Every word of this confession came from the bottom of her heart, without the slightest hint of falsehood.
Retsu Unohana listened quietly, flashes of deep emotion occasionally passing through her eyes.
As a Soul Reaper Captain who had lived for over a thousand years, she had seen far too many people slaughter and scheme against one another for power, status, and strength.
Yet, she had rarely seen someone like Shinobu Kocho, who, after attaining a certain level of status and power, would unhesitatingly choose to give it all up for the sake of pure affection.
Looking at Shinobu's resolute gaze, and then at Asuka, who stood silently behind her in a protective stance, she sighed softly to herself.
Such a bond was likely something not even a Zanpakuto could sever.
"I understand," Retsu Unohana smiled gently, nodding to Shinobu.
"Since this is your carefully considered decision, as your Captain, it is only right that I respect your choice. Forcibly keeping someone whose heart is no longer in the Seireitei would not benefit the Fourth Division anyway."
Hearing Unohana yield, a flash of joy crossed Shinobu's eyes. She quickly bowed her head to the floor again in gratitude. "Thank you for your blessing, Captain!"
"However," Unohana shifted the conversation, "Shinobu, although I understand your choice, I cannot approve your resignation right now."
"Huh?" Shinobu paused, looking up in confusion.
"You are a smart child, and you are well aware of the current situation," Unohana explained. "Aizen's defection, the annihilation of Central 46, Head Captain Yamamoto's disappearance..."
"The Seireitei is currently in its most vulnerable, chaotic, and dangerous state since the founding of the Gotei 13. Every ounce of strength is incredibly precious."
"The relief clinics are currently overflowing with patients, and this is exactly when your outstanding Kaido is needed." She smiled, her eyes narrowing as she pressed her hands together in a pleading gesture. "Please, just do your Captain one last favor until a new Head Captain takes over."
"This..." Shinobu glanced at Asuka beside her, her eyes filled with conflict.
She longed to take off this uniform immediately and fly far away with Asuka to live their own lives. But her innate healer's compassion and her sense of responsibility toward her colleagues in the Fourth Division made it impossible for her to cruelly walk away during such a critical crisis.
Seeming to notice Shinobu's inner turmoil, Asuka reached out and gently patted her shoulder.
"Do what you want to do," Asuka responded firmly. "We've already waited almost a hundred years; a few more days won't matter."
"With me here, as long as you don't want to, no one can force you."
"But if you feel this is a responsibility you must bear, then I will stay here with you until everything is over."
Receiving Asuka's support, a surge of warmth filled Shinobu's heart. She turned back and gave Unohana a firm nod.
"I understand, Captain! Until the situation stabilizes, I will continue to fulfill my duties as the Fourth Seat of the Fourth Division and do my utmost to treat the wounded."
"Thank you, Shinobu. I knew I wasn't wrong about you," Unohana smiled with gratification.
"Once Squad Zero's meeting concludes, the Soul King Palace will issue clear directives, and order within the Seireitei will soon be reestablished."
"When that time comes, I will personally process your resignation. I will not break my promise."
Time flew by like a fleeting shadow.
Amidst the busy and tense atmosphere, two days passed in the blink of an eye.
It was noon.
The eternally azure sky of the Soul Society seemed to feel an inexplicable pressure today.
The clouds hung low, exuding a heavy atmosphere that hinted at an approaching storm.
Inside the First Division barracks.
Within the meeting room that had symbolized the majesty of the Gotei 13 during Head Captain Yamamoto's tenure.
The remaining Captains of the Gotei 13 stood in their respective positions, wearing their white haori with solemn expressions.
Soi Fon of the Second Division, Retsu Unohana of the Fourth Division, Byakuya Kuchiki of the Sixth Division.
Sajin Komamura of the Seventh Division, Shunsui Kyoraku of the Eighth Division, Toshiro Hitsugaya of the Tenth Division.
Kenpachi Zaraki of the Eleventh Division, Mayuri Kurotsuchi of the Twelfth Division, and Jushiro Ukitake of the Thirteenth Division.
Of the once thirteen awe-inspiring Captains, only nine remained.
And before them all, the seat that rightfully belonged to the strongest Soul Reaper, Genryusai Yamamoto, was completely empty.
That vacant seat was like an unhealing scar, stinging the hearts of all the Captains present.
Beyond this group of gloomy Captains.
Two rather out-of-place figures stood in the corner of the meeting room.
One was Kaien Shiba, who had recovered his Reiryoku and had been dragged here by Shunsui Kyoraku to make up the numbers.
The other was Asuka, who leaned against the wall with his arms crossed and a cold expression on his face.
"You aren't even a current Captain, and you don't even have a haori. How are you allowed to attend a meeting of this level?" Asuka furrowed his brows, turning his head slightly to glance at the man beside him who was currently greeting Jushiro Ukitake with his eyes.
"Those words hurt my feelings. Why wouldn't I be able to come?" Kaien Shiba flashed a bright and entirely unapologetic smile, sticking out his thumb to point forcefully at his own chest.
"Aren't they summoning the existing Captains? I just had a slight hiccup during a mission and got lost for eighteen years, that's all."
"Until the old man issues a formal dismissal document, I am still technically a Captain, so of course I have to be here!"
"Besides, Captain Kyoraku personally dragged me here, so don't underestimate me," he patted Asuka's shoulder and added with a grin.
"The Seireitei is severely short-handed right now. They should be thrilled that a top-tier combatant like me is willing to come back and help."
"You? Top-tier? Top-tier where?" Asuka curled his lips speechlessly. "...Whatever. I just hope this boring meeting ends soon."
If he hadn't been directly singled out by that gold-and-white Spirit Butterfly and forced to attend, Asuka wouldn't be standing here wasting his time at all.
All he could think about right now was which street in Karakura Town he should buy a property on after the meeting ended.
Based on his previous delivery experience, the Tsubakidai area was the most reliable choice.
It had a park with nice scenery and was close to the commercial district in Honcho, making everything convenient.
Clack, clack, clack.
Just as he was pondering the future, the sound of wooden sandals striking the stone floor echoed from the corridor outside the meeting room.
Asuka's eyes flickered slightly as he recognized the rhythm of those footsteps.
Outside the main doors, three silhouettes walked slowly into the First Division's meeting room against the daylight.
Walking at the very front was a man wearing a green-and-white striped bucket hat and a dark green kimono coat, sporting a highly punchable smile.
To his left was a tall, breathtakingly beautiful woman with dark brown skin and long purple hair.
To his right was a man as burly as an iron tower, wearing thick glasses and sporting a neat mustache.
The arrivals were none other than the former Captain of the Twelfth Division, Kisuke Urahara; the former Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukido, Yoruichi Shihoin; and the former Grand Kido Chief, Tessai Tsukabishi.
With the entrance of these three, the atmosphere inside the meeting room underwent a drastic and bizarre shift in an instant.
If the atmosphere just moments ago had been a stifling oppression...
Then right now, it was a powder keg ready to explode at any second.