The slice-of-life arc was over. Next came the Kenpachi arc!
Unohana lowered her head.
An exceedingly fine slit had been cut in the front of her robes.
It had not touched her skin.
Not even a drop of blood had been drawn.
But had that blade gone half an inch farther, it would have pierced straight through her chest.
Unohana looked at the mark, and the smile on her face slowly widened.
"Beautifully done."
She spoke softly.
Yoriichi turned around, the Gray Blade hanging at his side.
A shallow sword mark had appeared on his shoulder as well.
It had not drawn blood either.
Unohana's blade had stopped at the very last instant.
Neither of them had any killing intent.
But both knew that, in that instant, either could have killed the other.
This was no ordinary sparring match.
This was the quietest greeting between swordsmen.
Unohana slowly turned around, her long black hair falling loose down her back. The composure expected of the Fourth Division Captain was no longer visible on her gentle face.
She was smiling.
Smiling very happily.
"Captain Tsugikuni, you truly are strong."
Yoriichi looked at her.
"You're strong too, Captain Unohana."
"Is that all?"
Unohana tightened her grip on her sword, a dangerous glint entering her eyes.
"Simply being strong isn't enough."
The next instant, she vanished again.
The floor burst apart.
The moment the wood chips flew up, Unohana was already in front of Yoriichi.
Her blade was fast.
So fast that it traced no unnecessary path.
It slashed at his throat.
Flicked toward his wrist.
Swept backhanded toward his waist and abdomen.
Every stroke was like the simplest answer left after killing countless people.
Yoriichi raised his sword to block.
Clang.
Clang, clang.
The sound of clashing blades rang out in rapid