Today, after finishing a medical consultation, Unohana Retsu called Hasumi Ren to the Captain's office. She took down a thread-bound book from the bookshelf and handed it to him.
"This is my notebook from a few years ago. It records some advanced Kaido techniques and medical insights. Take a look; it might be useful to you."
Hasumi Ren took the book, his fingertips brushing over the yellowed pages filled with Unohana Retsu's elegant yet forceful handwriting.
Hidden within the dense annotations were her understanding and reflections on the medical arts.
This was not only a sign of how highly she valued Ren, but also a subtle message.
After all, something like this wasn't easily handed over to an outsider.
Hasumi Ren bowed, his tone solemn.
"Thank you, Captain. I will study it carefully."
"There's no need to be so polite."
Unohana walked to the window, looking at the herb garden in the courtyard. Her tone was gentle but carried a degree of certainty.
"Ren, you are one of the most talented healers I have ever seen."
"Even I cannot easily master the Double Kaido treatment method you developed."
"The Fourth Division needs someone like you, and so does the Soul Society."
"Seinosuke is highly capable, but as it stands, he has hit a sort of bottleneck. However, you... I have yet to discover where your limits lie."
"Ren, you must continue to work hard."
Looking into Unohana's calm eyes, Ren felt a stir in his heart, though he maintained a humble facade.
'Is she dangling a carrot in front of me?'
"It is all thanks to your careful guidance, Captain. I will do my utmost to live up to your expectations."
Unohana Retsu looked back at him, a flash of approval in her eyes.
What she admired was not just his medical talent, but also his grounded, unpretentious composure.
Only someone like this could take on the heavy responsibility of becoming the Fourth Division's Lieutenant and serve as her right hand.
As the days passed, Ren's position in the Fourth Division became increasingly secure.
In the blink of an eye, two months had passed since Ren officially joined the Fourth Division.
An urgent report arrived from the Rukongai: several Fifth Division members had been ambushed by a swarm of Hollows while executing a support mission in the Southern 7th District, resulting in heavy casualties.
Upon receiving the news, the entire Fourth Division immediately sprang into action. Unohana ordered Ren to lead a team to provide medical support.
As Unohana's handpicked commander, Ren directed the Fourth Division members in administering first aid while personally taking over the treatment of the most critically injured.
As the night deepened at the Fourth Division's temporary camp in the Southern 7th District of the Rukongai...
A figure walked in—it was none other than Aizen Sosuke.
He seemed to have heard about his severely injured squad members and rushed over from the Fifth Division to visit them, wearing a perfectly measured expression of concern.
Aizen stepped into the camp, his gaze sweeping over the bustling Fourth Division members.
Just as he was about to ask for the commanding officer, his eyes suddenly locked onto a figure in the crowd.
The young Fourth Division Soul Reaper stood before a medical cot, calmly performing emergency treatment.
With his hands hovering in the air, pale green Kaido spiritual pressure precisely repaired the patient's damaged soul.
The surrounding Fourth Division members gathered around him, following his orders with methodical efficiency.
Kotetsu Isane stood by his side, looking every bit the capable assistant.
Who else could that figure be but Hasumi Ren?
Ren naturally sensed the arrival of a familiar spiritual pressure. With a slight glance, he spotted Aizen standing at the entrance.
A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure, his hands never pausing their work.
A moment later, Ren withdrew his hands, having finished treating the final patient.
He wiped the sweat from his brow and instructed the nearby squad members.
"Closely monitor the patients' spiritual pressure fluctuations. If there are any anomalies, notify me immediately."
"Yes, Fourth Seat Hasumi!"
Aizen's advancing footsteps paused slightly, a clear flash of surprise in his eyes.
Fourth Division, Fourth Seat?
He remembered that not long ago, this young man from the Second Division was studying Kaido in the Fourth Division. He had assumed it was merely a temporary arrangement.
He never expected that in just two short months, Ren would completely detach from the Second Division and officially join the Fourth.
And judging by the current situation, he was highly valued and fully capable of taking charge on his own.
This was indeed beyond his expectations.
At this moment, Ren finally turned to face Aizen, offering a slight bow with a calm tone.
"Lieutenant Aizen, apologies for the wait."
"Most of the Fifth Division members are out of danger. However, their injuries are severe, so they will need to recuperate in the Fourth Division barracks for some time."
Aizen snapped out of his thoughts, a gentle smile returning to his face as he slowly walked forward.
His gaze fell upon the treated Fifth Division members, his tone laced with gratitude.
"Thank you for your hard work. Thanks to everyone in the Fourth Division, our squad members were able to survive this ordeal."
He paused, looking at Ren with a perfectly measured hint of curiosity.
"I just didn't expect you to officially join the Fourth Division. Is there a special reason for this?"
Ren shook his head slightly.
"Captain Unohana has treated me very well, holding nothing back in teaching me Kaido techniques. Since Captain Shihoin also agreed to it, I decided to stay in the Fourth Division to offer whatever meager assistance I can."
Ren replied plainly, offering no further explanation.
Hearing this, Aizen chuckled softly and nodded.
"I see. It seems I was being too narrow-minded."
His gaze lingered on Ren for a few seconds, as if trying to read something from the young man's face.
This young man was far more composed than he had imagined.
Not only was his talent outstanding, but he also knew how to conceal his sharp edges.
Despite having forged formidable combat abilities in the Second Division, he was willing to hide away in the Fourth Division, devoting himself to the study of medicine.
A person like this was either truly obsessed with the medical arts, or harbored an unknown ambition.
Deep down, Aizen's interest in Ren grew even stronger.
This transfer couldn't have happened without Unohana Retsu's nod of approval.
And who was Unohana Retsu?
One of the most senior Captains in the Gotei 13, having lived for over a thousand years.
Her mind was deep, and her strength unfathomable.
Her choice to keep Ren by her side might carry its own hidden motives.
But to Aizen, these variables were quite amusing.
However, these injured Fifth Division members were going to die eventually anyway.
If they didn't die, how could he plant his chosen pawns in their place?
"Since that's the case, I can rest easy. I'll leave these members in the care of the Fourth Division. I will come visit them another day."
"Rest assured, Lieutenant Aizen. It is our duty."
Ren gave a slight nod, watching Aizen leave the camp.
It wasn't until Aizen's figure disappeared through the doorway that Ren withdrew his gaze, a profound glint flashing in his eyes.
He had noticed Aizen's surprise and felt the probing nature of his words.
He knew Aizen's appearance wasn't simply to check on the wounded.
Perhaps something was about to happen.
The night grew darker, but the temporary camp remained brightly lit.
Ren stood before the makeshift medical cot, the pale green Kaido spiritual pressure flowing at his fingertips, illuminating his thoughtful expression.
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