Chapter 20 ⥤ I'm Counting on You, Kisaragi-kun
A pristine white captain's haori, two braids framing her face, and a beautiful, delicate visage with a gentle, approachable smile — her overall aura radiated the warmth of a spring sun.
"C-Captain Unohana?!" Someone exclaimed, instantly recognizing her.
As the captain of the 4th Division, Retsu Unohana had healed countless Shinigami. Her gentle smile had been repeatedly voted the most comforting in the "Seireitei Communication" magazine.
Though the 4th Division wasn't the top choice for most academy students, it didn't diminish their admiration for her. As the object of their reverence appeared before them, the group could barely contain their excitement.
In contrast, Akira buried his face behind an open book, attempting to hide from Unohana's searching gaze. His intuition screamed that this 4th Division captain was here for him!
He couldn't fathom why his intuition felt so accurate this time, but he sensed her dangerous gaze had already found him.
"Good morning, everyone." Unohana's gentle voice resonated through the classroom, cutting through the students' awed silence.
As she spoke, a hush fell over the room.
"I am Retsu Unohana, captain of the 4th Division of the Gotei 13. Your Kaidō instructor, Kawai-san, is unwell. As I have some free time, I've come to give you a substitute lesson. Please don't worry — although it's been years since I last taught, I still have some expertise in Kaidō. It won't hinder your learning progress."
After these words, the classroom remained silent. The students exchanged bewildered glances, at a loss for words.
For the captain of the 4th Division to claim "some expertise" in Kaidō was laughable. Throughout Soul Society, who would dare assert their healing skills surpassed this brilliant woman?
Seeing that the students had no objections, Unohana smiled and nodded, continuing.
"I heard that a 'Kaidō genius' appeared in yesterday's class. Is he here today?"
As soon as the words fell, Akira's heart skipped a beat. He cast a pleading look at Aizen beside him from behind his book. Their eyes met, and he could clearly read the message: "I can't help you!"
'Sōsuke, you traitor, how dare you abandon me in my hour of need!'
Countless gazes fell precisely on Akira. The students were all too familiar with this class celebrity.
Directly confronting the young lady of the Shihōin family, dispatching the homeroom teacher Uruoi with a single strike, overwhelming the elite sixth-year student Takeo with one Hakuda technique...
Consecrations, exorcisms, blessings, mansion relocations, groundbreaking ceremonies...
He'd even managed to get all the male students of the Shin'ō Academy to live in temporary dormitories woven by the 12th Division.
Although he hadn't been enrolled for long, the name 'Akira Kisaragi' was already deeply etched in their minds — impossible to forget.
In the two-thousand-year history of the Shin'ō Academy, the last person as explosive as him now served as the captain of the 8th Division.
Of course, that person's explosive nature was limited to his lecherous behavior. Compared to Akira's exaggerated performance, it would be hard to find another like him even in two millennia.
When countless gazes focused on him, Akira knew he couldn't escape. He could only let out a sigh of despair as he lowered the book covering his face, his expression long:
"Does Captain Unohana have any instructions?"
Unohana's gaze fell upon him, once again examining the young man with keen interest.
Although she couldn't fully gauge his abilities, Kawai's recommendation was enough to pique her curiosity. If he truly possessed once-in-a-century Kaidō talent, recruiting him for the 4th Division could prove invaluable.
With proper guidance, he might even become her successor as Captain.
"For today's lesson, I need a student's assistance." She said softly, "Don't worry, there's no danger involved."
Hearing this, Akira breathed a sigh of relief.
He was glad she wasn't here to collect a debt. Having spent all his savings at breakfast, he was relying on a large sum due this afternoon.
At the moment, he was flat broke!
"Oh, just that? You should've said so earlier." Akira relaxed, casually strolling to the podium to stand beside her.
Seeing him in position, Unohana smiled and nodded before beginning the lesson.
"I understand you've all mastered the basics of Kaidō and even attempted healing on white mice. Today, we'll focus on understanding the human body and how basic Kaidō manifests in individuals with varying levels of Reiatsu. Mastering this is crucial for passing the Kaidō course."
As Akira listened, an ominous feeling crept into his heart.
Unohana's gentle gaze settled on him, "Kisaragi-kun, please place your left hand on the experiment table."
Despite her incredibly friendly smile, the moment their eyes met, Akira felt as if every pore on his body had suddenly opened, with a bone-chilling cold rushing in.
His Danger Instinct blared a sharp warning! It was as if disobeying her request would lead to a fate worse than death.
Slap!
Without hesitation, Akira placed his left hand on the experiment table.
Unohana smiled approvingly, then, to the shock of onlookers, extended her pristine right hand and gently covered the back of his hand.
Hold on! Something seems off about this situation!
Akira felt the smoothness on the back of his hand and a faint fragrance filled his nostrils, giving him a surreal sensation.
But reality quickly kicked the door.
When Unohana lifted her right hand, the smooth sensation was replaced by searing pain. Blood flowed, flesh tore, and a ghastly wound appeared on the back of his hand.
"Please observe the movement essentials and the release of Reiatsu. For such a minor injury, basic Kaidō can easily achieve complete healing."
As she explained calmly, her right hand emitted an emerald green Kaidō light, enveloping Akira's left hand. The wound healed rapidly before their eyes, even the bloodstains vanishing completely.
The crowd erupted in awe, marveling at her profound healing skills.
Even with just basic Kaidō, she demonstrated effects akin to reviving the dead and mending bones.
"These are the finer points." Unohana said gently, "When attempting Kaidō on the human body, the main challenge is overcoming psychological barriers. Now, Kisaragi-kun will demonstrate for everyone once more."
As she spoke, to everyone's bewilderment, she picked up the scalpel on the experiment table and swiftly left a ghastly wound on the back of her own hand.
Snow-white skin and flesh tore open, blood flowing incessantly.
The familiar gentle smile appeared before his eyes as she softly said:
"I'm counting on you, Kisaragi-kun..."
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