A gentle, soothing voice echoed from within the squad quarters.
Without hesitation, Shimo stepped inside.
The sight that greeted him was that of a serene woman quietly writing at her desk. Her long, jet-black hair was braided and draped over her shoulder, her expression wholly focused.
She wore the white haori of a captain over a muted gray-pink kimono, cinched at the waist with a crimson cord and pale sash.
Captain of Fourth Division—Unohana Retsu.
Shimo stood silently to the side, patiently waiting for her to finish her work.
Unohana's personality was known to be gentle and considerate most of the time, and she didn't keep him waiting long. Soon, she set down her brush and looked up.
"Welcome to Fourth Division, Shimo-kun," Unohana said with a warm smile, her eyes curving into graceful arcs.
"I heard that Yamada Seinosuke gave you a bit of a hard time when you joined. For that, I apologize on his behalf for both my oversight and his rudeness."
Her words caught Shimo a little off guard.
"You're being too kind, Captain," Shimo replied. "I didn't suffer any real harm from the matter, so there's no need for you to apologize for someone else's mistake."
He spoke firmly, unwilling to let such things slide so easily. Seinosuke's behavior had clearly left a bad impression.
Unohana seemed to sense his displeasure, which was likely why she offered her apology—to smooth things over.
"Is that so?" she said softly, her smile tinged with regret. "Then all the better."
It was clear she wasn't bothered by his refusal to brush the matter aside, nor did she intend to further defend Seinosuke. As far as she was concerned, apologizing was the limit of what she could do as captain. If Seinosuke made a mistake, he would have to face the consequences himself.
"By the way, Shimo-kun," she continued, neatly stacking her documents to the side, then fixing her gaze on him with a serious expression, "can you tell me why you chose Fourth Division?"
In the Gotei 13, the Fourth Division was generally regarded as one of the lowest-ranking squads. Their duties mostly revolved around logistics—routine medical care, emergency treatment, even cleaning and sanitation throughout the Seireitei.
To outsiders, Shimo's choice seemed arbitrary, even irrational.
Some whispers had even spread at the Shin'o Academy—claims that he had chosen Fourth Division out of cowardice or a desire to avoid danger.
After all, if the Fourth Division were ever forced to take the front lines in battle, it would likely mean the Seireitei was already on the brink of destruction.
Shimo hesitated. He knew that sometimes, honesty wasn't the wisest option—but in this moment, he couldn't help letting his self-destructive side show.
Unohana's eyes widened in surprise, her face filled with visible confusion.
She repeated the words slowly, one syllable at a time, and something in her demeanor subtly shifted—hinting at something darker beneath the surface.
Sensing danger, Shimo quickly clarified.
"Your zanjutsu!" he said hastily. "I've been devoted to the way of the sword for years. Through training, I've come to grasp many forms of sword techniques. But none of it was what I truly sought. I've been searching for the ultimate path in swordsmanship... and then I found references to Unohana Yachiru."
As he spoke, Shimo carefully observed the changes in her expression—gentle warmth gave way to delight, delight turned to sternness, and finally, a killing intent filled the air, plunging the room into a biting chill.
Still, Shimo pressed on, unfazed.
"The most fearsome criminal in Soul Society's history… a master of every known sword style. She once lost to Captain-Commander Yamamoto in a duel and vanished thereafter."
Suddenly, the cold vanished. Unohana's expression returned to one of tender serenity.
"And what," she asked softly, "does that have to do with me?"
Shimo was left speechless. He had imagined many ways she might respond—but somehow, he'd overlooked the most straightforward one: complete denial.
If she truly intended to deny it, there was nothing he could do to force the truth out of her. Even among the captains, Unohana's strength was considered top-tier.
"Well then, Shimo-kun."
Before he could say another word, Unohana continued, her tone calm and composed:
"As the Sixth Seat of Fourth Division, your role will be to lead Sixth Relief Unit as its squad leader."
Shimo nodded in agreement, though knowing his personality, he'd probably delegate most of the work to his Liutenant.
"Also," she added, tilting her head slightly with a faint smile, "would it be too much trouble to show me your sword style?"
Surprised, Shimo replied cheerfully, "Of course not."
As soon as he spoke, the atmosphere in the squad quarters shifted once more.
A surge of razor-sharp spiritual pressure erupted from Shimo like a blooming lotus—layer upon layer unfolding from his body.
And hidden within the surge of aura, there was a second, entirely distinct form of zanjutsu.
Unohana's eyes flickered with subtle astonishment. Clearly, Shimo's display had exceeded her expectations.
She took a moment to carefully sense the energy, then spoke:
"When the moon reaches the treetops tonight, I will be at Fourth Division's first training ground."
"I hope you'll be on time."
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