The only flower material used was ... spiraea.
If the simplicity of spiraea alone felt too monotonous, one could rely on their abilities to harmonize, highlight, and accompany it.
The patterns and forms created by the green grass surrounding it were all unmistakably conveying an intention to protect, cherish, and support the spiraea flower at its center.
What's more, the green grass was even intertwined with the roots of the spiraea, ensuring that the flower wouldn't wither with the passage of time...
"That foolish disciple... to think of something like this..."
Unconsciously, Unohana gently caressed "The Forest and the Spiraea" with her hand, her complexion softening with a slight blush.
If other Shinigami adept in the art of Ikebana were to see this piece, the emotions and significance it conveyed would be almost impossible to conceal or explain away.
"In broad daylight... Are you trying to embarrass me, foolish disciple?"
"But why... why does my heart feel so delighted?"
"Though it isn't a battle, there's a distinct sense of fulfillment—an affirmation of my existence."
"Makoto..."
Unohana's eyes, always gentle and serene, now gazed at Makoto standing before her, just within reach, with an emotion unlike anything she had felt before.
It wasn't a desire to cut him down, nor the hope of grooming him to escape the burdens of her position as the Captain of the Fourth Division, and it wasn't a sense of protective pity towards the weak...
It seemed she simply wanted to hold Makoto, to feel closer to his heart and understand whether it mirrored the sentiments expressed in "The Forest and the Spiraea."
After a long pause, Unohana gradually regained her usual gentle composure. Looking down at "The Forest and the Spiraea," she spoke without meeting Makoto's gaze.
"Makoto, I am very pleased with this gift, but... there are flaws. In the future, do not create such floral arrangements for others without permission."
As she said this, a subtle panic welled up within her.
What... am I even saying?
These words... why would I say such things?
However, Makoto, hearing Unohana's tone of mild reprimand, only smiled—a smile that was pure and warm.
He could tell that Unohana-Sensei genuinely appreciated the gift, and that was enough for him.
With a serious nod, Makoto replied earnestly.
"Understood, Sensei. Without your permission, I won't create Ikebana in the future."
Hearing this, Unohana, still focused on "The Forest and the Spiraea," spoke with a faintly unnatural expression.
"It's not that I intend to be so controlling. If you enjoy Ikebana, I won't stop you. Just don't create this kind of arrangement without care in the future."
"Yes, Sensei..."
The exchange between Unohana and Makoto caught the attention of several other Captains, who were curious about what kind of arrangement could cause such an unusual reaction from her.
Among them, Kyōraku Shunsui—keenly aware of how terrifying Unohana's past could be—couldn't help but step closer, his eyes narrowing as he studied the "The Forest and the Spiraea" cradled in her hands.
"This flower arrangement... doesn't seem all that special," Shunsui muttered as he unconsciously reached out to touch it.
But from his angle, he suddenly caught sight of Unohana's sharp, chilling gaze directed at him.
"I'll kill you."
The words weren't spoken, but Shunsui felt their weight. Instinctively, he froze, not doubting for a moment the authenticity of the murderous intent emanating from her.
Just a little closer, and...
Unohana might have drawn her blade then and there.
"Apologies!"
Without hesitation, Shunsui retreated to a safe distance of three meters, his back already drenched in cold sweat.
"How terrifying... Was Unohana-senpai really planning to kill me just now?"
Still shaken, Shunsui glanced meaningfully at Makoto, thoughts swirling.
"It seems Senju Makoto holds far more significance in Captain Unohana's heart than I ever imagined."
"For over a thousand years, Captain Unohana has rarely, if ever, revealed such unrestrained murderous intent toward anyone."
"Still, perhaps this isn't entirely a bad thing. Compared to unrelenting restraint, having someone to care about might keep her from losing herself completely."
As Shunsui retreated, Unohana rose gracefully, holding "The Forest and the Spiraea" in her hands. Without waiting for further inquiries from the other Captains, she announced,
"Everyone, excuse me for a moment."
With that, she headed toward the courtyard, seemingly intending to find a special place to set down the arrangement.
Watching her departure, Makoto grew slightly anxious.
He still had plans for the evening—carefully arranged ones. Who knew how long Unohana would take in the courtyard? This unexpected development was throwing a wrench into his meticulous schedule.
"Sensei, wait..."
"Makoto, is something the matter?" Unohana stopped and asked gently.
Her shift in tone did not go unnoticed by Shunsui, who couldn't help but marvel at the disparity in treatment.
Makoto glanced toward a particular spot outside the plaza, his urgency growing.
Where is he?
Finally, Kuchiki Byakuya appeared at the edge of the square, scanning the crowd until his gaze landed on Makoto.
"Makoto!"
Makoto feigned confusion, his expression just right, and used shunpo to approach Byakuya.
From a distance, Unohana watched as the two exchanged words, their faces betraying hints of concern. Moments later, Makoto hurried back to Unohana and said meaningfully,
"Sensei, I'm sorry, but Byakuya has an important friend who needs my medical help."
"That's fine. Go ahead." Unohana nodded, her gentle smile unchanged.
"I'll return as soon as I can."
With those words, Makoto left the plaza with Byakuya, while Unohana turned back toward the courtyard, carrying "The Forest and the Spiraea."
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