"This is it," Azrael muttered, comparing the imposing building in front of him with the address Mr. Wolfgang had sent through the chat group.
At first, he'd assumed that the mysterious merchant was some independent operator working out of a modest storefront. The reality couldn't have been more different. The gleaming commercial tower stretched fifteen stories into Pixar's gray sky, its glass facade reflecting the winter sunlight like polished steel.
Who rents an entire corporate headquarters just to trade Lore Cardian materials? Azrael wondered, though the answer became obvious as understanding dawned. Correct, someone connected to Alice's network wouldn't be operating on a small scale.
The moment he dismounted from Pidgeot, whose symbiotic enhancement from Pride created an intimidating silhouette that caused passing pedestrians to give him a wide berth, Azrael could see that the building's lobby staff had already noticed his arrival. The receptionist's expression shifted from routine professionalism to carefully concealed alarm as she observed his unconventional mode of transportation.
"Good afternoon, sir," the young woman said with a practiced courtesy that barely concealed her nervousness. "Welcome to Pixar Material Wholesale Corporation. Do you have an appointment today?"
Her tone was much more respectful than it would have been for a typical walk-in customer. Having an obviously powerful creature as a mount sent a clear message about its rider's abilities and potential danger.
"I am expected," Azrael replied simply. "Tell Mr. Wolfgang that Azrael has arrived."
The receptionist's eyes widened slightly at his name, and she immediately straightened with renewed respect. "Of course! Mr. Wolfgang left specific instructions for your visit. Please allow me to escort you to the executive floor immediately."
As the elevator carried them up in pleasant silence, Azrael noted the obvious wealth of the building. Marble floors, crystal fixtures, and subtle artistic touches spoke of an operation generating substantial revenue. The business of trading materials was clearly more lucrative than he'd imagined.
"Mr. Wolfgang, your guest has arrived," the receptionist announced as they reached an imposing office door.
"Excellent timing. Send him in, please."
The voice from within carried warmth and authority in equal measure. After the receptionist departed with another respectful bow, Azrael entered what was clearly the office of someone accustomed to commanding considerable resources.
The man behind the massive mahogany desk was unlike anyone Azrael had encountered since his arrival in this world. Wolfgang was truly enormous, not only tall, but of such impressive size that his custom-made chair barely seemed to contain him. Despite his size, the businessman's eyes sparkled with obvious intelligence and good humor.
"So you're Master Lucian's newest student," Wolfgang said with genuine warmth, his massive frame shaking with soft laughter. "I can see why he chose you. There is something in your bearing that speaks of hidden depths."
Azrael bowed his head respectfully. "I am honored by my teacher's faith in my potential."
The attempt at humble deflection earned him an approving nod from Wolfgang, who clearly preferred humility to arrogance. After a moment of comfortable silence, the businessman's expression became more focused.
"You behave quite differently from your elder sister," Wolfgang observed with obvious amusement. "Alice requires... special consideration in negotiations. Her brilliance is undeniable, but social interaction isn't exactly her strongest suit."
That's definitely an understatement, Azrael thought, remembering his recent encounter with the terminally shy professor. "My elder sister has many remarkable qualities. Communication preferences are simply personal style choices."
Wolfgang's appreciative chuckle suggested that he recognized diplomatic language when he heard it. "Spoken like someone who's actually met her. Very well, then, let's conclude our business efficiently, since you both seem to prefer directness to small talk."
The businessman produced a sealed envelope from his desk drawer and slid it across the polished surface with practiced ease. "Your requested materials, as discussed in the trade group."
Azrael retrieved his own components, the Silver-level [Netherworld Spring Water] (gold) and the [Five-Flavored Bowl] (gold) he'd decided to exchange, and placed them on the table for inspection. Both items radiated the unmistakable spiritual energy signature of high-quality materials belonging to the Netherworld.
Azrael opened the envelope and examined its contents with growing satisfaction. The [Life-Cutting Blade] had an edge that seemed to cut through light itself, while the [Ancient Sword Saint] component hummed with centuries of accumulated martial arts knowledge.
However, underneath the materials, there was an unexpected addition, a black card with a gold border that immediately caught his attention.
"What is this?" Azrael asked, holding up the elegant card for inspection.
Wolfgang's expression brightened with obvious pleasure. "Our black-gold corporate membership card. Exclusive access to priority trading opportunities, advance notice of rare material acquisitions, and guaranteed best prices on all transactions."
"I appreciate the gesture, Mr. Wolfgang." Azrael pocketed the card without hesitation, already recognizing its potential value. "What are your standard handling fees for exchanges of this magnitude?"
The question was purely practical; no legitimate business operated without profit margins, and intermediary services naturally demanded compensation. Wolfgang's operation was far too sophisticated to offer charity.
"Normally, we retain a blue-quality material of equivalent grade as our commission," Wolfgang explained with refreshing honesty. "However, since this is your first transaction through our network, consider today's service free. Consider it an investment in future cooperation."
Azrael felt his estimation of the man's cunning rise dramatically. A free sample to hook the customer, he noted with dark amusement. Followed by escalating fees once dependency is established.
For someone at Alice's Diamond level, paying blue-tier materials as trading fees would be a negligible overhead. But when dealing with Emerald or Sovereign-level components, those commission costs would become substantial. Wolfgang was building long-term relationships with the powerhouses of tomorrow by offering attractive introductory terms today.
"Your generosity is noted and appreciated," Azrael replied diplomatically. "I will certainly keep your services in mind for future material needs."
Since the exchange was complete and he'd achieved his goals, there was no point in prolonging the meeting. Wolfgang struck him as competent and reliable, but also calculating enough that extended social interaction might reveal information better kept private.
"I should return to my preparations now," Azrael said, rising from his chair with polite efficiency. "Thank you again for facilitating this transaction."
"Travel safely, young Azrael," Wolfgang replied with obvious satisfaction. "I look forward to serving you again in the future."
As Azrael left the building, the businessman settled back into his oversized chair with a thoughtful expression. Unlike Master Lucian's intimidating reputation for a volatile temper, his newest apprentice seemed refreshingly reasonable to work with. Perhaps there were opportunities here beyond simple material trade.
'Getting him interested in positions at the Imperial Court might prove easier than expected,' Wolfgang mused privately, already calculating possible approaches for future conversations.
Standing outside the corporate tower, Azrael allowed himself a moment of quiet satisfaction as he surveyed his accumulated resources. "All the materials are finally gathered. Time to create my first Silver level card."
Pidgeot materialized beside him with practiced grace, the loyal bird's form instantly enhanced as Pride's symbiotic tendrils created their organic bond. The transformation never failed to alarm nearby passersby, but Azrael had long since stopped caring about such reactions.
Within minutes, the enhanced flight capabilities carried him back to his apartment, where the privacy would allow for proper card creation without unwanted observation.
At his workbench, Azrael carefully arranged the three materials he'd gathered: the Life-Cutting Blade with its ominous edge, the Ancient Sword Saint radiating martial wisdom, and the Soul-Guiding Crone provided by Master Lucian. The combination seemed perfect for his intended creation.
Should I include the Two-Faced Being component as well? he wondered, examining the fourth material he'd received from his teacher.
Technically, Unohana Retsu embodied the duality between her public persona as the gentle captain of the Fourth Division and her hidden nature as the most dangerous criminal in the Soul Society. The Two-Faced Being would greatly enhance this aspect.
But Azrael intended to create the weakened, contemporary version of Unohana first, saving her evolution into the legendary Yachiru for future advancement. Adding unnecessary complexity to this initial manifestation risked diluting the core concept.
Three materials should suffice for a proper foundation, he decided, setting aside the Two-Faced Being for later use. Better to create something focused and powerful than something complicated and unfocused.
Having made his choice, Azrael took out a blank card and began to sketch with careful precision. The figure that emerged was a woman of deceptive gentleness, long black hair braided and draped over one shoulder, kind eyes that hid terrible depths, and the calm demeanor of someone who was completely comfortable with violence.
This would be his most ambitious attempt yet: creating a deliberately weakened version of a character, then using progression paths to unlock their true potential over time. It was an approach that carried risks, but also the possibility of tremendous long-term rewards.
Unohana Retsu as Captain of the Fourth Division, he mused, putting the finishing touches on the illustration. Healer on the surface, monster underneath. Perfect for my current needs.
As his mental energy wrapped around the finished artwork, Azrael felt the familiar sensation of the mysterious room welcoming him into its creative realm. It was time to find out if his experimental approach would succeed.
[Please start writing your story.]
[After the devastating war against the Quincy Empire, the Soul Society entered a rare period of true peace. For most Shinigami, it was a blessed relief from constant conflict and death.]
[For Unohana Retsu, Captain of the Fourth Division, it brought only frustration and a restless hunger for the battles that no longer came.]
Azrael held his breath as he wrote the opening lines, testing whether the mysterious space would accept his unconventional timeline. When no rejection came, he continued with growing confidence.
[In her endless search for worthy opponents, Unohana began hunting criminals in the outskirts of Rukongai, using medical emergencies as a pretext for violence.]
[During one such expedition, she encountered rumors of a fearsome wandering soul in the West 80th District, a swordsman of unprecedented skill named Yoriichi Tsugikuni.]
[When they finally met in battle, Unohana felt genuine excitement for the first time in decades. Here was someone whose blade could actually threaten her, whose technique transcended normal limits.]
[Unfortunately, the encounter was disappointingly brief. Yoriichi's spiritual pressure was still too weak to provide the challenge she craved.]
[As she touched the tiny cut his sword had made on her cheek, the first wound she'd received in centuries, Unohana offered him advice with predatory anticipation: "If you seek revenge, find me in the Soul Society. Perhaps you'll be worth killing by then."]
Azrael allowed himself a small smile as he wove their backstories together. The mysterious space seemed to readily accept connections between his existing cards, making this approach far more viable than creating completely independent entities.
[Time passed quickly in the Soul Society, and news of Yoriichi's rapid progress through the academy soon reached Unohana. His talent for swordsmanship had caught the attention of Captain Aizen, earning him early graduation and immediate placement as Third Seat of the Fifth Division.]
[A century later, when Yoriichi had attained the rank of captain himself, Unohana decided that the fruit was finally ripe for the picking].
[Their second battle took place in a secluded training ground, away from witnesses who might interfere with their deadly dance. This time, Yoriichi had found his poem, the key to unlocking the true power of his zanpakutō.]
[The battle was everything Unohana had hoped for and more. Sun flames met healing techniques, perfect swordsmanship met ancient savagery, and for precious moments, both warriors found themselves pushed to their absolute limits.]
[In the end, Yoriichi emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins, his blade coming to rest just below Unohana's throat, one inch from a killing blow that could have ended the Soul Society's most dangerous secret.]
[The defeat filled Unohana with a complex mixture of satisfaction and loss. She had finally found someone capable of matching her strength, only to discover that such worthy opponents were beyond her ability to control or possess.]
[Rather than seek immediate revenge, Unohana allowed herself to be transferred to the Fourth Division, where her medical skills would prove invaluable to the continued operation of the Soul Society. The thick braid she adopted hid the scar Yoriichi had given her, a permanent reminder of both triumph and defeat.]
[From that day on, Unohana Yachiru, the unrivaled criminal who had once terrorized the Soul Society, disappeared from history. Only Unohana Retsu remained, the gentle captain whose healing abilities made her indispensable to the Gotei 13's mission.]
[But beneath the doctor's robes and soft smile, the monster merely slept, waiting for the day when worthy opponents would once again emerge.]
Azrael ended the tale there, feeling that he had reached an appropriate point. The story had established Unohana's dual nature while providing clear paths of progression for both her own evolution and her relationship with Yoriichi.
When consciousness returned to his apartment, a new card floated in front of him, radiating power that suddenly made his advancement to the silver level feel concrete and real.
[Fourth Division Captain-Unohana Retsu]
Rank: Silver Quality: Red Category: Biological
Skills:
[Kidō Mastery]: Capable of using numbered Kidō spells up to #90, including the legendary Kurohitsugi.
[Shunpo]: High-speed movement technique using spirit particle manipulation.
[Zanpakutō-Shikai-Minazuki]: Transforms into a massive manta ray-like creature capable of flight and accelerated healing for those it swallows.
Traits:
[Shinigami]: Deals devastating damage to spirit-type demons and supernatural entities.
[Yachiru-Dormant]: The legendary criminal sleeps beneath the facade of the healer. When seriously threatened or properly provoked, Unohana's true nature emerges with terrifying consequences.
[Medical Mastery]: Centuries of treating battlefield injuries provide massive bonuses to all healing abilities.
Introduction: "Can a monster really learn to heal instead of harm?"
Progression Path: Silver [Captain of the Fourth Division-Unohana Retsu] → Emerald [The Unrivaled Criminal-Unohana Yachiru]
Bonds:
When appearing with [Yamamoto Genryūsai] and other original Gotei 13 members, activates the [First Generation] effect.
Active Bond: [First Generation] (2/13)
Bond Effect: Attack power increases based on the number of first-generation captains present. Maximum increase achieved with full original roster.
"Red quality again," Azrael mused, examining the card's stats with mixed emotions. "Still not reaching the mythical Prismatic level, despite using silver quality materials."
The result was undeniably powerful, Kidō's mastery up to the 90s opened up tactical possibilities he'd never had before, while Minazuki's healing abilities would prove invaluable during extended operations. But he couldn't shake the feeling that he was missing a crucial element for the highest quality ratings.
'Perhaps all components must be of Red quality to achieve Prismatic,' he theorized, though without access to such premium materials, the hypothesis remained impossible to test.
"At least she can serve as a decent ranged caster," he concluded with satisfaction. "The first card in my deck that specializes in magical rather than physical combat."
While Unohana's true nature lay in savage melee combat, her current form possessed the versatility he'd been lacking. Advanced Kidō included devastating offensive options alongside her medical expertise, finally giving him options beyond direct confrontation.
The progression path was particularly intriguing. Reaching the Emerald level would unlock her identity as Yachiru, the original Kenpachi whose fighting prowess had terrorized the Soul Society before Yamamoto's intervention. At that point, she'd likely gain the [Unrivaled Criminal] bond with Yoriichi, which would open up new tactical possibilities.
Something to work towards in the future, Azrael decided, already planning the resources he'd need for her eventual evolution.
For now, though, he was eager to meet his newest creation in person. Settling into a comfortable position, Azrael expanded his consciousness and summoned Unohana Retsu into the physical world.
The woman who materialized before him was exactly as he'd imagined, elegant and serene, with an undercurrent of danger that only someone with his knowledge would recognize. Her gentle smile hinted at the monster that lay beneath, while her graceful movements suggested combat training far beyond what a mere medic should possess.
"Master," she said with a respectful bow, her voice carrying the soft warmth that had made her beloved throughout the Soul Society. "I am honored to serve under your leadership."
But there was something in her eyes, a flicker of predatory interest as she assessed his mental pressure, that reminded him that this was no ordinary healer. Unohana Retsu might present herself as the perfect medical officer, but Azrael would never forget the truth that lurked beneath her carefully constructed facade.
He'd successfully created a silver-tier card worthy of his promotion and gained access to skills that would serve him well in the challenges ahead. The foundation of his future power grew stronger with each strategic addition to his roster.
Now it was time to discover just how effectively his newest ally could complement his existing skills.