The moment the figure stepped calmly onto the podium, the entire classroom froze.Every student stared wide-eyed, unable to believe what they were seeing.
A pristine white captain's haori draped elegantly over her shoulders. Two long braids framed her chest, and a soft, gentle smile rested on her beautifully refined face. Her entire presence radiated a warmth like spring sunlight—gentle, soothing, impossible to ignore.
"C-C-Captain Unohana?!"
Someone finally broke the silence, voice cracking in disbelief.
As the captain of the Fourth Division, Unohana Retsu had healed countless shinigami. Her serene smile was so beloved that it had repeatedly been voted the "Most Comforting Smile in the Seireitei Communications."
Even though most students didn't dream of joining the Fourth Division, that didn't dampen their admiration for her—not even slightly.
And now, to have their admired captain standing right in front of them…
Excitement surged through the room like electricity.
Meanwhile, Kisaragi Akira immediately ducked behind his open textbook, employing the classic ostrich tactic—if he couldn't see her, maybe she couldn't see him.
His instincts were screaming.
Captain Unohana had come here for him.How he knew? No idea.But he could feel it—the dangerous gaze already locking onto him like a predator spotting prey.
"Good morning, everyone."
Her gentle voice floated across the classroom, instantly quieting all noise.
"I am Unohana Retsu, Captain of the Fourth Division of the Gotei Thirteen."
"Your instructor for Kaidō, Kawai-sensei, is currently unwell. Since I happen to have some free time, I will be substitute teaching today."
"Please rest assured—although it has been many years since I last taught, I still retain some minor skill in Kaidō. Your learning progression will not be affected."
After such words, the classroom fell into dead silence.
Students stared at each other, unsure how to respond.
Minor skill?Who in the entire Soul Society dared claim their Kaidō surpassed hers?
Seeing no objections, Unohana nodded softly and continued:
"I heard that yesterday, a 'Kaidō prodigy' appeared in this class."
"Is he here today?"
The moment the words left her lips, Akira's heart dropped straight to the floor.
He peeked over his book toward Aizen Sōsuke, silently pleading for help.
Their eyes met.
Aizen's expression clearly read: "You're on your own."
Traitor!How could his best friend abandon him at a time like this?!
Dozens—no, hundreds—of eyes zeroed in on him.Everyone in the class already knew Akira incredibly well.
He had publicly clashed with the noble Shihōin heiress.He had sent their homeroom teacher, Kazane-sensei, flying with a single strike.He had crushed elite sixth-year student Matsushita Takeo in hand-to-hand combat.He performed exorcisms, blessings, warding rites, ceremony relocations, ground-breaking rituals…He even indirectly caused all the male students to get relocated to the Twelfth Division's temporary dorms.
Even though he hadn't been enrolled long, Kisaragi Akira's name was deeply etched into every student's mind.Impossible to forget.
In the 2,000-year history of Shinō Spiritual Arts Academy, the last person to cause this much trouble was now serving as Captain of the Eighth Division… though in his case, the chaos came mostly from being incorrigibly lecherous.
But Akira?
He was in a league of his own.
Realizing escape was impossible, Akira let out a long, tragic sigh and lowered the book shielding his face.
"Captain Unohana… how may I assist you?"
Unohana's gaze softened as she studied the boy once more.Though she couldn't sense anything extraordinary yet, Kawai-sensei's assessment intrigued her. If he truly was a once-in-a-century Kaidō talent, recruiting him into the Fourth Division would be a remarkable opportunity.
Perhaps… even a potential future successor.
"For today's lesson, I will need the assistance of one student."
Her gentle voice echoed pleasantly."Do not worry—there is no danger."
Hearing that, Akira finally relaxed.
So she wasn't here to collect debts.Good.Especially since he had spent every last rin at breakfast after remembering he'd be getting a huge payment this afternoon.
Right now, he was utterly broke.
"Oh, so it's just that? You should've said so earlier."
Akira, reassured, walked casually up to the podium and stood beside her.
Once he was in place, Unohana nodded warmly and began the lesson.
"I reviewed your class's progress."
"You have all mastered basic Kaidō and practiced treatments on the small test animals."
"Therefore, today's content will focus on understanding the human body and how basic Kaidō behaves when used on individuals with differing levels of spiritual pressure."
"Only by fully grasping this can you pass the Kaidō curriculum."
At that, a chill ran down Akira's spine.An ominous premonition crept up on him.
Unohana's gaze shifted gently toward him.
"Kisaragi-kun, please place your left hand on the examination table."
Her smile was soft—almost impossibly gentle—but the moment Akira met her eyes, every pore on his body flew open.
A freezing shiver flooded through him.
Danger.Extreme danger.
It felt as though if he disobeyed, he would meet a gruesome, unspeakable death.
Smack!
Akira slapped his left hand onto the table instantly, with the speed of someone choosing survival.
Satisfied, Unohana extended her own flawless right hand—and in front of countless stunned classmates, placed it gracefully over Akira's.
Wait.
Wait.
Something about this procedure was absolutely wrong.
Akira felt the smooth, velvety warmth of her touch, along with a faint fragrance drifting into his nose. For a heartbeat, the entire situation felt strangely unreal.
But reality returned in the next second.
When Unohana lifted her hand, the silky warmth vanished—replaced by sharp, searing pain.
Blood welled up.
Flesh split.
A deep, gruesome cut appeared across his hand.
"Please observe the technique closely, as well as the release of spiritual pressure. For light injuries like this, basic Kaidō can easily achieve full recovery."
As Unohana explained, green Kaidō light flowed from her hand, enveloping Akira's wound.
The torn flesh mended visibly, stitches of light pulling it together until not even a drop of blood remained.
Gasps filled the room.
Even basic Kaidō became something spectacular in her hands—almost miraculous.
"That concludes the details."
Unohana continued gently, "When practicing Kaidō on a living person, the greatest challenge is overcoming psychological resistance."
"So, Kisaragi-kun will now provide a second demonstration for everyone."
As she spoke, she picked up the scalpel resting on the examination tray.
Without hesitation—and to the horror of every watching student—she drew it across the back of her own hand.
Pale skin parted open.
Blood gushed down her wrist.
Still wearing her serene smile, she extended her injured hand toward Akira and spoke softly:
"Kisaragi-kun… I'm counting on you."
Her gentle tone felt more terrifying than any threat.
Akira swallowed hard.
The real lesson…was only just beginning.