Under Lieutenant Yamada Seinosuke’s meticulous treatment, nearly every lesion within Kuchiki Junko’s body had been completely removed.
Only one remained.
Her Spirit Core.
As the very foundation of a soul, the Spirit Core was both the most important and the most dangerous place to treat.
It was also where the final lesion had rooted itself most deeply.
At that moment, Seinosuke realized he had underestimated the difficulty of the operation.
According to the original treatment plan, the lesion would have been removed little by little over a long period of time.
Although that gradual method would inevitably allow fragments of the lesion to spread through the Spiritual Body, leaving lasting side effects…
It would also have greatly reduced the difficulty of each individual treatment.
Now, however…
Attempting to eradicate everything in a single operation had caused the remaining lesion inside the Spirit Core to become extraordinarily stubborn.
Its complete concentration in one location made the final procedure vastly more difficult.
Furthermore, because earlier examinations had never allowed a thorough exploration of the Spirit Core itself, much of its internal structure remained uncertain.
Combined with the immense Spiritual Power consumed by maintaining Kaidō throughout the lengthy operation, Seinosuke’s condition had already begun deteriorating.
All those unfavorable factors only caused his expression to grow increasingly solemn.
His unfamiliarity with the Spirit Core wasn’t surprising.
After all…
The Spirit Core was the very heart of every soul.
Should it be damaged…
The soul itself would completely cease to exist.
Even among the Fourth Division’s finest healers, very few dared interfere with the Spirit Core unless absolutely necessary.
If anyone in Soul Society possessed greater understanding of it…
It would probably be the researchers of the Twelfth Division.
Many of them had spent their lives studying the structure of souls.
Unfortunately…
There was no longer enough time to seek their assistance.
If they missed this opportunity…
Junko’s condition might never again present such an ideal chance for complete treatment.
Sweat slowly rolled down Seinosuke’s forehead.
Standing beside him, Rin quietly wiped it away.
Sensing the lieutenant’s hesitation, he lowered his voice.
“Lieutenant…”
“What’s wrong?”
Seinosuke didn’t attempt to hide the truth.
“The final lesion is attached directly to the Spirit Core.”
“I understand the theory.”
“But…”
“It’s simply too delicate.”
“I’m not completely confident.”
Hearing that explanation…
Rin fell silent.
His perspective differed completely from Seinosuke’s.
Because of his innate perception of life force, the Spirit Core appeared extraordinarily clear within his senses.
After all…
The Spirit Core itself was the source from which a soul’s life force originated.
To Rin…
The lesion’s structure and every path through which it spread were perfectly visible.
Compared to the earlier parts of the operation…
This final stage actually seemed simpler.
However…
If he openly explained everything…
He would inevitably expose the true nature of his greatest secret.
Was that really worth it?
Even if the Fourth Division accepted him…
Could they truly protect him if someone coveted such an ability?
Noticing Rin’s hesitation, Seinosuke misunderstood completely.
Believing the young man had become anxious about the patient’s condition, he gently reassured him.
“It’s alright.”
“If we truly can’t continue…”
“We’ll stop here.”
“I’ll bear full responsibility.”
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“This outcome is already far better than expected.”
“According to our original plan…”
“We’ve already completed nearly ninety percent of the treatment.”
Those comforting words suddenly caused an idea to flash through Rin’s mind.
He immediately looked toward Seinosuke.
“Lieutenant…”
“The reason you’re hesitating…”
“Is because you can’t clearly observe the Spirit Core itself…”
“Right?”
Seinosuke nodded honestly.
“Exactly.”
“I can manage everything else.”
“But the Spirit Core is simply too complicated.”
“I can’t clearly determine every detail.”
The answer immediately strengthened Rin’s confidence.
That’s right.
Even if he volunteered to perform the surgery himself, Seinosuke would never allow it.
Being able to perceive life force didn’t automatically qualify someone to operate.
Surgery required experience far beyond observation alone.
However…
If the lieutenant’s only problem was seeing the lesion clearly…
Then perhaps…
There was another solution.
Fortunately…
They were currently inside the Healing Space.
The countless blooming Gentian flowers surrounding them didn’t merely produce healing particles.
They also contained an enormous amount of concentrated life force.
Rin quickly explained his idea.
“Lieutenant.”
“What if we greatly increase the healing energy released by every Gentian flower and guide it directly into Miss Kuchiki’s Spirit Core?”
“Healing energy is naturally gentle.”
“It won’t damage the Spirit Core.”
“Instead…”
“It should stimulate the abnormal areas.”
“If they react…”
“You’ll be able to distinguish them more clearly.”
That was the explanation he gave aloud.
In reality…
His true intention differed slightly.
He planned to directly channel the flowers’ life force itself rather than ordinary healing particles.
Although both possessed similar healing effects…
Their true nature wasn’t the same.
Only pure life force could fully stimulate the lesion hidden within the Spirit Core.
Fortunately…
As long as he remained silent…
No one else could distinguish the difference.
While enthusiastically explaining his proposal…
Rin completely failed to notice the brief flash of complexity crossing Seinosuke’s eyes.
The lieutenant quietly fell into thought.
Moments later…
He finally nodded.
“Let’s do it.”
The instant he agreed…
Every Gentian flower throughout the Healing Space suddenly emitted brilliant white radiance.
The astonishing spectacle illuminated the entire courtyard.
Outside…
Captain Kuchiki Ginrei immediately noticed the unusual phenomenon.
Without the slightest hesitation, he rapidly cast several Bakudō barriers around the courtyard, completely sealing off every trace of Spiritual Pressure and light from escaping.
No one beyond the estate would notice anything unusual.
Within the Healing Space…
Countless glowing particles surged from every blooming Gentian flower before flowing directly into Kuchiki Junko’s Spirit Core.
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Her Spirit Core suddenly pulsed violently.
Brilliant white Spiritual Light erupted throughout her body.
Mixed among that radiance…
Numerous distorted abnormalities immediately revealed themselves.
Seeing the opportunity…
Seinosuke acted without hesitation.
His Kaidō immediately followed the revealed pathways, rapidly removing every remaining lesion.
The final operation proceeded flawlessly.
At the exact instant the surgery concluded…
The entire Healing Space suddenly erupted.
Boom!
Countless Gentian flowers instantly withered before exploding into countless petals that scattered throughout the courtyard.
Fortunately…
Seinosuke reacted instantly.
A Bakudō barrier unfolded around Kuchiki Junko, shielding her completely from the aftermath.
Meanwhile…
Rin staggered backward, breathing heavily.
Maintaining such an enormous flow of life force had clearly exhausted him.
Before he could fully recover…
A blur flashed before his eyes.
Captain Kuchiki Ginrei had already appeared beside his daughter’s bed.
He quietly examined Junko before turning toward Seinosuke.
The lieutenant smiled.
Then…
He slowly nodded.
“The outcome exceeded my expectations.”
“In the future…”
“Miss Kuchiki’s Spiritual Body should be able to reach the level of an ordinary soul.”
Upon hearing those words…
The tension that had remained upon Ginrei’s shoulders throughout the entire operation finally disappeared.
Without another word…
He gently lifted his sleeping daughter into his arms and began walking toward her room.
When he passed Rin…
He suddenly stopped.
Turning toward the young healer, he spoke with complete sincerity.
“Thank you.”
“The Kuchiki Clan will remember today’s kindness.”
“If you ever encounter difficulty…”
“You may come to me.”
Rin hurriedly waved both hands.
“Captain Kuchiki…”
“You’re giving me far too much credit.”
“Everything was possible because of Lieutenant Yamada.”
“I only provided a little assistance.”
Ginrei simply looked at him quietly.
He said nothing more.
Then…
Carrying Junko in his arms…
He slowly disappeared into the residence.
Only after he left did Lieutenant Yamada walk over and gently pat Rin on the shoulder.
“Alright.”
“You’ve worked hard today.”
“You should return to Shin’ō Academy now.”
“After completing your graduation procedures…”
“We’ll meet again.”
“This time…”
“As members of the Fourth Division.”
Smiling faintly, Seinosuke led the way toward the estate’s exit.
At that moment…
Rin had no idea what the personal promise made by the head of the Kuchiki Clan truly represented.
Nor did he realize…
That the seed of goodwill planted today would one day bloom into an extraordinarily magnificent flower.