In the days that followed, Makoto's life became even more routine. Every day, he reported punctually to the gynecology department to consult with patients, discreetly embedding "Seeds of the Forest" into those with relatively high spiritual pressure.
At night, he would either return to the courtyard to learn Kaido (healing arts) and medical techniques from Retsu Unohana or practice Shunpo (Flash Step).
To avoid the eventual fate of being "sliced up" by Soi Fon, Makoto also seized the opportunity to study her zanpakuto ability, "Nigeki Kessatsu" (Double Strike Finisher).
It wasn't just a simple toxin; this was an ability that bordered on a law-like power. Once the Homonka marks overlapped, it would completely destroy the target's spiritual body.
Undoubtedly, it was an incredibly terrifying ability.
However, after thoroughly analyzing Soi Fon's zanpakuto, Suzumebachi, Makoto discovered that if he was willing to expose his "Spiritual Particle Manipulation" ability, the threat posed by Nigeki Kessatsu was nearly negligible.
This was because Makoto could alter the spiritual particles within his spiritual body, thereby removing the parts marked by the Homonka, effectively nullifying the conditions for Nigeki Kessatsu to activate.
In other words, no matter how many marks Fon left on Makoto, they would be meaningless.
---
For a Shinigami, life is long, and a few months often pass with barely any changes.
In the underground training space, the afterimages of Makoto and Fon flickered endlessly as they chased one another. Advanced Shunpo techniques were used so casually, it was as if they had been ingrained into their instincts.
In just a few months...
Even Yoruichi watched with a curious glint in her eyes. Makoto's mastery of Shunpo had now reached a level comparable to Fon's
In fact, Yoruichi suspected that, given Makoto's gentle demeanor, he might even be holding back to avoid discouraging Fon.
Of course, this applied solely to Shunpo.
If it came down to Hakuda (hand-to-hand combat), where close-range fighting was involved without dodging or drawing their zanpakuto, Soi Fon could easily twist Makoto into a pretzel.
But with their Shunpo being evenly matched, and Makoto focusing on avoiding conflict, Fon now found it difficult to deal with him.
What's more, given.Fon's strong sense of loyalty toward those she cherished, it was unlikely that she would truly go all out against Makoto anymore.
"But this feels more like playing than actual training..."
At that thought, Yoruichi's figure flashed and appeared between the two, placing a hand on their shoulders to stop their chase. She then spoke:
"Makoto, your mastery of Shunpo is more than adequate. Many vice-captains might not even be at your level. If you want to improve further, you'll need some real combat pressure."
Pausing briefly, Yoruichi seemed to think of something. A wide smile spread across her face as she declared with no room for objection:
"Makoto, I'll find you a more suitable training partner."
Makoto's heart sank. The smile on Yoruichi's face didn't bode well. Hesitantly, he asked, "Uh... Can I know who it is?"
"Don't worry..."
Yoruichi patted her chest confidently.
"I promise it'll be someone at your level. You won't be in too much life-threatening danger. Just run fast, and you'll be fine."
L-life-threatening danger?!
Despite his doubts about Yoruichi's moral compass, was it really appropriate to say such things so nonchalantly?
Before Makoto could respond, Yoruichi dismissed Soi Fon back to her duties and enthusiastically dragged Makoto out of the underground space, heading toward an unfamiliar and relatively secluded corridor.
"Makoto, stay here and don't move. I'll be right back..."
With a pat on his shoulder and no chance for protest, Yoruichi disappeared.
Where is this? Which squad does it belong to?
Makoto glanced around, trying to orient himself.
However, he rarely visited other squads' barracks. Coupled with the fact that most of the buildings in the Seireitei followed a similar architectural style, even seasoned Shinigami often got lost, let alone a half-recluse like Makoto.
At that moment, a furious roar erupted from nearby.
"You cursed cat! This time, I'll kill you!!!"
In the blink of an eye, a grinning Yoruichi, looking as though she'd just pulled off the ultimate prank, appeared in front of Makoto. Without a word, she tied something around his neck and clipped something into his hair.
What the...?!
Makoto blinked in confusion.
When he looked down and realized that what was tied around his neck was none other than the Ginpakukazahana-no-usuginu—a Silvery White Windflower Silk Gauze symbolizing the Kuchiki clan—Makoto felt like a herd of wild horses was trampling through his mind.
And the object in his hair? Undoubtedly the Kenseikan, another emblem of the Kuchiki family.
Moments later, a young man with disheveled hair appeared not far from Makoto. Despite his furious expression, his regal aura remained undeniable.
"Little Byakuya, my apologies..."
Yoruichi waved casually at Byakuya. Her tone, however, carried not a trace of guilt. Then, she turned to Makoto and shouted with exaggerated enthusiasm:
"Makoto! Didn't you say you wanted to try wearing the Ginpakukazahana-no-usuginu and Kenseikan? How does it feel? Looks pretty good on you, right?"
?!
Makoto froze.
What a cunning cat, dragging me into this mess... And she even made sure to announce my name! Isn't she afraid the Kuchiki clan might kill me for this?
Before Makoto could explain himself, Byakuya's eyes locked onto him. Seeing his clan's sacred emblems worn by someone else, his eyes burned with anger, nearly blood-red.
"To mock the Kuchiki clan in such a manner..."
Having already endured years of torment at Yoruichi's hands, Byakuya's fragile patience finally snapped.
Originally, he had been celebrating—celebrating that cursed cat's absence for months, hoping she might have met her end somewhere.
But tonight... she had not only returned but also dared to steal his Ginpakukazahana-no-usuginu and Kenseikan right in front of his father.
What did this imply? That he was unworthy of protecting the honor of the Kuchiki family?
Without hesitation, Byakuya drew his sword and released it into Shikai.
"Scatter, Senbonzakura!"
With those furious words, his zanpakuto shattered into countless petals, as dreamlike as they were deadly.
In an instant, the razor-sharp petal storm surged toward Makoto like a violent tempest...
===================
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