Bleach : I Need To Rizz To Become Stronger ?!

Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni was, in truth, a man who deeply valued his subordinates. But his position demanded more of him—it forced him to weigh larger consequences.

There were those who, once they crossed a certain line, left him no choice but to act.

"If he dies by your hand, it will only be more regrettable," Yamamoto said. "But it is also the path each of us chooses for ourselves."

Tachikawa Shin had chosen to propose this battle—and Yamamoto had chosen to accept it.

Whatever the result, Yamamoto would bear it.

Besides, he didn't believe Shin would die.

If Unohana Retsu were truly seeking death, she would savor the fight and allow herself to be taken by it—not recklessly kill Shin without hesitation.

As Shin himself had said, in all the centuries since she became Captain of the Fourth Division, he was the only one to give her satisfaction in combat. She wouldn't let this opportunity go.

After Unohana left, Sasakibe Chōjirō entered.

"I've notified Captain Kyōraku, Captain Ukitake, and Captain Soifon," he reported.

"Mm."

Yamamoto's expression was conflicted. "Chōjirō, what do you think of all this?"

"If you've chosen the right person, then all is well," Sasakibe replied.

"…Begin the preparations."

Fourth Division barracks.

After returning from the First Division, Unohana hadn't stepped out of her office—until Isane Kotetsu came by with work-related matters.

"Isane, is it almost time for the Association gathering?" Unohana asked suddenly.

"Eh?" Isane blinked, caught off guard. "I… think it's tomorrow."

She'd been so distracted lately that she had completely forgotten.

By "the Association," Unohana meant the Women's Shinigami Association.

Most of the well-known female Soul Reapers across the Thirteen Divisions were members. Its president was Kusajishi Yachiru, Vice-Captain of the Eleventh, and though the association had Seireitei's official backing—complete with monthly funding—its actual activities were mostly recreational. They spent their time entertaining Yachiru and hosting casual gatherings.

"Tomorrow? That's perfect," Unohana said with a rare soft smile. "Can I trouble you to inform everyone? We'll host it here in the Fourth Division."

"…"

Isane was stunned for a moment at that gentle expression—one she hadn't seen on Unohana's face since the battle with Shin. After that, her captain had changed. Distant. Cold.

Had Shin said something yesterday that helped lift the weight from her heart?

Whatever the reason, seeing her captain return to her old self brought Isane quiet joy.

"I'll notify everyone right away!"

She didn't even bother using hell butterflies. She ran in person from division to division, a bounce in her step.

She eventually arrived at the Tenth and met with Matsumoto Rangiku.

"A team-building event?" Rangiku scratched her head. "I nearly forgot. I've been drowning in paperwork."

"You're that busy? Will you have time tomorrow?" Isane asked.

Rangiku sighed. "Our Third Seat suddenly took a long leave to care for his grandma, so all his work got dumped on me. And our Captain? Ugh, don't even ask."

She didn't even realize some of that work should've been hers to begin with.

Isane bit her lip. "Shin… I mean, Captain Tachikawa—is he alright?"

Rangiku glanced at her, falling back into her usual complaints. "Isane, seriously, what's the deal with him? He used to be so motivated—starting student councils at the Academy, holding Shinigami cultural events when he was in the Fourth, talking about reforming your division… Now that he's captain, he's just… meh. You know him best. What happened?"

"…"

"Ah, whatever. I'll still come tomorrow."

Isane hesitated. "Maybe you should skip it. Work is important, and Captain Tachikawa might need your help…"

"It's just patrol logs and daily admin," Rangiku waved dismissively. "Half a day off won't kill anyone."

She wasn't wrong. Tenth Division's routine duties were mostly minor patrols. Even if something happened, it'd probably just be some civilian dispute in Seireitei.

"…Alright, then."

As Isane left the Tenth, she glanced toward the captain's office—its door tightly shut.

Her light mood soured, a touch of melancholy creeping back in.

She shook her head to dispel the thoughts.

**

The next day.

The Women's Shinigami Association gathered in a tearoom in the Fourth. Aside from Vice-Captain Ise Nanao of the Eighth, there was a new face—Kanizawa, now Ninth Seat of the Eighth Division and known to many present.

The women drank tea, snacked, then joined Unohana in a lesson on ikebana. Kiyone and Kanizawa took the flower arranging seriously, while Rangiku and Nemu spent their time feeding blossoms to Yachiru—not worrying at all whether they were edible. After all, Yachiru had never had any problems before.

Ise Nanao brought up an issue—the Association's funding was running low again. She wondered aloud whether they could siphon more from other associations, like the Men's Shinigami Association.

This was her usual tactic. There were several associations within Seireitei: the Tea Ceremony Association (Yamamoto and Sasakibe), the Calligraphy Association (led by Byakuya), the Flower Arrangement Association (Unohana). Funds were divided among them all. Nanao often "borrowed" budget from the male association under various pretexts. As Vice-President, she managed all the logistics. Yachiru was more of a mascot.

Isane looked at her smiling captain and couldn't help but smile too.

To her, this—this peaceful moment—was enough. Her captain was the same as before.

As for Shin… give it time. Eventually, she'd move on.

Kiyone leaned in and whispered, "Sis, you're in a great mood. Did you and Captain Tachikawa make up?"

"…"

Isane's smile froze. She ducked her head, feigning focus on the flowers.

"Why do you ask?"

"I care, that's all."

Then Matsumoto's gaze turned their way. "What are you whispering about? I think I heard my captain's name."

Isane waved her hands quickly. "N-no! Nothing!"

Rangiku smirked. "Really?"

Isane nodded furiously.

Rangiku leaned in beside her. "Isane, let me tell you something. When you're looking at men—you'd better look clearly. Some are very good at pretending."

Isane wanted to say Rangiku was wrong—but the more she thought about it, the more she wasn't.

Quietly, she replied, "I know, Miss Rangiku."

Rangiku went on, "I still don't get what's so great about our captain. Back at the Academy, he had all the girls swooning over him."

She turned to Kanizawa with a glint in her eye. "Kanizawa, you were in the same class, right? Were there really that many girls crushing on him?"

"…"

Kanizawa, who had been concentrating on Unohana's instructions, suddenly fumbled—cutting her stem too short.

"…Maybe. I wouldn't know." Her voice was cold.

Rangiku raised an eyebrow but didn't pry. She turned back to Isane. "Remember what I said."

Isane nodded silently.

After the gathering ended, and everyone dispersed, Isane stayed behind to clean up. Then she sat with Unohana and chatted about the association's affairs.

Unohana listened quietly. When Isane finished, she said, "Isane, you've been Vice-Captain for quite a while now, haven't you?"

Isane nodded. It had been decades.

Unohana smiled gently. "You're quite exceptional—better than your predecessor, Yamada."

Isane flushed. "I still have a long way to go compared to Yamada-senpai…"

They referred to Yamada Kiyosuke, the previous Vice-Captain of the Fourth.

"In management and healing technique, he couldn't match your dedication," Unohana said. Then added, "How's your progress on Bankai?"

Isane blinked, then lowered her head in shame. She shook it slightly.

"Do you remember the Twelfth Division's Captain from forty years ago?"

"You mean… Urahara Kisuke?"

"I heard he had a special research method—for unlocking Bankai quickly. I mentioned it to Nemu earlier. You might consider speaking with Captain Kurotsuchi about it."

Isane looked thoughtful. She didn't suspect anything. She simply thought her captain was expressing hope for her growth.

Bankai was a prerequisite to becoming a captain, but Isane didn't believe mastering it meant she could replace Unohana.

"I understand, Captain. I'll look into it."

"Mm."

The cavern beneath Sokyoku Hill.

Yamamoto had once again chosen this location. Despite what happened last time, few knew about this place.

Compared to before, new instruments had been installed—devices to suppress spiritual pressure, arranged beforehand by Sasakibe.

Aside from Yamamoto and Sasakibe, Kyōraku, Ukitake, and Soifon were present. These five would be the only witnesses.

"Shin," Ukitake turned to the young captain beside him. "Are you sure you're ready for this?"

He was still worried. When he'd learned of Yamamoto's decision, he'd rushed to speak with Kyōraku and prepare accordingly.

Shin glanced at the massive shield and strange dagger Kyōraku had brought—both emblazoned with the Shihōin clan crest.

The Shihōin were known for their divine armaments. That shield had once suppressed even the twin execution. Its purpose here was clear—insurance in case things went wrong.

As for the dagger… its function remained unclear. Likely another failsafe.

Kyōraku's gaze settled on Shin.

"If I wasn't confident," Shin said, "I never would've convinced the Head-Captain."

Soifon scowled. "You'd better be confident! We're not here to watch you gamble your life!"

Shin ignored her.

"Hey! You—!" Soifon snapped.

Ukitake quickly intervened. "Alright, enough. Let's believe in Captain Tachikawa for now."

Soifon snorted. "Believe in him? I'm worried the Head-Captain's been duped!"

Yamamoto stood quietly, hands resting on his cane, unmoved by their words.

Sasakibe calmly adjusted the equipment.

They waited in silence—until Unohana appeared atop the pit's edge.

Dressed in her white haori, black hair braided and draped over her chest.

She leapt into the pit and approached them with slow, steady steps—her gaze locked on Shin.

"She's here," Kyōraku murmured.

Sasakibe looked to Yamamoto. Receiving a nod, he stepped forward, unlocked the cursed restraints with a specialized key.

The moment the seal was undone, Unohana's spiritual pressure erupted—an invisible column of energy shooting skyward. Simultaneously, the instruments Sasakibe had prepared activated, forming a barrier of light over the area.

Feeling her power, Soifon's expression changed.

Very few truly understood Unohana's strength. Soifon wasn't one of them. The raw force she felt now shook her.

That gentle captain… was far stronger than she had ever imagined.

Then she looked at Shin again—and a new question formed.

How had this guy beaten her before?!

She remembered their brief skirmish in the prison—his strange abilities.

The pit fell silent, save for the swirling winds stirred by reiatsu.

Unohana flexed her wrist lightly. Her voice was calm.

"Shall we begin?"