"What are you talking about..."
Unohana Retsu stood stunned, unable to process his words for a moment.
Out of trust, she had followed Naraku Sora through the Garganta, arriving in an unexplored territory of Hueco Mundo.
She hadn't even asked why Naraku Sora, a Soul Reaper, could use a technique exclusive to Menos Grande—the Garganta.
But when Naraku Sora referred to it as "my Hueco Mundo," Unohana Retsu was completely baffled.
He was just a Soul Reaper, so why would he shamelessly make such a claim?
Could it be that Sora was no longer satisfied with his status in the Soul Society and intended to conquer the vast territory of Hueco Mundo?
At this thought, an unnatural flush spread across Unohana Retsu's cheeks.
*He truly is the man I set my sights on!*
Even if he hadn't achieved it yet, this unparalleled ambition alone was enough to place him above all other Soul Reapers in the Soul Society.
"Sora, I can't hold back any longer."
*Swish—*
The silver-white blade was drawn from its sheath. Under the moonlight, it gleamed with a bone-chilling coldness, as if it could sever anything in the world.
Her captivating eyes locked onto Naraku Sora's, then slowly traced downward.
Throat, heart, chest, spine, abdomen...
Her gaze swept over every lethal vital spot like the wind.
Seeing the slightly unhinged Unohana Retsu, the corners of Naraku Sora's mouth curled up. Out of respect, he slowly drew the Zanpakutō from his waist.
Unlike other standard Zanpakutō, the originally silver blade was now as pitch-black as ink.
Only the edge of the blade gleamed with a blood-like crimson.
Ever since he mastered his Bankai, his Vajrayati had taken on this appearance.
It didn't have any practical impact, but its aesthetic appeal had undoubtedly skyrocketed.
As a self-proclaimed admirer of beauty, Naraku Sora was quite satisfied with this.
After all, in this world, style was also a form of power.
Seeing this, a gentle smile surfaced on Unohana Retsu's face.
"Since you're ready, here I come."
The moment her words fell, an extreme, bone-piercing chill poured out, lingering in the surroundings. In a trance, it felt as if an overwhelming, viscous sea of blood was crashing down. The almost tangible killing intent seeped through every pore into the body, reaching deep into the internal organs.
It was terrifying.
In terms of pure killing intent, Unohana Retsu was arguably the most unadulterated person Naraku Sora had ever met.
As expected of the most unprecedented villain in the history of the Soul Society, the First Kenpachi—
Unohana Yachiru!
But in terms of actual strength, the current Unohana Retsu couldn't pose much of a threat.
*Since you seek a thrill, I might as well carry it through to the end.*
A red glint flashed in Naraku Sora's eyes. His undisguised brutality materialized, venting recklessly.
The next second, Unohana Retsu appeared abruptly in front of him, gripping her hilt normally, and slashed toward his chest.
The motion was so soft and smooth that it could provoke unwarranted associations, like the gentle caress of a lover.
But in reality, what surged within that fluid movement was unadulterated killing intent.
Swift and fast, it displayed the ultimate beauty of Zanjutsu.
*Clang!!*
The blade was parried, sending brilliant sparks flying.
Unlike Unohana Retsu, Naraku Sora didn't use any techniques; instead, he opted for the most brutal method.
A head-on clash.
*Didn't I work this hard just so I could crush people with raw stats?*
*If I'm this strong and still have to play around with sword techniques, wouldn't all my effort be for nothing?*
Terrifying power, like a bursting flash flood, surged from Naraku Sora's body and poured out without reservation.
Instantly, the longsword in Unohana Retsu's hand stalled. The recoil forced her to step back, leaving a few delicate footprints in the desolate silver sand.
In their initial exchange, she, the senior, had actually fallen at a disadvantage.
However, Unohana Retsu wasn't angry. The smile on her face, accompanied by that unnatural flush, made her look exceptionally thrilled.
This was the life goal she had been pursuing.
To taste a perfectly ripe fruit, and in that ultimate enjoyment, to kill, or be killed!
*Boom!*
Without any unnecessary words, Unohana Retsu raised her slender arm. Her longsword, brimming with Reiatsu, slashed out, lighting up dozens of silver-white sword pressure arcs in the air.
The fragmented arcs, like crescent moons in the sky, tore through the sweeping hurricane and collided with the pitch-black blade.
Brilliant sparks flew wildly.
Unable to withstand this fierce and unparalleled force, Minazuki was forced back. Naraku Sora didn't let up, stepping forward to launch a fierce assault.
There was no panic on Unohana Retsu's face. As if she had calculated it all along, she retreated her slender figure while her left hand, which had been hanging by her side, struck out like a venomous snake.
A silver light flashed and vanished.
At some point, a short sword had appeared in her palm. It seemed to have slipped from her sleeve, or perhaps it had been hidden somewhere else.
*Snap—*
The short sword struck his neck, sending countless sparks flying as if it had hit solid steel.
Unlike the hardness of a Zanpakutō, the short sword was merely a blade forged by Soul Society craftsmen, with average durability.
Countless fragments flew out, scattering into the nearby silver sand.
Looking at the short sword that was now reduced to just a hilt, even Unohana Retsu, who was in the zone, froze for a moment.
She had considered many possibilities, but this was the one scenario she hadn't anticipated.
No matter how brittle the short sword was, it was still a blade, not a wooden stick.
Imbued with powerful Reiatsu, given her strength, it should have easily sliced through steel, or even the Hierro of a Menos Grande.
Originally, Unohana Retsu had planned to use this tactic to stall Naraku Sora's offensive, thereby creating the perfect opportunity for her to strike.
But with the short sword shattering on impact, all her plans were completely disrupted.
"Honestly..."
Unohana Retsu's expression grew increasingly joyful. From her burning soul, the settled Reiatsu danced wildly, forming a tangible killing intent that erupted, nearly swallowing Naraku Sora whole.
"If I had known you were this strong, I wouldn't have waited so long—"
The moment her words fell, Unohana Retsu completely changed her style. The gentle Zanjutsu vanished, replaced by an almost frenzied assault.
The dazzling blade light drove away the night. As she stepped forward, the Zanpakutō pierced the air, leaving deep, straight scars across the silver desert.
But no matter how exquisite her swordsmanship was, or how fierce her attacks were—to the point where even the air couldn't withstand their power—she still couldn't break past that pitch-black blade.
It was as if it had a mind of its own. Although it lacked any technique, it always appeared in the most ingenious positions, absorbing all the incoming force.
She achieved nothing.
That was until Unohana Retsu erupted with blood-like Reiatsu. The sticky killing intent clung to her voluptuous body as she threw herself into Naraku Sora's guard like a bird returning to its nest.
*Squelch!!*
The sound of tearing flesh rang out almost simultaneously. Blood sprayed, dyeing the silver sand beneath their feet.
Feeling the scalding heat on her cheek, a trace of satisfaction flashed in Unohana Retsu's eyes.
Although her own body had also been pierced, an injury of this degree wouldn't affect the rest of the battle.
She pressed her pale hand against the wound on her chest.
The light of Kaidō, symbolizing vitality, bloomed. In just one second, the hideous wound completely healed, leaving only residual bloodstains on her dazzlingly white skin.
"Sora, this is the reason I learned Kaidō."
"I had thought about teaching Kaidō to you before, but you didn't seem interested."
"So, please don't feel this is unfair. After all, this isn't a spar between us, but a fight to the death..."
However, before she could finish speaking, a sizzling sound came from the muscular body opposite her. The flesh seemed to possess a mind of its own, wriggling together autonomously.
Then, it repaired and healed.
The efficiency was countless times faster than Kaidō.
Naraku Sora grinned. "Sister Retsu, could you repeat what you just said? I didn't quite catch that."
Unohana Retsu raised her delicate eyebrows, a trace of surprise and confusion flashing in her eyes.
She was starting to get a little confused.
Was she fighting a Soul Reaper, or a Menos Grande wearing a Soul Reaper's skin?
Opening a Garganta independently, shattering a short sword with his defense, and the High-Speed Regeneration that instantly healed a fatal wound...
Just how many more surprises was this child hiding?
But it didn't matter.
Any method was fine, as long as it allowed her to fully enjoy this unrestrained slaughter and immerse herself in this supreme pleasure.
At this thought, the corners of her mouth curled up, and that familiar smile surfaced once again. She gripped the blade tightly with her left hand, blood seeping from her palm as she gently stroked it. A gentle murmur echoed under the night sky:
"..."
*Rumble!*
As if the world were overturning, a vast Reiatsu poured out. The boundless desert instantly went berserk, and a sticky blood-red hue dyed everything in sight.
The heavy stench of blood continued to spread, climbing toward the sky until it stained the crescent moon crimson.
The ground beneath their feet turned into a sea of blood.
Minazuki.
Unohana Retsu raised her gaze, her eyes revealing an uncontrollable joy and desire. The Zanpakutō in her hand drooped in a winding manner, seemingly turning into pure blood.
"..."
Saying this, she wore a gentle yet murderous smile. Stepping to a silent rhythm, she danced gracefully over the sea of blood like a fairy.
Only now did the First Kenpachi truly unleash her ferocity.
Countless streams of blood churned and rolled backward, defying gravity as they flew into the sky.
The mournful streaks of red tore through the night, violently whipping up monstrous waves. The hideous fissures snaked forward, instantly erasing a sand dune at the edge of their vision.
Having completely liberated her power, Unohana Retsu's Reiatsu and strength surpassed the vast majority of Captains.
*In this state, it should be enough to fight Sora, right?*
Unohana Retsu thought to herself.
A sharp, ear-piercing sound of collision erupted, scattering sparks that dotted the viscous sea of blood.
Suppression!
"Sora, show me your true self."
Unohana Retsu's smile exuded ultimate joy. As she whispered softly, the blood-like blade slashed down mercilessly.
"I need more..."
Hearing this, Naraku Sora took a deep breath, letting the scent of blood surge in his lungs. His eyes grew brighter, and a blazing light radiated from his blade as brilliant arcs of lightning flashed and vanished.
"Since that's your request, I'll reluctantly put in some effort."
The moment his words fell, a trace of daze flashed in Unohana Retsu's eyes as the figure in the sea of blood vanished out of thin air.
At the same time.
A familiar, agonizing pain pierced her abdomen. A burning, pitch-black blade sliced through her skin, peeled apart her flesh, and tore into her internal organs, making a complete mess of her insides.
Naraku Sora pulled his Zanpakutō out of her slender body. Staring at the face so close to his, the corners of his mouth curled into a similarly joyful smile:
"Satisfied?"