Unrestrained

before the gentle smiles and healing hands, there was merciless rivers.

Disclaimer: Bleach does not belong to me.

Additional Notes: This was written before some of Unohana's back story came into the manga. I just never posted it.

There's the touch of her sword just below his brow, the steel is cold, and the blood pooling from the tip stains the ground beneath him. He looks up eyes flaring with courage, underlined with fear. Everyone had warned him against engaging with the so called "peaceful" captain of the Gotei 13. Something along the lines, "If you see her, escape. Don't think, just escape."

But now he was huddled below that blade, and something in his head told him maybe he should have listened. Maybe that serene guise the woman wore was to be taken more seriously. The question in his head now was it too late to adhere to that warning?

Never.

He would not run from any enemy. Much less a woman carrying her sword so casually on the battlefield. Warnings be damned. He was a diligent and strong soldier who was hand-picked by his master to destroy all of Seireitai. Running or pleading for his life was not an option. Never would be.

He challenges her calm eyes with burning passion. "That's the problem with you Shinigami – so fucking arrogant." He spits before launching with what little strength she has left him towards the woman. "Die bitch of the Seireitai!"

"I may suffer from overconfidence, but you suffer from something far worse," Retsu calmly steps clear of the swinging blade and lifts her own sword in a straight arch towards the soldiers shoulders. The blood from his detached head sprays upwards, almost mist like in the morning sun, and some even splatters against her cheek.

"Ignorance."