As Senju Makoto was in the midst of performing a "soul transplantation" on Ichimaru Gin and Matsumoto Rangiku, two cloaked figures, their garments entirely masking their spiritual pressure, appeared on the outskirts of this Rukongai district.
When these figures raised their heads, their identities were unmistakable: Aizen Sosuke, the Fifth Division's vice-captain, and Tosen Kaname, the Seventh Seat of the Ninth Division.
"Aizen-sama, it seems Captain Unohana has noticed something. Are we truly not at risk?" Tosen Kaname asked, his tone betraying a hint of concern.
Aizen Sosuke, in stark contrast to his usual gentle and humble demeanor, appeared calm and indifferent as he responded.
"Of course, Kaname. This matter could never completely escape the Fourth Division's notice, let alone someone as astute and keenly observant as Captain Unohana. However, everything proceeds as planned. There's no need for worry."
"Understood, Aizen-sama," Tosen Kaname replied respectfully, before hesitating slightly and asking,
"Aizen-sama, why leave those residents, partially stripped of their souls, for the Tenth Division to find? Wouldn't it have been simpler to erase them entirely?"
Aizen smiled faintly, as if explaining an irrefutable truth.
"Kaname, do you know why things like justice, institutions, and rules—despite their glaring hypocrisy—persist in this world?"
Kaname's expression shifted, as though struck by a nerve. He gritted his teeth and asked,
"Why?"
"Because, hypocritical as they may be, those who manipulate such things from behind the scenes understand their necessity. They serve as veils—indispensable coverings. Without them, in a world shrouded in darkness, the emptiness would stand out all the more starkly, glaringly conspicuous."
Pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, Aizen continued,
"The so-called 'truth' is no different. A void... would only invite greater skepticism and inquiry. Hence, one must fabricate a 'truth' that appears reasonable and thoroughly investigated."
Tosen Kaname nodded thoughtfully, though hesitation lingered in his gaze. He asked,
"But Captain Unohana is still lingering in Rukongai and has yet to depart. Under her watchful eye, might we not risk exposing ourselves?"
"Admittedly, this is a minor deviation," Aizen said with a dismissive smile, "but it does not pose a threat significant enough to disrupt our plans."
Aizen's tone remained unfazed as he elaborated,
"Unohana Retsu is indeed formidable and commands respect. However, bound as she is by the laws of the Seireitei, and restricted by Captain Commander Yamamoto's decree that she may never draw her blade without explicit permission, she will become the most convincing witness to our 'truth.'"
Aizen's gaze shifted to the sky, where a Hell Butterfly was swiftly approaching. With a faint smile, he remarked,
"See? The shackles binding Captain Unohana have already arrived."
---
The Hell Butterfly—a unique creature of the Seireitei, capable of guiding Shinigami and transmitting messages across realms—flew directly toward the spiritual pressure emanating from Unohana Retsu. It gently alighted on her outstretched fingertip.
Through the special spiritual waves emitted by the butterfly, a message was conveyed directly to Unohana Retsu's consciousness:
Return to the Seireitei. A provisional Captains' Meeting is being convened.
Unohana Retsu's gentle expression remained unchanged. Given that she, as the Captain of the Fourth Division, had personally conveyed her suspicions to Captain-Commander Yamamoto, it was only natural that he would take the situation seriously.
The only thing that left Unohana feeling slightly helpless was Captain-Commander Yamamoto's strict order for her to return to the Seireitei as soon as possible.
Officially, this was under the pretense of holding an emergency Captains' meeting. In truth, Unohana understood that the Captain-Commander was concerned about her lingering in the uncertain conditions of Rukongai. If an unexpected battle were to occur, it might disrupt her otherwise tranquil state of mind.
"Ah, there's no helping it..."
Unohana cast a glance toward Senju Makoto, who was focused on treating patients in a nearby house. A faint smile appeared on her face as she murmured,
"Well, I'm sorry, Makoto. It seems you'll have to make your way back to the Seireitei on foot. But considering how well you've been getting along with the locals, I doubt you'd hold it against your teacher for leaving you behind, right?"
With that, Unohana elegantly leapt onto Minazuki. Mounted upon her creature, she began her graceful flight back toward the Seireitei.
---
Meanwhile, Senju Makoto was entirely unaware that his mischievous mentor had left without so much as a word.
Having completed the "soul transplantation" treatment for Gin Ichimaru and Rangiku Matsumoto, Makoto had also discreetly planted some seeds—of his own designs, no doubt. Feeling a wave of exhaustion, he exhaled softly.
Though the high-level healing technique, "soul transplantation," didn't drain Makoto's spiritual power excessively, it required immense mental focus.
As he looked at Gin, drenched in sweat on the bed, and the still-unconscious Rangiku, he prepared to explain some post-treatment care.
Knock, knock.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Kujou Taimei's cautious voice followed.
"Makoto, another resident has come for treatment. Should I ask them to wait?"
Makoto sipped some water and replied, "Let them in. I've just finished with Gin."
As the door opened, Kujo Taimei entered with a young mother and her little boy.
Makoto's gaze first landed on the boy. His lifeless, dull eyes and pale, numb expression were no different from other residents suffering from soul depletion.
Then, Makoto shifted his eyes to the woman beside the boy, and his expression froze.
Her vacant, desolate gaze and bloodlessly pale complexion made the attractive woman resemble a grieving widow—both graceful and melancholic. Her sorrowful allure evoked a primal sense of protectiveness in any man.
Makoto's heart... skipped a beat. Not out of excitement, but from shock.
Closing his eyes briefly, Makoto gestured for the woman to sit down with her child before turning to Kujo Taimei.
"Gin Ichimaru and Rangiku Matsumoto's treatment is done. However, Gin mentioned he left something important back in his quarters. It's dangerous out there, so escort them to retrieve it."
Gin, whose face was deathly pale from pain, froze in confusion. He turned his head to look at Makoto, baffled.
When did I say something like that?
But when Gin caught sight of Makoto's serious expression, a flicker of understanding crossed his face. He struggled to sit up.
Kujo Taimei quickly stepped forward to assist him, also carrying Rangiku onto her back.
As Gin reached the doorway, he turned to Makoto and asked, "Once I retrieve it, should I return for further treatment?"
"Of course. Without follow-ups, your condition could worsen. If necessary, I'll even ask my teacher for a second diagnosis," Makoto replied with a playful smile.
"Got it."
Gin nodded and swiftly followed Kujo Taimei out.
================
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