Chapter 209: Conquest
Seireitei, the underground training ground of Masatsuki Aozaki.
"This time, we're fighting to determine victory or defeat—not life or death."
Masatsuki Aozaki looked down at Retsu Unohana, her long hair now loose, no longer tied into its usual braids. He smiled, his gaze momentarily lingering on the striking scar just below her collarbone.
"Are you afraid you'll lose your life here? You weren't like this before. Or has living in comfort all these years dulled your fighting spirit?"
Unohana frowned, her eyes turning cold as a trace of disappointment flickered across her face.
"I just don't want to lose you," Masatsuki replied. "That's why I'm letting you know in advance."
Even someone with low emotional intelligence could tell that Unohana was already upset, but her icy demeanor did nothing to shake Masatsuki's resolve.
Unohana was briefly stunned before shaking her head with a small smile. "You've certainly grown bolder than before." She exhaled softly before continuing, "Fine. I can agree to that. There's no need for us to fight to the death."
"If I were to kill the Captain-Commander's most prized disciple, I doubt he would let me live."
"But you know my abilities. As long as there's a single breath left in you, I can heal almost any wound. So you better not hold back."
"Even if you lose today, with your talent, you'll only keep growing stronger. We can keep fighting for eternity."