Bleach: I'm picking up attributes in Seireitei

That afternoon, Seinosuke Yamada was summoned to the captain's office.

Unohana Retsu is brewing tea, her movements elegant and leisurely.

When Yamada came in, Unohana gestured for him to sit down and pushed a freshly brewed cup of tea towards him.

"Kiyonosuke, how is Wang Xun's learning progress?"

After thanking him, Seinosuke Yamada picked up his teacup and hesitated for a moment.

He was somewhat at a loss for words.

"He learned...very quickly, extremely quickly."

"Oh?"

A hint of curiosity flashed in Unohana's eyes.

Although it was she who suggested that Wang Xun come here for further studies, she hadn't had time to take care of him yet, and had only asked Kiyosuke to guide him on the basics of the Dao.

Since Kiyonosuke can say it's fast, then the progress must be pretty good.

After a moment's thought, Yamada Seinosuke gave a detailed report on Wang Xun's current progress.

"His understanding of the Way is now on par with that of the team's senior officers."

"At the current pace, in a few more months, he might be able to reach the level of a vice-captain."

Seinosuke Yamada summarized, his tone rather complex.

As Yamada described it, the expression in Unohana's eyes gradually changed from calm to astonishment.

"That's really surprising."

Unohana gently put down her teacup.

Seinosuke Yamada nodded, his expression somewhat numb.

"Perhaps his previous research on the Ghost Path was very in-depth, which is why he was able to make such rapid progress in the Return Path, but this cannot overshadow his talent in the Return Path."

"With his talent, it would be a waste to put him in the Second Division."

Unohana listened quietly, her eyes thoughtful.

Seinosuke Yamada paused for a moment, then continued.

"Moreover, his learning process was exceptionally easy, unlike those ordinary team members who needed a lot of notes and theoretical accumulation. It seemed like he... only needed to listen twice to understand."

"Moreover, in practice, he demonstrated even greater abilities."

He paused, then added.

"I really didn't expect him to have such a deep understanding and affinity for the Dao."

"If I were to give him an evaluation, I would say he is a once-in-a-century genius who has returned to the Dao."

Unohana gently swirls the teacup, causing ripples to spread across the surface.

"The evaluation is very high."

"I thought it would take some time before I needed to go and check it out, but I didn't expect..."

Unohana sighed softly; Wang Xun's progress had indeed exceeded her expectations.

In just over a month, they have already improved to this level.

There was a moment of silence between them, then Unohana spoke softly.

"So, what's your decision regarding the nobles?"

The topic suddenly changed, and Seinosuke Yamada stiffened slightly.

He knew what Unohana was asking; it was a transfer order from the Central 46th Bureau, inviting him to serve as the general agent for the soon-to-be-expanded Central Pharmacy.

This is a promotion across ranks, from deputy captain to head of a hospital, which will greatly enhance one's status and resources.

But Seinosuke Yamada isn't stupid.

He knew that this was being pushed forward by powerful noble families like the Tsunayoshi family, and that the so-called pharmacy was probably more than just a medical facility.

"The transfer order was issued directly by the 46th Division, and I... have no right to refuse."

"It's Yamada Seinosuke," he said in a low voice.

A brief silence fell over the room.

"I understand."

Unohana finally spoke.

"Unlike me, who came from that era, you are still young and still living within this system. You have no right to refuse the transfer order from the 46th Bureau."

She looked at Seinosuke Yamada with deep eyes.

"But Seinosuke, the world of the nobility is darker and more complicated than you imagine."

"The position of General Agent of the Central Pharmacy serves the nobility. It may seem glamorous, but it cannot conceal its true nature. Are you prepared?"

Seinosuke Yamada gripped the teacup tightly, his knuckles turning slightly white.

"I don't know," he said honestly, "but some paths have to be taken."

Unohana nodded. Some things are better left unsaid.

She knew this deputy well; he was conscientious, responsible, and somewhat rigid, but fundamentally honest.

"What if the position of vice-captain becomes vacant after you leave?"

"The current third and fourth seats are all far less capable than you. Have you found any promising talents among the new team members?"

Upon hearing this, Seinosuke Yamada remained silent for a moment.

"Wang Xun is good, but it's a pity he's from the Second Division. If we could recruit him, he could be competent."

Upon hearing this, Unohana shook her head.

"It's very difficult."

Yamada lowered his head and pondered for a while.

"Besides that... there's a female squad member named Kotetsu Isane who has some talent. Captain, you should give her special attention."

Upon hearing this, Unohana nodded slightly and noted the name down.

"Good, we can observe it further later."

Unohana smiled slightly.

"After all, it's still some time before you take office, isn't it?"

She put down her teacup, walked to the window, and looked out at the view of Seireitei.

"Speaking of which, my suggestion to Wang Xun is also related to you in some way."

"When I learned that he was in the Second Division, I tried to mention it, and I didn't expect Captain Yoruichi to agree so readily."

Unohana turned around, a deep meaning flashing in her eyes.

"This makes me think that perhaps we can use this to send a signal to Captain Shihōin that we can share a common stance on certain issues."

After thinking for a moment, Seinosuke Yamada understood.

The nobles poached people directly from the Fourth Division, and they even poached the vice-captain.

Captain Unohana may appear outwardly calm about this, but she's probably not happy about it inside.

Yoruichi Shihouin, as one of the four noble families, has always been unconventional and lacks patience for the infighting among nobles.

Both captains were, to some extent, dissatisfied with the existing aristocratic system.

"Does the captain want to... join forces?"

Seinosuke Yamada lowered his voice.

"Just a little bit of tacit understanding."

Unohana returned to the tea table and brewed tea again.

"Unlike when I was in Rukongai and the 11th Division, I could cut down whoever I wanted."

"With the title of Fourth Division Captain in Seireitei, and with this established order... I also have to consider the Captain-Commander's feelings, and the balance between the Gotei 13 and the nobles."

Her tone was calm, but Seinosuke Yamada could still sense the sharpness in it.

Even though the first Kenpachi donned the guise of a healer, he was still, at heart, a demon who reigned supreme with his sword.

Her tolerance of the nobles' underhanded tactics was not a sign of retreat, but rather a way of waiting for the right opportunity.

Wang Xun is the bridge connecting her and Yoruichi.

"I see."

Seinosuke Yamada stood up and bowed respectfully.

"Before I leave, I will do my duty to the best of my ability. As for the future... please take care, Captain."

"Of course, you are too."

Mao Zhihua nodded.

"Remember to protect yourself, Kiyonosuke."

"That's all, you can go back to your work."

"Yes, Captain."

Unohana stopped looking at him. Yamada Seinosuke got up, slowly walked out of the captain's room, and gently closed the door behind him.

The night was deep, and the corridor was quiet.

Seinosuke Yamada stood there for a long time before letting out a long breath and finally walking away.