The scene of the three people dining in the twilight-filled private room appeared exceptionally peaceful and warm.
The two women soon laid down their chopsticks one after the other.
Suō Tsukasa remained focused on the food before him, his pace of eating not slowing in the slightest even after the others had stopped. With an efficient and steady rhythm, he methodically moved the rice and side dishes into his mouth.
Unohana Retsu did not hurry him; she simply watched him in silence.
"Tsukasa has such good eating habits; he looks like he's truly enjoying the meal."
Kotetsu Isane tidied the plates in front of herself and Unohana Retsu, gently gathering them together. She sat down beside her captain and spoke in a low voice. Her voice was so soft that only the two of them could hear, for fear of disturbing Suō Tsukasa's meal.
Having eaten in the Fourth Division canteen for decades, watching Suō Tsukasa's focused expression today made even the bland white porridge in her hands seem exceptionally sweet and fragrant.
"His exertion today was not small; it is only right that he replenishes himself well."
Unohana Retsu responded in a low voice with a faint smile. Immediately, she turned and gave a gentle instruction.
"Isane, go brew a pot of tea."
"Yes, Captain."
Kotetsu Isane answered softly, picked up the trays, rose quietly, and left the room with graceful movements.
A moment later, Suō Tsukasa finally swallowed the last bite and set down his bowl and chopsticks with satisfaction. Kotetsu Isane happened to return just then, carrying a tea set.
Suō Tsukasa looked up, meeting their gazes squarely with a smile.
"I apologize for keeping you waiting. I ate quite a lot."
"It is no matter."
Unohana Retsu shook her head gently, indicating he shouldn't give it a thought.
"Please, have some tea."
Kotetsu Isane had already placed a cup of freshly brewed hot tea gently before him, her voice soft.
"Thank you."
Suō Tsukasa took the teacup with both hands, blew on it lightly, and took a small sip. The fragrance of the tea seeped into his heart, intertwining with the satisfaction of a full meal.
Unohana Retsu also picked up her own cup of tea. Looking at the steam curling up from the cup, she said in a peaceful tone, "You worked hard today, Suō."
"You flatter me, Captain Unohana."
"It is I who should thank the Fourth Division for the medical treatment, and you for your diligent guidance today."
"If you hadn't personally instructed me, it would have been difficult for me to grasp the essence of Kaido."
Suō Tsukasa set down his teacup, his expression sincere.
"I merely helped you avoid some detours, after all—"
Upon hearing this, a trace of an indiscernible smile appeared at the corners of Unohana Retsu's lips.
"Encountering a young person with such a natural talent for Kaido is also a source of gratification for me."
She paused, her tone carrying a hint of deeper meaning.
The room fell into a temporary silence, with only the scent of tea slowly drifting between the three of them. Kotetsu Isane, sitting quietly to the side, took the opportunity to speak up.
"Tsukasa, Kiyane mentioned that besides seeking treatment, you came to the Fourth Division to learn more about medicinal herbs?"
"My knowledge in this area is still quite shallow. Since the Captain is right here, if you have any questions, you might as well ask her directly."
"Would that be alright, Captain?"
She looked at Suō Tsukasa before her, her gaze encouraging.
"Oh? I didn't expect you to have an understanding of herbs as well."
Unohana Retsu glanced sideways, her gaze toward Suō Tsukasa gaining a few more degrees of scrutiny and interest.
"I wouldn't dare claim to understand them; I only learned a bit of the basics from an elder in my family in the past."
Suō Tsukasa looked back at her and nodded in affirmation.
The Sanyuan Pill was something he had cobbled together based on the limited herbal knowledge he possessed before his reincarnation. For his current stage, the effects were starting to fall behind. His visit to the Fourth Division, besides purchasing higher-quality ingredients, was indeed motivated by the desire to seek improvements for his formula.
He then fished out a plain white porcelain bottle from his robes. Leaning forward slightly, he placed it gently on the table and pushed it toward Unohana Retsu.
"The formula I currently use is primarily composed of Polygonatum, Ginseng, and Angelica, balanced with Red Dates and Honey."
"It is intended to strengthen the foundation and nourish the soul gently, making up for the depletion during cultivation."
Unohana Retsu extended her fair hand, picked up the bottle, pulled out the wooden cork, and poured a single black pill into her palm. She brought it close to her nose, inhaled the fresh medicinal scent, and then swallowed it.
After a moment.
"Polygonatum to tonify Qi, Ginseng to replenish the Primordial Source, and Angelica to invigorate the blood, supplemented by Red Dates and Honey to harmonize the medicinal properties and reduce dryness."
"The logic is clear, and the compatibility is peaceful. As a nourishing formula, it is very good."
"However, the proportion of Ginseng is a bit low."
Unohana Retsu felt the effect of the pill within her body and slowly described its properties, her tone as steady as ever.
"I have embarrassed myself."
Suō Tsukasa admitted frankly.
Suō Tsukasa had wanted to add more ginseng, but the conditions in the Rukongai did not allow for it. It was already a feat that it had supported him until now. If he hadn't reduced the dosage, the supply would have run out long ago.
"Not at all, it is a very good formula."
"There are no issues with the basic framework. What limits its efficacy is more the quality of the herbs themselves."
"My suggestion is to add a portion of Purple Reishi to the mix. It will promote the circulation of the medicine throughout the body and also calm the mind and spirit."
"It is particularly suitable for consumption after high-intensity training."
Unohana Retsu looked at Suō Tsukasa with a gentle smile and explained meticulously. She truly lived up to her reputation as the medicine sovereign of the Gotei 13, providing an improvement plan instantly.
"Thank you, Captain Unohana. Additionally, there is one more matter I am almost ashamed to mention."
"It's just that I cannot buy high-quality medicinal herbs elsewhere in the Seireitei. I wonder if the Fourth Division could sell some to me?"
Suō Tsukasa thanked her sincerely, a hint of bashfulness appearing on his face.
Hearing this, Unohana Retsu's smile remained gentle, but she shook her head lightly in refusal.
"I wouldn't mind giving you some herbs."
"However, I must be honest with you; the Fourth Division is currently facing a shortage of medicinal herbs as well."
"The Fourth Division's current reserves, especially of high-quality herbs, are scarce. Our treatment duties are heavy, and the daily consumption is immense. We cannot provide a long-term external supply."
"I see—"
Suō Tsukasa's expression showed a bit of disappointment, but he could understand. As a medical unit, the Fourth Division's resources would naturally prioritize their own internal operations.
"However—"
Seeing Suō Tsukasa's dejected look, Unohana Retsu drew out the final word, creating a brief moment of suspense. She didn't close the door completely; her calm eyes watched Suō Tsukasa, seemingly having another plan.
This answer wasn't just her being bureaucratic. Many of her holidays were spent personally traveling to the deep mountains of the Rukongai to search for rare wild herbs.
Then she leaned forward, her elbows on the table and her fingers interlaced beneath her chin. Her eyes brightened as she smiled.
"If you are willing to pay in another way, perhaps we can reach a long-term agreement that is beneficial to both parties."
"The Fourth Division is always short-handed, especially for someone like you who has already mastered high-level Kaido techniques."
"I saw your performance today. It was excellent."
"My proposal is: you can come to the Fourth Division periodically to assist in treating severe cases that ordinary members find difficult to handle."
"In return, you can use the Fourth Division's medicinal storehouse, drawing a corresponding share of herbs according to your labor and needs."
She gently lowered her hands and resumed a dignified posture, inviting him with full sincerity.
"What do you think of this proposal, Mr. Suō?"
"Of course!"
Without any hesitation, Suō Tsukasa nodded in agreement.
This plan not only solved his herbal dilemma but also provided him with a stable practical platform to improve his Kaido level. It was undoubtedly a very tempting choice. It was just an extra part-time job, which was nothing to him.
Being busy is good—being busy is very good indeed!
"Deal!"
Unohana Retsu smiled with satisfaction. This transaction was a complete win-win for both sides.
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