Bleach: No cheat codes, he joined Aizen's side.

Chapter 34. Let's fight with all our might (Part 34)

"Yes, Captain, I think I should already have Captain-level spiritual pressure."

"I can say that confidently," said Shuichi Higashino.

"so what?"

Retsu Unohana reverted to her previous naive and innocent self and started arranging flowers again.

"I heard that the Captain-Commander is currently looking for a candidate to be the captain of the Tenth Division. I think, perhaps I could..."

"Higashino Shuichi licked his lips and said."

At the same time, a barely perceptible bead of cold sweat slid down the side of his forehead.

Next comes the most crucial part.

"Putting aside whether having captain-level spiritual pressure qualifies you to be a captain, Shuichi, do you remember what you said when you applied to your captain to be transferred to our Fourth Division?"

Retsu Unohana adjusted the position of the purple lily of the valley in her hand and asked, seemingly with concern.

“I remember, Captain, what I said back then was that I was tired of seeing my teammates sacrifice one by one, and I wanted to save them when they were in the most danger, instead of just standing by and crying helplessly.”

After thinking for a moment, Higashino Shuichi said the words he had once spoken.

"So, Shuichi, please tell me why you want to compete for the position of captain of the 10th Division."

Retsu Unohana spoke in a calm tone as always.

However, from his burning gaze, Higashino Shuichi read the questioning meaning within it.

He knew that if the answer to this question did not satisfy Unohana Retsu, then Unohana Retsu would immediately equate himself with the previous incidents of Shinigami bodies lacking spiritual particles.

"Having spent so many years in the Fourth Division, and with Soul Society losing two captains in Hueco Mundo this time, one of whom was my former captain, I realized that studying medicine can't save Shinigami. Only by becoming a captain and protecting them with my own body can I possibly keep them from the clutches of Hollows!"

Higashino Shuichi remained silent for a long time until his breathing became heavy and his body trembled due to the fluctuations of his emotions.

This time, Retsu Ueno was silent.

Am I wrong in my suspicions?
Would a Grim Reaper with such awareness really do something that betrays the Grim Reaper?
Could those Grim Reapers really be spirit particles stolen by Hollows?

Retsu Unohana had imagined countless possible reactions from Shuichi Higashino, but none of them were like this.

In fact, Higashino Shuichi acted more like an upright Grim Reaper than she did.

Looking back on all of Higashino Shuichi’s past deeds, it is true that every time he saved a Shinigami, Higashino Shuichi was always at the forefront without hesitation. Even when he had just come from the 10th Division to the 4th Division and was just an ordinary member who was not even a seat officer, he never backed down once. (Higashino Shuichi: If the Shinigami who came to fight were his teammates, anyone would be able to go forward without hesitation.)

"Perhaps I really guessed wrong?"

For the first time, Retsu Unohana had such great doubts about herself.

However, the thought of the irreparable hidden wounds on those Grim Reapers strengthened Retsu Unohana's resolve.

Even if Higashino Shuichi really has no problems, so what?
She would never allow anyone to cause trouble under her nose; this was no longer about death, but a challenge to her abilities.

Until that matter is thoroughly investigated, none of the Fourth Division members who handled those Shinigami are allowed to leave the Fourth Division, even if they have reached the strength of a captain.

Higashino Shuichi had no idea what kind of inner struggle Unohana Retsu had gone through in those few short seconds. All he knew was that when Unohana Retsu said those words, the weight that had been hanging over him was lifted.

"If you are truly prepared, you can give it your all and earn my recognition of your abilities."

But if you can't even get my approval, then your so-called protection of other Grim Reapers is nothing but a joke.

Unohana Retsu neither refused nor immediately attacked, indicating that Higashino Shuichi's previous words had clearly been approved by Unohana Retsu. At least for now, Higashino Shuichi had passed this hurdle. As for what the future held, Higashino Shuichi neither knew nor needed to consider it further.

What remains now.
Higashino Shuichi raised his head, his eyes burning with fierce battle intent.

Let's just fight and that's it!

This time, Aizen granted Higashino Shuichi unlimited firing rights.

The goal is to assess Unohana Retsu's strength as much as possible.

From Higashino Shuichi's perspective, with his current strength, it might be difficult for him to even get Unohana Retsu to fight seriously. However, this was indeed the first time since he transmigrated that he was able to not suppress his true power after successfully cultivating enough strength.

An hour later, in the training ground of the Fourth Division.

Retsu Unohana had assigned the task in advance, so now only she and Shuichi Higashino were here.

Looking at the spirited Higashino Shuichi across from him, Unohana Retsu's long-dormant heart seemed to begin to waver.

"Then, Captain, I'll go first in this battle!"

Without the referee blowing the whistle, Higashino Shuichi finished speaking, stepped out with his left foot, and brought his hands together in front of him.

"Hado #67, Thunderclap Scattering!"

Countless bolts of lightning burst forth from Higashino Shuichi's hands, causing the air in the arena to ionize. In the blink of an eye, the lightning had traversed half the arena, and the mist had completely covered Higashino Shuichi's side.

"This chaotic spiritual pressure."

Unohana Retsu frowned.

She had seen Thunder Powder before, but this was the first time she had ever seen it used in this way.

Because now, not only is Higashino Shuichi's position obscured from her view, but also because of the spiritual power that Higashino Shuichi is constantly releasing, along with the chaotic lightning flying around the field, Unohana Retsu is unable to use her perception to see the situation clearly within the fog.

"interesting."

Although this method is extremely taxing on Higashino Shuichi's physical strength and spiritual reserves, Unohana Retsu must admit that even she has no way of perceiving anything happening within the mist unless she forcibly uses overwhelming spiritual pressure to disperse it.

This means that no matter what tricks Higashino Shuichi prepares in the fog, Unohana Retsu will have no way to deal with them in advance.

But what does it matter?

Unohana Retsu gave a nonchalant, slight smile.

She had lived like this when she was a notorious villain, and she had absolute confidence in her swordsmanship.

No matter what moves Higashino Shuichi prepares, all she needs to do is...
"One knife!"

Unohana Retsu pressed her right hand on the sword and then flicked it upwards.

She effortlessly cleaved through a demonic blade that flew out from the mist at a tricky angle.

However, that wasn't all; Higashino Shuichi's voice rang out from behind Unohana Retsu.

"You've given yourself away, Captain!"

A silver light began to appear, and Higashino Shuichi's Zanpakuto had already appeared above Unohana Retsu's head.

(End of this chapter)