Chapter 26: The Ephemeral Blossom

Hearing Unohana Retsu’s remark, which sounded as if she were defending Shin, Isshin Shiba could not help but quip, "Captain Unohana, are you already starting to show favoritism toward your future subordinates?"

Unohana did not deny it, simply responding with a gentle smile, "I see this student as a bright, well-behaved child with excellent character. He is nothing like what you described, so I am merely speaking the truth."

*Bright and well-behaved?*

Upon hearing this, both Rangiku Matsumoto and Kaien Shiba could not help but snicker inwardly. While it was true that Shin’s academic grades were the best in the academy, his conduct was certainly not something one would describe as "excellent."

Shin, hearing the exchange, replied, "Thank you for your kind words, Captain Unohana." He then addressed the captains and lieutenants, "Captains, I can accompany you to provide a tour of the Spiritual Arts Academy’s Cultural Festival. However, if you would prefer to stroll around on your own, please feel free to do so."

Unohana immediately smiled and stepped forward, "Then, student, why don't you accompany Isane and me for a walk?"

Her intent to take Shin away for herself was clear. The other captains looked on with a sense of helplessness, but given that it was Retsu Unohana—a veteran who served during the same era as the Captain-Commander himself—no one dared to voice their objections in her presence.

"As you wish," Shin said, though he apologized to the other captains, "My apologies, my lords. The Student Council is severely understaffed, so I hope you will forgive any lack of hospitality."

Seeing that Shin had arrived alone and without any elaborate preparations, the captains were not petty enough to mind; in fact, having no one to host them made it easier to wander freely.

Shin departed with Retsu Unohana and Kotetsu Isane, heading toward the most bustling area of the central plaza.

Rangiku Matsumoto, having no desire to serve the other captains, turned to Isshin Shiba and asked, "Captain, would you mind if I went off to explore on my own?"

"Suit yourself."

She immediately signaled to Nanao Ise, the lieutenant of the Eighth Division, "Let’s go, Nanao."

Nanao Ise was equally casual; she didn't even seek permission from her own captain and simply followed Rangiku away. The relationships between the captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads were quite harmonious, and the bonds between captains and their lieutenants were even closer. Since captains held the authority to appoint their own lieutenants, every lieutenant was handpicked by their respective captain.

Observing the sudden emptiness of the area, Shunsui Kyoraku remarked, "Have we been abandoned?"

Having graduated centuries ago, he had visited the academy many times, but usually, he was greeted with great fanfare. This was the first time he had experienced such a lackluster reception.

Aizen pushed up his glasses and smiled, "There is nothing wrong with this. As Tachikawa Shin said earlier, today is a day for the students to relax and have fun; there is no need to make it overly formal."

Jushiro Ukitake also laughed, "Then let us wander around together."

In the central plaza of the academy, simple tents were neatly arranged. Each tent was a stall run by a specific class, free to offer whatever they chose. Most sold snacks or trinkets, while others set up small games, such as cards or board games, inviting passersby to join in.

Signs posted by each class were visible everywhere. Beyond the students in their red and white uniforms, many Soul Reapers were seen huddled around stalls, chatting with the students.

"It's so lively," Isane Kotetsu couldn't help but exclaim.

In the Soul Society, one rarely saw such a bustling marketplace. The Seireitei was always quiet, and while the higher-numbered districts of the Rukongai had markets, they could not compare to the vibrancy here. The students were full of enthusiasm, shouting energetically from behind their stalls.

Neither Unohana nor Isane had expected the academy to possess such vitality.

"Did you plan all of this?" Unohana asked Shin.

"It is the result of the collective effort of all the staff and students," Shin replied modestly. "The Student Council and the academy leadership handled the overall coordination, while each class planned the contents of their own stalls."

"And the idea for this Cultural Festival—that was yours, wasn't it?" Unohana asked again.

Shin chuckled, "It was a sudden thought, though I never expected the leadership to be so supportive."

"Very impressive," Unohana said softly. "It is no wonder the Tenth and Thirteenth Divisions are fighting over you."

"You flatter me. Besides, Lieutenant Matsumoto and Lieutenant Shiba were not exactly fighting over me; they only suggested I join their respective divisions after graduation. I haven't really decided on my plans yet."

"And have you decided now?" Unohana looked at him with a beaming smile.

Shin mused, "My homeroom teacher, Mr. Minamida, told me that because my Zanpakuto is of the Healing Arts type, it is well-suited for the Fourth Division. Lieutenant Kotetsu also mentioned this to me when she was substituting for our class."

The smile on Unohana’s face did not waver. "And would you like to join the Fourth Division?"

"I certainly would!" Shin replied immediately.

This time, he didn't beat around the bush; he made his stance clear. He knew full well that Captain Unohana was not like Isshin Shiba. Despite her beautiful and gentle exterior, her heart was as dark as they come.

Standing nearby, Isane seized the opportunity to add, "Student Tachikawa, the Fourth Division is definitely the best fit for you. Only by joining the Fourth can your Zanpakuto be properly developed."

Unohana followed up, "And what seat would you like to hold if you come to the Fourth? Didn't Lieutenant Shiba say you weren't interested in a Third Seat position?"

Shin gave a bitter smile, "Captain Unohana, you overestimate me. I only hope to pass my graduation exam and the entry assessment; I wouldn't dare dream of a Third Seat. Besides, I am a complete beginner in the Healing Arts; I don't even know if I’m capable of serving as a regular seated officer."

Unohana smiled kindly, "You need not be so self-deprecating. With your talent, and your abilities in other areas, I believe you will achieve great things in the Fourth Division."

"I hope your words come true."

As a captain, Unohana attracted countless gazes as they walked through the plaza. The students were astonished that someone of her stature had come in person.

Suddenly, Unohana stopped in her tracks, her attention seemingly caught by something. Shin followed her gaze and saw a familiar figure.

This small area was where the first-year students were concentrated. Class 1-A had not set up a tent; instead, they had built a wooden platform with a sign beside it.

"Kendo Exchange Center..."

The sign also promised a mysterious grand prize for the winner, with consolation prizes for those who lost. Shin remembered seeing this when he was reviewing the stall proposals; since they needed space, he had placed them at the edge of the plaza.

On the platform, a red-haired figure was sparring with another student. That figure was none other than Renji Abarai. Shin recognized the other student as well—an upperclassman from his own year.

To Shin's slight surprise, Renji was holding his own against the opponent. Renji’s attacks were fierce, swift, and bold—a sight to behold. Renji Abarai had almost no talent for Kido, but he was exceptionally gifted in Kendo, Flash Step, and hand-to-hand combat.

After all, he was a future legendary lieutenant.

Noticing Unohana's keen interest, Shin asked, "Are you interested, Captain Unohana?"

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

Indeed, after graduating, Renji Abarai would first join the Eleventh Division, receiving guidance from Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa, before eventually becoming the lieutenant of the Sixth Division.

Unohana suddenly asked Shin, "I hear you are also quite skilled in Kendo?"

Shin’s heart skipped a beat. He felt as if he had forgotten something, and now, it finally dawned on him.

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

No sooner had Unohana finished speaking than the upperclassman sparring with Renji was forced off the platform by a decisive blow.

[Unohana Retsu]
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