Bleach: After Retiring From Zero Division, Aizen Came To Study

"Tenjiro, long time no see."

After setting aside his thoughts, Arima turned to the figure standing beside Unohana Retsu and greeted him.

The newcomer had an exaggerated pompadour hairstyle, slightly curled eyebrows, and an overall comedic appearance. However, this man was no ordinary Shinigami—he was a member of the Zero Division, which stood above the Gotei 13.

Kirinji Tenjiro.

The First Officer of the Zero Division, known as the Eastern God General and nicknamed "Hot Spring Demon," was a man of great renown. He had established Soul Society's current medical system and was the creator of Kaidō. As a result, Tenjiro was regarded as the most skilled medical practitioner in all of Soul Society.

But beyond his medical prowess, Kirinji was also an exceptional fighter. His mastery of Shunpo was unparalleled, earning him the title of "Thunder God Shiro."

"Arima, long time no see," Kirinji greeted warmly upon seeing him.

"In the blink of an eye, it feels like yesterday when you left the Zero Division."

For many Shinigami in the Gotei 13, the mere mention of the Zero Division was rare and often avoided. Yet Kirinji had no such reservations—he was, after all, part of it.

Arima smiled faintly, choosing not to comment on the matter.

Kirinji, undeterred, continued with a cheerful tone. "It's rare for me to come down here. I have important tasks to handle this time, but knowing you were still in Seireitei, I had to come and see you."

"So, what guidance do you have for me?" Arima asked calmly, his gaze steady.

Kirinji's expression turned sharp, though his voice remained gentle. "It's not about guidance. Though you left the Zero Division, we were once comrades, weren't we?"

"I just want to know if you're still the same person you were back then."

"Or have you changed for the worse?"

Kirinji's eyes narrowed with intensity.

Arima met Kirinji's gaze without flinching. "So, now that we've met, do you have your answer?"

Though this was their first meeting in a long time, Arima understood that Kirinji had likely been in Seireitei for some time. During that period, it would not have been difficult for someone of Kirinji's caliber to gather information about him.

Kirinji held Arima's gaze and finally spoke in a serious tone. "For now, it seems you've chosen to remain silent and live a quiet life. While it's a shame for someone as strong as you to retreat into seclusion, it's a relief for us."

"I hope you continue down this path. Because the last thing we want is to find ourselves standing opposite you."

Arima chuckled softly at Kirinji's words. "What are you saying? If it were up to me, I wouldn't want to stand against you either. As someone who's been in that place, I know better than anyone just how formidable you are."

Arima's choice of words—"if it were up to me"—was deliberate, though Kirinji did not seem to catch the nuance.

The meeting between Arima and Kirinji Tenshiro in the Fourth Division was brief, as they were already well-acquainted.

Kirinji's primary purpose in Seireitei was unrelated to Arima. His visit was mainly to reconnect with an old comrade and assess Arima's current state.

He understood why Arima had left the Zero Division. At the time, Arima had exhibited signs of instability—dangerous tendencies that, if left unchecked, could have led to catastrophic consequences.

For now, however, Arima seemed to pose no threat. His actions since returning to Seireitei had been under close scrutiny, and thus far, he remained compliant.

But Kirinji knew Arima's tendency to act unpredictably.

With a sigh, Kirinji turned his focus back to his mission. His purpose in Seireitei was to deliver a message from the Soul King himself to Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13.

Whether Yamamoto would heed this message was not Kirinji's concern. His role was merely to deliver it.

Within the Fourth Division, Kirinji's departure was as swift as his arrival, leaving only Arima and Unohana Retsu behind.

"He's as resolute as ever," Arima remarked, glancing at Unohana.

Unohana Retsu, who was both a former student and close acquaintance of Kirinji, remained composed. Her mastery of Kaidō and medical arts had been taught to her by Kirinji himself.

Ignoring Kirinji's departure, she turned her sharp gaze to Arima. "It seems something is troubling you."

Her tone was calm, but her words pierced like daggers. "I'm curious—why did you leave that place?"

Arima met her gaze but offered no answers. "Some things are best left unsaid."

"Is that so?" Unohana's voice dropped slightly.

"I heard about your duel with the current Kenpachi of the Eleventh Division, Sōya Kenpachi. You defeated him, didn't you?"

Arima's eyes narrowed.

"Impressive," Unohana continued. "By the rules of the Eleventh Division, defeating the current Kenpachi means you are eligible to claim the title for yourself."

"So, what advice do you have for me, Captain Unohana—or rather, First Generation Kenpachi, Yachiru Unohana?" Arima asked, his voice laced with knowing intent.

Unohana's expression was calm but unyielding. "Advice? Nothing so formal. I simply feel it's been too long since I've had a proper match. Shall we fight?"

Her challenge hung in the air.

Unohana rarely engaged in combat these days. Her approach was usually gentle, like a soothing breeze, but here with Arima, her demeanor changed entirely.

Arima knew she was not challenging him out of mere curiosity. Perhaps this was her way of uncovering his true intentions—a means of peering into the depths of his heart through battle.

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900 words

Seems like a short chapter this time

You know what...