"So… I'm now the 3rd Seat of the 4th Division?" – Ren stared at Unohana from beneath his blindfold, his tone carrying a mixture of astonishment and suspicion, as if unsure whether he should feel proud… or worried.
Unohana stood before him, calm as always, yet behind those eyes pulsed silent flames of satisfaction.
"No one in the history of the Fourth Division has ever reached this position so quickly…" – she spoke in a soft, yet firm voice – "And no one has endured my training and walked away alive in this state."
Ren did not answer. Instead, he lowered his head slightly, as if recalling the past few days.
It had only been a handful of days since he snuck into Seireitei, but he was no ordinary intruder. He had been under Unohana's care—or rather, under her blade.
She had taught him Kido, trained him in swordsmanship, and at times explained the rules of Soul Society… but every time she raised her sword, she wasn't a "teacher," she was an "executioner."
Her strikes were never tests or demonstrations… they were lethal. Every time she attacked, she sought to end his life.
And there was not the slightest trace of mercy in her eyes.
Even so, Ren did not run. He did not falter. He thrived.
Unohana's deadly and merciless style proved strangely effective, to the point Ren felt that every clash with her filled a missing piece within him—his instincts, his very nature. His prior training with Yoruichi had been useful, but it had never drawn out this side of him… the side that breathed combat as naturally as air.
Under the pressure of death, Ren refined himself until his skills in Zanjutsu and Hakuda reached the level of a Master, and his Shunpo had become little more than a flash.
But more important than all of that… were his battle instincts.
They were no longer just primal reflexes—they had become sharp, calculated, decisive.
Ren could now read his opponent's intent from the slightest shift in footing, from a fleeting glint in their eyes.
He was learning how to live the fight… not merely survive it.
"That's all fine and great, but you do realize I'm still a wanted criminal," – Ren smirked carelessly as he sprawled onto a nearby couch, his demeanor more casual around Unohana after spending so much time with her, especially since she wasn't the type to care for formalities – "Besides, I plan to return to the human world once I've rescued Rukia."
"I already know." – Retsu nodded lightly, as though she had expected those very words from the start, perhaps even having arranged everything with full knowledge of his intentions.
Her gaze was neither sharp nor surprised… but calm, like a surgeon who knows the patient will flee the operating room soon, and smiles anyway.
"The promotion to 3rd Seat is extremely useful," – she continued as she slowly walked between the perfectly organized shelves of medical tools – "It grants you access to sensitive information, freedom of movement within the inner walls of Seireitei… and most importantly, it gives you a legal cover no one can easily oppose."
"Legal cover?" – Ren echoed playfully, rolling onto his side and propping his head up with one arm – "Are you trying to turn me into a government employee?"
Unohana chuckled softly, her laughter carrying something hidden… a warmth Ren rarely saw in her eyes.
"No, but you're no longer just an intruder… you're now part of the system. Even if only temporarily."
She stopped in front of him, fixing her gaze on him for a long moment before adding:
"And you know well that staying within the system gives you more time to act… and the perfect cover to search for your friends once the moment comes."
Ren grinned widely, as though this newfound responsibility did not weigh him down, but instead gave him fresh motivation.
"That means I won't be alone in this war, right?" – he asked, lifting his head and looking straight into Unohana's eyes.
His gaze carried a blend of challenge and hope, a desire to prove himself in a merciless world.
"Exactly." – Unohana replied with certainty – "But don't forget, being part of the system doesn't mean you're safe. Seireitei is full of dangers—both from enemies… and from within."
Ren exhaled deeply, but there was no sign of hesitation on his face.
"I'm ready for anything… as long as the goal is clear."
Unohana didn't respond with words, only nodded slightly before handing him a small file.
"These are some initial documents you'll need. Study them well, and keep calm. There's much ahead of you."
Ren took the file in his hands, opening it to find detailed maps, notes about division members, their movements, and even secrets that might prove useful.
He closed his eyes for a moment, then looked back at Unohana.
"Thank you, Nee-san."
Unohana's lips curved into a rare smile, and in a calm but firm tone she added:
"This afternoon, there will be a meeting for the Captains and Lieutenants. You will attend in Isane's place, since I've sent her away to make room for you. Watch carefully, and gauge everyone's strength with your own eyes."
Ren's grin softened, but his nod was firm.
"I'll live up to it," he said confidently, closing the file carefully and setting it aside.
"Good. I'll leave you to absorb the information." – Retsu said as she walked toward the exit – "Once you're done, head to the clinic and tend to the patients. It will help refine your Kido."
"You can count on me. With my level of memory, this won't take more than ten minutes to learn and process." – Ren waved lazily, his Six Eyes allowing his mind to operate like a high-performance supercomputer, leaving him with no concern about memorizing such little data.
...
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