That Cool and Haughty Look...

Even Chiba Makoto's Kaido and Medical Skills, which stood out so prominently at Shin'ō Academy, would probably only rank around the lower-middle level in the treatment-focused Fourth Division.

As the Lieutenant of the Fourth Division, Unohana Retsu was undoubtedly among those standing at the pinnacle of Soul Society.

Even throughout the entire Thirteen Divisions, Unohana Retsu was the oldest Shinigami apart from Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.

What was more, beyond her Kaido and Medical Skills, Unohana Retsu concealed the terrifying strength of the "First Kenpachi."

For a Shin'ō Academy graduate, being accepted as a disciple by Lieutenant Unohana Retsu was undoubtedly like having a pie fall from the sky.

Once he became Unohana Retsu's disciple, he might not be able to swagger sideways through the entire Seireitei, but at the very least, no one would dare knock him unconscious and drag him off.

Watching Chiba Makoto stand there in a daze, Unohana Retsu gave a soft laugh and asked, "What is it? You don't want to?"

Chiba Makoto suddenly came back to his senses and hurriedly replied, "No, of course not!"

Though a few doubts flashed through Chiba Makoto's mind, his actions showed no hesitation whatsoever as he immediately latched onto this powerful connection.

"Chiba Makoto greets Teacher."

Unohana Retsu watched Chiba Makoto bow with a smiling expression, a trace of satisfaction flashing through her eyes as well.

In truth, Chiba Makoto had underestimated himself too much.

Perhaps because of the memories from his previous life, Chiba Makoto instinctively measured himself against the entire Soul Society and believed his performance was merely average.

Yet in truth, Unohana Retsu had originally intended to assess Kotetsu Isane, only to unexpectedly discover Chiba Makoto, a Kaido prodigy who had entered Shin'ō Academy from Rukongai.

If he had merely been some so-called prodigy, that would have been nowhere near enough to draw Unohana Retsu's attention or regard.

Over a span of a thousand years, the prodigies born were not quite as countless as stars, but they were still as numerous as fish crossing a river. Yet as time flew by, very few of those prodigies still remained seated firmly in the captain's chair.

However, Chiba Makoto's talent was entirely different. He was a genius in Kaido and Medical Skills, utterly unlike those other prodigies, most of whom excelled at slaughter and battle!

In just a few short years at Shin'ō Academy, he had practically mastered all the Kaido and Medical Skills the academy could teach. Even the Zanpakuto he had awakened possessed healing-oriented abilities.

And so... Unohana Retsu had been moved. Long before Chiba Makoto graduated, she had already begun paying attention to his performance.

What satisfied Unohana Retsu even more was that, after confirming it in person, she could genuinely feel Chiba Makoto's love for Kaido and Medical Skills from his answers.

This... was more or less enough.

As for the secret Chiba Makoto had hidden, Unohana Retsu could sense that he was holding something back. But from her perspective, it was nothing more than a trivial detail.

More importantly...

As Unohana Retsu looked at Chiba Makoto before her, an utterly frenzied fighting spirit flashed through her crescent-shaped eyes. Soundlessly, she murmured.

"An era can have only one Kenpachi!"

"My battle with Zaraki... I can already faintly see it..."

"You really made me wait. I have waited for a thousand years..."

"But before that, I must at least pass down the Kaido and Medical Skills I have mastered, and cultivate the next qualified captain for the Fourth Division!"

"The passing of life is unavoidable, but someone must at least try to hold it back!"

As that final thought came to her, Unohana Retsu slowly closed her eyes. At some point, her gentle smile had gained a touch of distortion and madness, making Chiba Makoto inexplicably feel a chill.

Sensing something strange about Unohana Retsu, Chiba Makoto could not help tensing inwardly.

???

What is up with that smile?

Now that I've become her disciple, she isn't planning to torture and humiliate me, is she?

Unohana Retsu usually acts so gentle and refined. She can't be some kind of pervert in private, can she?

Although Unohana Retsu is undeniably a stunning beauty, should I resist when the time comes? Or pretend to resist?

Chiba Makoto hesitated for a moment, then tried calling out softly.

"Teacher Unohana?"

"Mhm~"

Her mood was suddenly interrupted, and Unohana Retsu instinctively let out a slightly dazed nasal sound.

The next instant, having realized what she had done, Unohana Retsu's expression immediately straightened. After a light cough, she spoke calmly, as though that embarrassing reaction just now had absolutely nothing to do with her.

"Makoto, you have worked hard today as well. Go rest for now. Have Vice-Captain Yamada arrange a side room for you in this courtyard."

"Yes."

Chiba Makoto, who likewise needed to sort through the situation properly, naturally withdrew obediently.

Only after watching Chiba Makoto's retreating back did a trace of embarrassment appear on Unohana Retsu's face.

But... someone like Makoto, who does not enjoy fighting, seems to be the best choice...

No matter how I disguise it, someone like me only regards Kaido and Medical Skills as tools that allow for even more unrestrained slaughter...

Ah...

In the end, a faint, nearly imperceptible sigh softly rang out.

Naturally, Chiba Makoto, whose own thoughts were in a mess, had no way of guessing Unohana Retsu's true intentions.

Only after Chiba Makoto left the room with a frown did he discover that Yamada Seinosuke was still waiting outside.

Yamada Seinosuke's face remained as cool and detached as ever upon seeing Chiba Makoto, and his sharp tongue instinctively went to work.

"Finished? Come back with me to the Mortuary. Aoki Risa is probably getting impatient from waiting. From now on, get used to life at the Mortuary. Experience the difference between life and death. Officers will also periodically make time to teach you Kaido and Medical Skills."

Yet contrary to Yamada Seinosuke's expectations, Chiba Makoto did not show the gloomy expression he had anticipated. Instead, the corners of his mouth curled up. He looked both sunny and gentle as he said, "No, Vice-Captain Yamada. Teacher Unohana told me to find a side room in the courtyard and stay here for the time being."

"Hm? Stay here? This is the lieutenant's courtyard. The quarters for division members are—"

Yamada Seinosuke's voice abruptly stopped. He then stared at Chiba Makoto with widened eyes, his pitch suddenly rising two full notes. "Teacher... Unohana??"

A hint of helplessness appeared on Chiba Makoto's somewhat youthful face. Then he nodded lightly, as though he felt somewhat embarrassed about the matter.

At that moment, Yamada Seinosuke's cool face visibly twitched several times. Then he abruptly turned around and slapped his cheeks hard a few times. When he turned back, however, a warmly enthusiastic smile had appeared on his face as he asked in a gentle tone.

"Makoto, please take good care of me from now on."

Chiba Makoto seemed unable to adapt to Yamada Seinosuke's reaction and appeared slightly frightened as he hurriedly said, "Vice-Captain Yamada... what's wrong with you? Just a moment ago, you still had that cool and haughty look..."