Shinigami: Medicine Can't Save The Soul Reaper Society

Previously, Makoto had learned from Yamada Seinosuke that he had a wife. However, for reasons unknown, Yamada had never invited Makoto to his home.

Additionally, unlike Isane, who had spent time in the mortuary, Makoto had never visited such a place. Thus, this was his first time meeting Yamada Rinka.

In terms of pure appearance, Rinka could not be considered exceptionally beautiful, yet her aura was striking. She radiated tranquility, gentleness, maturity, allure, weariness, and sorrow.

Coupled with her mourning attire and the faint redness in her swollen eyes, her presence naturally made Makoto's expression turn solemn.

"Lady Yamada," Makoto greeted respectfully.

Rinka quickly welcomed Makoto and Isane, inviting them to sit and serving them freshly brewed tea.

"This place is simple; I hope Vice-Captain Senju doesn't find it lacking," Rinka said softly, her eyes downcast.

"Sigh…"

Makoto let out a faint sigh, a feeling of guilt welling up inside him.

After all, it was his actions that had forced Yamada Seinosuke to flee the Seireitei in haste, leading the Central 46 to mistakenly inform Rinka of his death.

This realization stirred an urge within Makoto to extend extra care towards Rinka, as if it might alleviate his guilt.

"Lady Yamada, there's no need for such formality. Since I joined the squad, Vice-Captain Yamada has looked out for me many times, showing kindness. I vowed in my heart to reven-"

Makoto paused, quickly correcting his slip. "Repay, not revenge," he clarified.

"Now that Vice-Captain Yamada has sadly perished, sacrificing himself gloriously for the Seireitei, I believe he wouldn't want to see you in such sorrow."

Hearing Makoto's heartfelt words, a faint glimmer of light returned to Rinka's despondent eyes. Gratitude began to replace her initial despair.

In truth, Rinka was well aware of her late husband's reputation within the Fourth Division. Though Yamada Seinosuke had never committed any outright wrongdoing, his sharp tongue had earned him the ire of nearly everyone.

Because of this, Rinka had deliberately taken on the unpopular role of overseeing the mortuary, hoping to salvage some of Seinosuke's reputation.

Through Seinosuke's stories, she had heard much about Makoto. She knew that Seinosuke harbored feelings of envy and resentment towards the young man.

Thus, Rinka understood that Seinosuke would never have gone out of his way to care for Makoto. Clearly, Makoto's words were a kind embellishment.

"Vice-Captain Senju, thank you for your concern. I'm fine," Rinka replied with heartfelt gratitude.

"Lady Yamada, there's no need to be so formal. Please address me as you would your late husband," Makoto said gently.

Rinka hesitated for a moment, meeting Makoto's sincere gaze. She nodded softly. "Makoto-kun, forgive my presumption, then."

This simple shift in address brought the two closer. Makoto, in turn, began expressing his concern for Rinka as a junior would for a senior's family.

When Makoto learned that Rinka would be forced to move to standard housing, as her husband's former vice-captain's quarters had been destroyed, he furrowed his brows. After a moment of thought, he spoke.

"Lady Yamada, once the new quarters are completed, why don't you move into the residence allocated to me as vice-captain?"

His words caused Isane to freeze in surprise, while Rinka's sorrowful expression instantly turned to one of shock and indignation.

"Makoto-kun, what is the meaning of this?!" Rinka asked, her face slightly flushed with anger.

Realizing her misunderstanding, Makoto quickly waved his hands in denial. "No, Lady Yamada, you've misunderstood! I mean to let you use the residence, not to—"

The room fell into stunned silence. Both Isane and Rinka stared at Makoto in disbelief.

For a newly appointed vice-captain to offer his prestigious and valuable residence to the widow of his predecessor was unheard of in the history of the Gotei 13.

Isane's admiration for Makoto shone brightly in her eyes, while Rinka clenched her sleeves tightly, her swollen eyes brimming with tears.

She felt an overwhelming mix of guilt and shame.

Makoto-kun, what a kind-hearted, noble soul you are!

She recalled how she had failed to dissuade her husband's jealousy towards Makoto and even harbored doubts about Makoto's intentions during his visit.

Now, hearing his offer, she realized how base her thoughts had been—a stain on Makoto's sincerity.

Bowing deeply to Makoto, Rinka said, "Makoto-kun, I deeply appreciate your kindness. However, I am no longer a vice-captain's wife. How could I have the right to live in such a residence?"

"You are still the wife of a vice-captain," Makoto replied solemnly.

Though Makoto's words were earnest, their ambiguity caused Rinka's hands to grip her sleeves tightly, her face heating with embarrassment.

"Though Vice-Captain Yamada is no longer in the Seireitei, your status remains unchanged," Makoto continued gently.

"My ability to repay Vice-Captain Yamada's kindness is limited. The least I can do is provide you with a warm and comfortable home. Please, accept this."

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