Chapter 29: CHAPTER 29:The Powerful Uno Flower
"If you wish to fight..."
Unohana Retsu's gentle expression at that moment carried a chilling edge—the unmistakable presence of the First Generation Kenpachi.
"I'm happy to accompany you."
Her words instantly froze the atmosphere in Training Ground No. 1.
As if someone had pressed a mute key, all sound in the field abruptly vanished.
It wasn't just the Spiritual Arts Academy students.
Even Moyu and the captains nearby showed visible astonishment.
"What kind of development is this?"
Moyu muttered to himself. "When did I become such a prized commodity?"
Byakuya Kuchiki frowned slightly, a trace of frustration in his usually composed expression.
"Captain Unohana," he said, stepping forward, "if you are still displeased over Moyu's earlier conduct, I apologize on his behalf."
"However, as a member of the Kuchiki family, I hope—out of regard for our clan—you will let this matter go."
But Unohana simply shook her head, her voice calm.
"No, you misunderstand, Captain Kuchiki."
"Mr. Moyu's understanding of kendo made me realize that the way of the sword still has boundless potential."
"What I once thought to be a fully solidified path has begun to show signs of evolution again."
As she spoke, she turned to Moyu, her eyes softened yet filled with fervent admiration—like someone who had discovered a rare and treasured blade.
"Perhaps, Mr. Moyu may be the only existence... capable of bringing me joy through the sword."
"And in that regard, I will not let go."
Even with such words, at the level of pure swordsmanship, Moyu couldn't yet rival her. If they clashed with nothing but blades, he would undoubtedly suffer a brutal defeat.
The only reason Unohana took him seriously was because his Gale Wind Sword Style was an entirely new evolution of kendo—completely distinct from the established path of Soul Society.
Not inferior, just different.
A divergent answer to the same problem.
Gale Wind Sword Style wasn't a better or worse technique—it was an alternative solution to the intricate riddle of the sword.
In the end, strength still boiled down to hardware.
"What a shame..."
Aizen's voice carried a regretful sigh.
"It seems Captain Unohana's determination far surpasses mine."
Shiba Isshin scratched his head awkwardly and attempted:
"How about... we let Moyu decide for himself?"
"If I don't take him back, Rangiku won't help me finish the paperwork!"
But the moment he finished, Unohana's serene gaze fell on him—cold as a drawn blade.
"Ahem. No competing, no competing."
Isshin coughed dryly, fists clenched in mock surrender.
"I guess... I can do the paperwork myself."
"Maybe I'll dump it on Hitsugaya."
He shifted his gaze toward a certain white-haired boy, clearly planning to delegate.
If age and appearance were judged together, Shiba Isshin's strategy might've been considered textbook child labor abuse.
Moyu watched Isshin's flustered retreat and shook his head in sympathy.
That guy's future looks bleak...
"So, what about Captain Kuchiki?"
Unohana's firm and dominant stance had already discouraged both Aizen and Isshin from further contesting.
Only Byakuya had yet to respond.
"Kendo..."
Byakuya looked Moyu up and down, suspicion flashing in his gaze.
As Moyu's older brother, he knew his younger sibling's sword talent had once been mediocre, even disappointing.
How could someone once so unremarkable suddenly grasp a higher truth of kendo?
Has the world changed too quickly? Or have I fallen behind?
But after seeing Unohana's sincerity, it was clear this was no joke. Her decisive tone said it all.
"As for Moyu's future," Byakuya finally said, regaining his usual aloofness,
"I won't interfere."
"My presence here is merely to offer more options."
Aizen adjusted his glasses slightly and offered a smile.
"Captain Kuchiki appears to care deeply for Mr. Moyu. This kind of familial bond is quite touching."
His words caused Byakuya to pause in mid-step.
"Please don't misunderstand," Byakuya said with his back turned, tone cool.
"This is simply the fulfillment of duty."
Then, without another word, he vanished with Shunpo, disappearing from the training ground.
"What a pity," Aizen said with a pleasant sigh.
"Mr. Moyu, it seems we won't be working together after all."
"Haha, no worries," Isshin added cheerfully.
"You're always welcome at Squad Ten! Our team-building activities are top-tier!"
The two captains gave their farewells and left in succession.
Unohana then stepped forward, arms folded gently across her chest, and gave a soft, confident smile.
"Mr. Moyu, can you make your decision now?"
Moyu looked around at the aftermath of what had just occurred, spread his hands, and sighed.
"Do I even have a choice?"