Chapter 17: How to Repay the Teacher

As he attentively observed Senju Makoto's reactions, the corner of Unohana Retsu's eye caught sight of his face, which, though seemingly gentle and pure, now appeared to carry a subtle, almost pitiful expression, as though he were too shy to speak. Oddly, she felt a strange sense of amusement from it.

Is this the reason why Yoruichi often teases that young master from the Kuchiki family? It seems... not so bad...

With that thought in mind, Unohana Retsu's smile seemed to brighten even further. She spoke, "Makoto, if you have any objections, feel free to voice them."

"I…"

Senju Makoto's eye twitched involuntarily. He could sense the subtle malicious playfulness lurking beneath Unohana Retsu's voice, which, despite its outwardly gentle and intellectual tone, seemed to carry a dark, scheming edge.

Although this was just his instinct, as one of a similar nature, Senju Makoto could truly feel it!

It was clear that this wasn't a chance for open negotiation; it was a trap designed to revel in stripping away any remaining hope.

However, the choice of department was far too important for Senju Makoto. Even though he recognized this as Unohana Retsu's way of toying with her prey, he could only fall into the trap.

"T... Teacher…"

Senju Makoto gritted his teeth and discarded all remnants of dignity and self-respect before the graceful, intellectual woman standing before him. He bit his lower lip slightly, his fingers twisting the edge of his uniform, his nervousness betraying itself in every movement.

"I specialize in external wound healing. As for gynecology, the Shin'o Academy doesn't teach that…"

He trailed off, casting a shy, apologetic glance at Unohana Retsu. Then, fearing her anger and disappointment, he hurriedly prostrated on the tatami mat and spoke loudly.

"My deepest apologies, Teacher. I will work extra hard to make up for this gap in my knowledge."

In that moment, a fleeting flash of guilt and hesitation passed through Unohana Retsu's conscience.

What a pure-hearted child… Perhaps I shouldn't be teasing him like this.

Yet, in the next instant, that brief moment of guilt vanished without a trace.

After all, as a notorious villain from a thousand years ago in the Soul Society and the original Kenpachi, Unohana Retsu's conscience was... somewhat lacking.

"Makoto, I know that the Central Spirit Academy's curriculum for healing arts and the Path of Returning doesn't cover gynecology. This isn't your fault. After all, when I was editing the textbooks for the academy's healing arts program, I didn't expect there to be students who would approach healing and the Path of Returning with such pure enthusiasm and passion."

She paused for a moment, then her tone shifted as she continued.

"However, this is also for your own growth. Whether it's healing or the Path of Returning, they both fundamentally require an understanding of the structure of the soul and how to heal it, correct?"

"Yes, Teacher."

Though Senju Makoto could sense the underlying meaning in Unohana Retsu's words, there was no denying the basic truth of her statement. He acknowledged it as undeniable common knowledge.

Unohana Retsu nodded in satisfaction and added, "I've gone through your treatment records at the Shin'o Academy. Your skills are already quite impressive. But to continue improving, you inevitably need to delve deeper into the study of soul structure…"

"For most new recruits, the best approach is naturally…"

"In the mortuary, you begin by studying the soul bodies of the deceased. However, with your level, you can skip this stage, so I planned to assign you to the gynecology department instead," Unohana Retsu explained calmly.

"Why not assign me to the surgery department, where I'm more skilled?" Senju Makoto vaguely understood Unohana Retsu's intention but still mustered the courage to voice his objection.

Unohana Retsu showed no signs of impatience and patiently continued to explain to him.

"Male and female soul bodies have significant differences in their structures. As a man, if you wanted to study male soul body structures, you could do so on your own. But if you wish to extensively study various female soul body structures, then the gynecology department is undoubtedly the best choice."

At that moment, Senju Makoto couldn't help but feel a little dazed. Though he sensed something wasn't quite right, he logically understood that Unohana Retsu's reasoning was sound.

...I'm completely outmatched, I can't refute this!

"Makoto, don't burden yourself with unnecessary embarrassment. As a member of the Fourth Division, we see only the patient during treatment. All other distractions must be cast aside. You wouldn't want to one day fail in an emergency treatment because of a lack of understanding of the female soul body structure, would you?"

Unohana Retsu's gentle persuasion made Senju Makoto feel a slight hesitation within himself.

Could it be... that Unohana-sensei has no ulterior motives and is truly trying to train me?

As Unohana Retsu observed the calming expression on Senju Makoto's face, she continued, "And even I, in the past, have delved deeply into the structure of the male soul body."

At those words, Senju Makoto's previously settled mind was suddenly thrown into confusion. He blankly stared at Unohana Retsu.

Unohana Retsu smiled mysteriously at him, her expression playful as she said, "Don't let my appearance fool you. I'm truly a 'thousand-man slayer.'"

???

Senju Makoto.

Wait... is she flirting with me?

Is she shifting into high gear, pulling the gear lever out entirely?

Instinctively, Senju Makoto felt a strange sense of envy—being slain by someone as exquisitely beautiful and deadly as Unohana Retsu could almost be considered a glorious death...

Wait a second.

Senju Makoto's thoughts snapped back into focus as he realized the true meaning behind her words.

A 'thousand-man slayer'?!

If anyone else had said this, it might have been an innuendo, but Unohana Retsu was someone who could genuinely carry out such acts. Her statement about deeply understanding male soul body structures—it couldn't mean she actually opened them up, right?

Realizing this, Senju Makoto's eyes cleared, and he was met with the sight of Unohana Retsu's cryptic, teasing smile.

"Makoto, you weren't thinking anything inappropriate, were you?" Unohana Retsu asked, her smile widening.

Senju Makoto responded in a rational and serious manner, "I was simply wondering why you're being so kind to me, Teacher. I honestly don't know how to repay you..."

Hearing this, Unohana Retsu was about to take the opportunity to bring up Senju Makoto's Zanpakuto ability, but he didn't give her a chance to speak. He continued quickly, "I'll have to work tenfold, a hundredfold harder in my training, to live up to your expectations and kindness."

Well, it seems like he's even beating me to the punch now, huh?

Unohana Retsu nearly choked on her breath, her lips curling into a smile. Makoto had a side to him she hadn't expected. He wasn't so stiff after all, and he added a touch of fun to the conversation, preventing it from becoming too heavy.

With a gentle tone, she said, "Makoto, come with me. I'll take you directly to the gynecology department."

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