Shinigami: Medicine Can't Save The Soul Reaper Society

As Ōmaeda Marenoshin left, Makoto still seemed a bit dazed.

The arrangement he had mentioned earlier felt normal on the surface, yet there was something subtly off about it that Makoto couldn't quite place.

The thought lingered in his mind, leaving him distracted as he sat inside his tent, browsing through the division's administrative documents.

It was an odd feeling, one that gnawed at him further because Marenoshin hadn't specified exactly when Soi Fon would arrive to guard his tent.

"Hmm..."

Lost in thought, Makoto's gaze unintentionally drifted towards the corner of the tent, where Isane sat by a small table cluttered with various squad documents.

"Isane, let's wrap it up for today," Makoto said abruptly.

Isane paused, her hands still holding a file, her expression shifting to one of confusion mixed with apprehension. "Vice-Captain Senju, did I do something wrong?"

"No," Makoto replied with a gentle push of his glasses, his voice calm. "You've been working tirelessly lately. I just thought it would be good for you to head back early and rest properly today."

Isane exhaled a sigh of relief, her tone perking up. "I'm fine, Vice-Captain Senju! I can still keep going!"

Over the past few weeks, Isane had grown more comfortable around Makoto, no longer the nervous, timid subordinate she had initially been.

And as she came to know him better, discovering his gentle and considerate nature, her admiration for him only deepened.

"I know you're capable, Isane," Makoto said, his tone both kind and firm. "I've noticed how hard you've been working recently. But pushing yourself too far can be counterproductive. Only after a proper rest can you give your best effort. Do you understand?"

With an assertiveness Isane wasn't accustomed to, Makoto closed the folder in front of her and, leaving no room for argument, declared, "Now, go back and rest. And until 9 a.m. tomorrow, I don't want to see you back here or thinking about the squad duties. Take some time for yourself. Understood?"

For some reason, as she looked at Makoto—standing so close and speaking with such care—Isane felt her heart race, a mixture of surprise and gratitude welling up within her.

Why… why can't I seem to refuse Vice-Captain Senju?

Could it be that I've always been in his thoughts?

That's right. I shouldn't disappoint him. I'll use this time to reflect on my progress and how I can better support him in the future!

Filled with resolve, Isane left the tent with an enthusiastic expression.

Meanwhile, Makoto let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Finally, no more interruptions...

He had planned to speak with Fon alone, to assess her condition, and having Isane present would have made things unnecessarily complicated.

Returning to his work, Makoto began organizing the squad's affairs once again.

The Fourth Division was gradually returning to some semblance of order. While the lack of personnel remained a serious issue, the chaos had subsided, and medical supplies were now adequately stocked.

The Shinigami injured during the "Hollowfication Incident" had either fully recovered and left or had settled permanently in the Division's care facilities.

Amidst this tense period, Makoto's leadership had helped restore stability, earning him newfound respect within the Fourth Division. This respect was no longer tied solely to his position as Captain Unohana's disciple but stemmed from his own abilities and charisma.

Perhaps...

As he continued working, Makoto's thoughts drifted to his recent visits to the Central 46 Chambers to see Captain Unohana.

She had always maintained her composed, elegant demeanor, showing no signs of impatience during her confinement.

Makoto realized this might have been part of her plan all along—a way to encourage him to grow and develop his capabilities independently.

As expected of Captain Unohana. Beneath her gentle exterior lies a sharp and cunning mind. She always finds subtle ways to nurture and guide me...

A warm feeling spread through Makoto's chest as he thought of her.

Their bond had deepened in just over a year, and in his heart, he saw her as one of the most important people in his life. Even her bloodthirsty side, so reminiscent of a demon, had its own strange charm.

Recalling that side of her, Makoto unconsciously licked his lips, a fierce desire for conquest stirring within him.

However, he knew he was still far from being her equal, far from being able to truly match her in battle, where they could clash their Zanpakutō freely.

Patience… It's meaningless to rush things now. She must have understood my feelings that night...

Wait for me, Captain Unohana. One day, we'll both achieve ultimate satisfaction.

For now, I need to focus on managing the Fourth Division, as she entrusted it to me.

But the issue of insufficient manpower remained a persistent challenge.

The casualties among the Captains and seated officers during the Hollowfication Incident had dealt a heavy blow to the Gotei 13.

Without a decade or two, the Soul Society's high-level combat forces would struggle to recover, leading to higher casualties and mounting medical pressure for the Fourth Division.

In the past few weeks, the frequency of emergency treatments had noticeably increased, and the number of Shinigami sent for urgent care continued to rise.

Fortunately, Makoto's Zanpakutō, Shinro Banshō, excelled in healing physical injuries, enabling him to achieve near-Unohana levels of effectiveness in treating wounded Shinigami.

Otherwise, the Fourth Division's burden would have been even greater.

As he pondered possible solutions to alleviate the manpower shortage, Makoto sensed a familiar spiritual presence approaching—the mark of Soi Fon he had placed with his Forest Seeds.

Her presence halted just outside the tent, lingering there without entering.

Makoto raised an eyebrow.

It seems she's in no hurry to come in.

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