Shigū Takeru's face remained impassive.
"You mean... the 4th Division would officially purchase the water source I discovered."
"Precisely."
"The price?"
Unohana raised one finger.
"How about ten million kan?"
"..."
Takeru silently looked at Isane.
The Vice-Captain looked back, completely baffled as to why he was staring at her.
Until Takeru spoke in a grave, educational tone. "Vice-Captain Kotetsu, when you become a Captain, you must remember one thing."
"W-what?" Isane asked.
"If you're in the medical business, never heal a patient all at once. You must string them along, drain them of all their money. Or, just name a high price and make them trade their entire fortune for their life."
"?!"
Isane looked at Takeru in horror.
Even Unohana was displeased. "Shigū-kun, I believe I must suggest to Captain Aizen that he teach you some better values."
"Better values? Is that what I get for having my 'Fountain of Wealth' bought out for a mere ten million?" Takeru's brow tightened.
"If you're not satisfied with the price, we can negotiate. There's no need to be so... sarcastic."
"Being direct would be far too rude."
"..."
You think... that ...was polite?
Even Unohana, who had lived for so long and seen every kind of person, was taken aback.
"How about this. I'll name a price." Takeru also raised one finger. "One billion kan."
"...Fifty million. That is my final offer." Unohana closed her eyes, as if she couldn't bear to look at his greedy face.
Takeru turned to Rindo Itaru.
Though they hadn't known each other long, Rindo had special "negotiation skills." He instantly understood Takeru's look and, under the table, wrote one word: [No].
Takeru let out a heavy sigh, drawing Unohana's attention again.
"Captain Unohana."
"Yes?"
"Do you know why Ōmaeda sold the 'medicine' to the 11th Division?"
"Because that's where the market is, of course," Unohana said, a bad feeling rising in her.
"Wrong. It's because the Shinigami of the 11th Division are brave and fearless warriors who fight on the front lines," Takeru said, his voice deep.
"I admit, my 'medicine' comes from an... 'accidental' spring in the Rukongai. You can call it 'bathwater,' I don't care. But, without knowing that, the medicine itself has... an embarrassing side effect."
"Captain Unohana, do you understand the greatness of the 11th Division? You, in the 4th Division... you probably can't comprehend it. The spirit of knowing, knowing... it causes diarrhea, and still drinking it without hesitation! Risking their very dignity, just to return to the battlefield in peak condition, to protect the Seireitei! Can you understand that?!"
"..."
"?"
Isane looked at her Captain. Her expression hadn't changed, but she seemed... rigid.
Takeru's praise continued.
"They are also mad, fearless warriors. As long as they can have a good fight, they don't care about 'side effects.' The healing wounds are their 'license' to keep fighting."
"The 11th Division suffers. They don't know Kaidō, they don't even know Kido. This is the only way they can fight, to 'please' the opponents they respect! Captain Unohana, surely you can't understand their pained, yet joyous, state of mind?"
"Ōmaeda... selling that medicine... was not 'market demand.' It was an act of... profound kindness."
"I was moved by his actions. And when I look at myself, haggling over a few million... I am ashamed."
With that, Takeru's tone shifted, and he made what seemed to be a sincere request.
"So, Captain Unohana, I have a suggestion. Let's sell the spring... to the 11th Division."
"For the price you named... twenty million kan. As I understand it, combat divisions are paid well. Captain Kenpachi can definitely afford it."
"With the spring, the 4th Division's workload will also decrease, and you can avoid 'friction' with the 11th Division's... 'different values.' It's a win-win, is it not?"
Hearing this, Isane unconsciously nodded. "That... does seem to make sense."
"Isane."
Unohana remained seated, but her head swiveled toward her Vice-Captain like an owl's.
Her tone and smile seemed normal.
But Isane's hair stood on end.
"Y-Yes, Captain?"
"You talk too much."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Isane felt a strong sense of déjà vu.
Oh, right.
It's just like on the hill... when I made a noise and almost got myself killed.
Hooo.
Unohana exhaled, her gaze turning to the young man across the table.
"Shigū-kun. I will offer two hundred million. That is the highest I can go. If you try to bring in other buyers, they will need my permission to even participate. This matter... has been assigned to me."
"Two hundred million?"
Takeru glanced at the large word that had appeared under the table.
—[Yes].
"Then we have a deal."
It was a good price. There would be more chances to make money later. No need to burn this bridge.
With an agreement reached, the smile returned to Unohana's face.
"The money will be transferred to your account at the Records Bureau tomorrow."
"I trust your integrity, Captain... Here is the location. There's a barrier, but I'm sure it won't trouble you."
Takeru just as quickly gave her the coordinates, his sincerity on full display.
"Thank you for your trust. If possible, I wish that trust had come a little earlier. Then, perhaps, Shigū-kun wouldn't think there are so many things I 'cannot understand'."
Unohana's eyes narrowed to slits as she smiled, covering her mouth.
"Just a humble opinion. Please don't mind it."
"How could I? You are a future pillar of the Seireitei, with a distinguished service record before even joining a division. It was wrong of me to interrupt your training for such a small matter. So, if you don't mind... shall I accompany you to finish the training you started today?"
"..."
Takeru looked at Unohana, who was slowly rising to her feet. He pressed his lips together, silent.
"What's wrong, Shigū-kun? I am a Captain, you know. I have some small confidence in my swordsmanship. I should be... an adequate sparring partner."
Unohana tilted her head, her voice exceptionally gentle.
"..."
A faint pressure washed over him.
Takeru was silent for a moment, then turned to Rindo Itaru. "I remember... Ichigo was having trouble with his Kaidō, wasn't he? Captain Unohana has time. Go get him, so he can learn from a true master."
-------
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