Early the next morning, just as the sky began to lighten, Hasumi Ren headed to the Fourth Division right on time.
Inside the Fourth Division's advanced training room, Unohana Retsu was already waiting for him, the tools required for Kaido practice laid out before her.
Her expression was serene, a gentle spiritual pressure lingering around her.
"Today, we will practice the precise control of high-level Kaido, focusing on the deep restoration of damaged spiritual veins."
"Understood, Captain Unohana."
Hasumi Ren bowed slightly. After their recent period of training and interaction, there was no longer any need for excessive formalities between them.
He immediately began to warm up, circulating his spiritual pressure and adjusting his condition.
A moment later, he stepped in front of Unohana Retsu. Gathering a soft Kaido spiritual pressure at his fingertips, he began practicing the restoration of simulated spiritual vein damage according to her instructions.
His movements were fluid and steady. His Kaido spiritual pressure was precisely controlled, without the slightest hint of disorder.
Whether it was the output intensity of his spiritual pressure or the speed of his healing, both had seen subtle improvements compared to before.
He had completely digested and absorbed all the Kaido fragments he had acquired while studying under Unohana, seamlessly integrating them into his own experience.
Unohana Retsu stood to the side, quietly observing his movements, the approval in her eyes growing increasingly profound.
As one of the longest-serving captains, she had seen countless people over the past millennium, including no shortage of Kaido geniuses.
Yet, someone with outstanding talent like Hasumi Ren was still exceedingly rare.
In fact... he could be considered the greatest she had ever seen in her life.
After this period of study, Hasumi Ren's Kaido proficiency had already caught up to that of the veteran members of the Fourth Division.
Such a rate of progress was simply unimaginable.
Only after Hasumi Ren finished his practice and withdrew his spiritual pressure did Unohana slowly speak.
"Your Kaido techniques are becoming more and more proficient."
Hasumi Ren nodded slightly.
"It is all thanks to your guidance, Captain Unohana. Otherwise, I wouldn't have improved this quickly."
"Guidance is only one aspect. The key lies in your own talent and hard work."
Unohana Retsu smiled, then shifted the conversation to another matter.
"Speaking of which, do you have any intention of officially joining the Fourth Division?"
Hearing this, Hasumi Ren paused in surprise.
He vaguely recalled Yamada Seinosuke mentioning this matter before.
However, Yamada's tone hadn't been very firm at the time, so Ren hadn't taken it seriously.
But now, hearing it spoken so formally from Unohana's own mouth, Ren had to give it serious thought.
"I appreciate your high regard, Captain Unohana, but I truly haven't considered this matter yet.
"I have always been under your care, Captain Unohana, devoting myself to studying Kaido here in the Fourth Division. As for which division I actually belong to... I haven't really paid much attention to it."
His answer did not surprise Unohana Retsu.
Her smile remained gentle as she slowly laid out the terms she had prepared in advance, her tone brimming with absolute sincerity.
"With your abilities, it would truly be a pity if you didn't come to the Fourth Division."
"Yamada Seinosuke will soon be transferred to the Shin'o Relief Clinic. When that happens, the position of Vice-Captain in the Fourth Division will be vacant."
At this point, she looked up at Hasumi Ren, a hint of amusement in her eyes.
"There is something you might not have realized yet."
"Within the Second Division, your room for advancement is extremely limited."
"First of all, the Vice-Captain position is held by the Omaeda family, a fact that is difficult to shake."
"The other unit commanders within the Stealth Force are also mostly retainers of the Shihoin family. If you wish to compete for those spots, the difficulty would be immense."
"If you are willing to come to the Fourth Division, you have my promise that this Vice-Captain position can be yours."
"I will teach you everything I know about Kaido, and the same goes for other Kido. This way, you will only progress faster than you would in the Second Division."
"Please, think it over."
"The Vice-Captain position?"
Hasumi Ren froze, obvious surprise appearing on his face for the first time.
He never expected Unohana Retsu to offer such profound sincerity.
The Vice-Captains of each division were directly appointed by their respective Captains. As the second-in-command of a division, the position held immense status, power, and responsibility—it was by no means an ordinary role.
For Hasumi Ren, a newcomer who had only recently joined the Gotei 13, to be promised the Vice-Captain position in such a short time was enough to show just how highly Unohana valued him.
After a moment of shock, Ren finally recovered his senses, a trace of hesitation in his voice.
"Thank you for your high regard, Captain Unohana, but... regarding this matter, I still need to go back and consult Captain Shihoin."
Hearing this, Unohana Retsu chuckled softly, her tone nonchalant.
"You don't need to worry about that. I already brought this up with Captain Shihoin yesterday, and she has agreed."
"As long as you nod, I will have someone handle the transfer procedures as quickly as possible. There won't be any obstacles."
She paused, then added.
"You needn't be too surprised. In the Soul Society, it is quite common for members to be transferred between different divisions based on how their temperaments align with the division's duties."
"As long as both Captains reach an agreement, there is nothing inappropriate about it."
"Captain Shihoin is a reasonable person. Moreover, the environment of the Second Division is not suited for the development of your Kaido abilities. Having you transfer to the Fourth Division is also a way to nurture your talent."
Hasumi Ren nodded, momentarily at a loss for how to respond.
This sudden invitation had indeed caught him off guard.
But truth be told, Unohana's promise to teach him everything and the offer of the Vice-Captain position were incredibly attractive.
Lately, his acquisition of fragments within the Second Division had indeed slowed down quite a bit.
Unohana Retsu watched him ponder and did not rush him, merely speaking in a gentle tone.
"There is still plenty of time. You don't need to rush into a decision right this moment; just take your time to think it over."
"You already have an assigned room in the Fourth Division anyway. The transfer is just a matter of paperwork."
At this point, a flash of curiosity crossed her eyes as she asked softly.
"You haven't been in the Second Division for long, so there shouldn't be anything you're too attached to, right?"
Hearing this, Hasumi Ren fell deep into thought.
He recalled his days in the Second Division. He didn't have many bonds or attachments there.
His only real connections were his sparring sessions with Soi Fon and his interactions with Urahara Kisuke.
During this time, he had indeed gained quite a lot in the Second Division.
His Hakuda was already approaching Level 6, just one step away. His Kido proficiency was steadily improving, and his Shunpo was becoming increasingly masterful.
The only pity was that his Zanjutsu improvement had been somewhat slow.
Furthermore, as his strength increased, the assistance the Second Division could provide him would only diminish.
The fragments he could pick up were no longer as plentiful as before.
If he continued to stay in the Second Division, his rate of progress would likely gradually slow down.
But by joining the Fourth Division, he would undoubtedly achieve faster improvements in both Kaido and Kido.
*'Aside from that, in terms of Zanjutsu, could I perhaps also...'*
Hasumi Ren tossed those unrealistic thoughts out of his mind.
After pondering for a moment, Ren slowly raised his head, his expression returning to its usual composure.
"Thank you for your high regard, Captain Unohana. I will consider this matter carefully and will not let your good intentions down."
Seeing this, Unohana Retsu revealed a gratified smile and nodded gently.
"Good. I will await your reply. No matter what you ultimately choose, I will respect your decision."
"We will end today's practice here. Go back and think it over carefully."
"Understood. Thank you, Captain."
Unohana noticed the slight change in Hasumi Ren's form of address and nodded with a smile.
Hasumi Ren bowed slightly, turned around, and left the training room, heading outside.
Along the way, his mind was entirely occupied with Unohana's invitation and his future choices.
Though his expression remained calm, it carried a trace of imperceptible anticipation.
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