As for why Makoto didn't just take the opportunity to deal with Ōmaeda Marechiyo's predicament immediately...
The entire Fourth Division was currently occupied with rescuing injured comrades dug out from the rubble. There wasn't time or manpower to spare for a minor procedure like that.
Besides, Marechiyo wasn't going anywhere. By the time he woke up, the Fourth Division would have regained some semblance of order, and they could arrange the surgery properly then.
"However…"
Makoto glanced at the portly figure of Marechiyo lying unconscious on the ground.
In the future, Marechiyo's strength might not reach the peak of the Soul Society's ranks, but as the Vice-Captain of the Second Division, his ability to escape from Captain-level enemies repeatedly was testament to his latent talent. Perhaps he was worthy of being integrated with the Seed of the Forest.
Still, the idea of embedding the seed in Marechiyo's existing wounds felt both repugnant and disturbingly excessive.
Thus...
Makoto's scalpel "accidentally" slipped, stabbing Marechiyo's thigh instead.
"Ah, whoops!"
Makoto wobbled slightly, clutching his head as though he were faint.
The Fourth Division members nearby, initially startled by the scalpel incident, quickly moved to support Makoto, their concern evident.
"Vice-Captain Senju, are you all right?"
Makoto offered a gentle, albeit slightly strained smile to the pretty female squad member supporting him.
"I'm fine… Just a bit lightheaded from overusing my spiritual pressure and energy," he said weakly.
Seeing his state, the Fourth Division members couldn't help but grow teary-eyed. Admiration and reverence for Makoto surged within them as they tried to persuade him.
"Vice-Captain Senju, you should rest. You've been performing emergency treatments on eighteen patients without pause!"
"No," Makoto shook his head resolutely. "We're short-staffed as it is. I can't afford the luxury of resting. I'm fine and can keep going."
"But…" The female squad member hesitated, her face full of worry.
Makoto's tone turned firm, cutting her off decisively.
"That's an order. This is the responsibility I bear as the Vice-Captain of the Fourth Division!"
For a moment, the bustling members of the Fourth Division paused to glance at Makoto, their gazes filled with admiration and respect.
He was different.
Makoto was nothing like their former Vice-Captain, Yamada. He treated others with kindness, encouraged them with a smile, and always stood at the forefront of their efforts.
Even now, clearly exhausted and overworked, he refused to back down.
With a nod to the female squad member assisting him, Makoto crouched down once more. Under her awestruck gaze, he carefully removed the scalpel from Marechiyo's thigh and swiftly began treating the wound.
"Take Ōmaeda Marechiyo to a temporary ward for rest. Next patient!" Makoto ordered, changing into a fresh pair of medical gloves.
---
The team worked tirelessly through the night. With the assistance of Urozakuro's directions, they managed to treat all the injured patients by dawn.
Makoto had personally treated over forty individuals—more than double the workload of any other seated officer—showcasing a level of healing ability far surpassing the standard.
With much of the Fourth Division's barracks reduced to rubble, makeshift tents had been erected, and medical supplies salvaged from the debris were used to their fullest extent.
Now, Makoto was tending to the final patient of the night—Zaraki Kenpachi.
Yes, the Zaraki, who had been left semi-conscious after being struck down by Yamamoto. Makoto had intentionally saved him for last.
First, Zaraki's injuries weren't life-threatening. Even without treatment, the beast of a man would likely recover in a few days.
Second, treating a Captain-level soul was far more complex than treating regular souls. The time required varied greatly depending on the injury's location and severity.
And third... It absolutely wasn't due to any personal bias. Efficiency was paramount.
---
When Makoto finally emerged from Zaraki's tent, a tiny pink-haired girl leapt onto his back, anxiously asking, "Hey, hey, Makoto! Is Kenny okay?"
Makoto ruffled Yachiru Kusajishi's hair, smiling warmly.
"Don't worry. I deliberately waited until his spiritual body had started healing on its own before treating him. The combination ensures the best recovery. He'll be fine soon enough."
Usually, Makoto wouldn't dare mess with Yachiru in Zaraki's presence. But now that the man was unconscious, he felt free to indulge.
Besides...
Watching Yachiru's content expression as he tousled her hair, Makoto couldn't help but think she resembled a pink kitten enjoying a good petting.
Hmph... Zaraki Kenpachi wants to draw his sword against my Yachiru(Unohana)? Then don't blame me for being a little mischievous with your Yachiru.
Makoto chuckled darkly to himself.
However, he forgot how sensitive Yachiru was to certain feelings. She suddenly blinked at him, tilting her head adorably.
"Makoto, you're not thinking about something bad, are you?"
Caught off guard, Makoto laughed. "I was just thinking about how, when you grow up, you won't be climbing on my back like this anymore."
"No way! I love hanging out with you, Makoto!" Yachiru replied sweetly.
Suddenly, Makoto noticed the temporary rescue unit returning from assisting other divisions. Their expressions were somber.
"What's wrong?" Makoto asked.
Before the two leading officers could respond, Aoki Risa burst out angrily.
"Makoto, the mastermind behind the Hollowfication incident has been captured by the Central 46! It's... Captain Urahara Kisuke of the Twelfth Division, along with the Kidō Corps Chief Tessai Tsukabishi and Vice-Chief Hachigen Ushōda. All the Hollowfied test subjects were found in a secret lab in the Twelfth Division headquarters!"
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