BLEACH: UNOHANA RETSU IS MY WIFE

Araki was deeply troubled—Unohana, currently lying unconscious on the sofa from exhaustion, was unable to assist in the completion of his Fullbring experiment…

To his surprise, however, the "experimental materials" he needed grew legs, cleaned themselves up, and came right to his doorstep. This could truly be called a case of "what you're looking for comes without searching."

"Haha…"

In response, Araki merely chuckled softly and began walking toward the door of the captain's room.

Since his test subject had come to him of their own accord, it was only proper to welcome them personally. He couldn't possibly let his precious little white mouse feel neglected—nor spurn the kindness of such a thoughtful little mouse.

Outside the Captain's Room

A group of 11th Division soldiers, all gripping wooden training swords, surrounded Saito Furuobushi, who had rushed over upon hearing the news.

"I'll say it one more time—move aside!"

Facing down the tall, muscular men of the 11th Division, Saito Furuobushi remained unfazed. Her eyes were frosty, her tone sharp. She issued an ultimatum with an unshakable coldness.

"Captain Saito, we're sorry!"

"But our captain gave strict orders—no one is allowed to disturb him in the captain's room without his permission!"

The soldiers' faces turned grim. They had no intention of letting Saito barge into Araki's quarters.

As for how these same men—who had so recently scoffed at Araki's authority—were now suddenly so loyal?

Well… that had everything to do with the unconscious presence of Unohana Retsu, their former captain, who was currently inside the room.

Even though she appeared to be in a coma… what if Araki was some kind of deviant who preferred her that way?

Did they have proof Araki was a pervert? Of course not. But did they need it? After all, how many newly appointed captains have ever slung their predecessor over their shoulder during their inauguration?! If that's not suspicious behavior, what is?

Thanks to Araki's deeply memorable entrance, his image as a probable deviant was etched into the minds of the entire 11th Division.

So now, with Unohana and Araki alone together in a confined space, who could predict what might happen?! And if Saito Furuobushi were to barge in and catch them in the act… just imagining it was terrifying.

It wasn't just Araki's reputation that would be shredded—the dignity of the 11th Division itself would be torn to pieces.

So they made a decision: no matter what, the "scandal" must stay buried within these barracks.

After all, they were members of the combat division. If they couldn't even stop an outsider from entering their captain's quarters, what pride did they have left?

"You really won't move?" Saito Furuobushi's face grew increasingly dissatisfied as she took in their defiant expressions.

She was the Captain of the 6th Division. And yet here she was—being blocked by a group of mere rank-and-file soldiers from the 11th?! Where did they find this kind of courage?!

"No!"

The 11th Division soldiers gritted their teeth, prepared to defend the honor of their division to the bitter end.

"You said no one could enter without your captain's permission, right?" Saito's lips curled coldly.

"Then let me tell you this—from now on, my face is the pass that gets me into the 11th Division's captain's room."

"Remember this! From now on, whenever you see my face—run. Run as far away as possible!"

The fury burning in Saito Furuobushi's chest had reached its peak. She had already given these 11th Division soldiers more than enough face—for Araki's sake. If it had been any other division's grunts blocking her way, she would have already drawn her blade without hesitation.

But unfortunately, these men clearly didn't understand the favor they'd been shown. Since they chose shamelessness, then she, Saito Furuobushi, wouldn't show them mercy.

As she spoke, a fierce spiritual pressure exploded from her slender frame like a tidal wave.

"Captain Saito really came here because of Captain Unohana's defeat!"

"I heard the two of them were on bad terms! Looks like the rumors were true!"

"Brothers! We can't let her enter the captain's quarters. This is about the honor of our 11th Division!"

"We understand…!"

The standoff intensified, teetering on the edge of outright battle.

Several minutes later…

Hearing the commotion outside, Araki wordlessly pushed open the door to the captain's quarters.

"You bastards! Let me go!!"

"I told you—I need to speak with your new captain!"

Saito Furuobushi, her face twisted in fury, was pushing forward. Surrounding her were 11th Division soldiers—bruised, bleeding, but stubbornly clinging to her legs.

"Captain Saito! Even if you kill us—we won't let you pass!"

Araki stared at the surreal scene: his fierce old comrade being tackled like a rabid beast by bloodied but loyal grunts.

"..."

His eyelid twitched.

Nope. Clearly, he had opened the door wrong.

Pah~

With that, Araki calmly closed the door again, allowing the outside world a moment of grace to compose itself. Then, he reopened it.

"Ah. Yes. Wonderful. The outside world is still… exactly the same~"

Sure enough, the moment he opened the door, nothing had changed. Neither Saito nor the soldiers had moved an inch.

Clearly, none of them had understood the gesture.

"So..." Araki sighed, rubbing his temples. "What the hell is going on here?"