Unohana's Surprise

That afternoon, Kiyōnosuke Yamada was summoned to the captain's office.

Retsu Unohana is brewing tea, her movements elegant and leisurely.

Seeing Yamada enter, Unohana gestured for him to sit down and pushed a freshly brewed cup of tea towards him.

"Kiyonosuke, how is Wang Xun's learning progress?"

After thanking him, Kiyōnosuke Yamada picked up his teacup and hesitated for a moment.

He was somewhat at a loss for words.

He learned... very quickly, extremely quickly.

"Oh?"

A hint of curiosity flashed in Unohana's eyes.

Although it was she who suggested that Wang Xun come for further studies, she hadn't had time to take care of him yet, and had only asked Kiyonosuke to guide him on the basics of the Kaidō.

Since Kiyonosuke can say it's fast, then the progress must be pretty good.

After a moment's thought, Kiyōnosuke Yamada gave a detailed report on Wang Xun's current progress.

"His understanding of the Kaidō is now on par with that of the team's senior Seated Officer."

"At the current pace, in a few more months, he might be able to reach the Kaidō of Vice-Captain-level."

Kiyōnosuke Yamada concluded, his tone rather complex.

As Yamada described it, the expression in Unohana's eyes gradually changed from calm to astonishment.

"That's really surprising."

Unohana gently put down her teacup.

Kiyōnosuke Yamada nodded, his expression somewhat numb.

"Perhaps his previous research into the Kidō was quite in-depth, which is why he was able to make such rapid progress in the Kaidō, but this cannot overshadow his talent in the Kaidō."

"With his talent, it seems like a waste to put him in the Second Division."

Unohana listened quietly, her eyes thoughtful.

Kiyōnosuke Yamada paused for a moment, then continued.

"Moreover, his learning process was exceptionally easy, unlike those ordinary team members who needed extensive notes and theoretical accumulation. He seemed to... learn it after just listening twice."

"Moreover, in practice, he has demonstrated even greater capabilities."

He paused, then added.

"I truly didn't expect him to have such a profound understanding and affinity for the Kaidō."

"If I had to give him an evaluation, I would say he's a once-in-a-century genius Kaidō mastered the Dao."

Unohana gently swirls the teacup, causing ripples to spread within the tea.

"The evaluation is very high."

"I thought it would take some time before I needed to go and check it out, but I didn't expect..."

Unohana sighed softly; Wang Xun's progress had indeed exceeded her expectations.

In just over a month, they've already improved to this level.

There was a moment of silence between them, then Unohana spoke softly.

"So, what's your plan regarding the nobles?"

The topic suddenly changed, Kiyōnosuke Yamada's body stiffened slightly.

He knew what Unohana asking; it was an order from the Central 46 Chambers, inviting him to serve as the general agent for the soon-to-be-expanded Central Relief Institute.

This is a promotion across ranks, from deputy captain to head of a hospital, which will greatly enhance one's status and resources.

But Kiyōnosuke Yamada isn't stupid.

He knew that this was being pushed forward by powerful noble families like the Tsunayashiro Clan, and that the so-called pharmacy was probably more than just a medical facility.

"The transfer order was issued directly by the Central 46; I... have no right to refuse."

"Kiyōnosuke Yamada," he said in a low voice.

A brief silence fell over the room.

"I understand."

Unohana finally spoke.

"Unlike me, who came from that era, you are still young and still living within this system. You have no right to refuse the transfer order from the Central 46."

She looked at Kiyōnosuke Yamada with deep eyes.

"But Kiyonosuke, the world of the nobility is darker and more complex than you imagine."

"The position of General Agent of the Central Relief Institute serves the nobility and may seem glamorous, but it cannot conceal its true nature. Are you prepared?"

Kiyōnosuke Yamada gripped the teacup tightly, his knuckles turning slightly white.

"I don't know," he said honestly, "But some paths have to be taken."

Unohana nodded. Some things are better left unsaid.

She knew this deputy well; he was conscientious, responsible, and somewhat rigid, but fundamentally upright.

"What if the position of vice-captain becomes vacant after you leave?"

"The current Third Seat and Fourth Seat are all far less capable than you. Have you found any promising talents among the new team members?"

Upon hearing Kiyōnosuke Yamada remained silent for a moment.

"Wang Xun is good, it's just a pity he's from the Second Division. If we could recruit him, he could be competent."

Upon hearing Unohana shook her head.

"Very difficult."

Yamada lowered his head and pondered for a while.

"Besides that... there's a female squad member named Isane Kotetsu, she's quite talented, the captain could give her special attention."

Upon hearing this, Unohana nodded slightly and noted the name down.

"Good, we can observe it further afterward."

Unohana smiled slightly.

"After all, it's still some time before you take office, isn't it?"

She put down her teacup, walked to the window, and looked out at the view of Seireitei.

"Speaking of which, my suggestion to Wang Xun is also related to you in some way."

"When I learned that he was in the Second Division, I tried mentioning it, and I didn't expect Captain Yoruichi to agree so readily."

Unohana turned around, a deep meaning flashing in her eyes.

"This makes me think that perhaps we can use this to send a signal to Captain Shihoin that we can share a common stance on certain issues."

After thinking for a moment, Kiyōnosuke Yamada understood.

The nobles poached people directly from the Fourth Division, and even the vice-captain.

Captain Unohana may have remained outwardly calm, but she was probably not happy about it.

Yoruichi Shihōin, as one of the Four Great Noble Clans, has always been unconventional and lacks patience for the infighting among nobles.

Both captains were, to some extent, dissatisfied with the existing aristocratic system.

"The captain wants to... join forces?"

Kiyōnosuke Yamada lowered his voice.

"Just a little bit of tacit understanding."

Unohana returned to the tea table and brewed tea again.

"Unlike when I was in Rukongai and the 11th Division, I could kill whoever I wanted."

"With the title of Fourth Division Captain in Seireitei, and with this established order... I also have to consider the Captain-Commander's feelings, and the balance between the Gotei 13 and the nobles."

Her tone was calm, but Kiyōnosuke Yamada could still sense the sharpness in it.

Even though the First Kenpachi was dressed as a healer, he was still the demon who reigned supreme with his sword at heart.

Her tolerance of the nobles' underhanded tactics was not a sign of retreat, but rather a sign that she was waiting for the right opportunity.

Wang Xun is the bridge connecting her and Yoruichi.

"I see."

Kiyōnosuke Yamada rose and bowed respectfully.

"Before I leave, I will fulfill my duties to the best of my ability. As for the future... please take care, Captain."

"Of course, you are too."

Unohana nodded.

"Remember to protect yourself, Kiyonosuke."

"That's all, you can go back to your work."

"Yes, Captain."

Unohana stopped looking at him. Kiyōnosuke Yamada stood up, slowly walked out of the captain's room, and gently closed the door behind him.

The night was deep, and the corridor was silent.

Kiyōnosuke Yamada stood there for a long time before letting out a long breath and finally walking away.