Expressing the same thing with different wording can completely change its meaning.
Higashino Shuuichi understood this well.
And he was sure that someone as seasoned as Unohana Retsu knew it too.
When Shihōin Yoruichi went to Unohana about transferring Shuuichi into the 2nd Division, the "normal" phrasing should have been: *"Whether Higashino Shuuichi wishes to join the 2nd Division depends entirely on his will."*
That placed the focus on the 2nd Division.
But what Unohana actually said was: *"It depends on whether Higashino Shuuichi wants to leave the 4th Division."*
On the surface, they seemed the same. But Shuuichi, already aware that Unohana harbored doubts about him, could hear the true meaning.
It was a warning.
She might appear to be respecting his choice, but if he really chose to leave, she likely wouldn't remain so calm.
Laying things out openly was already forcing a choice.
Although Shuuichi didn't know exactly what Unohana had discovered about him, he *did* know he had plenty of secrets. Standing against her now had no benefit, only danger.
"She's already showing her cards…"
Shuuichi thought bitterly.
That this day would come didn't surprise him. What surprised him was how soon it arrived.
He had assumed Unohana's silence for two years meant the matter was over. But no—she had carried it all this time, waiting, and now had chosen confrontation.
This was almost a declaration that she would soon demand an "open and honest" talk with him.
"Crisis… a big crisis!"
Just a single sentence had thrown Shuuichi into turmoil.
Unfortunately, Yoruichi couldn't hear his inner panic. She only saw his uneasy expression and assumed he was feeling guilty.
"Don't worry, I was only saying it casually! Your captain respects your choice, and so do I! But if you ever want to come to the 2nd Division, we'll always welcome you! To be honest, the vice-captain's seat would be yours. Ōmaeda Jirōbō couldn't beat you in a million years!"
She patted his shoulder warmly, selling out her own lieutenant without hesitation.
But if Shuuichi truly believed that, he might as well have wasted a hundred years in Soul Society.
Ōmaeda Jirōbō wasn't just vice-captain—he was the wealthiest man in Soul Society. That alone secured his position. Anyone replacing him would be refusing to live here.
"I understand. If I ever think about joining the 2nd Division, I'll be sure to contact you, Captain Yoruichi."
Shuuichi answered politely, subtly shifting himself free of her hand to stop certain *soft distractions* from clouding his mind.
"No problem!"
Yoruichi took no offense, replying with her usual cheer.
Then came silence.
Shuuichi was waiting—waiting for her to leave. But after a while, it became clear Yoruichi had no such intention.
"Um, Captain Yoruichi, do you have other business with the 13th Division? If so, perhaps I should go ahead?"
He asked nervously.
He wasn't worried about Aizen. He knew that after leaking a few hints, Aizen would swiftly adjust illusions as needed.
No, what worried him was the Kasumioji clan. If they came sniffing after Raika, he'd never be able to explain why he was carrying a sword case with a Bakkōtō inside.
But Yoruichi wasn't about to let him off.
"Nope. I'm done here."
She shook her head, then gave him a mischievous smile.
"So… what now?"
Shuuichi realized she was a master at toying with people.
"You don't have to join the 2nd Division. But you *do* have to come back with me today. I want to test your strength myself—to see what else you're hiding\~"
Her eyes told him she'd already seen through him.
"Can't it wait? I need to report back to the 4th."
Desperate, Shuuichi once again raised the 4th as a shield.
But she'd already anticipated that.
"No need. I already spoke to Unohana. She agreed to let me borrow you for a few days. Once I'm done, I'll return you!" Yoruichi grinned slyly. "So Shuuichi-kun, today you're definitely coming with me\~"
Well, with her words laid out so firmly, what else could he say?
If he pushed again, even a fool would realize he had something to hide.
But before leaving with her, Shuuichi couldn't help asking:
"Captain Yoruichi, why are you so insistent on taking me back today? Since the hunt, it's been over a month, and you never once came to the 4th Division."
At this, Yoruichi looked back with a helpless smile.
"What can I do? I accidentally promised a little girl I'd bring her great hero-nii-san to meet her today. I can't break my word, right? Shuuichi-kun!"
*Little girl. Great hero brother.*
Two keywords—and Shuuichi instantly knew who it was.
The young Soi Fon.
So the Fēng family was truly ruthless. Using her brief moment of exposure during the hunt, they had already pushed her into the Onmitsukidō.
And why was he certain it was the Executive Militia? Because that was the only Onmitsukidō branch with lax enough requirements to recruit even non-Shinigami.
And little Soi Fon clearly had neither significant reiryoku nor a zanpakutō yet. Her only path in was through connections.
(End of Chapter)
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