LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 16: Department Selection
Senju Makoto walked down the hallway of the Soul Society's academy, the faint hum of quiet discussions and footsteps echoing around him. He had just finished his entrance ceremony and was now left with the task of choosing his department. The decision was an important one—it would shape his future and the path he would walk as a Soul Reaper.
The academy was divided into several departments, each focusing on a different aspect of being a Soul Reaper. There was the Combat Division, where students honed their swordsmanship and combat abilities, the Medical Division, where students learned healing techniques, and the Research Division, for those interested in studying the Soul Reaper's techniques and history. The most prestigious was, of course, the Fourth Division, a place that combined the mastery of combat with healing.
Makoto's mind wandered as he considered his options. He had always been a peaceful person, someone who valued life and healing. The idea of combat was something that filled him with unease, but he knew it was inevitable. The Soul Society was a place of conflict, and even the most peaceful of souls had to be prepared for battle.
As he stood there, lost in thought, a voice interrupted his reverie.
"Senju Makoto," the voice said softly.
He turned to see Unohana Retsu, the captain of the Fourth Division, standing in front of him. Her calm and serene presence was like a breath of fresh air, a stark contrast to the chaos of the academy.
"You seem troubled," she said, her voice gentle yet filled with understanding.
Makoto bowed respectfully. "I am, Captain. I'm not sure which department to choose."
Unohana smiled kindly, her eyes warm with empathy. "Choosing a department is an important decision, but it is not something to be rushed. The right path will come to you in time."
Her words offered a sense of comfort, but Makoto still felt a weight in his heart. He wasn't sure if he was ready for the responsibility that came with becoming a Soul Reaper. The thought of wielding a sword and fighting in battle filled him with fear.
"Do you think I'm making the right choice?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Unohana paused, her eyes thoughtful. "There is no right or wrong choice, only the one that feels right to you. The path of healing may not be easy, but it is just as important as any other."
Her words resonated deeply with Makoto. He had always felt drawn to healing, to helping others and easing their pain. The thought of walking the path of a healer, even in the dangerous world of the Soul Society, gave him a sense of purpose.
He straightened up, determination shining in his eyes. "I've made up my mind, Captain. I will choose the Fourth Division."
Unohana nodded, her smile widening. "A wise choice, Senju Makoto. You have a gentle heart, and it will serve you well in the days to come."
The mature and intelligent aura of the older woman almost hit him like a wave, leaving Senju Makoto momentarily stunned.
Whether in his past life or this one, this was the first time Senju Makoto had been this close to a woman. So close, in fact, that his physiological instincts became disoriented.
"Pro... Professor... you're... you're too close..."
"Haha!"
In response, a gentle laugh echoed from behind, and then, with a swift movement, Unohana Retsu's pointed finger touched Senju Makoto's forehead, gently pushing him back. With poise, she smiled and spoke.
"Makoto, reacting this strongly to either killing intent or simply being too close to someone of the opposite sex is really not good."
"Sorry, Teacher."
At that moment, Senju Makoto had no words left to say other than to retreat in defeat.
Unohana Retsu, however, continued with a smile. "Originally, I was a little hesitant about which department to assign you to, but now, I've made up my mind."
"Huh? Department?" Senju Makoto was slightly surprised.
Each of the divisions in the Gotei 13 had varying numbers of members due to their different responsibilities. For example, the 4th Division, a medical unit, lacked new recruits and thus had only about 300 members in total.
On the other hand, the 13th Division, which was the largest, had the responsibility of purifying the Hollows in the real world. Its members were stationed in cities to prevent the real world from being destroyed by the Hollows. Therefore, the 13th Division had thousands of members, although most of them were stationed in the real world, leaving only a small number in the Seireitei.
In the Gotei 13, aside from the fixed positions of the captain, vice-captain, and the rank of officers, the internal management structure of each division was distinct.
In the 4th Division, departments were divided based on the type of medical care, ranging from combat medical treatment to routine disease care.
However, Senju Makoto had originally thought that he would need to stay close to Unohana Retsu for a period of time, focusing on studying the Way of the Sword and medical techniques. He hadn't expected her to assign him to a department so quickly, allowing him to interact with patients.
Undoubtedly, this was exactly what Senju Makoto had been hoping for. His eyes, looking at Unohana Retsu, unknowingly revealed a sense of eagerness.
If nothing else, and considering purely from a rational standpoint, Senju Makoto's Zanpakutō abilities were most suited to the surgical department, given the large number of injuries caused by the daily training and sparring of the Shinigami in the Seireitei.
This was also the reason why Senju Makoto had been waiting for this opportunity. He had not hidden the fact that his Zanpakutō, Shinro Basho, provided him with an unparalleled advantage in treating relatively minor injuries.
The opportunity to plant the seed... has arrived!
Just as Senju Makoto was feeling pleased inside, Unohana Retsu gently spoke again with a warm smile.
"First of all, Makoto, your Zanpakutō has great healing capabilities, but you also lack direct combat experience. Therefore, you will be assigned to the Combat Support Division. In case of any emergency requiring the 4th Division's assistance, you will need to follow me or Seinosuke and provide medical support. Is that clear?"
"Yes, I will obey your orders, Professor."
Senju Makoto responded obediently, his demeanor one of complete submission. This was exactly what he had expected, and it aligned perfectly with his plans.
Unohana Retsu paused for a moment before continuing, her tone light. "In addition, the department you'll be regularly working in... well, it will be... the gynecology department!"
Gy... Gynecology?!
Senju Makoto was struck like a bolt of lightning. His expression faltered completely as he stared in disbelief at the smiling Unohana Retsu, his mind filled with a single thought.
How... can I plant the seed in a department like that?
What injuries or bleeding wounds could there possibly be in gynecology?
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