Chapter 12: Becoming disciple of a Master!

Even though Senju Makoto's remarkable skill in healing and Kido at the Shin'ō Academy stood out, within the Fourth Division, which specialized in medical duties, it could only be considered average at best.

As the captain of the Fourth Division, the unchallenged Unohana Retsu undoubtedly ranked among the most formidable beings in the entire Soul Society.

In fact, among the Gotei 13, Unohana Retsu was the second oldest Soul Reaper, after the Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni.

Moreover, beyond her expertise in Kido and healing, Unohana Retsu concealed the terrifying power she once wielded as the "First Kenpachi."

For a mere graduate of Shin'ō Academy, being taken in as Unohana Retsu's disciple would be a once-in-a-lifetime stroke of fortune.

Becoming her disciple would place Senju Makoto in a position where, though not exactly invincible, no one would dare cross him easily within the Seireitei.

Looking at Makoto's stunned expression, Unohana Retsu chuckled lightly and asked, "What's wrong? Are you unwilling?"

Makoto snapped back to reality and immediately replied, "No, of course not!"

Though a hint of doubt flickered in his heart, his actions were swift and decisive—he immediately chose to latch onto this opportunity.

"Senju Makoto, humbly greets you, Master."

Unohana Retsu watched him bow, her expression softening slightly with evident satisfaction.

In truth, Senju Makoto had underestimated himself. Perhaps because of his memories from his previous life, he subconsciously placed himself within the context of the entire Soul Society, seeing his own performance as merely average.

However, Unohana Retsu's initial focus had been on Tōshirō Gin, but upon discovering Senju Makoto—a Kido genius who had come from the Rukongai to Shin'ō Academy—she had been intrigued.

Being called a genius wasn't enough to earn her attention, though.

Over the span of a thousand years, geniuses had been as numerous as the stars, with many born in the flow of time. However, only a few of these geniuses remained in positions of power, let alone holding the rank of captain.

But Makoto was different. His talent wasn't just in Kido or healing—it surpassed the typical talents of those skilled in combat and murder.

In a mere few years at Shin'ō Academy, Makoto had mastered all the healing and Kido techniques the academy could teach. Even his zanpakutō had a healing ability.

This... had piqued Unohana Retsu's interest, and she had begun paying close attention to him long before his graduation.

What satisfied her even more was that, upon interacting with him, she could feel the genuine passion he held for Kido and healing.

At that moment, it was enough for her.

As for the secrets Senju Makoto hid, Unohana Retsu could sense that he was holding back. But from her vantage point, they seemed like mere trifles.

What mattered more was...

As she looked at Makoto, a flicker of maddeningly intense battle intent appeared in her crescent-shaped eyes, and she whispered to herself, her voice low and unwavering.

"There can only be one Kenpachi in a single era."

"The battle with Zaraki... I can already vaguely see it approaching."

"It's truly been a long wait. A thousand years, to be exact..."

"However, before that, at least let me pass on the healing arts and medical skills I've mastered, and cultivate the next qualified captain for the Fourth Division!"

"The passing of life is inevitable, but at least someone must make an attempt to preserve it!"

As these thoughts crossed her mind, Unohana Retsu's eyes slowly closed, her gentle smile twisting ever so slightly into something more distorted and crazed. For a moment, Senju Makoto inexplicably felt a shiver run down his spine.

Sensing the abnormal shift in Unohana Retsu's demeanor, Makoto's heart instinctively tightened.

???

What's with that smile?

Now that I've become her disciple, she doesn't plan on torturing me, does she?

Unohana Retsu always seemed so gentle and refined—she wouldn't secretly be that twisted, would she?

Considering Unohana Retsu's status as an undeniable beauty, should I resist, or pretend to resist?

Makoto hesitated for a moment before attempting to quietly call out.

"Unohana-sensei?"

"Hmm?"

Suddenly interrupted, Unohana Retsu let out a soft, slightly dazed hum. In the next instant, she quickly regained her composure, clearing her throat as if the previous awkwardness had nothing to do with her. Her voice returned to its usual calm tone.

"Makoto, you've worked hard today. Please go rest for now. I'll have Vice-Captain Yamada arrange a side room for you here in the courtyard."

"Understood."

Still a bit shaken by the situation, Makoto obediently withdrew.

As he left, Unohana Retsu watched him go, and only then did a trace of awkwardness flash across her face.

'But... someone like Makoto, who dislikes combat, might be the best choice after all...'

'For someone like me, no matter how much I try to hide it, deep down, I still see healing arts and medicine as tools to facilitate more bloodshed...'

'Sigh...'

A barely perceptible sigh escaped her lips.

...

At that moment, Makoto, whose mind was still in disarray, naturally had no idea what Unohana Retsu's true thoughts were.

When Makoto frowned and stepped outside his room, he was surprised to find Yamada Seinosuke still waiting outside.

Upon seeing Makoto, Yamada's usual cold expression remained, and his sharp tongue instinctively kicked in.

"All done? Let's head back to the Seireitei. I'm sure Aoki Risa is waiting anxiously. You'll need to get used to life at the morgue. Experience the difference between life and death. And from time to time, the seated officers will teach you healing arts and medical skills."

However, to Yamada's surprise, Makoto didn't display the expected gloom. Instead, a warm, almost sunny smile spread across his face as he responded gently.

"No, Vice-Captain Yamada. Unohana-sensei asked me to stay in the courtyard and take a side room for the time being."

"Mm? Stay here?" Yamada's voice faltered, and his eyes widened in shock as his tone suddenly rose several octaves. "Unohana... Sensei?!"

A hint of helplessness appeared on Makoto's slightly naive face as he nodded lightly, almost embarrassed by the situation.

In that moment, Yamada Seinosuke's cold expression visibly twitched, before he suddenly turned away and slapped his face a few times, trying to regain composure. When he turned back, his face was filled with a warm, friendly smile, and he spoke in a softened tone.

"Makoto-kun, I look forward to working with you in the future."

Makoto, startled by Yamada's abrupt change in demeanor, nervously asked.

"Vice-Captain Yamada... What's going on? You were just acting so cold and defiant..."

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