Introductory Style

"First Generation Kenpachi."

"Unohana Retsu Yachiru, so this is her true form."

Saikyō and Unohana Retsu stood face to face. Looking into those eyes filled with fluctuating emotions, he suddenly felt a tingling sensation in his scalp.

At that moment, he instinctively touched the position of his sash and gripped his Zanpakutō, Yan Mo, tightly in his hand, barely dispelling the oppressive aura brought by Unohana-taichō.

In just a brief moment, Saikyō deeply felt the terror of Yachiru's Zanjutsu!

"Don't be nervous, stay calm," Unohana Retsu said with a smile, and her demeanor immediately softened, returning to her usual gentle nature.

The seamless and perfect shift in temperament was truly astonishing. If they hadn't witnessed it firsthand, no one would believe what they were seeing.

"Saikyō-kun, I can sense that your Zanpakutō is quite different." As Unohana spoke, her gaze fell on Zanpakutō Yan Mo.

The subtle fluctuations emanating from Yan Mo resonated with her fierce sword aura. Although the two spiritual pressures were distinct, they didn't repel each other at all.

"My Zanpakutō, Yan Mo, is a thunder-element Zanpakutō," Saikyō said, gripping the sword more firmly and repeating his earlier explanation.

"Is that so?" Unohana smiled lightly.

Since she had already sensed Saikyō's Reiatsu when teaching him Kaidō earlier, she knew more than she let on. However, she chose not to expose his small lie, instead letting it pass.

"Regardless, the most crucial part of Zanjutsu training is the cultivation of one's mental state, and this is the key element." Unohana Retsu's tone became more serious.

Her words carried a clear implication: state of mind.

In Zanjutsu, beyond mastering sword skills, the breakthrough in one's mental state is essential. Only by reaching this level of enlightenment can you break through your limits, ascend to a higher level, and ultimately become a great swordsman!

"I understand..." Saikyō held his Zanpakutō horizontally before him, his gaze growing more intense. "Unohana-taichō, the normal state of my Zanpakutō isn't suited for combat. I should just release Shikai directly, shouldn't I?"

"I, too, would love to witness the first Shikai from one of the academy's top talents," Unohana said, nodding in agreement.

Then, under her watchful eyes, Saikyō gripped his Zanpakutō in a reverse grip. The words of release echoed.

"Embodied by the evil god, exhaust his might."

"Yan Mo, Dark Scythe!"

Saikyō's voice rang out clearly, and as he spoke, his Zanpakutō glowed with a dark light.

"This presence..."

A shift occurred on Unohana's beautiful face, her expression changing in response to the black light.

"No wonder you adapted to the fierce spirit so quickly—your Zanpakutō truly is something else." Unohana's gaze remained fixed on Yan Mo, with a clear sense of anticipation in her voice.

In addition to the unique dark aura, Yan Mo's appearance was striking. Its body was covered in black and white patterns, the end of the hilt was dark red, and its blade curved like a crescent moon, shining with a brilliant white light.

This scythe-like Zanpakutō gave off an overwhelming sense of majesty, along with a mysterious aura. Every time it was released, it drew attention!

"Unohana-taichō, this is Yan Mo's true form. I bet you didn't expect this, did you?" Saikyō lightly swung Yan Mo, creating a gust of wind.

A white mark appeared on the marble floor.

If it weren't for the special material that dampened Reiatsu, the floor would have likely shattered by now.

"From appearance alone, it looks more like a Zanpakutō from the physical-type branch. No wonder you were eager to use Shikai." Unohana nodded in agreement, sensing Yan Mo's extraordinary nature just from her observations.

"Unohana-taichō, for the next Zanjutsu training, I won't need to release any special abilities, right?" Saikyō rested Yan Mo on his shoulder, his eagerness evident.

Having six attributes perfectly fused, Saikyō could use Yan Mo to unleash a variety of techniques. However, for this training, Yan Mo's multi-attribute abilities seemed over the top. He was more inclined to focus on basic sword skills!

"Since it's just the beginning, you'll need to take things step by step. I plan to teach you some foundational moves," Unohana said, her thoughts aligning with Saikyō's own.

"First, let's start with the most basic entry move."

Unohana raised her gaze, drawing her Zanpakutō, Minazuki, from her sash. The moment she moved, an overwhelming aura emanated from her.

Boom—

Under the weight of Unohana's Reiatsu, the floor beneath them trembled violently, the sound deafening like crashing waves. If not for the Sekkiseki stone barrier, the mere impact of her Reiatsu would have destroyed the entire dojo.

This was the power of the First Generation Kenpachi!

"...What overwhelming pressure..."

Saikyō's eyes narrowed as he watched cautiously.

Holding his breath, his entire body tensed as if strung tight, not daring to let his focus waver.

His intuition told him that if Unohana-taichō harbored even a trace of killing intent, his life would be in serious danger!

"Good."

"This is the most basic move!"

Having loosened her braid, Unohana's entire presence transformed. Especially as she gripped her Zanpakutō, a fierce evil spirit filled her beautiful face.

In that moment, Saikyō not only felt his scalp tingle, but every hair on his body stood on end. A deep sense of danger surged through him!

"Scimitar Cutting Technique!"

The moment the words left her mouth, Unohana Retsu's body twisted, and in an instant, she appeared behind Saikyō, moving so quickly that the eye couldn't follow.

Shing!

With a soft sound, Zanpakutō Minazuki glinted.

"The speed... it's too fast! There was no time to react!"

When Saikyō came to his senses, he saw a deep sword mark on the ground beside him. Even with the Sekkiseki stone in place, the floor of the dojo had been damaged.

The power of the Scimitar Cutting Technique was undeniable!

"Saikyō-kun, you must have felt it. This is the power of the Scimitar Cutting Technique." Unohana sheathed her Zanpakutō, her expression returning to its usual calm.

That terrifying evil spirit had faded, replaced by the gentle and highly-respected captain of the Fourth Division!

"It seems simple, but it's incredibly powerful. Although the Scimitar Cutting Technique is basic, it's highly practical." Saikyō's words were on point, directly identifying its strengths.

"Exactly. For now, your goal should be to master this Scimitar Cutting Technique."

Satisfied, Unohana sheathed her Zanpakutō. As she gazed at Saikyō's serious expression, she saw the potential of a future great swordsman!