LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 9: Gentian Flower
The graduates' grievances were far from alleviating by Yamada Seinosuke, who instead seemed to take some twisted pleasure in their discomfort. He continued, almost cheerfully, to explain the layout of the Seireitei and the taboos that governed it.
By the time they had spent the better part of the afternoon—nearly until dusk—Yamada Seinosuke finally led the group to the front gate of the Fourth Division's barracks.
One could not help but notice the overall design of the Seireitei, with its whitewashed, solemn, and awe-inspiring atmosphere. However, within the Fourth Division's barracks, perhaps due to the need to calm the emotions of the patients or due to Captain Uzuhana's personal preference, beautiful flowers and plants were cultivated in abundance.
The faint fragrance of blooming flora, the vibrant greenery teeming with life, seemed to ease the tense emotions of the graduates, making them feel somewhat more at ease.
Among the flowers, the emblem of the Fourth Division—the gentian flower—was prominently displayed in many places.
As they returned to the barracks, Yamada Seinosuke's usually cold demeanor softened slightly. While continuing to introduce the barracks to the graduates, he also shared the history of the Fourth Division.
"The first captain of the Fourth Division was the legendary Kirinji Tenjiro, who developed the healing kido, 'Kaido'. Following him, Captain Unohana furthered and perfected the healing techniques and medical system…"
"Moreover, the Fourth Division's flower, the 'gentian flower,' was chosen by Kirinji Tenjiro himself. Its symbolism carries three main meanings: the first meaning is 'To love the sorrowful you,' symbolizing the division's vow to protect the sorrow and vulnerability of every patient."
"The second meaning is 'Noble and elegant,' a hope that all members of the Fourth Division will maintain a dignified and graceful manner, regardless of circumstance."
"The third meaning is 'Strong and enduring,' reminding the Fourth Division that, no matter what hardships they face, they must never give up and remain steadfast in the paths they have chosen."
Yamada Seinosuke's words, though tinged with an air of reminiscence, seemed to strike a chord with the graduates. They began to sense the deep cultural heritage and unwavering resolve unique to the Fourth Division. There was even a subtle shift in their perception of Yamada Seinosuke, whose sharply critical and cynical persona now appeared to have some hidden depth.
This man… On the surface, so harsh and cruel, yet perhaps beneath it all, he harbors a softness and determination of his own…
As the graduates' gazes began to soften, they were suddenly interrupted by Yamada Seinosuke's voice.
"We've arrived. Up ahead is the Fourth Division's morgue, where all the bodies are stored. It is also where your journey in the Fourth Division begins…"
At the sight of the graduates' pale faces, Yamada Seinosuke's normally cold expression couldn't help but twitch into a faint smile.
"Don't be afraid. Those are the bodies of our fallen comrades. Take care of them well…"
?!
The graduates.
As Yamada Seinosuke's words—laced with an almost malicious sense of humor—reached their ears, the graduates stared at him as if he were some kind of demon.
Even Senju Makoto couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his eye, memories of the past resurfaced on him.
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The Experience of My First Internship in My Previous Life
That was truly a... miserable experience. I was nothing more than a mere errand runner, a tool for all the dirty and tiring work, with almost no real opportunities to diagnose or treat patients.
I never imagined that after unexpectedly dying and reincarnating in this world, I'd have to start over. I had to begin again from the mortuary, overseeing the bodies.
At that moment, even Senju Makoto couldn't help but gaze at Yamada Seinosuke with a touch of resentment.
Staying in a place like the mortuary... was I supposed to plant my hopes in the bodies of the dead, only to see them fade into dust along with the corpses?
However, Yamada Seinosuke, seeing the expressions of the graduates, couldn't help but show a faint smile in his eyes.
"Back in my day, I was drenched in the rain. Why should you be sheltered?"
"You all need to get wet too!"
As Yamada Seinosuke spoke, several members of the 4th Division, dressed in their black shinigami attire, greeted him with delighted expressions as he arrived at the mortuary.
"Vice-Captain Yamada, we've been waiting for you to return..."
"So these are the new recruits? Wonderful."
"Finally... finally we can switch shifts!"
One female shinigami even appeared so moved that tears welled up in her eyes, looking at the graduates as if they were saviors.
Instantly, some of the more perceptive graduates began to realize: these seniors must have been waiting for the new recruits to replace them, just like the previous batch of graduates.
However, before the graduates could voice any protests or questions, the 4th Division members began to usher them into the mortuary. It seemed they couldn't wait to begin the handover process.
Among them, Senju Makoto, who appeared to be quite handsome and exuded a natural charm, was directly pulled by the female shinigami.
"My name is Aoki Risa. What should I call you, junior? Don't worry, the work in the mortuary is very laid-back. It's more about giving newcomers a chance to further learn and become familiar with the healing arts, the structure of spirits, and the art of reishi manipulation..."
As this seemingly delicate, neighborhood-girl type Aoki Risa spoke excitedly, Senju Makoto couldn't help but break into a cold sweat on his forehead.
The mortuary? Isn't that essentially the morgue of a hospital?
It was certainly quiet there, after all, the colleagues who had already "laid down" weren't going to get up and cause trouble...
Or perhaps, if the mortuary were too busy, it would mean something had gone terribly wrong.
But, Senju Makoto hadn't joined the 4th Division to discuss life philosophies with the senior officers. Apart from continuing his medical path that had just begun in his previous life, he also hoped to gain more opportunities to "plant seeds" among the shinigami of the Gotei 13.
If that was the case, it might be better to join the 11th Division first, and fill the entire division with his seeds before proceeding further.
At that moment, Senju Makoto couldn't help but recall Yamada Seinosuke's annoying smile from just moments ago.
As expected... it's too early to be happy!
Even earlier, when Yamada Seinosuke dramatically recited the flower language of the 4th Division's flower, the Gentian (Ryōtan), it all seemed like nonsense.
"Falling in love with the sorrowful you," "noble and elegant," "strong and enduring..."
Sure, the colleagues who had "laid down" were indeed sorrowful, but Senju Makoto's love hadn't reached such a point yet!
And as for the talk of nobility and elegance... wasn't it a bit out of place, considering we were all stuck in the mortuary? No, it was likely that the "strong and enduring" part was just Yamada Seinosuke's way of motivating the new graduates, telling them not to quit despite the hardships.
That bastard Yamada Seinosuke... really is sharp-tongued, mischievous, and scheming...
Just as Senju Makoto was about to be pulled into the mortuary by Aoki Risa, Yamada Seinosuke suddenly spoke up.
"Risa, I need to talk to Senju Makoto for a moment."
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