[Kuchiki Estate]
Under a blooming cherry blossom tree, Makoto and Byakuya sat across a stone table. The surface of the table bore a Go board, filled with an intricate array of black and white stones.
Go.
Among the nobles of the Soul Society, shogi was a more popular pastime. However, Makoto was less skilled at shogi, finding himself more drawn to the subtleties of Go.
After all, who could resist the thrill of reversing a seemingly hopeless situation with a "divine move"?
"I lost," Byakuya sighed, placing his black stone back on the table.
"As per our agreement, I'll arrange for an ikebana teacher for you tomorrow. You can start your lessons here directly."
"Thanks, Byakuya," Makoto replied with a slight smile.
Byakuya raised an eyebrow. "But I'm curious—Captain Unohana is renowned as a master of ikebana in the Seireitei. Why would you ask me for help instead?"
Makoto's response came with a faint grin, quoting softly: "Arranging flowers, crafting melodies, tea and art..."
He then explained, "Precisely because Captain Unohana is passionate about ikebana, I wanted to prepare a present for her."
"I see." Byakuya nodded thoughtfully, rearranging the Go pieces on the board. "Another round?"
Makoto adjusted his glasses and glanced up at the brilliant midday sun. "Not today. It's the day for Shin'o Academy to recruit new students. There's a particular brat I'm curious about, and I plan to check on him. Care to join me, Byakuya?"
Byakuya deliberated for a moment before nodding in agreement. After all, it was a rare day off for the famed "Gynecological Noble" of the Seireitei. Byakuya felt it was only right, as a friend, to accompany Makoto on such an occasion.
A rare, mischievous smile flickered across Byakuya's typically cold and aloof face.
Makoto's expression darkened slightly. "Byakuya, why are you smiling?"
"Nothing. Just reminiscing about something amusing," Byakuya replied with his usual composure.
"You're thinking about that nickname again, aren't you?" Makoto's tone was sharp.
"How could I? I'm not the type to ridicule a close friend," Byakuya said, feigning innocence.
"No, you absolutely are," Makoto retorted. "In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if you orchestrated that nickname behind the scenes."
"That's slander."
"Byakuya, say that again—but without the smile."
"..."
For all their outward differences—Byakuya's aristocratic arrogance and Makoto's gentle demeanor—the two were surprisingly close. Perhaps good looks naturally drew people together.
---
At the entrance of Shin'o Academy, a sea of poorly dressed and gaunt Rukongai residents had gathered. Most were young, their eyes filled with a mixture of hope and determination.
This sight did not surprise Makoto. Six or seven years ago, he had been one of them.
Life in Rukongai was harsh. While the areas closer to the Seireitei were relatively stable, conditions grew increasingly dire in the outer districts. For those with spiritual power, survival was even harder. Hunger plagued them constantly, and their presence radiating like a flame, attracting Hollow like moths onto them.
Thus, many spiritually gifted individuals from Rukongai were driven to Shin'o Academy, seeking to become Shinigami. To Makoto, this system seemed more like a subtle method for Central 46 to maintain control over the Soul Society, ensuring that the Seireitei's dominance remained unchallenged.
Still, none of these thoughts showed on Makoto's face. He maintained a warm smile as he walked alongside Byakuya, whose regal air created a stark contrast to his own approachable demeanor.
"Are they both Shinigami? They look so young..."
"If I become a Shinigami, will I be respected like that someday?"
"No matter what, I have to pass the entrance test this time..."
The murmurs of admiration and determination rippled through the crowd as Makoto and Byakuya passed.
Upon entering the academy, the pair were greeted with utmost respect. Although Makoto was only a regular member of the Fourth Division, and Byakuya had yet to officially join the Gotei 13, their statuses as Unohana Retsu's disciple and the heir of the Kuchiki family respectively commanded attention.
The academy's director personally escorted them to an office, inquiring nervously if there was anything they needed.
Makoto waved off the formalities with casual politeness, attributing their visit to curiosity.
After the director left, Byakuya looked intrigued. "I thought you might want to pull strings for someone to enroll in the academy."
"Not necessary. That kid's a true genius," Makoto replied. "The entrance test won't be a problem. I'm just here because he's so young—it's worth keeping an eye on him."
"Oh? What kind of genius could earn such praise from you?" Byakuya asked, his curiosity piqued.
Makoto gestured a height with his hand. "Just a kid, but he's already mastered Shikai before even entering the academy. Does that count?"
Even Byakuya, usually composed, couldn't hide his astonishment. A prodigy of such caliber hadn't been seen in centuries.
As Makoto casually filled Byakuya in on Gin Ichimaru's remarkable abilities, his gaze drifted to the crowd outside.
Through his connection with the Seed of the Forest, Makoto had already pinpointed Gin's exact location.
Sensitive as ever, Gin seemed to sense the attention and looked up directly at Makoto.
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