That afternoon, Yamada Seinosuke was summoned to the Captain's office.
Unohana Retsu was brewing tea, her movements elegant and leisurely.
Seeing Yamada enter, Unohana gestured for him to sit and pushed a cup of freshly brewed tea toward him.
"Seinosuke, how is Hasumi Ren's learning progress?"
After thanking her, Yamada Seinosuke picked up the teacup and hesitated slightly.
He wasn't quite sure how to describe it.
"He learns... quickly, very quickly."
"Oh?"
A flicker of curiosity flashed in Unohana's eyes.
Although she had been the one to suggest Ren's further study, she hadn't had time to personally check on him, simply tasking Seinosuke with guiding his foundations in Kaido.
Since Seinosuke said it was fast, the progress must be quite good.
Yamada Seinosuke pondered for a moment before giving a detailed report on Ren's current progress.
"Currently, his understanding of Kaido is no weaker than that of the high-ranking seated officers in the squad."
"At this rate, in a few more months, he might be able to reach a Lieutenant-level proficiency in Kaido."
Yamada Seinosuke concluded, his tone somewhat complex.
As Yamada described it, the look in Unohana's eyes shifted from calm to astonishment.
"That is indeed surprising."
Unohana gently set down her teacup.
Yamada Seinosuke nodded, his expression somewhat numb.
"Perhaps his previous research into Kido was very deep, which is why he can advance so rapidly in Kaido, but even that cannot hide his talent for it."
"With his talent, staying in the Second Division almost seems like a waste."
Unohana listened quietly, a thoughtful look in her eyes.
Yamada Seinosuke remained silent for a moment before continuing.
"Furthermore, his learning process is exceptionally easy. Unlike ordinary members who need extensive notes and theoretical accumulation, it seems like... he simply gets it after hearing it twice."
"And in practice, the ability he demonstrates is even higher."
He paused and added.
"I really didn't expect him to have such a deep understanding and affinity for Kaido."
"If I were to give him an evaluation, perhaps he is a once-in-a-century Kaido genius."
Unohana gently swirled her cup, the tea forming ripples.
"That is very high praise."
"I thought it would take some time before I needed to take a look myself, but I didn't expect..."
Unohana sighed softly. Ren's progress had truly exceeded her expectations.
It had only been a little over a month, and he had already reached this level.
Silence fell between them for a moment before Unohana spoke softly.
"So, about the matter with the nobility... what have you decided?"
The sudden change of topic caused Yamada Seinosuke's body to stiffen slightly.
He knew what Unohana was asking. It was the transfer order issued by Central 46, inviting him to serve as the General Representative of the soon-to-be-expanded Central Pharmaceutical Institute.
This was a significant promotion, jumping from Lieutenant to the head of an institute, with a substantial rise in status and resources.
But Yamada Seinosuke was no fool.
He knew this was being pushed by great noble houses like the Tsunayashiro family. This so-called Pharmaceutical Institute was likely far more than a simple medical facility.
"The order was issued directly by Central 46. I... have no power to refuse," Yamada Seinosuke said in a low voice.
Yamada Seinosuke spoke softly.
The room fell into a brief silence.
"I understand," Unohana finally said.
"Unlike me, who came from that era, you are still young and living within this system. You have no right to refuse an order from Central 46."
She looked at Yamada Seinosuke with a deep gaze.
"But Seinosuke, the world of the nobility is darker and more complex than you imagine."
"The position of General Representative of the Central Pharmaceutical Institute serves the nobility. It may look prestigious, but its underlying nature is hard to hide. Are you prepared?"
Yamada Seinosuke gripped his teacup, his knuckles turning slightly white.
"I don't know," he said honestly, "but some paths must be taken."
Unohana nodded. Some things only needed to be touched upon.
She understood her assistant—serious and responsible, somewhat rigid, but fundamentally upright.
"If you leave, the position of Lieutenant will be vacant once more."
"The current third and fourth seats' abilities are far inferior to yours. Have you found any promising talent among the new members?"
Yamada Seinosuke fell silent for a while.
"Hasumi Ren is good. Unfortunately, he is part of the Second Division. If we could poach him, he would be fit for the role."
Unohana shook her head at this.
"That would be very difficult."
Yamada lowered his head in thought for a moment.
"Aside from him... there is a female squad member named Kotetsu Isane whose talent is quite good. You could pay special attention to her, Captain."
Unohana nodded slightly, noting the name.
"I see. I will observe her more closely later."
Unohana smiled faintly.
"After all, there is still some time before you go to take up your post, isn't there?"
She set down her teacup and walked to the window, looking out at the scenery of the Seireitei.
"Speaking of which, my proposal regarding Hasumi Ren was also somewhat related to you."
"When I learned he was in the Second Division, I tried suggesting it. I didn't expect Captain Shihoin to agree so readily."
Unohana turned around, a glint of deep meaning in her eyes.
"It occurred to me that I could use this to send a signal to Captain Shihoin—that on certain matters, we can share a common stance."
Yamada Seinosuke thought for a moment and then understood.
The nobility was poaching directly from the Fourth Division, and a Lieutenant at that.
This matter caused Unohana to remain calm on the surface, but she was likely not very pleased in her heart.
And Shihoin Yoruichi, as one of the Four Great Noble Houses, had always been unconventional and lacked patience for noble power games.
Both Captains, to some degree, were dissatisfied with the current noble system.
"You want to... join forces, Captain?" Yamada Seinosuke lowered his voice.
"Just a small understanding."
Unohana returned to the tea table and began brewing more tea.
"Unlike when I was in the Rukongai and the Eleventh Division, where I could cut down anyone I pleased..."
"In the Seireitei, with this identity as the Fourth Division Captain and within this framework of order... I also have to consider the Head Captain's feelings and the balance between the Gotei 13 and the nobility."
Her tone was flat, but Yamada Seinosuke could still hear the sharpness within.
The First Kenpachi, even after donning the healer's robes, remained a Shura who reigned supreme by the sword at heart.
She tolerated the nobility's petty schemes not out of retreat, but because she was waiting for the right moment.
And Hasumi Ren was the bridge connecting her to Yoruichi.
"I understand."
Yamada Seinosuke stood up and bowed solemnly.
"Before I leave, I will fulfill my duties with the utmost responsibility. As for the future... please take care, Captain."
"Of course, and you as well."
Unohana nodded.
"Remember to protect yourself, Seinosuke."
"That's all for now. Go back to your work."
"Yes, Captain."
Unohana stopped looking at him, and Yamada Seinosuke rose, slowly backed out of the Captain's office, and gently closed the door.
The night was deep, and the corridor was silent.
Yamada Seinosuke stood there for a long time. Finally, he let out a long breath and walked away.