Chapter 406: Unohana Retsu, Commander-in-Chief and Leader of Team Zero
"Hehehe! It's done, Momo! It's absolutely incredible!"
The beautiful spirit of the Zanpakutō materialized once again. This time, the sword's spirit emerged directly from the blade itself. The four-fold world division crafted by Kai was intricate and subtle, and since Kai resided in a unique space known as the Soul King's Palace—fortified with immense amplified power to maintain its balance—the spirit was able to free herself from the confines of the Zanpakutō.
Boom!
As the spirit flung herself into Kai's arms, Unohana Retsu's lips twitched faintly. Her face, initially lit with surprise, now betrayed a hint of exasperation. She couldn't hold back her words.
"Being overly clingy isn't exactly charming," she said in a firm but measured tone. "And could you please address Kai-kun in a more appropriate manner?"
The spirit, floating near Kai, turned her head to glance at Unohana Retsu. Her hands remained firmly wrapped around Kai's neck, her body nestled comfortably against his. She rubbed her cheek against his a few times, and Kai could feel the soft, tender warmth of her touch and the intoxicating fragrance of her presence, which seemed to linger around him like a gentle spell.
In truth, Kai found this kind of affection rather delightful.
"Hehehe, Retsu," the spirit said in a lazy, almost indulgent voice, as if savoring the moment. "Momo and I are one, so isn't it only natural for me to be close to him? And doesn't Momo enjoy it too?" She tilted her head, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "If you tried the same, I'm sure he would be thrilled!"
At those words, Unohana Retsu's forehead creased with irritation, her expression darkening.
Who would want to act like that? she thought. Even if it might make Kai happy… Well, it wasn't entirely out of the question. Her heart stirred, though she quickly dismissed the idea. Such behavior was utterly at odds with her composed, commanding nature.
The spirit, radiating the confidence of a strong woman, caught Unohana Retsu's reaction. A flicker of amusement danced in her eyes, and the corner of her mouth curled into a sly smile. Kai, observing the exchange, knew that this spirit—Ling—had a playful, almost mischievous streak.
"As for what I call him…" Ling said, her green-white fingers gently cupping Kai's face. Her voice was soft but teasing as she gazed into his calm eyes. "Momo, don't you think it's time for a change? Perhaps I should call you Master? Or maybe Darling… or even Husband?"
She extended a hand, her charming smile widening, her eyes gleaming with a light that seemed to pull him in. "Or how about Daddy?" she added with a playful lilt. "It doesn't matter what I call you! I can fulfill any desire you have—role-playing or otherwise. Whatever you want, I'm ready for it."
Unohana Retsu, standing nearby, was rendered speechless. A mix of disbelief and unease washed over her. This woman was bold—far too bold—and impossibly difficult to handle. How could Kai possibly keep up with someone like her?
"Alright, you little troublemaker, don't start a fire you can't put out," Kai said, gently tapping Ling's head.
Ling's energy seemed to deflate slightly at his words. "Momo, I'm not a little girl anymore," she protested, her soft, pink cheeks puffing out in a pout. "Don't treat me like I'm still the same as before!"
Kai couldn't help but chuckle at her indignation. There was something unique about the Zanpakutō, especially since he had played a significant role in her creation. In the beginning, Ling's spirit form had been that of an adorable, black-haired little girl who constantly called out "Master, Master" in his mind. Over time, her power had grown rapidly, and she had transformed into a youthful, vibrant girl. She had abandoned "Master" for terms like "Darling" and occasionally "Husband." Now, she has evolved further into a dignified, breathtakingly beautiful figure, adopting the affectionate nickname "Momo" and tossing out playful phrases like "Come to my arms!"
Her growth had been astonishingly swift. In just under two months, she had matured dramatically. Yet, as Kai had pointed out with a single sentence, her maturity still had room to grow.
"I know, I know," Kai said, nodding with a hint of playful dismissal.
His gaze then shifted to Unohana Retsu. He had already briefed her on the general structure of the four realms reshaped by the Underworld and the Soul King's Palace.
"Retsu," he said in a warm but authoritative tone, "I would like you to take on the role of Captain of the Soul Society in the future. You will also serve as the leader of Team Zero."
For now, the Soul Society was little more than an empty framework, and Team Zero was newly formed. However, Kai was confident it would soon thrive. Many spirits had already begun arriving in the Soul Society. Though they were initially disoriented, emerging from a hazy state, they would quickly adapt. Kai had instilled guidance within the Soul Society, ensuring that these spirits would recognize their new home as a paradise-like realm. Additionally, psychic puppets he had created through Kidō served as temporary workers, helping to build the Soul Society's structure by rapidly integrating new members.
In the pirate world, many souls possessed remarkable strength. Upon arriving in the Soul Society, they could swiftly transform into a capable fighting force, allowing the realm to stabilize quickly. However, Kai had chosen not to bring the souls of legendary figures from the Underworld into the Soul Society, as they were tied to another intriguing plan.
As for Hueco Mundo, it was a realm of raw survival, where Hollows were driven by their instinct to devour. Yet Kai had introduced an alternative: Void Crystals, potent sources of spiritual energy scattered throughout Hueco Mundo. Rational Hollows who could suppress their predatory urges could seek out these crystals instead of consuming other Hollows. By absorbing enough Void Crystals, they could bypass the chaotic Gillian state caused by devouring too many souls, maintaining their purity while increasing their strength. This path could lead them directly to the Adjuchas level, though reaching Vasto Lorde still depended on their innate potential.
"How could I possibly refuse Kai-Kun's arrangements?" Unohana Retsu replied, her voice steady and respectful as she accepted his proposal.
"Then it's settled," Kai said, his smile bright. "You should visit the Spirit Palace often to connect with the spirits here."
Ling, standing nearby, fixed Unohana Retsu with a tender but mischievous look that sent a shiver of unease down her spine. "Hehe, now that we've settled the serious matters, let's get to the fun part!" Ling said in a playful tone. "Sorry, Retsu, but it's my first time, so I'll need you to step out for a bit."
Before Unohana Retsu could respond, she vanished from the palace in an instant.
"Hehe! I've finally waited for this moment!" Ling exclaimed, her bright white fingers tugging eagerly at Kai's clothes. The sight was almost comical, and Kai reached out to gently restrain her rebellious hands.
"What's this, Momo? Don't be so shy!" Ling teased, her expression shifting to one of exaggerated pity.
"You're such a drama queen, Ling," Kai said with a laugh.
Her pitiful look dissolved into a charming smile, her dark eyes sparkling as if filled with stars. "Don't you like it, Momo? We're a perfect match, you and I."
Whoosh!
The space around them shifted, and they appeared in a lavish room nearby. Ling let her robe slip to the floor, her belt unfastening as her long, flowing black hair cascaded like a waterfall, accentuating her captivating figure. Her delicate feet stepped lightly on the red carpet.
"Momo," she said softly, "we can finally be as close as two souls can be."
---
In the Spirit Palace.
Unohana Retsu stood before a towering stone pillar-like structure suspended in midair, her expression one of utter bewilderment. So this was her role now—standing guard at the door?
Hoo ho ho!
She found herself in the depths of Omotesando, a vast circular plaza with the grand structure of the Soul King's Neighborhood looming above. At that moment, Unohana Retsu could almost imagine crows cawing overhead, mocking her predicament.
She shouldn't have expected anything less. Kai had even suggested she spend more time with Ling—why not just move into the palace permanently? Once he emerged, she would make sure he answered for this.
Taking several deep breaths to steady herself, Unohana Retsu resolved to stay calm, her thoughts simmering quietly.
( End of this chapter )