章 48: Chapter 48: Simply Applying What One Has Learned
Makoto Senju pondered deeply upon hearing the explanation, delving into the implication Unohana Retsu's words from the perspective of spiritual anatomy.
Unlike the physical bodies of humans in the living world, the bodies of those in the Soul Society are spiritual entities, composed of spirit particles (reishi) bound to their souls. Spiritual power (reiatsu) is the energy generated by these particles within the spiritual body, while spiritual pressure is a measure of its density and quality.
When a soul is incomplete, the spiritual body suffers from continuous leakage of spirit particles. This occurs because the spiritual anchor point corresponding to the missing part of the soul has been lost, leading to the degradation of the spiritual body.
To reverse this loss of spirit particles, it is necessary to create a new spiritual anchor point to stabilize the remaining particles within the spiritual body.
Though this process sounds complex, it bears similarities to organ transplantation in the human world. Even if a healthy soul agrees to donate, they, too, would suffer a partial deficiency.
While the advanced healing arts (Kaido) and medical techniques may prevent the donor soul from suffering severe spirit particle loss, the best possible outcome would still result in two incomplete souls—a grim compromise at best.
To illustrate, it is akin to a healthy individual sacrificing a leg to help someone who is suicidal due to being legless. In the end, both individuals can barely stand on one leg.
However, from the perspective of the Seireitei and the Central 46 Chambers, such actions are deemed unnecessary, futile, and devoid of value.
Unohana Retsu observed Makoto Senju as he wrestled with his thoughts, her gaze tender and undisturbed. She refrained from interrupting him, as this was precisely why she had brought him on this outing.
Some lessons must be experienced firsthand.
"When confronted with harsh realities and impossible dilemmas, what path will you choose? Will your beliefs shatter, or will they solidify even further?" she mused silently.
"Makoto, you've spoken many times of your desire to save lost lives from the grip of suffering. Now, the path lies before you. Though it may seem meaningless, I hope you hold steadfast to your convictions. Only then can you prove that your past actions, despite their embellishments, were truly heartfelt."
Under Unohana Retsu's gentle gaze, Makoto eventually raised his head, adjusted his glasses, and spoke.
"Teacher, I would like to learn the Kaido technique for soul transplantation."
Hearing this, Unohana's gaze softened even further as she asked, "Are you certain, Makoto? These are merely residents of the Rukongai. Even if you spend considerable time saving them, the Seireitei will neither reward you nor even acknowledge your efforts. Moreover, they themselves may have nothing to offer in return."
Makoto gave a shy smile and replied, "It's alright, Teacher. It's just about applying what I've learned."
"Hahaha…"
Unexpectedly, Unohana Retsu let out a rare, genuine laugh. She remarked, "Makoto, I thought you might seize the opportunity to expound some grand philosophy. 'Applying what you've learned'—what a fitting expression."
After a brief pause, she sighed and offered a gentle reminder.
"Makoto, there's something you need to understand. Most of the residents of Rukongai are souls who were sent here through soul burials from the living world. While it's possible for their loved ones to also be sent to Rukongai later, the regions they end up in are completely random. They may never get the chance to meet again in their entire lifetimes..."
"And as for souls born from the union of other spiritual entities within Rukongai, they are exceedingly rare. Even if you master the healing kido for soul transplantation, it's unlikely you'll find a willing soul to undergo the procedure."
However, as Unohana Retsu spoke in her calm and serious tone, Senju Makoto found himself distracted by one word—union.
Gentle and composed as always, Unohana-sensei said it so matter-of-factly... It was oddly jarring.
Makoto couldn't help but feel that, compared to Unohana-sensei, he still had a long way to go in maturity.
Seeing Makoto lost in thought, Unohana furrowed her brows and called out to him.
"Makoto?"
"Yes, Sensei…"
Makoto quickly collected himself and replied earnestly, "No matter what, giving them a sliver of hope is, in my opinion, the compassion a healer should uphold."
Hearing this, Unohana Retsu's gaze softened with approval.
This disciple... He truly lived up to her expectations—a pure-hearted healer devoted to kido and medical arts, disliking combat, kind-hearted, and uniquely talented in healing techniques. Unlike many in the Fourth Division, he genuinely embodied the essence of a healer.
'Perhaps Makoto Senju might truly fulfill my hopes and perfectly inherit my medical techniques, taking over as the Fourth Division Captain in the future.'
As she silently mused, Unohana remained undeterred by the harsh environment of Rukongai and continued instructing Makoto on the intricacies of soul transplantation. Makoto, in turn, absorbed her teachings with rapt attention.
Within half a day, despite the advanced nature of the soul transplantation kido—so complex that even Yamada Seinosuke hadn't fully mastered it—Makoto managed to grasp its basics under Unohana's watchful and approving eye.
Afterward, Makoto sought out Kujo Taimei, the 19th seat officer of the Tenth Division, to explain his ability to treat Rukongai residents through soul transplantation and request his assistance in selecting candidates.
Since this area of Rukongai fell under the Tenth Division's jurisdiction, Makoto knew he couldn't proceed without their cooperation. More importantly, screening suitable residents would be an arduous task for Makoto alone without their support.
"So you're saying that with willing souls, soul transplantation can stop the continuous loss of spirit particles?" Kujo Taimei asked, his tone filled with excitement as he sought confirmation.
"That's correct," Makoto nodded and added, "However, there's something critical that must be made clear. For those who undergo soul transplantation, their souls will inevitably experience some degree of loss. While it won't affect their survival, this loss can cause various complications. This must be thoroughly explained to any willing participants."
"I understand!"
At that moment, Kujo Taimei's expression turned serious as he asked, "Makoto-kun, how confident are you in the success of this soul transplantation procedure?"
"Well, it won't make things worse, right?" Makoto paused briefly before continuing, "But I'd say there's at least a 90% chance of success."
Kujo Taimei nodded, his confidence bolstered by Makoto's reputation as Unohana's disciple. Resolutely, he declared, "Makoto-kun, I'll assist you. I'll start screening the residents with soul deficiencies as soon as possible."
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