CHAPTER 124: A Test

"How did the rest go? I assume it went fine since you're here."

With soft, gray eyes filled with unmistakable concern, Isane's words made Kazuya's lips curl into an appreciative smile. Only Nami and Isane had taken a moment to ask about his well-being. It amused him that even Momo, with her obsession, had overlooked such a detail.

{Isane is peak waifu material. Yoink her.}

'Begone my intrusive thoughts.'

Returning Isane's gaze, he offered a soft smile. "Yup. Is your captain ready to entertain a guest of my caliber?"

A soft snort escaped Isane's lips, humor briefly lighting her eyes. She quickly composed herself, adopting a solemn demeanor fitting for her status in the 4th Squad. "I advise you to act with respect. Captain Unohana will swat you like a fly if you don't."

Though many Shinigami remained blissfully unaware, Isane had dug up about the past of her captain. From her days as a nefarious criminal within the Soul Society to her instrumental role in the conflict against Yhwach, Unohana's abilities were eclipsed only by the Captain Commander himself among the Gotei 13 ranks. She was the First Kenpachi, after all.

'Kazuya has potential to reach her level.'

Isane found it puzzling why he'd elected to align himself with them, rather than with squads better suited to unlock his untapped potential. But any fleeting doubts about him harboring ulterior motives were quelled by his close association with Isshin Shiba.

"You know, Isane, I can't decide if your captain is benevolent or scary."

Rather than indulging in describing her captain, Isane simply gestured to the door. "Find it yourself."

"I suppose."

They traversed the pristine hallways and ascended the staircases. Ordinary at first, but a definite change enveloped him as they scaled the stairs leading to the third floor, where the Captain's quarters were located. The ambient Reishi thickened, its texture almost tangible to his senses.

Isane approached the door, her knuckles rapping against the solid wood. "Captain, do you remember our conversation about the Battle Healer? He is here to meet you."

A brief, tension-filled silence ensued. Then, an abrupt onslaught of Reiatsu overwhelmed him. He had experienced and slain the so-called God King of Hueco Mundo, yet this Reiatsu was a different beast altogether. It clawed into him, manifesting an illusion of knives impaling his heart in relentless succession, each thrust eviscerating chunks of his willpower.

He unconsciously released his Reiatsu to counter Unohana's Reiatsu. The pressure ebbed away instantaneously; for all her battle prowess, Unohana couldn't overpower him when it came to spiritual energy.

Just as abruptly, her intense Reiatsu receded, leaving a stillness in its wake. A voice, gentle velvety yet commanding, resonated, "Come inside."

A pang of disappointment washed over him. A woman with such strength refused to lift her blade against anyone, even when the fate of the Soul Society hung at stake. He would've loved to witness a battle between Aizen and Unohana, without Aizen relying on his hypnosis. Alas, his wish would never come to reality.

Isane slowly slid open the door then bowed her head. "Good morning, Captain."

He took his time observing Retsu Unohana, the kind and gentle woman wearing her long black hair in a signature braid in front of her. He'd have mistaken her for a friendly, next door healer Shinigami if not for his previous world's memories. Her dual nature was just that well concealed.

He nodded his head in a gesture that seemed superficially courteous compared to Isane's heartfelt bow. "Good morning, Captain Unohana."

Unohana's gaze was tranquil but penetrating as she observed him. It wasn't a response to his greeting but his voice. The pleasing timbre of his voice was oddly soothing and rich. Nanao wasn't over-exaggerating; she was underselling the enchanting lure in his voice.

'How is he doing this?'

She curiously probed his Reiatsu, and her eyes quivered momentarily. He was a monstrous ocean of spiritual power — the sole reason he shrugged off her Reiatsu as if it were a breeze, a feat hard for most captains these days. The reports about his Spirit Class Ranking and the events of yesterday were absolutely correct. He was no mere student; he was a prodigy on par with Kenpachi Zaraki.

'Another prodigy born in Rukongai or...'

As her thoughts cascaded, an old scar on her collarbone tingled, her chest flooding with an almost forgotten exhilaration — the thrill and anticipation of a worthy battle.

'I'm not Yachiru anymore. I'm Retsu Unohana, and I despise murder.'

Her strong conviction pushed back her dark, murderous urges. Closing her eyes, she revealed a gentle smile. "Good morning, Isane and Kazuya-kun. I've heard so much about you from my friends."

Intrigued, he arched an eyebrow. "Seriously? What did you hear?"

"Nanao told me some unsavory details about your relationships but let's forget about that. Your personal life has no relation to your duties as a Shinigami," she paused and opened her eyes, a dangerous glint flickering in them. "I'm the Captain of Squad 4, Retsu Unohana. Convince me that you'll be a worthy addition to my family. Then we'll discuss your dual association to the 10th Squad."

He certainly didn't expect Retsu to make such a demand. "How? Throw me a hint."

Retsu pulled back her sleeve and traced her finger along her wrist. A slender cut materialized following her finger, blood slowly seeping out. "Show me the extent of your Kaido."

Isane's hands trembled. "Captain, you could've asked me."

"It's fine, Isane," Retsu gently said without breaking off eye contact with him. His lack of reaction to her move intrigued her. Most Shinigami would freak out at her display but he remained stern. "Come, before it heals on its own."

{Come. He will. Inside you. When your heart is still.}

He moved to sit before her and held his palms over her wound. A gentle green light covered his hands as the wound on Retsu's hands closed within moments.

"There, all unblemished. Don't go cutting yourself for small tests. It makes you look like a freak."

Her smile barely faltered at his words. "By Shinigami's standards, you're the freak, for desiring to join two divisions."

Isane chuckled then quickly covered her mouth. "I'l gol brew some tea."

No sooner had Isane's silhouette vanished beyond the doorway than Retsu fluidly rose, drawing her katana from its sheath that hung on her shoulder with a string. The blade glinted coldly, resting ominously on his shoulder. Her eyes had lost all signs of its previous serenity and motherly gentleness, taking on a sharp, intense, and ruthless glint. Her smile turned into a subtle, sinister smirk that exuded confidence and danger.

The woman before him wasn't the captain of the 4th Squad but the 'First Kenpachi' — the most fierce criminal to ever step foot in the Soul Society.

"Kazuya Ishihara," she whispered, her blade inching closer to his throat. "Fighting Soi Fon to a draw on your first day in academy, seducing the staff of said academy, then overpowering Soi Fon — a master of Hakuda — with your bare hands. Tell me. Who are you and what do you want with Squad 4? What are you scheming?"

***

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