Kurotsuki Renya had never felt so anxious before. His heart was filled with worries about what might happen soon, and even the blade in his hand felt powerless.
Renya was kicked down by Sui-Feng and collapsed on the ground, lying flat and unable to stand.
What had gone wrong?
Sui-Feng walked up to him, gazing down coldly, and asked in her sharp tone, "What's the matter with you?"
Renya shook his head. "Captain, it's nothing."
"Nothing?" Sui-Feng snorted. "Your focus is scattered, your strength weakened. Your footwork is sloppy, your strikes are disordered, and you show no will to fight."
Renya stayed silent.
Sui-Feng waved her hand dismissively. "Enough. We'll end here today. Go back. When you come on Friday, I expect you to have corrected yourself."
Renya nodded, rose unsteadily, retrieved his Zanpakutō, and walked toward the office.
Inside, he set the weapon down on the desk, his expression tense.
Half a year had passed, and though his strength had improved, it was not by much. But that wasn't what gnawed at him.
What truly consumed him with fear was the fate of his closest friends: Renji Abarai, Momo Hinamori, and Izuru Kira.
Six months ago, they had advanced into their fourth year at the Academy, received their Zanpakutō, and begun training in Konsō. Now, as the second half of their fourth year began, today marked their first mission to the Human World to perform soul burials.
Renya knew the mission well. Hisagi Shūhei and two other sixth-years were assigned to lead them. But during the assignment, they would be ambushed by Hollows—not just one, but many.
This was a trap laid by Sōsuke Aizen. It would claim the lives of numerous students, even among the sixth-years.
Renji and the others would fight beside Hisagi to hold the Hollows at bay, buying time for their classmates to escape. At the last moment, Aizen and Gin Ichimaru would "rescue" them.
But would they make it in time?
Renya had already altered the course of events, changing lives and forging stronger bonds than before. But would these changes doom them instead?
Unable to intervene, unable to follow them to the Human World, unable to stop Aizen's plot—Renya could only pray.
He sat in the office, waiting. After a while, the door opened, and a patrol member entered.
Renya immediately rose. "What happened?!"
The patrolman reported: "Kurotsuki-dono, the students sent to the Human World for training were attacked by numerous Hollows. There were heavy casualties. However, Captain Aizen of the Fifth Division and his lieutenant, Ichimaru Gin, rushed to the Human World and saved the survivors."
Renya's voice trembled. "And the three I asked you to keep watch over?!"
"They suffered only minor injuries," the patrolman replied. "They are being treated in the Fourth Division."
Renya exhaled in relief, slumping into his chair. "Good. Thank you. You're dismissed."
Once the patrolman departed, Renya buried his face in his hands. At least they were safe.
His greatest fear was that his interference would change history and lead his friends to their deaths.
At that moment, a quiet voice broke his thoughts.
"So that's what weighs on you—your friends. That's why you were so distracted."
Renya turned sharply. Standing inside the room was Sui-Feng herself.
"Captain…? Why are you here?"
"I was concerned about you," she said coolly, stepping closer. "So I followed. Only after hearing the report from the guard did I realize the cause."
Renya lowered his head. "Yes… today was their first Konsō practice. I feared for them."
He dared not look into her eyes. If she suspected he knew of the Hollow ambush in advance…
Sui-Feng tilted her head and sighed. "I know why you're afraid."
Renya glanced up.
"Two years ago, when you were still a fourth-year, you had your internship. A comrade in your squad was killed by a Hollow. It is natural you fear the same happening again."
Renya's chest tightened. "Yes… when Sanada Ryōji was killed, I swore I'd never let it happen again."
Sui-Feng stepped closer, locking eyes with him. "Then you must trust your comrades—and even more, trust Seireitei."
Renya bit his lip. How could he? The Hollows on this mission weren't mere strays. They were near-Gillians. Even a student like him could only take down one. And behind them was Aizen, a mastermind manipulating the entire Gotei 13.
But Sui-Feng's words cut sharply. "To be a Shinigami is to accept fighting unto death. You must respect their resolve."
For a fleeting moment, something stirred in Renya's heart… then vanished.
Sui-Feng patted his shoulder. "If you're so worried, go see them yourself."
With that, she turned and left.
Renya wasted no time. He bolted from the Second Division barracks straight to the Fourth Division. Bursting into the treatment wing, he searched frantically for his friends.
But he couldn't find Renji anywhere.
As his panic rose, a gentle voice spoke behind him. "Whom are you looking for?"
Renya turned—and found himself face to face with a serene woman. She had long, dark hair tied into a braid that draped over her shoulder, and soft eyes that carried an aura of calm authority.
"Captain Unohana!" Renya bowed quickly.
Before him stood Retsu Unohana, captain of the Fourth Division—the first Kenpachi.
The memory of her eventual death, giving her life to unlock Zaraki Kenpachi's true power, struck him like a knife.
"Why such urgency?" Unohana asked gently.
Renya straightened. "I'm searching for my friends. They were among the students sent to the Human World. They were attacked by Hollows."
Unohana nodded and called over the registrar. "What are their names?"
Renya said quickly, "Abarai Renji, Kuchiki Rukia, Hinamori Momo."
The registrar checked the records. "Their wounds are light. They are in the waiting room. Only the heavily injured are here."
Unohana pointed with a calm smile. "Over there."
"Thank you, Captain Unohana."
Renya bowed deeply, then hurried toward the waiting room.
But Unohana called softly after him. "Your name?"
He turned back. "Kurotsuki Renya."
As he left, Unohana murmured to herself, "So it was him…"
Renya's name had already spread across the Academy and Gotei 13—a rare genius, recruited early into the Onmitsukidō. Most captains knew of him, and Unohana was no exception.
Yet as she recalled his expression just now, her brow furrowed.
Why had he looked at her with such sorrow… as if mourning her already?
__________
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCED 30+ CHAPTERS
Patreon.com/HACKDWORLD