Yan Si's brain ran at full capacity. Facing Captain Unohana's gentle, smiling face, he felt as though he were walking a tightrope over a bottomless abyss.
Don't be fooled by the captain's current appearance of kindness and healing warmth.
A woman who had risen to the rank of captain and carved out the title of First Kenpachi amid the chaos a thousand years ago was certainly no less sharp than her Zanpakutō.
Her powers of observation, sensitivity, and insight into the human heart... were surely among the very best.
Not to mention the skills in her hands that could either save someone from the brink of death or send them straight to hell.
He needed an explanation that was self-consistent, logically sound, and preferably elevated the theme a little!
He couldn't just blame it on "imagination"!
He quickly organized his words in his head, weighing every sentence with care.
After a moment, he slowly spoke, doing his best to sound sincere while carrying the air of a thoughtful creator.
"Actually, the story of Killer was indeed created based on my observations and thoughts regarding the... special environment of the latter half of Rukongai."
He paused, his gaze unconsciously drifting toward Unohana Retsu.
She still wore that smiling, eyes-closed expression. He couldn't tell whether she believed him or not.
That smile was way too intimidating!
Panicking inwardly, Yan Si simply shifted his gaze to Kurayashiki Kenpachi, who looked easier to fool, and continued.
"After all, I personally have never truly set foot in the higher-numbered districts of Rukongai. Precisely because I don't understand them, I have all sorts of imaginings.
"I thought that in a land lacking order and governed by the most primitive laws, the birth of someone like 'Shu Hua' might be only natural."
He first blurred the premise, then moved on to the crucial point.
"As for why I used the name 'Shu Hua'..."
Yan Si's tone grew calm.
"'Shu Hua' itself is a plant capable of growing in rather harsh environments. Its stems and leaves are covered with hard, sickle-shaped thorns. Whether a person or an animal brushes against it carelessly, they can easily be cut and bleed."
He paused slightly, allowing that impression to settle before changing direction.
"And yet, this plant that seems so aggressive and makes people keep their distance can bloom with extraordinarily beautiful white flowers in certain seasons."
He raised his eyes, sweeping his gaze across the two captains as his voice rose slightly.
"The core of my story wasn't simply to showcase how sharp Shu Hua's thorns were or how terrible the wounds they inflicted could be."
"What I wanted to express was that, in that chaotic, cruel, seemingly forgotten land in the latter half of Rukongai, there might also be beings like Shu Hua—struggling to survive amid adversity, eventually blooming into a unique kind of 'beauty.'
"Even if that form of 'beauty' is difficult for outsiders to understand, or even full of danger."
At last, he gave it a fine thematic lift, his expression earnest.
"I also hope that through this story, everyone in Seireitei will not so easily give up on the Wandering Souls living in those districts. Perhaps they, too, have sides worthy of our attention."
With that, Yan Si closed his mouth, slowly picked up the cup of tea that had already cooled somewhat, brought it to his lips, and took a light sip.
His Adam's apple bobbed as he used the act of drinking tea to conceal his nervousness.
This had to work, right?
Not only had he explained the origin of Shu Hua's name, he had reframed "killing" as "a survival trait in a harsh environment" and "a unique beauty," then elevated it all to the level of humanistic concern and social responsibility!
This move had lofty intent and airtight logic. No matter how he looked at it, it should be enough to fool them, right?
The side hall fell silent for several seconds.
Unohana Retsu said nothing. She merely raised her own teacup and drank elegantly, her long lashes lowered and concealing the look in her eyes.
Kurayashiki Kenpachi, meanwhile, lifted a hand and vigorously scratched his short hair, wearing the conflicted expression of someone who thought it sounded reasonable but also felt something was off.
Clearly, this sort of literary interpretation and thematic elevation wasn't to his taste. What he probably cared about was whether the fighting was satisfying.
Kensei Muguruma broke the silence.
A gratified smile appeared on the Ninth Division captain's face, even carrying a trace of pride.
He nodded firmly, his gaze toward Yan Si full of approval. "Well said, Yan Si!"
He turned to Unohana and Kurayashiki, his tone becoming serious.
"What Yan Si said is very insightful. The governance and attention given to the latter half of Rukongai are indeed matters that the Thirteen Court Guard Squads should consider more deeply. I will find an opportunity to report this to the Captain-General."
He looked back at Yan Si, his eyes blazing. "You're right. We shouldn't, and cannot, simply abandon the Wandering Souls in the latter half of Rukongai."
He even began criticizing himself. "Before, I always thought the books you wrote were just... uh, wildly fanciful, messy children's stories with no connection to reality at all."
He paused, his voice growing more sincere. "Now it seems I was narrow-minded. Your new book has real depth! Later, I'll go to Runlin An and buy a copy of Killer to give it a proper read!"
"Thank you for your understanding, Captain." Yan Si set down his teacup and bowed slightly in thanks. He kept a modest smile on his face, but inwardly rolled his eyes hard.
Captain Kensei! My dear captain! It's great that you like it. I'm very touched.
But... you're not the key issue here!
The one I need to get past is that smiling Buddha beside you, sipping tea!
Your approval might not even count as a reference to her!
Sure enough, Unohana Retsu gently set down her teacup as well.
That flawless, gentle smile remained on her face as she looked at Yan Si, her voice soft.
"So the name 'Shu Hua' carries such a beautiful and resilient meaning. It truly is impressive."
She nodded faintly, as though she had sincerely accepted the explanation. Then, naturally changing the subject, she spoke with a reader's anticipation.
"Then I am looking forward even more to how the story develops next, Fifth Seat Yan Si. Please make sure to keep up your writing."
Hiss!
A chill ran down Yan Si's neck. Something was wrong! That tone, that expression!
Though there was nothing he could fault, he had a strong instinct that Unohana hadn't believed a word of his explanation!
She simply didn't intend to pursue it for the moment, or perhaps she was waiting for a better opening?
He couldn't keep dwelling on this topic! He had to change the subject quickly!
Yan Si immediately put on a troubled yet helpless smile and laughed awkwardly.
"Ah, Captain Unohana, you flatter me. Writing the rest isn't nearly that easy."
He sighed and began complaining.
"My style uses intense surface conflicts and scenes of killing to symbolize a deeper core.
"It requires a deeper understanding of combat, life and death, and human nature under extreme circumstances."
He spread his hands, looking innocent. "But look at me. I'm just an ordinary division member. In the Ninth Division, I mostly handle paperwork and prison affairs. Where would I get the chance to witness truly high-level battles?
"Writing it has really left me willing but unable. My progress is slow, so I hope the captains can understand and allow me to think it over gradually..."
"That one's easy!"
Kurayashiki Kenpachi slapped his thigh and laughed. "You've never seen a real battle? Looking for material? Just come along with our Eleventh Division on missions for a few days!"
He looked at Yan Si and warmly extended the invitation.
"Something's been going on in the Human World lately. There have been quite a lot of unnatural deaths, and the soul fluctuations are abnormal.
"Our Eleventh Division and the Thirteenth Division have both been going up there frequently to provide support.
"The Thirteenth Division mainly handles guidance and Soul Burials. As for us, we're responsible for clearing out those Hollows."
The more he spoke, the better he thought the idea was.
"Come up with us and observe from a safe distance! See what human battlefields are like, see how we Shinigami handle things!
"That'll be firsthand material! Completely real! Watch a few battles, and I guarantee inspiration will come pouring in!"
Yan Si turned to look at the enthusiastic Kurayashiki Kenpachi, speechless inside.
Captain Kurayashiki! What does this have to do with you?! Why do you have to stick your foot into everything?!
I just casually complained, and you took it seriously? You're even arranging an on-site field trip for me?
He immediately turned a pleading gaze toward his own captain.
The Ninth Division was in charge of prisons and preliminary interrogations. Going to the Human World to kill Hollows was entirely the duty of other divisions!
This wasn't in accordance with the rules, Captain. Hurry and use your serious, impartial captain's authority to reject this absurd suggestion!
Kensei Muguruma caught Yan Si's look. His brows furrowed slightly, and he put on a thoughtful expression.
He folded one arm across his chest and stroked his chin with the other, seemingly weighing the matter seriously.
After a moment, he raised his head, looked at Yan Si, and spoke in the stern tone of a captain issuing an order.
"Mm... Captain Kurayashiki has a point. Working behind closed doors truly makes it difficult to create something with depth. Since it is for your writing, it is also a rare opportunity for experience."
He paused and made his decision.
"Then, Yan Si, temporarily accompany the Eleventh Division to the Human World for a few days of observation and study. Be careful, and follow orders."
Siwei Yan opened his mouth, but no sound came out. He could only stare blankly at his own captain.
Captain, you just sold me out like that?
Before you continue