Bleach: The Shinigami’s Zanpakutō That Unleashed Bankai On Its Own

"Because there were many reports of wandering souls disappearing in the thirty-ninth district of South Rukongai, I was sent to investigate," Aramaki leaned on the headboard, trying to recall what happened before he was injured and passed out.

"After searching carefully, I finally picked up traces of Hollow Reiatsu. But when I found the Hollow..."

He suddenly clutched his head. His face twisted in pain.

"Ahhh—!" A tortured scream burst from his mouth.

Before anyone could react, Moyu stepped forward and released a wave of emerald-green light over Aramaki's body. The soft Kaidō energy stabilized him immediately.

[Your Kaidō is pleased with the successful treatment. Cultivation efficiency increased by 120%.]

Moyu didn't focus much on Kaidō, but if it helped him grow stronger, he wouldn't refuse.

Aramaki regained his composure, although a trace of pain still lingered on his face.

"That Hollow... wasn't normal," he said, voice low. A flicker of deep fear flashed in his eyes. "Deep in the forest, I saw it. It looked human—tall, clad in black armor. Just stepping into its domain felt like my soul was being crushed. It didn't even attack. It just looked in my direction..."

Aramaki fell silent.

The others already knew what happened after that—he was heavily injured, fell into a coma, and nearly died.

"But in fact, that's not all," Unohana Retsu said, her tone unusually serious. "All of your injuries came from blunt force trauma. Internal organ damage, foreign Reiatsu... These are signs of repeated, direct strikes."

Unohana, the unrivaled master of Kaidō in all of Gotei 13, spoke with complete authority.

Moyu spoke thoughtfully, "If I'm not mistaken, it wasn't that the Hollow didn't attack—it's just that your senses couldn't process its movements. The gap in strength was too large. Your eyes... deceived you."

Madarame Ikkaku's expression lit up with excitement. "To think there's still such a powerful enemy out there! We have to find him!"

He stood up sharply. "Aramaki, you recover here. I'm going to apply for an assignment!"

Before anyone could stop him, the bald-headed third seat charged out of the ward—then immediately rushed back in.

"Hey, purple-eyed kid. You're strong. I remember you." His narrow crimson eye shadow gleamed with danger as he stared at Moyu, locking in his presence like a future opponent. "When this is over, I'll come for you!"

With that, he turned and vanished again.

Haa... Moyu exhaled. "Aggro magnet. Full combo."

He glanced at Aramaki. "Is everyone in Squad 11 this reckless?"

"Uh... well, maybe Third Seat Ikkaku's just a little over the top," Aramaki replied with an embarrassed smile. Though not the brightest, he clearly understood how to play along.

"Doesn't matter." Moyu slumped like a salted fish left to dry under the sun. His eyes dimmed. "I already have one maniac aiming for me. What's one more?"

Aramaki was at a loss for words.

"Mr. Moyu," came a gentle voice from beside him.

Unohana Retsu smiled, her tone still soft. "That 'dangerous guy' you mentioned... you weren't talking about me, were you?"

Moyu stiffened. That tone was not to be underestimated. He coughed quickly to hide his awkwardness. "Ahem. Captain Unohana, of course not. You must be mistaken."

Unohana folded her hands in front of her, the very image of demure elegance. Her eyes squinted slightly as she tilted her head toward him, clearly unbothered by his denial.

"It's alright, Mr. Moyu," she continued, voice calm and warm. "You're free to think what you like. But no matter what, I won't change how I feel about you."

"You..." She smiled gently. "You are always in my heart."

Moyu froze. His mind spun. What was happening?

A salted fish like him, long dried under the sun, suddenly... had charm?

Aramaki, wide-eyed, stared in stunned disbelief.

The Captain of Squad 4—Unohana Retsu.

In love... with an unknown Shinigami?!