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"Eh? Borrow the venue?"
Unohana Retsu's calm face shifted with a flicker of surprise.
"Yes, Captain Unohana." Su Li nodded with a smile. "Since I promised Renji to guide him, we'll need a proper place to train."
Her expression grew more puzzled. "But why the Fourth Division's field? The dojos of the Second or Sixth are far better suited."
Su Li's smile lingered. "Because even in training, he's fragile."
Unohana blinked, then comprehension softened her gaze. Both Su Li and Renji were long past the stage of novices or unseated recruits. Any serious cultivation between them would be harsh, even merciless. At Renji's level, true growth came only through brutal combat, battles that broke down weakness and rebuilt strength.
"I see… So to save recovery time, you would place the training ground inside the hospital itself?" A shadow of exasperation flickered in her eyes.
Su Li shook his head lightly. "No, it's not about waiting for him to end up hospitalized. I'd rather avoid that altogether."
Her expression shifted again, surprise breaking her composure. "You mean… you want me to treat him directly?"
"That's exactly it." Su Li's grin widened.
Unohana held his gaze, quiet for a moment. So that was his design all along—calculating her into his plan before even asking.
"Is it acceptable, Captain Unohana?" Su Li asked, eyes bright with sincerity.
Faced with that look, Unohana found herself hesitating. She sighed inwardly. This young captain…
Su Li's reasoning was plain. A one-on-one spar with Renji carried risk. Holding back completely would cripple the lesson, but without restraint, the danger was real. Having Unohana herself present erased those concerns.
She folded her hands, thoughtful. "Before I answer, I must ask: what exactly do you intend to teach Vice Captain Abarai?"
Su Li replied at once, his tone calm. "Kendo."
Unohana's eyes lit faintly. "Kendo?"
Su Li nodded. "Renji is clumsy in hakuda, so I will not waste time there. Kidō isn't my strength either. As for shunpo—there are no shortcuts, only years of practice. What I can offer him is swordsmanship."
At that, Unohana's lips curved, eyes glinting with quiet amusement. "Captain Su Li, you're too modest. I watched closely during your captain's assessment—the way you caught your opponent's soul in a single move. It was a technique blending hakuda and Kidō, wasn't it? To create such a method and still say you're poor at Kidō…" Her gaze lingered, curious and teasing.
Su Li rubbed his nose, embarrassed. He could hardly explain that the power he wielded wasn't wholly born of the Shinigami arts.
Unohana's gentle laugh eased the air. "Don't worry. No one will expose what you'd rather keep quiet. Some mysteries suit the strong. A little obscurity feeds the legend."
Her crescent smile deepened, serene and knowing.
"Ha… ha…" Su Li coughed, desperate to redirect. "Anyway—Captain Unohana, may I count on you for the training?"
She inclined her head, her voice soft yet deliberate. "If you agree to one condition, I'll allow it."
Su Li straightened. "Please, name it."
"Exchange swordsmanship with me."
Her eyes gleamed, the request delivered lightly, but with weight beneath.
Su Li blinked, startled. "Swordsmanship… with you?"
Unohana's smile never wavered. "Yes. If you agree, I'll lend my support."
For a heartbeat, Su Li was thrown. This was the First Kenpachi before him—the hidden demon who once embodied the art of killing itself. She had sealed her blade long ago, burying that past. Why now, of all times, seek exchange with him?
"Captain Unohana, why the sudden interest?" he asked cautiously.
Her eyes narrowed playfully. "Don't be fooled by the title of healer. My kendo is not without merit."
Su Li managed a wry scratch to his head. Not without merit…? He knew too well what lay behind that gentle smile. A murderous legend cloaked in silk.
She continued softly. "That day on Sōkyoku Hill, when you thrust twice in succession—I felt something stir. It may seem abrupt, but since then, I've wished to test blades with you. Well? Will you accept, Captain Su Li?"
Her gaze lifted, luminous and strange, as if weighing more than simple sparring.
Su Li paused, then slowly nodded. Unexpected as it was, this was no burden. An opportunity to cross blades with Unohana was priceless. In all the battles of Soul Society, she had revealed herself but once—and when she did, death was certain. That had always been Su Li's regret, never seeing her true skill.
Now, she extended the chance herself. How could he refuse? And besides—measuring his own growth in kendo against her was too great a gift to pass. Outside of Yamamoto Genryūsai himself, who else could offer such a test? And truthfully, sparring with the old man lacked the intrigue of crossing blades with Sister Hua.
"Very well. Sister Hua, I accept." Su Li answered with unfeigned warmth, the words slipping naturally.
Unohana blinked, her composure rippling. For a rare moment, she looked almost startled. Then, recovering, her expression softened into something unreadable. "It's the first time anyone has addressed me so intimately."
Her smile blossomed again, eyebrows curved like painted strokes.
Su Li shifted awkwardly, realizing his slip. He had spoken from instinct.
"Then come with me," she said, rising slowly, her gaze deep, her voice gentle yet carrying a quiet gravity. "Brother Su Li."
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