Keeping a close eye on Makoto Senju’s reactions out of the corner of her eye, Retsu Unohana watched his seemingly innocent and gentle face twist into a pouting, aggrieved expression—too timid to utter a single complaint.
Unaccountably, a faint sense of amusement bubbled up inside her.
*Is this why Yoruichi loves teasing that young master of the Kuchiki Clan so much?
It really…
isn’t half bad.* At that thought, Unohana’s smile seemed to brighten a touch more.
“Makoto, if you have any objections, feel free to raise them.” “I…” The corner of Makoto’s eye twitched uncontrollably.
Beneath her seemingly gentle and intellectual tone, he could distinctly sense a subtle, dark-humored playfulness.
Although it was merely an instinct, as someone of similar temperament, Makoto felt it loud and clear!
She was definitely not leaving room for negotiation.
This was purely a twisted pleasure in watching someone’s last shred of hope stripped away.
Yet the choice of department was far too crucial for Makoto.
Even knowing this was a trap laid out by Unohana playing with her prey, he had no choice but to jump right in.
“Te…
Teacher…” Gritting his teeth, Makoto completely discarded every last shred of his dignity and pride before this beautiful, refined woman.
Biting his lower lip slightly, he fidgeted with the edge of his Shihakusho, putting his anxiety on full display.
“My specialty is trauma treatment.
As for…
gynecology…
the Shin’o Spiritual Arts Academy didn’t teach us that…” By the end of his sentence, Makoto offered Retsu Unohana a timid, sheepish glance.
Then, as if terrified of her reprimand or disappointment, he quickly bowed half-prostrate on the tatami mat and spoke up loudly.
“I am deeply sorry, Teacher!
In the future, I will definitely double my efforts to make up for my shortcomings!” For a brief instant, a flicker of guilt and hesitation crossed Retsu Unohana’s conscience.
*What a pure and honest boy.
Perhaps I shouldn’t tease him like this.* However, in the very next second, that sliver of guilt vanished without a trace.
After all, as a notorious villain from Soul Society a thousand years ago—and the first “Kenpachi”—Retsu Unohana didn’t actually have much of a conscience to begin with.
“Makoto, I know the Shin’o Spiritual Arts Academy’s curriculum on Kaido and medical arts doesn’t cover gynecology.
I don’t blame you.
After all, when I compiled the academy’s textbooks for Kaido and medicine, I didn’t expect any student to harbor such pure passion and love for the medical arts.” Pausing briefly, Unohana’s tone shifted.
“However, this is also to help you grow more quickly.
Whether it is Kaido or general medicine, treatment fundamentally relies on an understanding of the soul body’s structure, correct?” “Yes, Teacher.” Even though Makoto knew Unohana had an ulterior motive, he couldn’t deny such basic common sense.
Unohana nodded in satisfaction and continued.
“As for your proficiency in Kaido and medicine, I carefully reviewed your treatment records at the Shin’o Spiritual Arts Academy.
Your skill is already quite exceptional.
But to continue improving, you will inevitably need to conduct a deep study and gain a thorough understanding of the soul body’s structure…” “For an ordinary recruit, the best path would naturally be to start at the Mortuary and learn from deceased soul bodies.
But given your level, you can skip that phase.
That is precisely why I plan to assign you to the gynecology department.” “W-Why not assign me to the surgery department, where I’m more skilled?” Makoto had a faint idea of what Unohana meant, but he still couldn’t help pushing back nervously.
Unohana showed not a hint of impatience, explaining to him with composure.
“Because male and female soul bodies differ vastly in anatomy.
As a male yourself, studying the male soul structure on your own is simple enough.
But if you want extensive exposure to various female soul structures, the gynecology department is undoubtedly your best choice.” At that moment, Makoto felt completely numb.
Although he sensed something was deeply off, his rational mind told him that Unohana was entirely correct.
*I-I’m totally outmatched…
I can’t even refute her!* “Makoto, do not carry unnecessary burdens or embarrassment in your heart.
You are already a member of Squad 4.
In medical treatment, a Squad 4 officer sees only patients; all other distracting thoughts can be set aside completely.
Besides, you wouldn’t want an emergency treatment to fail one day simply because you lacked knowledge of female soul anatomy, would you?” Unohana’s gentle guidance actually began to sow a seed of doubt in Makoto’s mind.
*Could it be…
Teacher Unohana really has no ulterior motives and is entirely focused on grooming me?* Seeing the tension slowly ease from Makoto’s face, Unohana continued, “Even I have thoroughly studied male soul anatomy countless times in the past.” Hearing this, Makoto’s freshly relaxed mind suddenly froze.
He stared blankly at Unohana in spite of himself.
Unohana offered him a mysterious smile, her tone playfully cryptic.
“Don’t let my appearance fool you.
I am a true killer of a thousand men.” ???
Makoto was stunned.
*Is…
is she making a dirty joke right now?* *Did she just slam the gas pedal to the floor and throw the gear shift out the window?* Subconsciously, a faint flicker of envy even sprouted in Makoto’s heart.
To be slain by a blade as incomparably gorgeous as Retsu Unohana could be considered dying with no…
Wait a second.
Makoto’s mind snapped clear, and reality hit him instantly.
*A killer of a thousand men?!* If anyone else said those words, it might be a sexual innuendo.
But Unohana was someone who had *literally* cut down a thousand men.
Her so-called “thorough understanding of male soul anatomy”…
didn’t mean she literally sliced them open from chest to stomach, right?!
As the thought crossed his mind, Makoto’s eyes instantly snapped sharp and clear.
What met his gaze was Unohana watching him with a half-smile.
“Makoto…
were you thinking something impolite just now?” Unohana asked with a cheerful smile.
Makoto replied with utmost rationality and seriousness.
“I was merely wondering why you are treating me so well, Teacher.
I simply have no idea how I will ever repay your kindness…” Hearing this, Unohana was about to seize the opportunity to bring up Makoto’s Zanpakuto ability, but Makoto gave her no chance to interrupt, pressing on immediately.
“The only way I can refrain from disappointing your expectations and grace is to work ten or a hundred times harder learning Kaido and the medical arts.” *Well now, learning to jump the gun, are we?* Unohana almost choked on her breath.
She pursed her lips slightly, then broke into a radiant smile.
*Seeing this side of Makoto adds a bit of fun.
He certainly isn’t overly dull.* Shortly after, Unohana said gently, “Makoto, come with me.
I’ll take you directly to the gynecology department.”