You old bastard! You really have no fucking idea what you're getting into!

"Ask Captain Unohana to arrange it"? Who the hell do you think you are?! You dare order Huajie around?!

Don't you know Captain Unohana's history?! She was the First Kenpachi a thousand years ago! A supreme powerhouse who cut people down more easily than melons! You're dancing on your own grave!

All three looked at Unohana at once.

Sure enough—

Unohana's eyes had narrowed to slits.

They were so narrow they were almost invisible.

And the thumb of the hand gripping her sword hilt had gently pushed the Tsuba open—

"Clink."

An inch of the blade slid from its sheath.

A cold gleam flashed through the reception room.

The temperature plummeted ten degrees.

Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake both took half a step back, each lighting a candle for Tsunayashiro Sōichirō in his heart. Rest in peace. We'll observe three seconds of silence for you.

But unexpectedly, Unohana didn't draw her sword.

She merely said in a voice so gentle it was unsettling, "I'm only a humble Fourth Division Captain."

She paused, then added, "I can't even make decisions about transferring my own division members. This matter... will have to wait until I've reported it to Captain-Commander Yamamoto."

Her words were polite, but even a blind man could hear the chill in them.

Tsunayashiro Sōichirō finally sensed that something was wrong.

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

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but in the end, he said nothing.

"Then... sorry for the trouble, Captain Unohana."

He delivered those words stiffly, then—

Turned and left at a brisk pace.

He walked so quickly that he looked as though he were fleeing for his life.

Watching his disheveled retreat, Liu Ziyun had only one thought. That old bastard... is damn lucky to be alive.

Then he immediately realized—

Wait! Huajie is still angry!

He hurried forward and carefully helped Unohana slide her sword back into its sheath. "Captain, don't be angry, don't be angry~"

As he sheathed the sword, he spoke as if coaxing a child. "No one else can suffer for you if anger harms your health! If it does, what will the Fourth Division do? What about the wounded in the Seireitei? And most importantly—who will make you Sichuan Boiled Pork?"

Unohana glanced at him.

Liu Ziyun hurriedly added, "I'll go make you a few dishes right now! What would you like? Sichuan Boiled Pork? Mapo tofu? Or twice-cooked pork? I guarantee you'll enjoy them!"

He spoke animatedly, trying to distract her with food.

Meanwhile, Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake stared, dumbfounded.

The two stood there like statues, hardly daring to breathe.

They had never seen anyone dare speak to Unohana like that—sheathing her sword, coaxing her, and cooking for her. How were they a captain and her subordinate? They were clearly...

Like a couple? No, no! Shunsui Kyōraku hurriedly shook off the frightening thought.

Unohana ignored Liu Ziyun's antics.

She shot Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake a cold glance. "Then, Captain Kyōraku, Captain Ukitake... please relay this to Captain-Commander Yamamoto for me."

With that, she turned and drifted away.

Her white haori fluttered gently behind her, leaving a faint scent of herbs.

Liu Ziyun gave the two captains an apologetic smile. "Captains, I made our captain angry earlier, so that's why she's like this... I hope you'll forgive her."

He paused. "I'll follow the captain now, so she doesn't get impatient waiting and become angry again."

Shunsui Kyōraku hurriedly waved him off. "It's fine, it's fine! Go on!"

Jūshirō Ukitake nodded as well. "Don't worry about us."

Liu Ziyun thanked them, then trotted off after her.

Only Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake remained in the reception room.

They exchanged a glance, each seeing the same thought in the other's eyes—

"This should be entertaining." Shunsui Kyōraku sighed. "Looks like... the Tsunayashiro branch family will need a new head."

Jūshirō Ukitake smiled wryly. "Let's hope they... know what's good for them."

"Know what's good for them?" Shunsui Kyōraku shook his head. "Did Tsunayashiro Sōichirō look like someone who knows what's good for him?"

The two fell silent for a moment.

Then Shunsui Kyōraku shrugged. "Forget it. Anyway... it has nothing to do with us."

"Come on, let's go to the First Division. We need to report this to Old Man Yama."

The two turned and headed toward the First Division.

There was a trace of sympathy in their retreating figures.

For the people who were about to have a run of bad luck.