Kurosaki's eyes widened.
"Superficially."
Those three words were a lifesaver. The system could be wrong, after all. And the supposedly weakest Unohana was weak?
The list continued in his mind, flowing one captain after another:
8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyoraku (balanced type; looks lazy on the surface, but not to be underestimated)
13th Division Captain Jushiro Ukitake (dual Zanpakuto; both support and offense, but superficially frail in body, limiting his combat power)
3rd Division Captain Gin Ichimaru (speed-focused powerhouse; abilities strange and unpredictable)
9th Division Captain Kaname Tosen (perception and offense; before Hollowfication, mid-tier combat power)
10th Division Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya (gifted ice user; Bankai brings astonishing power)
12th Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi (mixes science with poison-based abilities; extremely formidable)
6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki (noble lineage; Bankai's destructive power is terrifying)
2nd Division Captain Soi Fon (assassination and speed specialist; top-tier combat power)
5th Division Captain Sosuke Aizen (hidden top-tier; later strength breaks normal limits)
7th Division Captain Sajin Komamura (beast-like combat style; Bankai grants explosive power)
11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki (pure battle power; no Shikai or Bankai, yet monstrously strong)
1st Division Captain Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto (Captain-Commander; the undeniable strongest combat power)
Current unlocked ability: 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana's basic ability. Zanpakuto "Minazuki" is in initial form. Core effect is basic healing, easing minor injuries and restoring stamina. Advanced healing and offensive abilities are unavailable. Current proficiency: 10%.
"So it really is the captains' power." Excitement rose in him. "Starting from Unohana, then slowly unlocking stronger abilities. Looks like I'll have to grow step by step."
Still, he could not help thinking the "system" had issues. It clearly did not understand how terrifying Unohana truly was.
"But how do I activate this?" he wondered. "Do I just say it in my head?"
As if it had heard him, the mechanical voice responded immediately.
"In the inner sea, silently recite 'Activate Unohana ability' to use the currently unlocked basic healing. To exit, perform the same operation. When proficiency reaches 100%, the next captain will unlock automatically: 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyoraku's basic ability. Subsequent unlocks follow the same rule. Ability strength depends on spiritual pressure intensity and proficiency."
"Heh. Pretty user-friendly, answering that clearly." Kurosaki chuckled softly.
No reply came. It really was just a program that delivered preset information.
"Activate Unohana ability," he recited inwardly.
In an instant, a soft white spiritual pressure spread across his palms. Like a thin veil, it drifted over his sore wrists and exhausted body. Warmth seeped in, gentle and comfortable. The bruises on his wrist visibly faded, and the crushing fatigue eased significantly.
This was Unohana's basic healing.
Retsu Unohana (4th Division Captain):
Captain of the Gotei 13's 4th Division, responsible for medical treatment and rescue in Soul Society. Her Zanpakuto is Minazuki, one of the most powerful healing-type Zanpakuto. In initial form, it manifests as a short blade. As proficiency increases, advanced healing, wound suturing, spiritual pressure repair, and other skills can be unlocked. However, her personal combat power is relatively weak, and her fighting style focuses on support and endurance.
Current ability: Basic healing (eases minor injuries, restores stamina)
Proficiency: 10%
Kurosaki flexed his wrist lightly. The annoying soreness really had lessened.
But using the ability drained spiritual pressure. His head felt faintly heavy.
"Only ten percent proficiency." He shook his head. "My spiritual pressure and ability are still too weak. All I can do is basic healing."
Still, this body was young. The growth potential was enormous.
"Tomorrow I need to figure out what year it is in the Fairy Tail world, and how to raise spiritual pressure and proficiency. The sooner I unlock the next captain, the better."
"System?" he tried again, unwilling to give up.
Minutes passed. Nothing answered.
So it really was not a system, just a trigger-based program.
Fine. No point obsessing. The priority was sleep.
He withdrew Unohana's power. His spiritual pressure was limited, and he could not waste it.
Next he needed to make a fire with the branch. The earlier healing had restored a bit of strength. He gathered dry wood shavings and dead leaves, then worked the branch into small pieces of kindling.
When he was ready, he started rubbing to spark a flame. The branch was damp and stubborn. It took a long time, but eventually a small fire caught.
He dragged the fire closer, curled up beside Fairy Tail's front doors, and leaned against them. With the weak firelight and the lingering warmth from Unohana's healing, under the moon's quiet watch, he slowly fell asleep.