After spending a night resting in the tent, the incident finally came to a close for Makoto.
The members of the Tenth Division who had parts of their souls consumed exhibited characteristics strikingly similar to the residents of Rukongai. This was further corroborated by the arrival of the Technological Development Department, who analyzed residual spiritual particles left behind by the Adjuchas. Upon comparison, they discovered the same traces on the spiritual bodies of some Rukongai residents.
The Adjuchas' ability to conceal itself within other spiritual bodies explained why it had gone undetected in Rukongai.
With this evidence, the Seireitei concluded that the soul-loss incidents were caused by that particular Adjuchas.
Later, Makoto encountered several notable figures: the dignified aristocratic figure of Otoribashi Rojuro, the seemingly carefree Captain Hirako Shinji, and the current Vice-Captain of the Tenth Division, Shiba Isshin.
This version of Shiba Isshin bore little resemblance to the disheveled, carefree Isshin Kurosaki that Makoto remembered. He appeared dashing and spirited, though his casual, uninhibited demeanor was already evident.
However, the loss of over thirty subordinates brought Isshin to tears, deeply regretful that he hadn't stayed behind in Rukongai.
"Marriage truly is a man's grave…"
As Makoto returned to the Seireitei alongside Unohana, he couldn't help but muse to himself.
It was hard to imagine that this valiant and handsome man would one day transform into a scruffy, carefree househusband.
Men sacrifice so much for their families!
As they passed through the Kekkai barrier into the Seireitei, Makoto, who had been feigning exhaustion atop Minazuki, suddenly froze. His gaze locked onto the spiritual particles in the air.
No… Something's off.
Even without fully releasing Shinro Bansho, Makoto's ability to manipulate spiritual particles allowed him to perceive them clearly.
Inside the Seireitei, everything in his line of sight—be it the ground, air, or walls—seemed to possess faint traces of an unusual spiritual pressure.
It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it felt as though this energy coated the spiritual particles in a delicate hue. Ignoring it was impossible.
"What is this? Do the spiritual particles in the Seireitei have a will of their own, or is this the effect of some Zanpakutō's ability?"
This discovery sent a chill down Makoto's spine.
If either theory were true, it meant one thing: everything that occurred within the Seireitei could potentially be monitored through the spiritual particles.
Yet, despite his knowledge of the original timeline, which primarily covered the Aizen arc and some scattered details about Yhwach, Makoto had no recollection of anything related to the spiritual particles of the Seireitei exhibiting such phenomena.
When Minazuki descended into the Fourth Division's courtyard, Makoto, lost in thought, instinctively headed toward his room. However, Unohana stopped him.
"Makoto, come with me," she said.
Stowing Minazuki back into its sheath, Unohana gracefully walked toward the Captain quarters. Makoto followed, puzzled.
As the door slid open, Makoto couldn't help but carefully observe the room.
This was his first time entering Unohana's private quarters, and curiosity bubbled within him.
The room was elegant and classical, exuding a subtle fragrance. It was meticulously organized, devoid of superfluous decorations, embodying simplicity and tidiness—far from what Makoto's imagination had conjured.
Of course. If Unohana-sensei's room were messy, she'd never let me enter in the first place, Makoto thought to himself.
His gaze unconsciously drifted toward Unohana, who was crouched and searching through a cabinet.
From this angle…
Though concealed by the flowing fabric of her Captain's haori, the graceful curves visible hinted at perfection.
Sensei… to let her guard down like this…
Makoto's heart raced uncontrollably, a warmth surging to his face. He quickly turned around, covering his nose as his imagination threatened to spiral out of control.
No! Stay calm!
Makoto desperately tried to redirect his thoughts, conjuring the image of Shinro Bansho's blade spirit—plain and entirely devoid of feminine allure. Yet, rather than calming him, it only made things worse.
Am I losing it? There's no way… right?!
Finally, he resorted to visualizing Ikkaku's gleaming bald head.
Purification achieved.
His thoughts cleared instantly, like a monk achieving enlightenment.
It was then that Unohana's soft voice reached his ears.
"Makoto, take off your shihakushō."
What?!
Makoto froze.
"Wha—Sensei… I… uh…"
Makoto stammered, his mind a whirlwind of confusion and embarrassment.
Still, under her calm yet firm instruction, Makoto turned back, clutching his robe nervously.
"Sensei, is this really necessary?"
"Shy, are we?" Unohana chuckled lightly. "Too late for that, Makoto. I've already examined your body while you were unconscious."
What?!
Makoto's eyes widened in shock, as if lightning had struck him.
Had he lost something valuable in front of Unohana-sensei? His dignity? His innocence? His pride?
Most importantly… will she take responsibility?
As if to add insult to injury, Unohana commented with a serene smile, "You're in good shape, better than I expected."
Why does this feel like I'm a lamb helplessly thrown before a wolf?
Makoto's thoughts spiraled further.
If you're going to bully me, Sensei, at least be straightforward!
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