Bleach: The Shinigami’s Zanpakutō That Unleashed Bankai On Its Own

The quarters of the Fourth Division.

As a genius from the Spiritual Arts Academy personally invited by the captain, Moyu's reception here seemed to surpass all previous records.

Unohana Retsu walked in front, gently leading the way and introducing the buildings with a calm, serene voice.

Her quiet smile, soft as flowing water, matched her composed demeanor.

"The Comprehensive Emergency Station is the most important medical facility in the Fourth Division, and its environment is the most refined."

"Wounded members of the Gotei 13 are typically brought here for immediate treatment."

"Our squad's philosophy is benevolence. After battle, whether enemy or ally, all must be treated."

Moyu had already developed some understanding of the Fourth Division's function.

Back at the Spiritual Arts Academy, this division's tenets had been emphasized more than once. They reflected the fundamental belief system held by most Shinigami in Seireitei.

Unlike the Quincy, whose methods tore at the balance of the worlds, everything a Shinigami does is to preserve equilibrium.

The curriculum at the Academy was noticeably different from the cold philosophies instilled in the ninja villages next door.

Protecting one's comrades—this is the Shinigami's way.

That's why, unlike the Quincies who wield destruction indiscriminately, a Shinigami must remain conscious of who they fight and why.

Yamamoto Genryūsai, once the feared Sword Demon, hadn't followed this philosophy in the past, and it had cost him dearly. It was less that he ruled Seireitei as its Captain-Commander, and more that he spent that era atoning for his past mistakes.

Of course, there were more reasons behind those choices—reasons Moyu had yet to learn.

"Captain!"

Just as Unohana Retsu was elaborating on the Fourth Division's structure, a voice echoed from afar.

Moyu turned toward it and saw a slender man in a standard Shinigami uniform approaching.

"The Eleventh Division just delivered two severely wounded members."

"I've stabilized their life signs, but I can't proceed with further treatment alone."

"Captain, I request your immediate assistance!"

His words halted as he finally noticed Moyu's presence.

Standing there in the Fourth Division barracks, without the typical aura of a medic or even the faint signs of humility, Moyu stood out like ink on white parchment.

Unohana smiled softly and introduced him with her usual grace.

"This is Kuchiki Moyu, a talented graduate I personally recruited from the Spiritual Arts Academy."

Then she turned to Moyu.

"This is Vice-Captain of the Fourth Division—Yamada Seinosuke."

A subtle flicker passed through Moyu's lavender eyes.

Yamada Seinosuke… future head of the Medical Institute, close to Tsunayashiro Tokinada, and one of the minds behind the Sansan Hikiya...

In short, this man's future wasn't bright.

And, to Moyu, he definitely wasn't a good person—now or ever.

"Kuchiki…"

Seinosuke's pupils contracted, clearly recognizing the surname.

But he quickly forced a courteous, if obviously artificial, smile onto his face and offered the most formal greeting possible.

"An honor to meet you, Mr. Moyu."

"I look forward to working with you."

Moyu responded with equal politeness, keeping his gaze fixed on the vice-captain.

From what he knew, this guy had immense respect for Sister Unohana.

If he learned just how much affection Unohana had shown Moyu, it might trigger some… unwanted side effects.

Moyu's thoughts raced for a moment, considering all the possibilities.

Unohana, meanwhile, stood between them, still smiling like a spring breeze, clearly pleased by the sight of peaceful teamwork.

As expected, cooperative subordinates were her favorite.

"Now that we've been introduced, take us to the ward," she said gently.

"Let Mr. Moyu become familiar with our treatment process and emergency procedures."

"Understood!"

Yamada Seinosuke quickly turned and headed toward the inner sanctum of the Comprehensive Emergency Station, his pace quickening.

"Come, Mr. Moyu."

Unohana gave him a sidelong smile. "Though you may not need to participate directly in these matters in the future, it's still important to understand the structure."

Moyu nodded in response.

Just then, he noticed Seinosuke suddenly hesitate, his steps faltering for a brief moment.

Moyu took note of it instantly.

Hopefully, he's not about to do something stupid...

—

General Medical Ward – Inner Corridor

"Damn it! Where the hell is the medic?!"

The roar echoed through the otherwise silent corridor, breaking the stillness like a hammer to glass.

It clashed harshly with the peaceful energy of the medical division.

On Unohana Retsu's still-smiling face, a faint black line seemed to appear, her aura subtly darkening.

Her serene smile remained, but the energy behind it shifted—becoming far more dangerous.

Her steps quickened as she turned into the ward where the outburst had originated.

Moyu followed closely behind, a flicker of curiosity in his gaze.

Which moron thought it was a good idea to shout like that in the Fourth Division's core ward?

As the door opened, light gleamed off a perfectly bald head.

Long, narrow eyes, framed with red eyeshadow—the most recognizable features outside of the blinding dome of his scalp.

"I should've guessed earlier…"

Moyu looked at the bald-headed man, who remained blissfully unaware of the creeping death aura behind him, and murmured:

"Besides the maniacs in the Eleventh Division, who else would be this reckless?"