Although Kensei Kenzuru wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed and his brain short-circuited now and then, his talent as a Soul Reaper was truly unparalleled, proficient in Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō without exception.
If his IQ were just a bit more normal, he would undoubtedly be the most perfect Soul Reaper the Soul Society had ever seen.
Watching the compressed Kaidō spiritual pressure, sealed by Bakudō, smoothly merge into the white mouse's body without any rejection, Kensei's spirits lifted. He grabbed the small knife beside him, ready to inflict a mere fatal wound on the creature.
The corner of Unohana's eye twitched. She swiftly grabbed Kensei's hand, preventing his misdeed.
"Testing effects should be done step by step." Unohana's voice came from behind, so close Kensei could feel the warmth of her breath on his ear. "Who starts testing with a fatal wound right off the bat?"
Before Kensei could react, he felt a warm, soft body press against his back from behind. Standing behind him, Unohana leaned forward slightly, her chest resting gently against his spine, giving Kensei a distinct sensation of softness. Her arms reached around from either side, her hands covering the backs of his.
Hmm... Sister Unohana is quite well-endowed indeed.
Breathing in the faint, lingering fragrance and feeling the almost imperceptible tickle near his ear, Kensei froze momentarily. If it were Yoruichi or Soi Fon doing this, he'd be delighted. But it was Unohana, of all people. It could only be described as pure torment.
"First, simply break the epidermis to test if that can activate the seal." Unohana's voice was gentle and calm, as if completely unbothered by such intimate contact. Guiding Kensei's hands, she slowly created a wound on the mouse's skin—just deep enough to break it but not to draw blood.
Feeling Unohana's warm, slender hands, Kensei felt his heartbeat quicken slightly. He subconsciously held his breath, afraid Unohana might notice his unusual state.
Unohana guided Kensei to create wounds of varying depths on the mouse's body until the sealed Kaidō within was triggered. A pale green light emanated from within, covering the wounds. The cuts rapidly healed and scabbed over. Once the Kaidō glow faded, only faint marks remained on the skin.
Unohana nodded with satisfaction, having now determined the minimum injury threshold to trigger this new healing technique. As she emerged from her immersed, medical-focused state, she became aware of Kensei's rigid posture. Glancing at his restless form, understanding dawned on her.
She retreated silently and fetched a tea set from a cabinet to start brewing tea. The sudden absence at his back brought Kensei a sense of relief, mixed with a tinge of regret.
"This new technique of yours is very interesting. As long as it's implanted in the body beforehand, it can reduce the loss of combat effectiveness due to injury during battle." Pouring the brewed tea into fine porcelain cups, Unohana pushed one towards Kensei. "However, it requires some understanding of Bakudō. An average person would need some time to master it."
"This new technique could also be used in conjunction with Soul Reapers proficient in Bakudō, adjusting the trigger conditions based on each individual's tolerance."
Watching Unohana analyze the technique so methodically, Kensei thought, This is what you call professional.
"What name do you plan to give it, Sister Unohana?"
"Isn't this a new technique you developed?"
Unohana's hand, holding the teacup, paused slightly, unsure why he would ask such a thing.
"A technique like this is of no real use to me. Giving it to you, Sister Unohana, not only allows it to be perfected and spread but also gets Old Man Yama the new tea he's been longing for. Killing two birds with one stone."
So, he still wants to avoid sparring with me. Unohana felt a slight regret. Every time she practiced swordsmanship with Kensei, she was amazed by his creativity and gained insights herself. However, in light of this gift she was quite satisfied with, she decided to let him off the hook... until he achieved captain-level spiritual pressure.
"In that case, I'll accept it without ceremony." Getting up, she retrieved an exquisite box from the room and handed it to Kensei. "This is what your teacher wanted. I put quite a bit of effort into gathering it from the mountains."
"By the way, Sister Unohana, your Shikai can fly, can't it? Did you use it to go up the mountain?"
Unohana's Shikai was quite distinctive—the blade could transform into a giant, flat, single-eyed manta ray capable of both flight and healing, making it highly versatile.
"Kensei-kun, one must be careful with their words."
In the dimming light, shadows fell across the parts of Unohana's face untouched by lamplight. Her smiling visage appeared devilish in Kensei's eyes, sending a cold sweat breaking out on his back.
"Did I... say something just now?"
"That's a good boy." The pressure surrounding Kensei receded like a tide. Unohana reverted to her usual gentle, spring-like demeanor. "It's getting late, Kensei-kun. Why not stay here tonight? It's been a while since I last tasted your cooking."
"Then I'll be imposing on you, Sister Unohana."
He had originally planned to deliver the tea to Old Man Yama tonight, but it seemed the old man would have to wait one more night. Surely his venerable teacher would understand. Old Man Yama, it's not that your student is shameless; it's just that Sister Unohana is too enchanting!
Diving into the kitchen, Kensei marveled at how nice a Captain's living quarters were—beautiful scenery and fully equipped facilities. He'd have to get Old Man Yama to assign him a set sooner or later.
Sitting at the table, Unohana watched Kensei's busy figure in the kitchen with keen interest, wondering if she should concoct some spirit-pressure-enhancing medicine for him. After a moment's thought, she dismissed the idea. Forcing growth was never good.
Seeing the carefully prepared dishes on the table, Unohana could tell Kensei had put considerable thought into them. Taking a bite and sensing the reishi bursting forth from the food, she was slightly surprised.
"You learned spirit-infused cooking from Captain Hikifune?"
"Yes. I have regular exchanges with Sister Hikifune, so I picked it up naturally."
Unohana nodded upon hearing this and said no more, allowing an odd silence to settle over the dining table.
"I've been thinking. How about naming this new healing technique 'Kensei's Blooming Salve'?"
"Huh? I think that's fine."
Kensei was indifferent. Since he'd given it to her, the naming rights were hers. Besides, his own taste in names wasn't exactly stellar.
"And take this as well." After wiping her mouth with a napkin, Unohana handed Kensei a small, long box. "A small ornament you can hang from your Zanpakutō."
"The guest room is ready. Goodnight, Kensei-kun."
Unohana rose and returned to her room, leaving Kensei sitting there, puzzled as to why she had suddenly given him a gift.
Opening the box, Kensei found inside a small ornament, a perfect miniature replica of Unohana's own Zanpakutō, down to the hilt patterns and the tassel tied at both ends.
Incredible. As expected of Sister Unohana. Looks like she's trying to motivate me to improve quickly so we can have our fencing match!
The corner of Kensei's mouth twitched. He hung the ornament from his own Zanpakutō's hilt, preparing to meet Old Man Yama the next day.
Back in her room, Unohana stood alone by the window, her hand lightly tracing the scar on her chest, murmuring under her breath:
"Such restraint is truly difficult..."
***
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