MTLNOVEL CHAPTER 54:Suì-Fēng, Captain of the Second Division
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It hadn't been long since Shiraha's official appointment as the captain of the Seventh Division, and already, with Third Seat Iba Tetsuzaemon at his side, he made his way toward the Fourth Division barracks. As they entered, low murmurs stirred among the stationed medics. "Is that Captain Shiraha—the one who replaced Komamura-taichō? He's... seriously handsome," one whispered. Another added, "I heard he defeated Komamura on his first day after joining," her eyes wide with disbelief. "But what's he doing in our barracks?" someone else asked, and the quiet answer followed immediately, "Don't you remember? Captain Komamura's being treated here."
The moment Shiraha stepped into the corridor, the attention he drew was palpable. Most of the Fourth Division were women—medics trained under the compassionate yet formidable Captain Unohana—and they couldn't help but steal glances at him. His noble posture, pristine white haori with the kanji for "seven," and the rare star-leading pliers adorning his hair and collar marked him clearly as someone of Kuchiki lineage. A few of them flushed, whispering as he passed, while others simply stared in silence. Many offered respectful bows. "Good afternoon, Captain Shiraha," they said. He returned each greeting with the same serene poise—a calm nod, a polite smile—his demeanor gracious yet distant, warm but contained.
At the end of the corridor stood a tall woman with short silver-gray hair braided into thin strands. She wore a standard Shinigami uniform and a pair of red-striped earrings that swung subtly as she stepped forward. Her pale gold eyes locked onto his with a composed intelligence. "Captain Shiraha," she said after bowing lightly, "I assume you've come to visit Vice-Captain Komamura. I'm Kotetsu Isane, vice-captain of the Fourth Division."
She paused, her eyes briefly studying him. His noble regalia and demeanor left no doubt—this man wasn't merely a replacement for Komamura; he was a prodigy.
Shiraha inclined his head slightly. "Yes. Iba and I came to see how Vice-Captain Komamura is recovering. Is his condition stable?"
"Oh! Apologies—I mean yes, you're right. I should have said Vice-Captain Komamura." Isane flustered, quickly bowing again. "I haven't quite adjusted to the change yet."
"It's alright," Shiraha said gently, his voice mild. Without warning, he reached out and patted her head with a light touch. Isane froze, stunned by the unexpected softness of the gesture. "He's... gentle," she thought, caught off guard. "Just like Captain Unohana."
"Vice-Captain Kotetsu?" Shiraha said, waving a hand near her face to bring her back to the moment.
"I'm so sorry," she gasped, snapping out of her daze. "Please, follow me. Komamura-san's wounds have mostly healed now."
She turned, leading them deeper into the treatment facility. Shiraha and Tetsuzaemon followed without a word. The air inside was clean and lightly tinged with the scent of herbs. The room they entered was simple—neatly arranged bedding, tonics and medicinal jars lined along shelves, and only two people present.
Komamura Sajin sat upright on the nearest bed, heavy bandages covering his chest and arms, while beside him stood Unohana Retsu, her presence as quiet and commanding as ever. Draped in the long black tresses that framed her face, she looked up and greeted them with a warm, unreadable smile.
"Captain Shiraha, thank you for coming to visit Vice-Captain Komamura," she said softly.
"Thank you for your care, Captain Unohana," Shiraha answered with equal politeness. "And please, just call me Shiraha."
"If you insist," she said, her tone graceful but firm. Her eyes lingered on him a moment longer before she added, "Your Zanpakutō's ability... and your swordsmanship... are truly exceptional."
She had witnessed the duel between Shiraha and Komamura firsthand. Every movement, every calculated strike, had revealed not only the hidden power of his blade but a level of mastery that rivaled any seasoned veteran.
"You flatter me, Captain Unohana," Shiraha said modestly, though inwardly he couldn't help but reflect, You're the First Kenpachi. You could disembowel me without blinking.
To the average Shinigami, Unohana seemed calm, nurturing, and gentle, but Shiraha wasn't fooled. Centuries ago, she was Unohana Yachiru—the demon healer, the bloodstained mother of all swordfighters. Only Yamamoto Genryūsai surpassed her in power. Even someone like Aizen, without the illusion of Kyōka Suigetsu, wouldn't have survived a direct confrontation.
"Humility is admirable," Unohana said with a faint smile, though her words carried sharp undertones, "but in swordsmanship, there's such a thing as too much."
The warning was clear—and Shiraha understood it well.
She turned to Isane. "Let's give them some privacy. I'm sure Shiraha has matters to discuss with Vice-Captain Komamura."
Isane nodded and followed her captain out, leaving the room quiet once more.
Shiraha stepped closer to the bed. "Vice-Captain Komamura," he said with a respectful bow, "I owe you an apology."
Komamura, upright despite his wounds, gave a slow shake of the head. "There's no need, Captain Shiraha. I lost. It's as simple as that."
"I'd like to ask, then—would you consider remaining in the Seventh Division?"
Komamura's power hadn't diminished. Though he had lost his title, his spirit as a warrior of justice remained unwavering. And Seireitei could always use more of that.
"As long as the Captain-Commander does not remove me from duty," Komamura answered, his voice calm but resolute, "I have no intention of leaving."
There was a pause. Then Komamura met Shiraha's eyes squarely. "Now that you've had time to see Squad Seven with your own eyes... what do you think?"
Shiraha turned to his companion. "Iba, explain."
Komamura's brow furrowed as Iba stepped forward, his voice grave as he recounted everything—the dereliction of duty, the drunken misconduct, and finally, Ichikanbanjibō's brazen attack and subsequent punishment. Komamura's jaw clenched with each word. By the time Iba finished, his eyes were smoldering.
"That fool... to think Ichikanbanjibō would go that far." Komamura's fists tightened against his sheets. "I had no idea."
Justice was his core, and knowing that someone like that had served under him—with his ignorance as shield—shook him to the core.
"Captain Shiraha," he said after a long pause, standing despite the pain and bowing deeply, "thank you. You've done what I should have done long ago."
"There's no debt between us," Shiraha said simply, and the moment passed in mutual respect.
Just then, the door burst open. Isane stood in the doorway, her face pale and voice urgent.
"Captain Shiraha—sorry to interrupt, but urgent news! Captain Suì-Fēng of the Second Division has arrived outside... and she brought the entire Onmitsukidō with her!"
Shiraha's expression sharpened instantly. "Stealth Force?"
His calm vanished like mist in moonlight, replaced with cold clarity.
Something had come.
And it wasn't friendly.
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