Difference and Cycle

In an instant, it was impossible to tell whether the blade was faster, or the person...

Unohana Retsu became a flash of the most dazzling blade light, then plunged into a massive tree.

The next moment, the entire forest, which had been constantly boiling and surging... seemed to fall silent in an instant.

Large amounts of wood chips rapidly scattered from the surface of the tree the Zanpakuto had pierced, revealing Yūke Terasiru's body, which could barely even be called humanoid. Then, it slowly lowered its head to look at the Zanpakuto that had pierced its body and asked.

"How is this possible? How did you detect my position?"

"Your figure, spiritual pressure, voice, and so on can all be concealed, but eyes filled with rage and killing intent cannot be hidden."

Unohana Retsu spoke coldly, then swiftly withdrew her Zanpakuto and, with a backhand slash, cleanly beheaded Yūke Terasiru. Without stopping, she continued toward Chiba Makoto.

As Yūke Terasiru's head flew high into the air, its gaze followed Unohana Retsu as she rapidly departed, and it inexplicably came to a momentary realization.

So, I possess anger? Then... is that a heart?

Unohana Retsu did not answer, nor did she have any intention of stopping for Yūke Terasiru...

However, just before Yūke Terasiru's head hit the ground, it turned into spirit particles and dispersed into the air.

In the end, all that fell to the ground was a Zanpakuto broken into two pieces.

With Yūke Terasiru no longer obstructing her, Unohana Retsu reached the spot where Chiba Makoto had fallen at tremendous speed.

Yet, contrary to what she had feared, Chiba Makoto appeared completely unharmed. He sat leisurely upon a tree trunk and even raised a hand to greet Unohana Retsu.

"Teacher Unohana..."

At that moment, Unohana Retsu was both