Yoriichi Tsugikuni—his background was anything but ordinary.
In the world of Demon Slayer, he stood at the absolute peak of combat power.
The main antagonist had once been driven into a corner by him, leaving behind a deep psychological scar.
Even years after Yoriichi's death, just seeing the earrings worn by the story's protagonist—identical to Yoriichi's—was enough to make that same enemy tremble in fear.
That alone spoke volumes about just how terrifying Yoriichi had been in his own world.
As for Retsu Unohana—
her background was no less formidable.
In Bleach, her original name was Yachiru Unohana, the very first to bear the title of "Kenpachi," and the founder of Squad 11 and its philosophy.
Before joining the Gotei 13, she had been known as the most notorious criminal in Soul Society's history.
Yet after becoming a captain, she became gentle, composed, and calm—someone who could bring reassurance to her subordinates.
She was intelligent, decisive, and graceful. Even during the chaos caused by Ryoka intrusions, she remained composed, taking charge from the front and making accurate judgments.
…
At that moment—
in front of Is, particles of white light began to gather.
This time, the light was noticeably larger than before.
Soon, it split into two clusters, each condensing into a humanoid form.
The next second—
a woman appeared first.
She had a gentle and serene appearance, long black hair parted in the middle, and wore a white robe.
Because of the scar just below her collarbone—left from her battle with a young Kenpachi—she had her hair braided and draped forward.
As she fully materialized, the second cluster of light also took shape.
A tall man appeared—
his long black hair tinged with red, tied in a high ponytail.
He wore hanafuda earrings, and a deep crimson flame-like mark stretched across his left forehead.
The woman was Retsu Unohana.
The man—
was Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
Yoriichi lightly touched the sword at his waist, his expression filled with astonishment.
"To think… I would return to this world in such a way."
"Yes… it truly is quite unbelievable," Unohana said softly with a gentle smile.
Even for beings of their caliber, arriving in a completely different world was something extraordinary.
Their gazes fell on Is, then shifted to the ruined battlefield around them.
"…Was this caused by summoning us?" Unohana asked.
Is sat on a broken branch nearby, calmly explaining,
"No. That happened before I summoned you. Ran into a troublesome opponent… but he's already gone."
"In that case, you should have summoned us earlier. We could have assisted you," Yoriichi said quietly.
"Not necessarily."
Is smiled faintly.
The reason—
only he understood.
After all, even a difference of a single moment could completely change which characters were summoned.
If he had used the cards immediately—
it might not have been Yoriichi or Unohana at all.
But whether stronger or weaker—
it didn't matter to him.
Anyone he summoned—
was his companion.
"Well, regardless, it's good that you're safe. Even if we couldn't help this time, we will do our utmost next time," Unohana said warmly.
"Agreed."
Yoriichi nodded in agreement before asking,
"So… are we the only ones here from other worlds?"
Is shook his head.
"Of course not. There are three others who arrived earlier than you. You two are the fourth and fifth."
"Haha, that's to be expected," Yoriichi said calmly.
"Even if we were the first and second, there would eventually be a third and fourth. Am I right, Is?"
Is nodded.
"Yes."
As he spoke, he stood up and dusted off his clothes.
"Let's go. We'll talk on the way."
"Where to?" Unohana asked.
"Back to the royal capital to regroup. Then we'll figure out when to return to our base."
"Understood."
…
Mariejois.
Inside a bright and spacious hall, the Five Elders were enjoying afternoon tea.
"Any unusual reports from Is's side?" the bald elder asked first.
"You make it sound like he's cursed to run into danger every time he goes out," the sword-wielding elder scoffed.
"He's probably just enjoying himself in one of the allied nations."
Clearly—
the Five Elders were more concerned about Is's safety than he was himself.
The reason was simple.
Among the Celestial Dragons—
they had finally found someone capable of carrying the future.
In the past, after handling official matters, they would spend their time on trivial affairs.
But now—
after finishing their duties, they would gather to discuss Is and even plan his future.
Of course—
their biggest challenge remained persuading him to join the Celestial Dragons' ruling core.
Otherwise, all their plans would amount to nothing more than empty promises.
"When he returns, we should sit down and properly talk things through with him," the long-haired elder said, shifting the topic.
"Rather than persuading him directly…"
the bald elder suddenly spoke up.
"I think there's a better approach."
The other four elders immediately turned toward him.
"A better approach?"
"Let's hear it. If it works, we'll consider it."
"As long as it's not forcing him, I'm open to it."
"Of course not forcing him," the bald elder said, pacing slowly.
"Instead of convincing Is first…"
"Why not start with the people around him?"
The moment he said that—
the others immediately understood.
"You mean…"
"Those companions he brought from outside…?"
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