Chapter 22: Passion Ignited

[[This is a translation so please don't hate me for the developments. I will try to remove shitty brainrot scenes with better ones but it is from a MTL ... so please no bashing in the comments for the plot. I am just a translator after all.]]

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The vigorous Kaede-sensei had finally fallen.

In Akira's mind, Kaede Runya's mental strength was unparalleled. Despite often causing trouble and making Class 1-A frequently labeled as a problematic class, Kaede-sensei always showed up at the Zanjutsu dojo without fail. Although his skills were somewhat lacking, Kaede-sensei's dedication surpassed more than 90% of his colleagues.

But now…

Akira looked at the white figure at the front of the dojo with a sense of loss, his expression showing a mix of confusion and resignation. He turned to Aizen beside him and asked in a low voice:

"Aizen, do you think… does Kaede-sensei still have a chance of survival?"

Hearing this, Aizen fell into deep thought. After a moment of contemplation, he gave his assessment:

"It's hard to say."

Although he didn't know Unohana's true identity, his intuition told him that this woman was far from simple. When they first met, he felt as if he saw a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood from her. Even a genius like Aizen had to admit that, to date, Unohana of the 4th Division was the strongest existence he had ever encountered! There was no one else like her!

Based on this assessment, if Kaede insisted on not giving up this Zanjutsu class, Aizen couldn't guarantee his safety. However, he was more curious about what exactly Akira had said to Unohana. But it was clear that she was here for Akira.

The white figure stood at the front of the dojo. Unohana held a bamboo sword, looking kindly at everyone. Whether it was an illusion or not, the moment she grasped the bamboo sword, her aura suddenly became sharp, as if it was filled with a cutting edge.

"Dear students, unfortunately, I have just received news that Kaede-sensei has fallen ill and has been sent to the comprehensive medical center. Therefore, I will be teaching this Zanjutsu class."

"But rest assured, my Zanjutsu skills are more than sufficient to instruct you all. Moreover, I learned from Kaede-sensei that today's Zanjutsu class is focused on practical combat, which happens to be my specialty."

As she finished speaking, her sharp gaze swept over the crowd, like two swords piercing through the students, finally landing on Akira. The moment their eyes met, a sharp alarm went off in Akira's instincts, and he instinctively gripped his bamboo sword, instantly entering a combat-ready state. His fierce aura underwent a dramatic change!

Aizen looked at his friend in surprise. Akira's current state made him feel a bit unfamiliar. However, Akira quickly snapped out of it, shivering slightly before returning to his usual self, as if the previous moment was just an illusion.

"Everyone, are you ready?" Unohana said gently. "Show me your full strength. Let's start the Zanjutsu practical combat now!"

"You, go first."

The student sitting at the front was momentarily stunned but quickly became excited, rushing forward with his bamboo sword. Regardless of Unohana's Zanjutsu level, she was one of the captains of the Gotei-13. In the entire Seireitei, she was considered one of the top figures. Being able to engage in Zanjutsu combat with such a person was an opportunity beyond the reach of many generations of students.

The student, filled with excitement, trembled slightly as he held his bamboo sword, his face flushed with anticipation. After bowing, he immediately took a step forward and slashed at Unohana. As a top student in Class 1-A, he had some skills. However, the moment Unohana took her stance, his fate was sealed. With just a few moves, his bamboo sword was knocked away, and he was defeated.

"Your movements are too wide and open," Unohana commented. "You need to be more adaptable. In your daily practice, you should focus on integrating basic Zanjutsu into your instincts, allowing for multiple variations in your strikes. However, for your current level, your Zanjutsu skills are above the passing line."

The defeated student, initially dejected, regained his excitement upon hearing the latter part of her comment. "Thank you, Captain Unohana!"

Then, with one slash, he was instantly defeated.

After a few comments, Unohana pointed out his flaws and guided him on his future path of practice.

The Zanjutsu practical combat proceeded quickly. The students stepped forward one after another, and within a few moves, their bamboo swords were knocked away.

Under Unohana's guidance, everyone's understanding of Zanjutsu improved significantly.

Akira looked sadly at his classmates around him, suddenly realizing that it seemed like this group of elite students had all become fans of Unohana.

"Sosuke, you are the only one who is still on my side."

Aizen brushed off Akira's hand from his shoulder with a hint of disdain, picked up the bamboo sword beside him, and stood up, saying without looking back:

"No, we were never on the same side."

Once again betrayed by his friend, Akira's figure became even more desolate.

While he was in a daze, Aizen was already standing straight in front of Unohana.

Looking at the brown-haired boy in front of her, Unohana's eyes flashed with a thoughtful expression.

She had some impression of this boy named Aizen Sosuke. The last time Akira went to the comprehensive medical center for arm treatment, it was Aizen who accompanied him.

The friendship between the two boys seemed quite good.

"Captain Unohana, please instruct me."

Aizen bowed slightly, then held the bamboo sword with both hands, assuming a standard starting stance.

Unohana also raised her bamboo sword and nodded seriously:

"Let's begin."

As soon as she finished speaking, Aizen suddenly burst out with astonishing speed, like an arrow leaving the string, displaying endless sharpness.

Seeing this, Unohana's eyes lit up slightly, as if she had found a suitable prey.

The bamboo sword fell like a torrential rain, filling the field of vision.

In an instant, the wind howled, and the momentum surged.

Unlike the previous students' Zanjutsu practical combat, the battle between Aizen and Unohana gave people the illusion of being on a real battlefield.

The fierce slashes of the bamboo sword were dodged by Unohana with a sidestep, and with a backhand slash, she knocked the bamboo sword out of Aizen's hand.

The outcome was decided.

The students were shocked as they looked at the two standing in opposition, suddenly realizing a terrifying fact.

It seemed that Akira's sidekick, the little transparent, was also an undeniable genius!

"Very solid Zanjutsu skills."

Unohana praised, "Indeed, geniuses are attracted to each other."

"Akira, I hope your performance won't disappoint me…"

Looking at the two smiling in front of him, Akira felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, swallowed by malice directed at him at the moment.

Betrayal by a close friend is indeed the most painful.

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[[This is a translation so please don't hate me for the developments. I will try to remove shitty brainrot scenes with better ones but it is from a MTL ... so please no bashing in the comments for the plot. I am just a translator after all.]]