Explaining something in different ways can entirely change its meaning.
Higashi Shuuichi understood this well.
And he was certain that Unohana Retsu, the seasoned veteran of Soul Society, knew it even better.
When Yoruichi Shihōin went to speak with Unohana about transferring Higashi to the Second Division, the phrasing should've been something like: "Whether or not Higashi wishes to join the Second Division is entirely up to him."
In this, the focus would be on the Second Division.
But instead, what Unohana said was: "Whether Higashi wants to leave the Fourth Division is his choice."
On the surface, the two phrases seemed identical. But given that Higashi knew Unohana had lingering suspicions about him, the second version carried a deeper implication.
A warning.
It sounded like Unohana was respecting his agency, but it was really a quiet threat: if he chose to leave the Fourth Division, she might not remain as calm as she was now.
The subtext was plain.
Though Higashi didn't yet know exactly what evidence Unohana might have against him, the truth was—he was hiding something. Going against her directly right now would only invite disaster.
"So she's laying her cards right on the table…"
Higashi sighed bitterly to himself.
He had expected this moment to come eventually—just not so soon. He thought that after two years of silence, Unohana had moved on. Turns out she'd just been biding her time. Something must've happened to push her into action, forcing a direct confrontation through veiled words.
This was a clear sign: a serious talk was on the horizon.
A crisis… a real crisis.
And all it had taken was one carefully worded sentence to completely unsettle him.
Unfortunately, Yoruichi couldn't hear Higashi's inner turmoil. From the pained look on his face, she simply assumed he felt guilty for turning her down.
"Hey now, don't take it so seriously! I was just making an offer."Yoruichi gave him a reassuring slap on the shoulder. "Your Captain respects your decision, and so do I! But if you ever want to come to the Second Division, you're more than welcome!"
She grinned brightly. "Honestly, the Vice-Captain spot's yours if you want it. That idiot Ōmaeda couldn't beat you in anything!"
A blatant betrayal of her own Vice-Captain.
But if Higashi actually believed her, then his hundred-plus years in Soul Society would've been for nothing.
Everyone knew who Ōmaeda Marechiyo was: the wealthiest man in Soul Society on paper. That status alone secured his seat as Vice-Captain. Anyone who tried to replace him would have to be suicidal.
"I understand. If I ever think about it, I'll definitely reach out, Yoruichi-taichō."
Higashi responded politely, subtly slipping out from under her arm—before her "assets" could interfere with his brain any further.
"No problem!"Yoruichi seemed unfazed, replying cheerfully.
Then came a moment of awkward silence.
In truth, Higashi was waiting. Waiting for Yoruichi to leave. But a few seconds later, it became clear—she wasn't going anywhere.
"Um… Yoruichi-taichō? Do you still have business here with the Thirteenth Division? If so, maybe I should take my leave—"
Higashi's tone grew nervous.
He wasn't particularly worried about Aizen—by now, he was sure Aizen had already adjusted the illusions of Kyōka Suigetsu after overhearing their interaction.
What did worry him was the possibility of someone from the Kasumiōji Clan showing up uninvited, tracking Raika, the Bakkōtō sealed within the sword case slung across his back.
If that happened, how the hell would he explain it to Yoruichi?
But of course, Yoruichi had no intention of letting him off that easy.
"Nope! I've wrapped up my business here."
She shook her head with a strange smile on her face.
"…Then, may I ask what your plan is now?"
Higashi was starting to realize: Yoruichi Shihōin was terrifying when she wanted to be.
"You don't want to join the Second Division? That's fine too."She narrowed her eyes playfully. "But you're still coming back with me today. I want to do a proper evaluation—see what kind of tricks you're still hiding~"
She looked at him as if she already knew everything.
"…Can't we do this another time? I still need to report back to the Fourth Division—"
It was the only excuse he had left. Once again, he used Unohana as his human shield.
Too bad Yoruichi had already prepared for that.
"No need! I've already spoken with Captain Unohana. She agreed to lend you to me for a few days. Once I'm done using you, I'll return you—good as new!"
She flashed him a mischievous smile. "So, Shuuichi-kun, I'm afraid you don't have a choice today~"
Well, that was that.
Yoruichi had said it out loud. If Higashi kept trying to weasel out now, even an idiot would know he was hiding something.
Still, just before they departed, Higashi couldn't help but ask:
"Yoruichi-taichō… why today? Why are you so insistent on bringing me back now? It's been over a month since the Hollow purge—during that time, you haven't even visited the Fourth Division once."
At that, Yoruichi glanced back and sighed.
"Because… I made a promise to a little girl."
Higashi blinked.
"She asked me to bring her 'hero big brother' back to visit her. What kind of person would I be if I broke my promise, hmm? Shuuichi-kun~"
Little girl. Hero big brother.
The moment those keywords registered, Higashi knew exactly who she meant.
Young Soi Fon.
The Fēng Clan was ruthless, no doubt. They had taken advantage of Soi Fon's presence during the previous Hollow purge—when she caught Yoruichi's attention—and leveraged it perfectly.
They'd already gotten her into the Punishment Force.
As for why Higashi was so sure it was the Punishment Force specifically—and not any of the other Second Division sub-groups—it was simple.
Only the Punishment Force accepted members without strict requirements. Even non-Shinigami could join.
And right now, Soi Fon clearly had little to no spiritual pressure. She didn't have a Zanpakutō, either.
Her only path in… was through connections.