Marrying Unohana Retsu from Bleach

At the same time, in the Seireitei.

In the First Division barracks of the Gotei 13.

A middle-aged man with a prominent cross-shaped scar on his forehead and a severely receded hairline stood silently at a vantage point that overlooked the streets of the Seireitei, listening to the report being delivered by the person behind him.

This man was Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, the apex of the Shinigami that safeguarded the Seireitei.

However, even this man, who was known for his "infinite authority," "absolute strength," and his reputation for subduing enemies through sheer violence, showed visible astonishment upon hearing the report.

"What!?"

"You're saying that little brat Araki told that idiot Saitō he plans to come to the Seireitei in a few days?!"

"Are you sure about this information?"

Yamamoto questioned the subordinate behind him in a deep voice.

"Absolutely! Captain Saitō mentioned it himself while drunk."

The subordinate lowered his head respectfully and replied.

"Very well. I understand. You may leave now."

Hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Yamamoto's face, indicating his good mood. He waved his hand to dismiss the subordinate.

"As you command."

Relieved to be dismissed, the First Division member sighed softly. Truth be told, being in Yamamoto's presence was incredibly stressful for an ordinary shinigami like him—even though he idolized Yamamoto as the guardian deity of the Seireitei.

"Lord Yamamoto is truly the best. Araki-kun finally decided to come to the Seireitei to assist you. This will definitely lighten your burden."

Shortly after the subordinate left, a young man with gray hair and eyes stepped out of the shadows of the First Division barracks, smiling at Yamamoto.

"Oh, Chōjirō, what nonsense are you spouting now? When has this old man ever needed help from that fool, Araki?"

Yamamoto barked angrily at the young man, whose name was Sasakibe Chōjirō.

"Yes, yes, Yamamoto-sama is the strongest Shinigami in the Soul Society and doesn't need Araki's help at all."

"But from what I've heard, Araki-kun hasn't been doing too well over the past century."

"It seems he's been living in Rukongai, scraping by with his culinary skills (and deceiving fools), barely making ends meet."

"You should at least extend him a helping hand, considering he was once your disciple. Why not arrange a suitable position for him in the Gotei 13?"

Chōjirō, knowing Yamamoto's temper well, spoke in a way that would appease him.

"Hmph! I don't need you meddling in this."

"Since that fool once apprenticed under me, I can't let him continue disgracing my name in Rukongai."

"If he's finally come to his senses and wants to come to the Seireitei, then I'll give him a chance."

Yamamoto huffed before speaking with grandeur.

"Ah, yes, it was all part of your plan to make Araki sell ramen in Rukongai for a hundred years as punishment."

Chōjirō nodded vigorously, hiding the fact that he knew the truth—that Araki had chosen to stay in Rukongai purely out of spite after an argument with Yamamoto.

Of course, Chōjirō wouldn't dare reveal this in Yamamoto's presence. His tact was the reason he had remained at Yamamoto's side for so long. Instead, he simply raised a thumbs-up and said, "Yes, yes, everything you say is correct."

But one thing was certain: Araki held a unique place in Yamamoto's heart. As the only disciple to receive the "Genryū License of Mastery" from Yamamoto, Araki was undoubtedly his most outstanding student.

Even though Araki had once enraged Yamamoto to the point of nearly drawing his blade, Yamamoto ultimately let him go on his travels without consequence.

Worried that Araki might struggle in Rukongai, Yamamoto had even arranged for someone dim-witted yet generous to secretly support him financially—Furofushi Saitō."

Yamamoto had doubled Saitō's salary to ensure Araki wouldn't starve while freeloading.

Meanwhile, Saitō genuinely believed her higher pay was due to her brilliance and exceptional performance, blissfully unaware of Yamamoto's true intentions.

—

In the Sixth Division.

"Hehehe…"

"Guess what? Araki has agreed to come to the Seireitei."

"Hic~ He's going to be my vice captain!"

"With him, the Sixth Division will become the strongest division after the First. Let's celebrate!"

Drunk and ecstatic, Saitō chugged from a jug of sake while her subordinates lay scattered around her, equally inebriated.

Unbeknownst to her, a First Division member hidden in the rafters furiously jotted down notes about her drunken ramblings.

—

In the Eleventh Division.

In the dojo, a stunning woman with flowing black hair wielded a wooden sword, standing confidently amidst a group of formidable Shinigami.

"Come at me."

At her command, the Shinigami charged with a roar.

"Ha."

With a faint smile, the woman's wooden sword moved like lightning, effortlessly knocking down her opponents.

Thuds echoed as the Shinigami flew backward, leaving the woman unscathed in the center of the dojo, her long hair dancing in the air.

"Too weak. None of you spark my interest."

"Is there no one in this world who can match me?"

The woman's piercing eyes turned melancholic as she gazed out the window, longing for a worthy opponent.

"Captain is too strong."

"Of course. She's the legendary Kenpachi—unmatched except for the Captain-Commander."

Her subordinates whispered in awe, revering her strength.

This woman was Unohana Yachiru, the first Kenpachi and a master swordswoman who had once dominated all other styles in the Soul Society.

—

In Rukongai, District 37.

In a desolate forest, Araki sat cross-legged with his Zanpakutō.

"This is it, Ruriko. Let's begin."

Closing his eyes, he entered his inner world, where his Zanpakutō spirit resided.

"Well, well, you're back, my king."

"So, you're here for Bankai, huh?"

"Yes. Now tell me your true name."

Rather than pleading, Araki smirked, unleashing a devastating attack on the spirit.

"I've never seen a king so unorthodox."

"Then today's your lucky day."

In Araki's world, even his Zanpakutō wasn't spared from his iron-fisted methods.

==============

This chapter is a bit short; I had to remove some useless nonsense and completely rewrite some scenes. It was extremely hard to make sense of some stuff from the Chinese version.

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