"Fu... Fullbring?" Kiyosuke Yamada's brows knitted into a tight knot.
He had heard of this term; it was said to be a power to manipulate the souls of matter, awakened by the descendants of human souls in the Human World who had come into contact with Hollows. It was extremely rare and difficult to categorize.
It appeared to be a powerful but entirely personal self-healing ability.
For the Fourth Division, whose mission was "saving others," what was the point of this? Doubts popped up in his mind like bubbles.
Letting someone who could only heal themselves join a medical squad? Where was the logic in that?
He looked at Unohana Retsu in confusion, hoping for an explanation or instruction from his Captain.
Unohana Retsu maintained her gentle smile, seemingly unbothered by Yomi's "incompetence" in terms of medical treatment.
Kiyosuke Yamada struggled internally for a moment, but eventually, adhering to his duties as a Vice-Captain, he proposed a compromise that followed the rules. "Oh, I see..." His tone carried a heavy sense of disappointment and confusion, but his reason overrode his emotions.
"Since it is your decision, Captain... then, given that Isayama-kun currently lacks the ability to heal others and cannot fulfill the duties of a regular Fourth Division member (such as nursing, first aid, or performing Kaidō), according to the squad rules, she can only temporarily serve as a nominal 'regular member'."
This meant that Yomi's official status and daily duty assignments within the squad would differ from those of regular medical members, likely leaning more toward a leisure post or being a special observation subject.
However, Kiyosuke Yamada changed his tone, showing his smooth side and giving the Captain plenty of face:
"However... since she is a talent you personally recruited, Captain, she must have her extraordinary qualities. Other benefits, such as dormitory allocation, reishi supply quotas, and mission allowances, can temporarily be issued according to the standards of a Vice-Captain."
This was an extremely generous treatment, almost an exception among exceptions.
A nominal regular member enjoying the salary and benefits of a Vice-Captain? This was unheard of in the strictly hierarchical Thirteen Court Guard Squads!
Yamada did this first to show Unohana Retsu the utmost respect, second to avoid straining their relationship, and third out of a sliver of curiosity—what secret did this girl possess to make the Captain make such an exception?
"Fine." Yomi didn't seem surprised at all, or rather, she didn't care about these benefits, calmly nodding to accept the arrangement.
Looking at Yomi's overly calm reaction, Kiyosuke Yamada's doubts and sense of insecurity rose again.
"This girl is too strange!" He couldn't help but turn to Unohana Retsu, choosing his words carefully as he whispered, "Captain... this... if I may be so bold, this member Huang Quan, she...?"
He wanted to ask about her origin and why she received such special treatment. Had the Captain discovered some extremely special talent?
The smile on Unohana Retsu's face deepened, but in those deep eyes, a light flickered that made Kiyosuke Yamada's hair stand on end instantly.
She leaned forward slightly, her voice as soft as a feather brushing past, yet carrying an unquestionable and even slightly warning tone. "Kiyosuke..." she called her subordinate's name in an almost motherly way, "don't concern yourself with her matters. Understand?"
That smiling gaze fell upon Kiyosuke Yamada, making him feel as if he were locked in the sights of some ancient beast; a layer of cold sweat instantly broke out on his back.
That was the possessiveness belonging to the first kenpachi, who allowed no one to pry into her "prey"! Yamada had no doubt that if he continued to press, the consequences would be severe.
He immediately stood up straight, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead, and bowed respectfully. "Yes! Captain! I understand!" All his questions were instantly suppressed deep into his heart.
He knew how terrifying the other side of his Captain was; it was not a realm he could touch.
Unohana Retsu nodded in satisfaction, and that invisible pressure vanished instantly as she returned to her gentle Captain persona.
She turned to Yomi and said in a relaxed, natural tone, "Alright, Yomi. Come with me. After 'exercising' a bit at the Academy, you're covered in dust and blood. Go take a bath first to freshen up." She pointed toward the Hot Spring Bathhouse deep within the squad barracks.
"Okay," Yomi replied, turning to leave with Unohana Retsu, leaving Kiyosuke Yamada standing there. Watching their departing backs, the mystery in his heart grew like a rolling snowball, but he could only bury it deep down.
The Fourth Division's internal Hot Spring Bathhouse was an important place for members to relax their bodies and minds and relieve the fatigue of healing.
The bath, enclosed by massive natural rocks, steamed with warm water vapor rich in healing reishi, and the air was filled with the unique scent of sulfur and herbs.
The water was crystal clear, with several Spiritual Leaves floating on the surface, emitting a soul-soothing scent.
Soaking in the warm spring water, Yomi's tense nerves and tired muscles gradually relaxed.
The lingering resonance of battle and the sense of death's threat slowly faded in the dense steam.
Leaning against the smooth rock wall of the pool, she closed her eyes, feeling the reishi-infused water gently soothing the tiny wounds and spiritual pathways on her body.
Just then, there was a splash of water nearby.
Unohana Retsu also untied her hair tie and slowly stepped into the pool.
When the mist cleared slightly and Unohana Retsu's nearly perfect body silhouette was revealed in the hazy light, Yomi's eyes widened uncontrollably.
You couldn't tell normally... Why are they so huge?! This thought boomed in Yomi's mind like a clap of thunder.
That oversized Captain's Haori was simply the most perfect camouflage in the world! It completely hid such breathtaking proportions underneath!
Water droplets slid down those stunning curves, shimmering with a lustrous glow under the moonlight. Yomi's cheeks instantly grew slightly hot, and her gaze went a bit vacant; she almost choked on a mouthful of water.
She hurriedly looked away, pretending to focus on the leaves floating on the water.
She frantically complained to herself: Hey, hey, your focus is all wrong! Where are you looking?! That's just extra fat!
Unohana Retsu didn't seem to notice Yomi's momentary strange gaze. She tilted her head back slightly, letting the warm spring water soak her slender neck, letting out a comfortable sigh.
The relaxation after the battle caused the true sharpness hidden beneath her usual gentle mask to recede quite a bit.
Changing into a clean and comfortable Squad Member Uniform, her hair still damp with moisture, Yomi followed Unohana Retsu to the Fourth Division Captain's office.
The layout of the office was completely different from the somber atmosphere of the First Division.
It was spacious and bright, with the air filled with the elegant scent of medicinal herbs.
The massive desk was neat and organized, and behind it was a medicine cabinet reaching the ceiling, filled with neatly arranged spiritual medicines and ancient texts.
A landscape scroll with a profound atmosphere hung on the wall.
In the corner, an exquisite tea set sat on a low table.
On the windowsill, several pots of lush green plants with uniquely shaped leaves were full of vitality.
This place looked more like the study of a learned physician than the residence of a swordmaster.
Unohana Retsu didn't head for the desk but went straight to the low table, kneeling down gracefully and beginning to skillfully boil water, rinse the cups, and prepare the tea.
The scent of tea soon filled the room, carrying a soul-soothing charm. She motioned for Yomi to sit as well.
Yomi sat on the cushion opposite her as instructed, her posture upright. Watching Unohana Retsu's fluid movements, her focused expression, and the rising tea steam, the atmosphere felt exceptionally peaceful.
However, when Unohana Retsu gently pushed a cup of clear, fragrant tea in front of Yomi, a calm but direct question broke the silence:
"You," Unohana Retsu's gaze was like the most precise scalpel, locking onto Yomi's eyes through the tea steam, her gentle tone hiding a sharpness tempered for a thousand years, "are actually hiding more power, aren't you?"