Naturally, even if Makoto had the intention of probing into Aizen's thoughts, he understood that acting recklessly would only result in a futile gesture.
Moreover, under Urozakuro's constant surveillance, at least within the confines of the Seireitei, as long as Makoto remained under the protection of Unohana, his safety was guaranteed.
Of course, this didn't mean Makoto genuinely trusted Urozakuro.
After all, regardless of how useful or compatible he found the Zanpakutō, Urozakuro ultimately belonged to someone else. Their relationship was nothing more than mutual exploitation wrapped in a veneer of cooperation.
That said, one couldn't deny that Urozakuro was truly impressive—if only it wasn't so annoyingly chatty.
As Makoto pondered this while making his way back to the courtyard, he was surprised to find Unohana standing quietly by the front gate.
"Teacher..."
Makoto quickened his pace toward her.
Unohana's gentle eyes swept over him as she spoke softly, "You're back?"
"Teacher, were you waiting for me here?" Makoto asked, incredulous.
"Yes."
There was no attempt at concealment in Unohana's response. Instead, she nodded slightly, her braided hair framing a face radiating warmth and tenderness as she asked, "Did you win?"
"Yes, Teacher."
As they entered the courtyard together, Makoto began recounting the events of the night, but only what he deemed appropriate to share. Anything that could cause unnecessary worry was carefully omitted.
This was, after all, his way of sparing his teacher from undue concerns—a mark of a thoughtful and considerate disciple.
Unohana's gaze lingered on Makoto, her expression tinged with curiosity. "Your spiritual pressure...?"
At this moment, Makoto's spiritual pressure had once again dropped to the level of an ordinary third-year student at Shin'ō Academy—remarkably weak.
But it wasn't the erratic fluctuation typical of spiritual pressure drained by battle.
From such close proximity, Unohana could sense that his current spiritual pressure was stable—eerily so—resembling the state he had been in after the last attack by an Adjuchas.
Makoto was prepared for this inquiry and lowered his head slightly as he explained, "Teacher, transforming the healing capabilities into wood-based techniques for combat places an immense burden on Shinro Bansho. Moreover, Shinro Bansho inherently resists killing..."
In the unseen space where Shinro Bansho resided, its ethereal form appeared, pouting as it protested, "That's not true! Master is slandering me again! Ugh, I'm innocent!"
Makoto ignored the Zanpakutō spirit entirely and continued in a low voice, "Because of this, every time I utilize wood-based techniques in battle, my spiritual pressure temporarily diminishes and takes about a month to fully recover."
Unohana paused, visibly surprised.
This revelation was arguably the most significant drawback of Makoto's Zanpakutō—a secret he wouldn't normally share with anyone.
'This disciple...'
The apparent trust Makoto placed in her, leaving nothing concealed, softened Unohana's gentle eyes even further.
"If that's the case, why did you insist on fighting Kuchiki Byakuya to the end?"
"No, it was necessary!"
Makoto raised his head, his gaze resolute and sincere.
"I could run, but as Unohana's disciple, I could never flee in disgrace or concede defeat!"
Unohana paused mid-motion, then broke into a radiant smile, retorting playfully, "What a peculiar sense of pride you have, Makoto."
"There's no helping it. Anything involving you, Teacher, is non-negotiable," Makoto mumbled as if challenging her authority.
Yet, instead of annoyance, his defiant words brought Unohana a sense of comfort.
If Makoto had some sort of game-like notification system, it might have displayed a series of messages at this moment:
[Unohana Retsu's Affection +1...]
[Unohana Retsu's Affection +2...]
[Unohana Retsu's Affection +3...]
No one could remain unmoved when hearing words of unwavering loyalty directed toward them.
Especially when they came from someone like Makoto, who, outwardly refined and gentle, seemed disinterested in competition and despised violence.
'So, Makoto fought the Kuchiki heir for my sake…'
'For my sake...'
To Unohana, these words were perhaps the most gratifying she had heard in her millennia within the Fourth Division.
Suddenly, Makoto found his vision blurring as Unohana, ever composed and graceful, reached out and pinched both his cheeks, kneading them with surprising force.
Unable to resist, Makoto stammered, "T-Teacher... stop! You're going to break me!"
Releasing him, Unohana returned to her usual poised demeanor and asked, "Makoto, have you set your sights on any particular seat officer?"
?!
Makoto froze.
This question made his heart race uncontrollably.
Even as a reward, wasn't this a bit excessive?
The Fourth Division was full of beauties, such as Aoki Chiyoko, the mother of Aoki Risa, whose elegance evoked an aura of heroic grace.
"Teacher, isn't this a bit inappropriate? What if they don't agree? And I... I'm not that kind of person," Makoto stammered, clearly flustered.
"Are you worried you're not qualified? Or that other officers will reject you?"
Unohana pondered for a moment before continuing, "Makoto, you have nothing to fear. While your tenure in the Fourth Division is still brief, your abilities are more than sufficient for any seated position."
Hearing this, Makoto's hesitation vanished instantly. Shaking his head, he declared, "Teacher, I don't want to be a seat officer. I only want to remain by your side as your disciple."
Unohana paused, seemingly deep in thought, but said no more. After offering some parting advice, she sent Makoto back to his quarters to rest.
---
The following day.
Before Makoto could rise, Sixth Division Vice- Captain, Kuchiki Sojun, arrived with Byakuya in tow, bearing generous gifts as an apology.
"Makoto..."
Dressed impeccably in noble attire and adorned with the Kenseikan, Byakuya was a far cry from his disheveled state the previous night. Bowing slightly, he addressed Makoto with a measured tone, "Regarding last night, I acted impulsively and offended you. I humbly ask for your forgiveness."
====================
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