"It's not that my resolve surpasses yours, but rather... my strategy does, Byakuya."
As Makoto silently retorted to Byakuya in his mind, a dignified figure gracefully descended beside Byakuya.
The newcomer bore a striking resemblance to an adult Byakuya—same noble features, the hairpiece clipped delicately near his ear—but without the cold arrogance typical of a great noble. Instead, his eyes radiated the gentle warmth of a Sixth Division vice-captain: Kuchiki Sojun.
Sojun first offered Makoto a polite nod before bending down to lift Byakuya from the ground.
There was no hint of blame in Sojun's gaze for Byakuya's defeat; instead, it brimmed with pride and satisfaction. Turning to Makoto, he spoke with a calm tone.
"My son can be impulsive and rash. I hope you won't take offense, Makoto-kun."
Hearing these words, even Makoto couldn't help but be impressed by Sojun's composure and grace.
Most noble Shinigami, especially those of the Kuchiki's stature, held disdain for Shinigami born in Rukongai. Under ordinary circumstances, one might expect frustration or anger over a son's public defeat at the hands of a mere Fourth Division member.
Yet, to Makoto's surprise, Sojun not only refrained from reproach but even apologized.
Caught off guard, Makoto stammered out a response, fumbling like an awkward youth, until Sojun finally took his leave with Byakuya in tow.
In that moment, as Makoto watched them retreat, he felt a twinge of regret and reluctance.
I didn't even get a chance to heal Byakuya...
Byakuya-kun, if you don't mind, perhaps next time you'll let me try treating you with a needle or two?
---
"Hey, Makoto…"
Suddenly, a hand clapped down on Makoto's shoulder. Shihōin Yoruichi slung an arm around him as if they were old buddies and grinned mischievously.
"This was supposed to be a Shunpo training session. You barely moved at all—how boring! Don't tell me this is some kind of flaw in your Zanpakutō's ability?"
Makoto rolled his eyes at her, biting back the urge to retort. If not for knowing he couldn't win against Yoruichi, he might have let his sarcasm run wild.
You think I'm stupid enough to rely solely on Shunpo to dodge Byakuya's Senbonzakura? What do you think this is—a bullet hell game?
And let's not forget the sheer humiliation that would follow if his uniform was shredded in front of everyone by a flurry of cherry blossoms. Even if Byakuya didn't aim to kill, his Shihakushō would likely end up in tatters, leaving him practically naked in public.
What then? Take a nighttime stroll through Seireitei for a "refreshing experience"?
If that happened, Makoto suspected Captain Unohana might introduce him to the fine art of... biological castration.
Shivering at the thought, Makoto turned to Yoruichi, meeting her golden, cat-like eyes with a serious expression.
"Lady Yoruichi, please don't do this again. I dislike unnecessary battles, and this kind of behavior is bound to trouble Byakuya-kun."
Hearing Makoto's peace-loving yet subtly reproachful words, Yoruichi scratched her cheek awkwardly.
"Alright, alright. Don't make such a big deal out of it. Little Byakuya got some valuable growth out of it, didn't he? And I'm sure you learned something from him too."
Makoto shook his head resolutely. He knew Yoruichi well enough to realize that any ambiguous response would only encourage her to think he secretly enjoyed the chaos.
If that happened, she'd undoubtedly take it as an invitation to stir up more trouble in Seireitei.
As Yoruichi's eyes dimmed with a hint of disappointment, Makoto respectfully bowed and excused himself, heading toward the Fourth Division barracks.
---
Just as Makoto turned a corner beneath the moonlight, a shadow emerged from the darkness.
"A splendid performance, Makoto-kun."
The voice belonged to none other than Aizen Sosuke. Unlike his usual gentle and measured tone, there was now an alluring magnetism in his voice, tinged with unreserved praise.
Makoto's eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained calm. "Vice-Captain Aizen? What brings you here?"
"It seems you're still unfamiliar with Seireitei's layout," Aizen replied with a smile. "The Fifth Division barracks are adjacent to the Sixth. The square where you fought just now falls within Fifth Division territory."
"I see…"
Makoto feigned a casual tone, but inwardly he was alarmed. He saw the whole fight…
Thankfully, I held back. Hopefully, it's enough to keep this terrifying man from suspecting anything.
After a moment's hesitation, Makoto scratched his head sheepishly and said, "I apologize for the damage to the square. I'll make sure to cover the repair costs as soon as possible."
At this, Aizen chuckled. "Makoto-kun, do you think I came to demand repair fees from you?"
Makoto blinked innocently. "Huh? Isn't that why you stopped me?"
"Haha… You really are amusing, Makoto-kun."
Aizen's laughter echoed warmly before he added, "Don't worry. We're friends, aren't we? Even if you destroyed the entire square, I'd find a way to handle it for you."
"Oh, I couldn't possibly impose…" Makoto scratched his head awkwardly, then seemed to have a sudden idea.
"How about this: From now on, any female members of the Fifth Division who visit the gynecology department will receive a 10% discount if they ask for me."
"And what about me?" Aizen asked, his tone playful.
"Well…" Makoto hesitated, feigning embarrassment. "Vice-Captain Aizen, the gynecology department isn't exactly suited to treating male Shinigami. So…"
After a brief pause, Makoto's expression brightened.
"But if you ever need help, I'd highly recommend my Vice-Captain, Yamada Seinosuke!"
Makoto then proceeded to extol Yamada's medical expertise with unreserved enthusiasm, praising him as though he were second only to Captain Unohana herself.
=================
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