The Third Division's strange tale had just ended.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni had thought he would finally have a few quiet days.
Yet early the next morning, the Fourth Division sent him an invitation.
Isane Kotetsu delivered it.
She stood at the Third Division's entrance, holding the letter in both hands, looking somewhat nervous.
"Captain Tsugikuni, Captain Unohana would like you to visit the Fourth Division."
Yoriichi accepted the invitation.
There was only one line on it.
Let us meet in the dojo this afternoon.
"Is someone injured?"
"N-no..."
Isane shook her head, her voice growing quieter.
"The captain said she only wanted to talk to you."
Yoriichi nodded.
"I'll be there."
Isane seemed relieved, yet also even more nervous.
She lowered her head and hurried away from the Third Division.
Izuru Kira stood nearby, looking at the invitation in silence for a long time.
"Captain."
"Yes?"
"If Captain Unohana wants to talk to you, why meet in the dojo?"
Yoriichi thought for a moment.
"Perhaps she likes quiet places."
The corner of Kira's mouth twitched slightly.
The Fourth Division's dojo.
Hardly anyone ever went there.
Because everyone knew that although Captain Unohana was gentle, her swordsmanship was also very strong.
It was just that no one had ever seen her draw her sword in earnest.
That afternoon.
The Fourth Division's rear courtyard.
The dojo doors stood half open. There were no patients or division members inside.
Sunlight fell across the wooden floor, and a faint scent of medicinal herbs hung in the air.
Retsu Unohana knelt in the center of the dojo.
Her Zanpakuto rested beside her, and she still wore a gentle smile.
"Captain Tsugikuni, you're here."
"Captain Unohana."
Yoriichi entered the dojo and stopped before her.
"Please sit."
Unohana spoke softly.
Yoriichi sat cross-legged.
Only a few steps