Naruto: This Genius is Somewhat Ordinary-Chapter 439

After returning to Soul Society, Fujimoto Tōma didn’t bother visiting old acquaintances. He wouldn’t be staying long, and pointless greetings only created attachments he didn’t need.

This time, his destination was the Great Healing Institute.

He was here to see the former vice-captain of the Fourth Division.

It didn’t take long before a man in pristine white robes approached him. Gold trim marked noble lineage, and a white cap rested neatly on his head.

"So you’re the one who wrecked the Eleventh Division’s barracks," the man sneered, "then got exiled to the Living World by Central Council. My successor, huh?"

Yamada Seinosuke wasted no time.

"I thought handing my position to you would help Captain Unohana. Instead, this is what you turned out to be."

Tōma glanced at him lazily.

"I’d heard you spoke without thinking. Seeing it in person, the rumors were generous."

He tilted his head slightly.

"And for what it’s worth, I think the captain’s been quite pleased having me as vice-captain. I can offer her things no one else can. Isn’t that right... Former Vice-Captain Yamada?"

Yamada stiffened.

He couldn’t deny it.

He knew Unohana’s true nature better than anyone. And he knew just as well that he himself could never satisfy it. Combat had never been his strength.

"...What do you want?" Yamada sighed, shoulders sagging.

"I want to ask about the captain," Tōma said simply.

Yamada frowned. "What, you’ve got feelings for her? Let me tell you now, you won’t get gossip out of me."

"...That’s not it."

Tōma paused, studying Yamada more carefully.

There was something... off about his emotions.

He explained what had been bothering him. Every time he pushed Unohana to fight Zaraki Kenpachi, her reaction was strange. Not hesitation. Not fear. Something deeper. Something unresolved.

When Tōma finished, Yamada fell silent.

A long silence.

"So?" Tōma asked. "You don’t know either?"

"I do," Yamada said quietly. "I’m just deciding whether I should tell you."

"So it really is something she doesn’t want spoken aloud."

Yamada hesitated. This was Unohana’s choice. Her resolve. Did he have the right to interfere?

But if he stayed silent...

She would die.

And the man standing in front of him did have the power to interfere.

"...Do you know the story between Captain Unohana and Captain Zaraki?" Yamada asked.

Tōma nodded.

Yamada blinked, then laughed bitterly.

"She even told you that, huh. Guess she really enjoyed fighting you."

That realization eased something in his chest. Back then, he’d believed Tōma was suited for the Fourth Division because of that very reason.

It seemed he hadn’t been wrong.

"Did you know," Yamada continued, "that she once called herself Unohana Yachiru?"

Tōma froze.

That was new.

Seeing that reaction, Yamada finally felt a small, petty sense of victory.

"That name fit her," Tōma said after a moment.

"I think so too," Yamada replied softly. "But after she was defeated by Zaraki... she abandoned it."

Tōma understood.

In her own eyes, she no longer deserved that name.

"But you still haven’t answered my question," Tōma said. "Why does she care so much about fighting Zaraki?"

Yamada’s voice dropped.

"Because she intends to use her life to release the seal on his strength."

The words hit hard.

Tōma went still.

"So please," Yamada said, eyes red, staring straight at him.

"Stop her."

Tōma let out a breath and laughed quietly.

"That’s one hell of a knot she’s tied around her heart."

Yamada nodded. He couldn’t understand that resolve. A thousand years of guilt, paid with her own life. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

"This isn’t something you can really stop," Tōma said. "If you force her away from it, she’ll live in pain forever."

"I know," Yamada whispered. "But when you appeared... I thought maybe you could help her."

"How?" Tōma asked. "Kill Zaraki ahead of time? Then her regret never ends."

He shook his head.

"The only answer is helping Zaraki regain his strength on his own."

Yamada agreed. But he had no idea how. If Unohana hadn’t found a solution in a thousand years, how could he?

Tōma didn’t say that he’d noticed something.

A possibility. A dangerous one.

Then it clicked.

Unohana’s Bankai.

That grotesque cycle of death and healing. Forcing Zaraki to the brink again and again, restoring him, sharpening him... until the seal broke.

And the final proof?

Zaraki striking her down.

Understanding dawned, followed by a bitter smile.

Her obsession had reshaped even her blade.

So what now?

Helping Unohana meant helping Zaraki. There was no other path.

"Thank you," Tōma said, standing. "That’s all I needed."

Yamada watched him leave, expression caught between resignation and fragile hope.

Fourth Division Barracks

"You’ve been distracted," Unohana said gently. "What’s on your mind?"

Tōma looked at her. "Captain. Are you really planning to sacrifice yourself to release Zaraki’s seal?"

She paused, then sighed.

"You spoke with Yamada."

"He knows you best."

"And you came back because of this?"

"Partly."

She smiled faintly. "I’m flattered. I thought you truly didn’t care."

"I’m human," Tōma replied dryly. "Not a Hollow."

"Then you understand my choice."

"I understand it," he said. "I don’t accept it."

Zaraki sealed himself. Failing to break it was his weakness, not her sin.

Unohana said nothing.

"So tell me," Tōma continued. "What would convince you that Zaraki has recovered his strength?"

She hesitated.

"You plan to try?"

"Trying won’t kill anyone. Probably."

She didn’t answer. Truth was, she didn’t know how strong Zaraki truly was.

Seeing her uncertainty, Tōma reached out and snapped a flower from the arrangement beside her.

"Looks like even you don’t know."

"Annoying," he muttered. "I just wanted to help him achieve Bankai. Turns out fixing you is harder."

Unohana spoke softly. "You don’t need to do this for me."

"I want to," Tōma replied. "That enough?"

She fell silent.

He stood and turned away.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"Eleventh Division."

"Please don’t destroy their barracks again."

"I won’t," Tōma said calmly. "This time, we’ll fight somewhere else."

The Eleventh Division guards stiffened when they saw him.

"What brings you here?"

"I’m looking for Zaraki Kenpachi."

"He’s inside... but please don’t fight him here."

Tōma nodded. "Relax. No buildings will be harmed."

The guard exhaled in relief.