Chapter 27: Unohana's Affection Level

Unohana Retsu, originally named Unohana Yachiru, was once the most unparalleled villain in the history of the Soul Society a millennium ago, before being defeated by the Captain-Commander and taken under his wing.

She is the founder of the Eleventh Division and its philosophy, and the very first Shinigami to hold the title of "Kenpachi." The meaning of "Kenpachi" is the strongest swordsman among all Shinigami. "Yachiru," meanwhile, signifies one who has mastered all the sword styles in the world.

Standing beside Captain Unohana, Shin could only perceive her gentleness, dignity, and grace. As for her rumored "hidden dark side," he had yet to catch a glimpse of it. Shin did not believe Unohana to be someone who had forgotten her roots. While she possessed profound attainments in Kaido, he found it hard to believe she would be interested in him simply because his Zanpakuto was of the Kaido type. Looking at the favorability rating provided by the system, he was even more certain of this.

After becoming the Student Council President, Shin had gained the authority to review his own files, where his swordsmanship record was noted as "exceptionally gifted." Perhaps everything Unohana had said previously was merely out of a captain's sense of duty.

A crowd had gathered around the platform, and seeing Renji win, they began to cheer. Many of the surrounding Shinigami even applauded. Renji Abarai let out a long breath, stepped forward to pull the upperclassman up, and asked politely, "Are you alright?"

Deep down, however, he felt a sense of pride. Though his Kido was slightly lacking, he was quite formidable in other aspects! The upperclassman did not say much; he didn't even take his consolation prize, turning to leave immediately despite the voices behind him reminding him that he had forgotten his gift. Losing to a first-year junior was too embarrassing; he shouldn't have stepped onto the stage in the first place!

At this moment, the students from Class A of the first year called out to the gathered crowd, "Is there anyone else who would like to come up? A mysterious grand prize awaits the fated one!"

The crowd below looked at one another; the defeat of that upperclassman had discouraged many. As for the Shinigami lingering nearby, while they were confident of winning, they could not bring themselves to lower their status to bully a student.

"What grand prize?"

A voice suddenly rang out, instantly drawing everyone's attention. Since Unohana appeared, she had long since attracted countless gazes, and the person who spoke was Shin, whom the students all recognized. As the Student Council President, though still a student, he was already considered "high-ranking" within the Shin'o Academy.

The student on the platform who had spoken earlier glanced at Unohana Retsu beside Shin, swallowed hard, and said, "Well, it can only be revealed once someone wins."

Shin stepped forward and leaped lightly onto the platform. "Shall I give it a try?"

Renji Abarai had a deep impression of Shin. Though they had never officially met, he frequently heard about him from Rukia. Whenever she spoke of student council matters, it was always this President she mentioned, alongside Hinamori.

Things like, "The President is such a good person," or "I want to make the President my goal..."

At first, Renji hadn't felt much toward the Student Council President, but as Rukia constantly praised him to his face, Renji couldn't help but develop a sense of hostility toward him—a hostility Renji himself hadn't even noticed. Seeing Shin now, his heart couldn't help but stir.

Defeat him!

The opponent was a famous genius within the academy, and with so many people watching—and even a Captain observing—despite having just finished a spar, his blood was boiling.

Renji Abarai tossed his wooden sword toward Shin.

"Of course."

"Do you want to rest a moment?" Shin asked kindly.

"No need!"

Renji Abarai walked to the other side of the platform, gripped his sword with both hands, and took a stance. "Grant me your instruction!"

Shin tested the weight of the wooden sword in his hand and looked at Renji opposite him, unhurried and composed. Renji held his breath and focused, fully prepared. He looked at the calm Shin, yet felt no pressure at all; it was as if his entire body were full of openings.

He let out a sharp cry and lunged at Shin with his sword held in both hands. He had heard of the Student Council President's strength many times, but one had to experience it personally to truly know.

Renji’s wooden sword thrust directly at Shin’s chest. Shin raised his blade at a speed Renji could clearly follow, appearing to block, but Renji was quick-witted; he abruptly shifted his move, turning the thrust into a horizontal slash, swinging in a semicircle before him.

"Clack!"

A crisp sound echoed across the platform. Renji felt a sharp pain in the back of his hand as his wooden sword flew from his grip. Before he could recover, his throat was already pinned firmly by the wooden sword in Shin’s hand, leaving him unable to move.

Renji’s pupils dilated. He had seen it—he had seen Shin’s blade clearly, every movement that knocked the sword from his hand, he had seen it all distinctly. Yet, he hadn't been able to react; only now, recalling it, did he feel a sense of terror.

Only one move!

He had been defeated so cleanly and decisively.

Shin slowly withdrew his sword, a smile suddenly appearing on his face: "Thank you for the match."

Only then did the crowd around the platform react with gasps of surprise. They had been staring intently at the fight the whole time and had seen Shin’s movements; the strike wasn't fast, but it had hit the vital point in a single motion.

"Wow, that was fast..." Kotetsu Isane hadn't expected the match to be decided so quickly. She had believed Shin would win, but she hadn't expected Renji, who had been so imposing on stage just moments ago, to lose so cleanly.

Unohana Retsu’s beautiful eyes shifted, the corners of her mouth curling into an elusive arc.

"Shin-kun is truly amazing," Kotetsu Isane sighed.

"He is far more amazing than you think," Unohana Retsu remarked, a rare comment from her.

"Eh?"

Unohana Retsu explained unhurriedly, "He is stronger than that red-haired student in every aspect, but he did not rely on his physical prowess to gain an advantage. He won purely through swordsmanship. That single move alone..."

It was the distillation of his own swordsmanship!

This child, to be so young...

After returning the wooden sword, Shin turned to leave the platform.

"Please wait!" Renji called out, his expression somewhat agitated. "Can we do it again?"

He wasn't a sore loser; after all, his opponent was his senior and a renowned genius. Losing to Shin was nothing to be ashamed of. That strike had hit his flaw directly, allowing Renji to feel the shortcomings in his swordsmanship more clearly than ever before. He wanted to exchange moves with Shin once more. He could sense that sparring with Shin would surely be beneficial to his progress!

Shin chuckled softly, "If you didn't notice anything just now, doing it a few more times will be the same."

The student from Class A stepped up, "Congratulations, Senior, you won. We have prepared—"

"No need. You should save your gifts for the next fated person."

Renji watched Shin’s retreating back, secretly making a resolution in his heart.

Next year! I will definitely join the Student Council next year!

Shin walked off the platform, ignoring the gazes of those around him, and approached Unohana.

"Captain Unohana, I won."

"Not bad. Let us continue on."

Although Unohana Retsu still wore a smile, her reaction was rather flat, offering only a sparse "not bad" instead of any praise.

[Unohana Retsu]
[Favorability: 2]