Bleach : I Need To Rizz To Become Stronger ?!-Chapter 84: Kotetsu Isane’s “Special Tutoring”

The current Third Seat of the 4th Division was named Shingyōji Ōgi—also the leader of the 1st Advanced Emergency Unit.

A veteran of the division, his service predated even Kotetsu Isane's. Shin had seen him before: a stern man by nature, with a Zanpakutō of the Kaidō-type.

Following Captain Unohana's quiet approval, news of Shin's challenge spread quickly through the 4th Division.

Everyone in the division knew of Tachikawa Shin. Not just because he had once slain a Menos Grande—a feat unheard of for a student—but also because many had seen him speak at the Shin'ō Academy's cultural festival.

Challenges for seated positions were rare, and the event quickly became the division's hot topic.

Iemura Yasochika approached Shin with concern.

"Shin-kun, this is too reckless!"

Disappointed and confused, Iemura continued:

"With your talent and Zanpakutō, you're guaranteed to climb the ranks in time. Why rush? Shingyōji-senpai's Kaidō is second only to the captain's!"

In his view, Shin's challenge bordered on self-destructive. While defeating a Menos might qualify someone as a seated officer in most divisions, that didn't hold the same weight in the 4th Division.

Here, promotions hinged on three things: Emergency Response, Medical Knowledge, and Kaidō. Of the three, Shin's only real advantage was in emergency healing due to his Zanpakutō.

"You've barely graduated," Iemura pressed. "At most, you've only learned introductory pharmacology and beginner's Kaidō. You'll be crushed."

Shin smiled easily.

"Is senpai worried I'll lose?"

"I'm worried about what happens if you do," Iemura sighed. "Ten years may not seem long, but for someone like you, stagnation would burn away your drive."

"If you go to the captain now and retract your challenge, I'll speak on your behalf. So will Vice-Captain Kotetsu. Everyone will understand—it'll be seen as youthful impulse. Give it some time."

"Thank you, Iemura-senpai. But I think it's worth trying."

He didn't mention that the idea came from Unohana herself.

Iemura left with a mix of helplessness and frustration.

Shingyōji Ōgi was a respected senior in the division. A public challenge was bound to disrupt the carefully maintained harmony of the 4th.

Still, it was Shin's decision.

Not everyone was dismayed. Those who had graduated with Shin remained hopeful, offering their support.

Aokari, however, was uneasy.

"Shin... are you sure about this? Shingyōji's been here for decades. We're still using what we learned at the Academy..."

"We'll find out soon enough," Shin replied flatly.

Two days later.

Shin was summoned to the vice-captain's office.

Alongside Isane stood a man Shin didn't recognize—tall, refined, his white outer robe trimmed in gold. Clearly noble.

"Shin-kun," said Kotetsu, "this is Yamada Kiyosuke-senpai, former vice-captain of the 4th Division. He now leads the Seiryō Medical Institute."

Yamada... Kiyosuke?

The name stirred something vague in Shin's memory. He recalled another Yamada from the canon—Hanatarō.

But the Seiryō Medical Institute he knew well. It served the noble houses directly—a kind of elite medical corps.

"Yamada-dono, it's an honor," Shin greeted with a polite bow.

"So this is Tachikawa Shin," Kiyosuke said, eyeing him with a cool, assessing stare. "These days, even new graduates are bold enough to challenge the Third Seat?"

The mockery in his tone was clear.

Kotetsu tried to smooth things over.

"Shin-kun's actually quite steady. This challenge was... encouraged by Captain Unohana."

That changed Kiyosuke's demeanor slightly.

He held Unohana in the highest esteem.

"If that's the case... it seems the captain has expectations of you."

He paused.

"Shingyōji's Kaidō mastery is... well, even I don't claim superiority. If you want to beat him, you'll have to rely on your strengths: emergency healing and pharmacology. I've heard about your Zanpakutō. Use that."

Shin began to realize what this was: Kotetsu had brought in outside help.

And not just any help—Yamada Kiyosuke was a big name.

"Kiyosuke-senpai used to lead the Pharmacology Division," Isane added. "Most of the equipment and medicine we use now were developed under his direction. He also helped write the Kaidō and pharmacology texts used in the Academy. I studied under him."

Respect blossomed in Shin's expression.

This man was a giant in the field.

Kiyosuke pulled a notebook from his robes and handed it to Shin.

"This is a compilation of my personal research. If you can understand it, you may stand a chance. Though frankly, I doubt a fresh graduate can comprehend much of it."

Shin took the book respectfully and flipped through the first page.

Dense text, deeply technical. Fortunately, thanks to Kotetsu's tutoring, it wasn't entirely indecipherable.

"Thank you, Yamada-dono."

"Don't thank me. I only gave you this because of the captain and vice-captain. Frankly, I don't expect you to win. Let this be a lesson in knowing your limits."

He turned to Isane.

"Unless there's more, I'll take my leave. I want to visit Hanatarō."

"Thank you again, Yamada-senpai."

Before leaving, Kiyosuke turned back to Shin.

"Return the notebook when you're done."

Once he was gone, only Shin and Isane remained.

"Kiyosuke-senpai is a good person," she said, "just... sharp-tongued."

Shin was still processing.

"He mentioned Hanatarō... I knew that name sounded familiar."

"Hanatarō Yamada. Kiyosuke-senpai's younger brother. He's in the General Treatment Unit, one year ahead of you. You've probably seen him."

Shin nodded slowly.

"Thank you for arranging this, Vice-Captain."

Isane hesitated, then gave a weary smile.

"Don't mention it. I'm not trying to play favorites. I just..."

She trailed off.

"Never mind. Just do your best, Shin-kun."

Shin had a feeling he knew what she hadn't said aloud.

She probably just didn't want to see him lose too badly.