Chapter 27: "Araki, You Have to Learn to Control Yourself."

"Lieutenant of the 1st Division, please follow me."

Unohana Retsu said this with a smile, leading Chōjirō down the corridor.

"Of course," Chōjirō replied, maintaining a composed demeanor as he followed her.

Judging by their polite exchange, one would never suspect anything amiss. Unohana played the perfect host, while Chōjirō played the part of a courteous guest.

Had this scene been witnessed by some of the high-ranking nobles of the Soul Society, they would have undoubtedly praised it as a model of decorum.

But the problem was that this wasn't a gathering of nobles. This was a conversation between the former "great villain" of the Soul Society, Unohana Retsu, and the lieutenant of the Seireitei's Captain-Commander, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni.

It was jarring. It was as if two bloodthirsty beasts had suddenly donned human clothes, adopted human customs, and spoken human language. The incongruity was palpable, sending chills down the spine.

At least the members of the 11th Division who witnessed this awkward scene were visibly unnerved.

And the seemingly calm Chōjirō was far from at ease.

"Is this really Unohana Retsu, the murderer' known as the most dangerous criminal in Soul Society?" he wondered. "It's incredible. Captain Unohana actually addressed me with honorifics? This is unbelievable."

A storm raged within him. He had heard that Unohana had changed significantly after her defeat by Araki, but he had never imagined the transformation would be so profound.

Not only had her personality changed drastically, but her appearance had also changed drastically. The first Kenpachi, who had always worn her hair loose, now had it neatly tied back. It was astonishing.

If Chōjirō hadn't known of Unohana's past, he would never have guessed that this gentle woman was once a notorious killer. She now resembled a caring older sister more than anything else.

"This is unsettling," he thought. "Lieutenant Unohana is much gentler than before."

"But... I also feel she's even more terrifying now."

Chōjirō felt a chilling pressure emanating from Unohana, sending a shiver of fear through him.

"If the former Captain Unohana was an invincible, razor-sharp blade, then the current Lieutenant Unohana is like that blade returned to its scabbard, hidden from view," he mused. "A drawn blade is indeed sharp, but everyone can see it. Everyone knows its power. Therefore, no one would touch it carelessly. It is a power displayed in the open."

"But hidden in a scabbard, its sharpness is unknown. No one knows if the blade is a dagger or a legendary sword."

He concluded, "This hidden Unohana is far more terrifying than before."

"Lieutenant Sasakibe," Unohana said, breaking his train of thought. "Captain Araki is waiting for you inside."

"Oh. Right," Chōjirō stammered, snapping back to reality. He bowed respectfully and stood before the door to Araki's office. He was acutely aware of the need to avoid provoking Unohana in any way.

"Then, Lieutenant Sasakibe, I've brought you here. Please go in and discuss your business with Captain Araki," Unohana said with a smile.

"Of course," Chōjirō replied, then, as if remembering something, added, "Actually, it's not a particularly important matter. If you wouldn't mind, perhaps you could join us?"

"If it's not important, you can handle it yourselves. I have matters to attend to within the 11th Division," Unohana replied, her smile widening slightly, giving Chōjirō a knowing look.

"Right," Chōjirō breathed a sigh of relief. He felt he had passed her test for the moment.

Before leaving, Unohana gave Chōjirō a deep, penetrating look, then turned and walked away gracefully.

That single glance sent another shiver of fear through Chōjirō. In that moment, he saw a flicker of the first Kenpachi in her eyes.

Unohana hadn't truly changed. She was still a killer, but now she was hidden among the crowd, her true nature concealed.

"Terrifying," Chōjirō muttered as he pushed open the door to Araki's office.

Inside, he saw the "real" captain of the 11th Division, the second Kenpachi, Araki. His eyes were bloodshot, as if he hadn't slept in days.

"Araki... Captain—" Chōjirō began, his voice laced with concern. "I don't mean to criticize, but you really should learn some moderation. You'll ruin yourself at this rate."

Seeing Araki's condition, Chōjirō finally understood the reason for Unohana's transformation. It was surely connected to Araki's relentless efforts.

"Huh?" Araki replied, having anticipated Chōjirō's arrival. He merely twitched an eyebrow at the comment.

'What is this guy talking about? Moderation? Is he kidding me? My body needs moderation. I am a man without limits!'

'-No! What nonsense is this?'