Unohana Retsu

As Unohana Retsu spoke words that seemed to be helping Xin out of a tight spot, Shiba Isshin couldn't help but say, "Is Captain Unohana already starting to dote on her future squad members?"

Unohana didn't deny it, merely saying gently, "I believe this student is clearly an excellent child, both academically and in character. He's nothing like what you've described, so I'm just stating a fair opinion."

He's excellent in both academics and character?

Unohana's words made both Matsumoto Rangiku and Shiba Kaien inwardly scoff.

While it was true that Xin's academic performance was indeed top-ranked in the academy, his conduct certainly couldn't be described as excellent.

Upon hearing this, Xin responded, "Thank you for your praise, Captain Unohana."

He then addressed the assembled Captains and Lieutenants, "Esteemed Captains, regarding the Spirit Training Academy's cultural festival, I can accompany you and provide explanations. If the Captains wish to wander on their own, you are also welcome to do so."

Unohana, smiling, spoke up first, "Then, student, please accompany me and Kotone for a stroll."

Her words clearly indicated her intention to take Xin away alone. The remaining Captains wore expressions of helplessness, but it was Unohana Retsu speaking. In terms of seniority, she was an elder from the same era as the Captain-Commander. Of course, such thoughts couldn't be voiced in front of her.

"As you command." However, Xin still said to the other Captains, "My apologies, esteemed sirs. The Student Council's manpower is truly insufficient. I hope you will understand."

The Captains saw that Xin had come alone and hadn't made any particular preparations. However, they weren't petty people, and it was easier not to have someone accompanying them.

Xin then led Unohana Retsu and Kotsubaki Kotone away, heading towards the liveliest area of the central plaza.

Matsumoto Rangiku also didn't want to be bothered by escorting these Captains, so she said to Shiba Isshin, "Captain, may I also go explore on my own?"

"As you wish."

She immediately called out to the Eighth Division's Lieutenant Captain, Ise Nanao, "Let's go, Nanao."

Ise Nanao was also very casual. She didn't even request permission from her own Captain, directly leaving with Matsumoto Rangiku.

The relationships between the Captains of the Thirteenth Division were very harmonious, and the bond between Captains and Lieutenants was even closer. Captains had the authority to appoint and dismiss Lieutenants, so the Lieutenant of each Division was promoted by that Captain.

Seeing the scene suddenly become quiet, Kyōraku Shunsui couldn't help but say, "Have we been left here?"

He had visited the Spirit Training Academy many times since graduating hundreds of years ago. However, each time, the academy had welcomed him with great fanfare. This current quiet situation was unprecedented.

Aizen pushed up his glasses and said with a smile, "There's nothing wrong with it this way. Just as Tachikawa Shin said earlier, today's festival is for the students of the Spirit Training Academy to enjoy and relax. Making it too formal would be meaningless."

Ukitake Jūshirō also smiled and said, "Then let's just wander around together."

The central plaza of the Spirit Training Academy was neatly lined with many makeshift tents, each tent being a booth managed by a class. They were free to do anything they pleased here. Most people were selling snacks and small trinkets, while others had set up small games like board games, inviting passersby to play.

Announcements from each class were visible everywhere along the paths. Besides the students dressed in red and white school uniforms, there were also many Shinigami gathered around certain stalls, talking with the students.

"It's so lively," Kotsubaki Kotone couldn't help but exclaim.

In Soul Society, such bustling marketplaces were rarely seen. Seireitei was always very quiet. The higher-numbered areas of the Rukon District also had markets, but they couldn't compare to the liveliness here.

The students' faces were full of enthusiasm as they stood in front of their respective stalls, shouting out their wares.

Neither Unohana Retsu nor Kotsubaki Kotone had expected the Spirit Training Academy to possess such vitality.

"Did you plan all of this?" Unohana Retsu asked Xin.

"It's the result of the collective efforts of all the teachers and students of the Spirit Training Academy," Xin replied humbly. "The entire Student Council and the leadership of the Spirit Training Academy were responsible for the overall planning, while each stall was planned by the students of their respective classes."

"So, you came up with the idea for this cultural festival, didn't you?" Unohana Retsu asked again.

Xin chuckled, "It was a sudden idea, but I didn't expect the academy's leadership to be so supportive."

"It's very well done," Unohana Retsu said softly. "No wonder the Tenth and Thirteenth Divisions were vying for you."

"You flatter me. Also, Lieutenant Matsumoto and Vice-Captain Shiba weren't vying for me; they merely suggested I join the Tenth and Thirteenth Divisions after graduation. I haven't decided on my plans after graduation yet."

"And have you decided now?" Unohana Retsu asked, smiling at him.

Xin pondered, "My homeroom teacher, Teacher Nanda, told me that because my Zanpakutō is of the Kidō type, it's very suitable for the Fourth Division. Vice-Captain Kotsubaki also mentioned this to me when she was substituting for our class."

Unohana Retsu's smile didn't fade. "Then do you want to come to the Fourth Division?"

Xin immediately said, "Of course, I do!"

This time, he didn't engage in any idle banter but directly stated his stance. He knew in his heart that Captain Unohana was very different from Shiba Isshin. Although beautiful and gentle on the outside, she was black-hearted once you cut into her!

Kotsubaki Kotone, standing beside them, seized the opportunity to say, "Student Tachikawa, the Fourth Division is definitely the most suitable division for you. In the Fourth Division, your Zanpakutō can be better developed."

Unohana Retsu then asked, "Then, if you come to the Fourth Division, what seat would you want? Didn't Vice-Captain Shiba say you wouldn't even look at the Third Seat?"

Xin gave a wry smile, "Captain Unohana, you praise me too highly. I just want to pass the graduation exam and the entry assessment smoothly. I wouldn't dare to aspire to the Third Seat. Moreover, I'm a complete beginner in Kidō, and I don't even know if I can be competent as a regular squad member."

Unohana Retsu smiled, "You don't need to be so self-deprecating. You have such great talent, and you're also skilled in other areas. I believe you'll achieve great things in the Fourth Division."

"Thank you for your kind words."

As a Captain, Unohana Retsu attracted countless gazes as she walked through the plaza.

The students were all surprised that even a big shot like a Captain had come.

Unohana Retsu suddenly stopped, her gaze seemingly drawn to something. Xin followed her line of sight and saw a familiar figure.

This small area was where the first-year students were concentrated. The stall managed by Class A of the first-year students didn't have a tent; instead, they had built a wooden platform with a notice board next to it.

"Swordsmanship Exchange..."

The notice board also stated that if one won, they would receive a mysterious grand prize, and even those who didn't win would receive a consolation prize.

Xin remembered seeing this when he was reviewing the stall proposals submitted by each class. Because they needed space, Xin had assigned them to the edge of the plaza.

And at this moment, a figure with red hair on the platform was sparring with another student.

The red-haired figure was naturally Renji Abarai, and Xin found the other person somewhat familiar, seeming to be a senior student, perhaps in the same year as himself.

To Xin's slight surprise, Renji was actually holding his own against this person. Renji's attacks were sharp and swift, wide-ranging, and quite a pleasure to watch.

Renji Abarai had virtually no talent for Kido, but he was extremely gifted in swordsmanship, Shunpo, and Hakuda.

After all, he was the future strongest Lieutenant Captain.

Seeing that Unohana Retsu was watching with great interest, Xin asked, "Captain Unohana, are you very interested?"

Unohana Retsu softly replied, "That child's fighting style is quite suited for the Eleventh Division."

And Renji Abarai, after graduating in the future, first went to the Eleventh Division, where he received guidance from Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa, and later became the Lieutenant Captain of the Sixth Division.

Unohana Retsu then asked Xin, "I heard you are also skilled in swordsmanship?"

Xin's heart suddenly skipped a beat. He always felt like he had forgotten something, and now he finally remembered.

"Why don't you go up and spar with this student?"

As soon as Unohana Retsu finished speaking, the senior student sparring with Renji Abarai was simultaneously forced off the platform by Renji with a splash.

[Unohana Retsu]

[Affection: 1]