Chapter 169 - Sister Unohana, I'll Submit to You, Alright?
"It's untreatable. He shows no difference from a normal person, and his vital signs are perfectly healthy."
Kisuke Urahara rubbed his chin, secretly wondering if Renji was pretending to be injured.
But if that were the case, wouldn't it be completely unnecessary?
What could he possibly gain from this?
"Leave it to me."
"Captain Unohana!?"
Kotetsu Isane widened her eyes in surprise, turning toward the voice. Unohana Retsu stood not far away, calmly observing the group.
"I didn't expect you to come here."
"So you still aren't preparing to flee?"
Unohana Retsu looked at Kisuke Urahara and Shihoin Yoruichi.
Although she wasn't participating in their capture, the fact that they remained here to greet her after her arrival showed they were being far too dismissive of her.
"No choice. Against an opponent like you, even wanting to flee would be pointless."
Kisuke Urahara shrugged and said with some resignation.
Had he known she was here, he shouldn't have come out earlier. Now, whether he could escape truly depended on Unohana Retsu's mood.
Among the few Shinigami in Soul Society that Kisuke Urahara truly feared, Old Man Yamamoto was one, Aizen was another, and Unohana Retsu was certainly among them.
"Captain Unohana, they don't seem to have any ill intentions. Shouldn't we first check on Vice-Captain Renji?"
Kotetsu Isane quickly tugged at Unohana Retsu's sleeve. Now wasn't the time to deal with them, especially since they had genuinely appeared to be saving Renji moments ago.
Surely they couldn't just punish them now?
"Who knows?"
"Heh, how could I possibly harm Renji?"
Kisuke Urahara gave an awkward laugh. He would never harm Renji.
He was merely contemplating whether to place the Hogyoku inside Renji's body.
After all, Aizen paid such close attention to the Hogyoku, and Renji was someone Aizen also watched closely. If the Hogyoku were placed inside Renji, could it achieve an unexpected effect, making Aizen completely unaware that the Hogyoku had been on the person he was observing all along?
Moreover, since this battle was clearly arranged by Aizen for Renji, it might cause Aizen to become disappointed in Renji, leading him to stop paying attention.
Both scenarios existed, and to Kisuke Urahara, both seemed advantageous.
But before he could act, Unohana Retsu arrived.
Fortunately, he hadn't made up his mind yet, so he decided to shelve the plan for now.
"Captain, what about Vice-Captain Renji?"
"He's fine. You two leave here first."
Unohana Retsu waved her hand, signaling them to depart.
Though Kotetsu Isane seemed puzzled, she didn't object. Glancing at Rukia, she then led her away.
Kisuke Urahara and Shihoin Yoruichi naturally wouldn't stay to invite trouble either.
Once only Renji and Unohana Retsu remained, she kicked him squarely on the backside and said irritably, "How long are you going to keep pretending? Get up now!"
"Hehe, Sister Unohana, I really have you to thank for coming. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known how to end this. Truly worthy of a captain, your sense for detecting danger is as sharp as ever!"
Renji got up, grinning as he gave a thumbs-up in flattery. He paid no mind to Unohana Retsu's kick, brushing the dust off his body before using spiritual energy to shake off the bloodstains.
Had Unohana Retsu not arrived, Renji truly couldn't have figured out how to continue his act.
"Heh, only because they didn't suspect you."
His vital signs were completely normal. Perhaps they suspected him initially, but couldn't fathom his purpose, so they dismissed the doubt.
But Unohana Retsu had been watching. That last attack absolutely couldn't have injured Renji.
Moreover, this fellow had already achieved Bankai and was clearly stronger than during their previous battle.
This immediately gave Unohana Retsu an idea.
Without speaking, Unohana Retsu kept her hands hidden in her wide sleeves while her eyes continuously scrutinized Renji. This made Renji feel a sense of foreboding: "Sister Unohana, I've expressed my gratitude. How about I treat you to some strongly flavored food next time?"
Unohana Retsu enjoyed intensely flavored dishes.
Every time Renji thanked her, he would treat her to a meal.
This time, however, Unohana Retsu refused.
Seeing her shake her head in refusal, Renji felt a flicker of confusion alongside his growing unease.
This had never happened before.
"Little Renji, you wouldn't want your true strength exposed, would you?"
She was now certain Renji was nowhere near the level he displayed during their decisive battle. He was far stronger than before.
This strange attitude instantly filled Renji with a sense of foreboding.
Wait!?
Is that something you should be saying, Sister Unohana?
"Sister Unohana, your words are becoming increasingly hard for me to understand."
Renji hesitated for a moment before finally speaking slowly.
Had Unohana Retsu recently seen something extraordinary again?
"Make your choice, little Renji!"
"Sister Unohana, I choose to submit. I'm truly afraid of you!"
"Excellent. Starting today, you must fight me to the death once every fifteen days!"
"..."
Renji had considered many possibilities, but never imagined this.
She wanted him to fight her to the death?
On second thought, it seemed fitting. Unohana Retsu was actually quite similar to Kenpachi Zaraki.
One had sealed their greatest power, while the other had learned Kido to better enjoy combat.
She had always been searching for someone who could give her the thrill of battle.
Renji felt somewhat bewildered. Why had Unohana Retsu targeted him?
The combat strength he displayed hardly seemed sufficient to warrant such intense interest from her.
Why suddenly choose him as her opponent?
"Sister Unohana, at my level, you'd chop me to pieces."
"No! If it's you, you will definitely satisfy me!"
Excitement flashed in Unohana Retsu's eyes. She had witnessed Renji's entire battle.
Clearly, she was very pleased with his performance, especially his Bankai. Even she had faintly sensed a threat from that single strike.
She understood Renji was already incredibly strong—so strong that his attack had made her tremble. But this wasn't fear; it was excitement!
Because she had once again found an opponent who could give her the thrill she craved.
"Sister Unohana, you're being such a pervert now."
Renji muttered to himself. He wanted to lay low, yet she insisted on fighting him. How could he possibly continue hiding his strength then?
Damn it!
Didn't this completely ruin his plans to stay under the radar?
"Am I? Then it's settled, little Renji. Consider this compensation for me helping you out of this predicament. After all, if Isane were to discover you deceived her earlier, she absolutely wouldn't let you off!"
Unohana Retsu pouted slightly before speaking slowly.
Kotetsu Isane had been crying her heart out earlier. If she learned Renji had merely been pretending, she would most certainly show him the consequences of deception.
"Sister Unohana, does my death benefit you?"
How is this any different from killing me?
Telling Kotetsu Isane I'll die, and fighting Unohana Retsu will also kill me.
Basically, you just don't want me to live, right?
"Certain someone emptied out all the medicine from the Fourth Division's supplies."
Silence.
"And also peeked before..."
"Sister Unohana, I agree!"
Renji grabbed Unohana Retsu's hand, looking at her with feigned enthusiasm.
He admitted, his perspective had been a bit too narrow just now.
If the leader is willing to play along, then play along. Would the leader possibly harm their own subordinate?
"It's not that I don't want to. Actually, I'm not the type to force my subordinates into anything."
"Sister Unohana, I admit I was being a bit insolent just now!"
"Very good!"
Unohana Retsu nodded in satisfaction, unconsciously pulling her hand from Renji's grasp.
Since Renji had agreed, the matter would rest for now.
Later, after returning, she would properly assess Renji's strength. That little rascal had actually hidden things from her last time—truly dishonest.
"A medical miracle?"
Staring at the completely unharmed Renji with perfectly normal vital signs, Kotetsu Isane curiously examined him all over.
"Oh? Seems you're fine now. We'll be off then, Young Master Renji! Don't forget the favor I did you earlier!"
"..."
What damn favor did you do?
Renji glanced at Kisuke Urahara. This guy really knew how to joke.
That bastard had nearly blown his cover just now.
"Move it, idiot!"
Shihoin Yoruichi shot Kisuke Urahara a glare before vanishing in a flash step.
Their current identities couldn't be revealed before these two. After all, they were wanted fugitives.
Even if Unohana Retsu chose not to pursue them, they couldn't just appear here so openly, could they?
"Hey, remember this, Renji!"
Kisuke Urahara's voice faded as he vanished from the spot.
"Vice-Captain Renji, I'm so glad you're alright!"
For Kuchiki Rukia, this experience reminded her of the previous incident. If she had to endure something like this again, she truly wouldn't be able to bear it.
"Don't worry. I just lost control of my Bankai for a moment."
Renji waved his hand, unwilling to dwell on the topic.
Kotetsu Isane beside him seemed about to say something, but Unohana Retsu interrupted her.
"You two return with me. You will come back later!"
"Why?"
"If you want to be hunted down, then go back now. You emptied the medical supplies—many Shinigami are without treatment. Hand over the medicinal materials!"
"..."
Damn it!
These medicinal materials weren't even needed!
"You should stay here for a while. I don't think you need to rush back. Return tonight instead."
After taking the medicinal materials from Renji, Unohana Retsu gave a reminder before leading Kotetsu Isane and Rukia back to Soul Society.
Facing Kotetsu Isane's concerned gaze, Renji couldn't shake the feeling that something was off with her.
"Come out, you two."
"Well now, worthy of being the genius Soul Society hasn't seen in a millennium!"
Kisuke Urahara emerged with a grin, waving at Renji. They hadn't actually left earlier, and Unohana Retsu hadn't been concerned about Renji's safety either.
"Kisuke Urahara, what do you want with me?"
Renji asked coolly.
Since he had waited here specifically, he must need something from him.
"Renji, don't be so cold. Don't forget our time back in Soul Society—"
"Stop! Don't you dare continue!"
Renji slapped away Kisuke Urahara's hand as it reached for his shoulder, attempting to act familiar.
Renji had no desire to recall those memories.
"So cold!"
"I don't like men!"
Renji's voice grew colder. Had Kisuke Urahara spent too much time in the World of the Living and changed somewhat?
"I don't like them either. I need you for something very important!"
Kisuke Urahara wiped the grin off his face, his expression turning serious as he looked at Renji. "This isn't the place to talk. How about coming somewhere with me?"
He didn't know if Aizen might still be monitoring this area through other means.
To prevent their conversation from being overheard by Aizen or a third party, he needed to take Renji somewhere secure.
"Alright."
Renji nodded. Whether judging from the anime or his current relationship with Kisuke Urahara, he saw no need to avoid him.
The main plot was likely about to begin, so Kisuke Urahara seeking him out now must have a purpose.
Urahara Shop.
Renji saw someone unexpected: Kurosaki Isshin.
"The Urahara Shop truly hides some formidable figures."
"He just happens to be here."
Kisuke Urahara shrugged. Isshin wasn't the main point—Ichigo was.
He had also observed the power within Ichigo. Combined with past influences from Renji, Kisuke Urahara felt he had progressed further than in the anime timeline.
"So you didn't bring me here just to show me him, did you?"
"Renji, we need your power now!"
Kisuke Urahara looked at Renji earnestly, hoping to gain his assistance.
"You know, you played a part in making the Hogyoku what it is today. In my eyes, you're called a genius not just for your spiritual pressure back then, but more importantly, for your mind."
"Don't try to flatter me!"
Renji curled his lips, feeling Kisuke Urahara was exaggerating.
Back before he graduated, he'd been on fairly good terms with Kisuke Urahara.
He had originally planned to join the Research and Development Institute, so he'd given Kisuke Urahara a lot of inspiration. But the massive spiritual pressure eruption during graduation made Renji realize Aizen might take notice of him.
So he changed his mind and joined the Fourth Division instead.
He had only wanted to survive, while also giving Kisuke Urahara some pointers. Yet in Kisuke Urahara's eyes, had he become someone who saw through everything?
"Hey, don't you forget what you did back then—"
Shihoin Yoruichi glared at Renji. This guy still owed her a favor!
He shouldn't forget what he did to her back then!
"I already told you I was set up by Kisuke Urahara!"
Renji snapped. Back then, he and Kisuke Urahara were like bad influences on each other. How had that bastard set him up?
"Cough, technology has its uncontrollable aspects, you know. I never guaranteed it would be one hundred percent effective."
A hint of embarrassment flashed across Kisuke Urahara's face, though he felt secretly pleased inside.
Back then, he and Renji were like partners in mischief. Renji had been planning to join the Research and Development Institute, so they often researched technological gadgets together, like invisibility devices.
After developing one, they'd had some drinks one day. They exchanged knowing glances, and strange smiles crossed their faces.
Kisuke Urahara offered to keep watch, and Renji—after suppressing the urge for who knows how many years—foolishly agreed.
He still owed Yoruichi and Unohana Retsu a favor from that incident.
That time, Renji felt he had come closest to hell.
Whenever he thought about it, he wanted to kill Kisuke Urahara.
Why had he agreed back then?
It must have been years of pent-up frustration. Afterward, he became more cautious.
Lust and drink had worn him down. From then on, he decided to quit alcohol!
After that incident, Renji actually hesitated about joining the Fourth Division.
He arrived at the Fourth Division with a troubled heart, but when Unohana Retsu didn't bring up the past, he breathed a sigh of relief while secretly vowing to behave more honestly.
He knew she held leverage over him.
This was also why he developed a more cautious personality.
On one hand, his unruly nature had nearly gotten him killed. On the other, Aizen had targeted him. Combined with his increasing age, his personality gradually became more steady.
(End of Chapter)
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