At that moment, Makoto was utterly dumbfounded.
Despite having seized a certain level of initiative, Urozakuro had completely and unreservedly disclosed her abilities—even her fatal weaknesses were laid bare without any intention of concealment.
What did this mean?
Had Soya Azashiro's heart grown corrupt, or had the Zanpakuto gone astray?
For a brief moment, Makoto couldn't help but feel as though he were some sort of "perpetrator caught in the act", acting even more brazenly than Aizen, openly plotting the demise of the aggrieved party right under their nose.
This development was far too absurd, the plot steadily drifting into an unknown territory…
Makoto couldn't understand how someone like him—a pure and virtuous young man—had gotten entangled in such a bizarre conversation.
"Hold on…"
Makoto adjusted his glasses and straightened the slightly disheveled Shinigami uniform he was wearing. Not forgetting appearances, he opened the room's door wide as if to proclaim his gentlemanly conduct.
Of course, in reality, neither Urozakuro nor the newly arrived Shinro Bansho could be perceived directly by others. Only Makoto, attuned to the flow of spirit particles, could discern their shadowy forms. To everyone else, the most they might notice was a slight increase in the density of spirit particles in a particular area.
"So, what's your real objective? You want me to take out Soya Azashiro?" Makoto asked, perplexed.
Urozakuro merely smiled in response to Makoto's question, her tone light and evasive. "I'm just a Zanpakuto that enjoys giving its master trouble, so I do hope you won't disappoint me, Makoto-kun."
Makoto, remaining composed, as if he analyzed the situation. "Your master is imprisoned in Muken. The chances of us crossing paths are practically zero."
"One day, my master will undoubtedly emerge from Muken," Urozakuro said with unwavering conviction, the black leather strap covering her eyes emphasizing her certainty. "For now, he watches, awaits, and contemplates."
The ominous undertone of a hidden final boss left Makoto rubbing his forehead in mild exasperation. "Aren't you worried I might report this to the Gotei 13 or Central 46 and have Soya Azashiro sealed even more tightly?"
Urozakuro dismissed the idea without a second thought. "You wouldn't be the first Shinigami to know. Over a decade ago, I communicated through a Mod Soul with Kisuke Urahara and Shihoin Yoruichi, who reported this matter to Central 46."
After a brief pause, she added, "Makoto-kun, that's enough for today. Your friends have come to visit you. However, should you wish to speak with me again, I am always at your service…"
As her words faded, the aristocratic elder sister's phantom dissolved. Yet Makoto was acutely aware that, in a way, her presence pervaded all of Seireitei.
"What an inconvenient… revelation," Makoto sighed, just as the sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway outside.
Moments later, Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa appeared in front of him, each holding gifts in hand.
However, as Ikkaku loudly opened his mouth, the faint gratitude in Makoto's expression froze instantly.
"Yo, Senju! I heard you almost kicked the bucket..."
Ayasegawa leaned over and prodded the bandages wrapped around Makoto. "Senju, looking this pitiful doesn't suit your usual flamboyant style."
"Are you two here just to laugh at me?" Makoto asked, struggling to keep a straight face.
"Come on now, Senju. As a Shinigami, running into all kinds of unexpected trouble is par for the course. Fourth Division can't always save you. Why not join Captain Kenpachi's squad instead? What do you say? Eleventh Division is full of battle-hardened warriors!" Ayasegawa pitched the idea again with enthusiasm.
Makoto curled his lips and chose to outright ignore the suggestion.
Between the gentle embrace of Unohana Retsu and the rough, hard-edged camaraderie of Zaraki Kenpachi, only someone out of their mind would abandon the former for the latter.
Seeing his invitation fail once more, Ayasegawa didn't seem discouraged. Instead, he and Ikkaku each handed Makoto a gift.
Ayasegawa's gift was a collection of supplements, while Ikkaku's was a massive box of Eleventh Division's special combat healing ointment.
"..."
Looking at the box of ointment, which was about the size of his own head, Makoto couldn't help but twitch his expression. "Ikkaku, are you expecting me to use this as a face mask?"
Ikkaku replied as a matter-of-fact, "Senju, this stuff works wonders. For minor injuries, just slap some on, and you won't even neeed the Fourth Division. Take a big supply—it's bound to come in handy later."
Left speechless by the sheer absurdity of it but unable to refute him, Makoto reluctantly accepted the gifts as tokens of their goodwill.
After all, he had only just returned to the Seireitei, and the fact that Ayasegawa and Ikkaku made the effort to visit, spoke volumes about their friendship.
Soon, Makoto was brewing tea for Ayasegawa and Ikkaku while steering the conversation toward their lives in the Eleventh Division.
As Ikkaku passionately recounted his exploits, with Ayasegawa occasionally chiming in, the atmosphere grew livelier.
"Knock, knock. Um… Makoto-kun, how are your injuries?"
Suddenly, a soft yet slightly aloof voice accompanied by a knock interrupted them. Makoto turned toward the door to see Soi Fon, clad in her Onmitsukidō uniform, standing there with a bouquet of carnations in hand.
"Soi Fon?"
Makoto was genuinely surprised by her appearance and quickly stood to greet her.
To him, Soi Fon's visit was unexpected. He had assumed their fragile rapport, barely established before Unohana had intervened, had already crumbled.
As Makoto guided the visibly uneasy Soi Fon into the room, Ayasegawa shot Ikkaku a knowing look.
But Ikkaku, oblivious as ever, slapped his thigh and continued his story with vigor. "Senju, you wouldn't believe it! To subdue my subordinates, I fought them for a whole day and night without even blinking—"
"Cough, cough!" Ayasegawa cleared his throat loudly, repeatedly winking at Ikkaku.
"What's with you?" Ikkaku asked, puzzled. "Got something in your eye?"
"Ugh!"
Ayasegawa gave up and grabbed Ikkaku by the collar, dragging him toward the door. "Senju, something just came up. We'll visit again next time with Ikkaku!"
With Ayasegawa and Ikkaku gone, the room fell into a slightly awkward silence as Makoto and Soi Fon sat facing each other.
Meanwhile, not far from the courtyard, Unohana sipped her tea in the pavilion, her elegant demeanor masking a sly smile. She pointed toward Makoto's room, prompting Aoki Risa, who was holding another bouquet of carnations, to thank her profusely before hurrying toward the room, her cheeks tinged with pink.
Watching Risa's retreating figure, Unohana took another sip of tea, her smile faintly laced with mischief.
"Quite the popular one, aren't you, Makoto?"
(TL/N - Chapter 71 is an Author's remarks and it just talks about update schedule etc etc, so i will consider this chapter as Chapter 71 & 72.)
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