The so-called Zanpakutō evaluation was nothing more than openly demonstrating one's Zanpakutō abilities before the seated officers of the Fourth Division.
Following Kotetsu-fukutaichō, Nobu entered the infirmary and found Captain Unohana Retsu already present, quietly examining an injured Shinigami.
"Captain, Nobu-kun is here," Kotetsu Isane announced softly.
Unohana turned slightly, regarding Nobu warmly. "Your timing is perfect."
Nobu stepped forward.
"Your Zanpakutō's name is Shigan-Higan (This Shore, Other Shore), correct?" Unohana asked gently.
Nobu nodded lightly, then drew his asauchi from his waist.
"It sounds more like two swords rather than one," Unohana remarked with a smile. "Please explain its abilities in detail."
Nobu thought for a moment before explaining, "Its primary ability is to heal injuries, restoring any damage caused by external force to the original state."
At this, one of the nearby squad members couldn't help but interrupt, "Any injury?"
"I haven't tested it extensively," Nobu admitted cautiously, "so I can't guarantee it."
His answer drew murmurs of curiosity and surprise.
Another voice asked, "Your explanation is a bit vague. Could you elaborate? Does it accelerate cellular regeneration?"
Everyone here was well-versed in Kaidō. Trying to give the vague answers he'd previously given at the Shin'ō Academy wouldn't suffice here.
"No," Nobu clarified further. "It restores the damaged cellular structures to their original form."
This revelation drew astonished expressions all around. Currently, all known healing methods relied heavily on the body's inherent regenerative capabilities, amplified by medical tools and healing Kidō. Nobu's Zanpakutō seemed to diverge from this principle entirely.
A thoughtful look appeared in Unohana's eyes. She nodded toward the injured Shinigami. "Then this patient is yours. Let's see how far you can take this."
Immediately, a squad member handed Nobu a detailed medical report. Reading carefully, Nobu saw the patient had suffered a catastrophic accident during Kidō training, resulting in rampant spiritual energy damage to his meridians, tendons, and internal organs.
He marveled inwardly—It's a miracle this guy is still alive.
The patient, wrapped head-to-toe in bandages, glanced nervously at everyone, clearly aware he was being treated as a test subject. Yet, powerless, he could only watch silently.
Nobu handed the report back and approached the patient's bedside, holding his asauchi above him in a suitably dramatic manner.
A moment later, a visible stream of reishi emerged from Nobu's blade, gently enveloping the injured man. Everyone stared wide-eyed, fascinated by the peculiar spiritual energy fluctuations—completely different from the healing Kidō they knew.
Carefully watching everyone's reactions, Nobu withdrew his sword after roughly a minute.
"It's done."
Already?
The officers exchanged doubtful glances. As one officer moved forward to inspect the patient, the injured Shinigami suddenly sat upright, tearing the bandages off his face as he indignantly shouted, "What the hell is wrong with you Fourth Division people! Is this how you treat patients?! Did you actually let some rookie fresh out of the academy—"
He stopped mid-sentence, noticing everyone staring at him in shock.
Something seemed off. He looked down at his hands.
"I...I'm healed?"
Confirming his suspicion, he jumped from the bed, flexing his limbs joyfully. "There's no more pain! I'm completely healed!"
"Take him for a thorough examination," Unohana instructed calmly.
As squad members escorted the exuberant Shinigami away, he shouted gratefully to Nobu, "Hey, what's your name? Thank you!"
An eerie quiet fell over the infirmary.
Even Unohana had found that Shinigami's injuries particularly troublesome. Healing him normally would have required extensive time and energy.
"Impressive," she complimented Nobu.
Nobu smiled brightly. "Thank you for your praise, Unohana-taichō."
He understood how traditional healing worked. His Zanpakutō's ability was entirely unconventional, so even if they tried studying it, they'd find it challenging. It was somewhat akin to the abilities of the Shun Shun Rikka.
"Iemura," Unohana suddenly called, glancing toward her subordinates.
"Yes, Captain!" Iemura Yasochika immediately stepped forward.
Looking at Nobu, Unohana instructed, "Assign this young man to your emergency relief team from now on."
A delighted grin spread across Iemura's face. "Yes, ma'am!"
Unohana departed promptly, Kotetsu Isane trailing closely behind. Before leaving, Kotetsu turned and playfully flashed Nobu a victory sign.
With the captain's departure, the seated officers approached enthusiastically, congratulating Nobu warmly.
Iemura, laughing heartily, clasped Nobu's shoulder. "Great job, kid! As expected of Shin'ō Academy's student council president—truly exceptional! I heard you once even defeated a Menos Grande alone. With you joining our top emergency team, we'll all feel more confident."
Amid congratulations, some couldn't help but probe further into Nobu's Zanpakutō abilities.
"It doesn't exactly follow conventional logic, does it?" one asked skeptically.
This Shinigami rambled extensively about human anatomy and metabolism, which formed the foundation of conventional healing Kidō. Given that Shinigami lived practically indefinitely, accelerated cellular regeneration wasn't particularly risky for longevity.
Nobu merely brushed it off vaguely, replying, "Honestly, I'm still not entirely clear on the full extent of my Zanpakutō's capabilities myself."
Elsewhere, Kotetsu Isane quietly spoke to Unohana. "Captain, I think Nobu-kun has the qualifications to become a seated officer. You've seen his Zanpakutō's healing capabilities—it's exceptionally powerful."
Unohana gave her a gentle glance. "Then which seat would you recommend?"
Kotetsu Isane considered carefully before replying, "Between fifth and tenth seat seems appropriate."
"Iemura currently holds the fifth seat. Are you suggesting he share that rank with Nobu-kun or vacate it entirely?"
Kotetsu froze momentarily, speechless. "Well…"
Even co-seating would cause discomfort. Iemura Yasochika was an excellent officer, humble and respectful to all subordinates. Unohana's meaning was clear—the Fourth Division didn't simply create new seats on the basis of strength alone. Respect here came from more than just combat power.
"I'm sorry, Captain. I spoke hastily," Kotetsu said, embarrassed.
Unohana gently reassured her, "He has only just joined us. There is plenty of time and many opportunities ahead."
Kotetsu smiled softly, reassured. "Yes, there's plenty of time."
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T/N: im back, did a poll on my patreon on the new schedule and releases for webnovel so yeah
beep boop