Unohana's Attention, Suigetsu's Doubt

Unohana extended her fair, slender hand and softly said, "May I see it?"

Yamada Kiyosuke quickly and respectfully handed over the novel.

[I hope readers will remember our domain name here: Taiwan Novel Network, to relieve boredom, ₮₩₭₳₦.₵Ø₥ is super reliable]

Unohana Retsu took the booklet, which exuded an ominous aura, and slowly opened the first page.

Her gaze fell upon the preface poem titled Blood Flower—

Part One: Blood Flower

At the end of the river paved with bones I heard

The sound of the first bud unfolding

It was the gentle crackle of a breaking throat bone

—Shūka

The moment her gaze landed on these few lines!

"Bzzzz—!"

Unohana Retsu's pupils contracted violently!

Her body stiffened for a ten-thousandth of a second!

These words... these images!

"River of bones," "Blood Flower," "the gentle crackle of a breaking throat bone"...

These words transformed into keys, abruptly prying open memories sealed for a thousand years!

Countless bloody scenes and battle cries from the era of "Unohana Yachiru," long buried by time, nearly shattered her gentle facade maintained for a millennium!

What is this...?!

Fortunately, the thousand years had bestowed upon her not only strength but also absolute control over her emotions and spiritual pressure.

The momentary lapse was suppressed by a deeper calm before any ripple could spread.

Her expression didn't show the slightest crack, maintaining its gentle and serene composure.

Her fingertips lightly brushed over the last two characters of the poem, and she murmured in a voice only she could hear:

"Shūka...?"

Others might find this name poetic and beautiful, but she, Unohana Retsu, knew better.

"Shūka" was a delicate flower that bloomed in April (Uzuki), with white, serrated petals.

And the name "Shūka" implicitly referred to—Unohana (the flower of April)!

She narrowed her eyes, which always seemed to hold a smile.

Among the current Gotei 13 Captains, only a handful knew of her past.

And as for the nobles who knew the inside story...

With their courage and methods of dealing with things, it was impossible and they would never dare to put such things into writing and make them public.

With a soft "snap," she closed the novel and her gaze fell on the two flamboyant characters on the cover, the author's name—"Shika."

She raised her eyes and looked at Yamada Kiyosuke, her tone still gentle, but with an undeniable probing:

"Who is this 'Shika'?"

Before Yamada Kiyosuke could answer.

A female squad member nearby, clearly a fan of "Shika," couldn't contain her excitement and spoke first, her tone filled with adoration:

"Captain! Teacher Shika is that Fifth Seat Genshi Ittō, who is known as the 'Soul Society's Most Noble Young Master' and possesses the 'Most Beautiful Zanpakuto'!"

"That's right! He's currently the Fifth Seat of the Ninth Division, Genshi Mirai! But we all habitually call him Teacher Shika. His writing and stories are truly amazing!"

"Oh? Is that so..."

Unohana Retsu listened to her subordinates' chatter, a gentle and perfect smile, like a nadeshiko (a type of flower), reappearing on her face as she nodded in agreement.

However, beneath her lowered eyelids, an extremely dangerous glint flashed and vanished.

Genshi Mirai... Fifth Seat of the Ninth Division... Soul Society's Most Noble Young Master... Shika...

Heh heh, it seems... I'll have to find some time to "pay him a visit" myself.

She whispered inwardly.

Genshi Mirai, humming a little tune as he walked to the "Maple Pavilion" tavern, had no idea at this moment that the "murderer" he had written about in his book had already set her sights on him, the "author."

And was preparing to find a time to come and chat with him.

As soon as he stepped through the tavern door, he felt two extremely strong presences lock onto him.

He turned his head towards the familiar corner and saw Kyōraku Shunsui and Hirako Shinji.

They were all staring at him, their sidelong glances conveying a clear message: "So, you finally decided to show up."

Yan Si's face instantly lit up with an enthusiastic smile, and he strode forward:

"Ah! Brother Chunshui! Brother Shinji! What a coincidence, you two are here drinking too?"

As he spoke, he naturally pulled out a chair and sat down. At the same time, he called out towards the counter with his full voice:

"Boss! Two pots of your finest 'Spiritual Drunk' first! And clear my tab while you're at it!"

He took out his money pouch and placed it directly on the table, saying "arrogantly": "Take it all. Leave the change here. Let me know when it's all spent!"

With his nostrils pointed to the sky, he had none of the demeanor of a "noble young master." If this table hadn't been screened by a partition, quite a few rumors would have surely spread by the next day.

"Right away! Teacher Yan Si, please wait a moment!" The boss's voice was filled with unprecedented enthusiasm. He not only quickly brought over two pots of the precious "Spiritual Drunk" but also served a few plates of exquisite snacks.

After arranging the food and wine, he took out a brand-new copy of The Killer of Meteor Street from his embrace and respectfully handed it to Yan Si with both hands:

"Teacher Yan Si, um... could I trouble you for an autograph? These snacks are a small token of our establishment's appreciation, please accept them!"

"No problem!" Yan Si waved his hand grandly, took the book and pen, and quickly scribbled the characters "Zhi Ge" in a flamboyant style, his posture as natural as ever.

After seeing off the profusely grateful boss, Yan Si finally picked up a pot of Spiritual Drunk, poured himself a full cup, and then smiled, raising his cup to the two captains with differing expressions:

"Brothers, don't just watch! Come on, it's my treat today! We won't go home until we're drunk!"

"Hmph!" Shinji Hirako unceremoniously grabbed the other pot of Spiritual Drunk, poured himself a drink, and pouted, saying in a lazy drawl:

"I thought you had made a lot of money and gotten too big for your britches, deliberately avoiding the tavern and not contacting me... Are you looking down on me as a captain?"

Shunsui Kyoraku also grinned, took the pot Yan Si had just opened, and poured himself a cup. His eyes narrowed slightly, and he said as if casually mentioning it:

"Speaking of which, that book The Killer has been selling quite well recently, hasn't it, little brother Yan Si? You're reaping both fame and fortune~"

He gently swirled his wine glass, his tone still lazy, but with a hint of imperceptible depth:

"But, your old brother is quite curious... that 'Meteor Street' written in the book, did such a terrifying 'killer' really exist?"

The moment his words fell, his cup was just filled.

Then, as if nothing had happened, he gently placed the wine pot back on the table and naturally turned the spout towards Yan Si, pushing it over.

He continued to smile at Yan Si, waiting for a response, holding his wine glass and rubbing the rim with his index finger.

Hirako next to him also raised his wine cup to his lips, glancing over with a sideways look.