Shinigami: Medicine Can't Save The Soul Reaper Society

On the way back to the Fourth Division barracks, Unohana gazed softly at Makoto beside her and asked,

"Makoto, what are your impressions after attending your first Captain's Meeting?"

"It was a little different from what I imagined," Makoto replied truthfully.

"Oh? How so?" Unohana pressed further.

"It was... a bit more disorganized, free, and unstructured than I had anticipated."

This was already a deliberately restrained evaluation from Makoto.

Not to mention that Kenpachi Zaraki of the Eleventh Division and Kusajishi Yachiru simply opted not to attend. Jūshirō Ukitake had also been absent for years, frequently citing "sick leave."

Furthermore, for the divisions with vacant Captain or Vice-captain positions, there wasn't even a need to send a representative to attend.

All of this highlighted a single fact: the true decision-making power within the Gotei 13 resided solely in the First Division and the Central 46 Chambers, while the other divisions served more as executors of decisions rather than contributors.

As for how much say the other Captains truly had in these so-called "Captain's Meetings," that remained a question worth pondering.

Additionally, the stark disparity between Captains and those below them in terms of status and authority was glaringly obvious.

The power structure of the Soul Society, Seireitei, and the Gotei 13 resembled a clearly delineated pyramid.

Hearing this, Unohana responded softly,

"That can't be helped. After participating in such meetings thousands of times, anyone would grow weary."

She paused briefly, her gaze sweeping across the empty corridor before she continued in a low voice,

"In truth, these Captain's Meetings are essentially the Head Captain's way of balancing power against the nobles. Only decisions endorsed by multiple Captains can prompt the Central 46 Chambers and the noble families to take matters seriously."

A subtle, unfathomable glint appeared in Unohana's gentle eyes as she murmured, seemingly to herself,

"The Head Captain has grown far more compassionate than in the past. Perhaps guilt for the Soul Society weighs on him, leading him to tolerate the nobles more than ever before?"

This sentence floated clearly into Makoto's ears. He looked at Unohana again, but her expression had already reverted to its usual gentleness. It was as though that brief flicker of something else had been nothing more than an illusion. Smiling, she asked,

"Makoto, would you like to know the content of this Captain's Meeting?"

"Sensei, is that something you can share with me?" Makoto asked.

"Of course. You are my most important Vice-captain. Besides, even if the matter won't spread widely within the Gotei 13, the higher-ups of every division will inevitably find out sooner or later."

Walking at the same leisurely pace, Unohana continued,

"During the Hollowfication incident, the Gotei 13 lost nearly half of its combat strength, including Captains, Vice-captains, and seated officers.

"At this point, the Gotei 13 is struggling not only to fulfill its regular duties but also to maintain the respect of the noble families in Seireitei, who have gradually begun to look down on us."

"Therefore, compensating for the loss of combat strength has become the Gotei 13's most urgent priority. The Head Captain has implemented numerous decisions and changes as a result."

Here, Unohana paused for a moment before asking,

"Makoto, are you interested in becoming a Captain? If I personally recommend you, it shouldn't be a problem."

Makoto's expression froze. Looking at Unohana's seemingly genuine expression, countless thoughts raced through his mind.

But in the next moment, he revealed a gentle, radiant smile and said,

"Sensei, I am your most important Vice-captain. I've already promised to stay by your side for at least a hundred years. Are you trying to send me away so soon?"

"Of course not," Unohana replied with a soft smile. "It's just that seeing a disciple grow is a joy in itself—that's the romance of a teacher."

"But I've only mastered my Shikai. I doubt I have the strength to take on a Captain's role," Makoto deflected.

Hearing this, Unohana simply smiled without responding.

If, before the Hollowfication incident, Unohana still believed Makoto was merely skilled in kido and healing, that belief had long since changed.

Despite only wielding Shikai, Makoto's strength was undoubtedly on par with an ordinary Captain.

More importantly...

Unohana's gaze flickered briefly, almost imperceptibly, towards Makoto's throat. It had been pierced countless times, yet each time, he had managed to repair himself with his Zanpakuto's abilities and kido.

This kind of resilience would be a nightmare for most Captains in battle.

'Not to mention his ability to ignore throat injuries and even shift the position of his Saketsu (鎖結, Binding Chain) and Hakusui (魄睡, Soul Sleep) mid-fight...'

Unohana understood that Makoto's spiritual body was far from normal, and his Zanpakuto's abilities were far more complex than they appeared on the surface.

"Since you're not interested, you can continue staying in the courtyard tonight. That way, I can guide you whenever I have some free time."

Makoto's eyes lit up with delight. Before he could think of a way to graciously accept the invitation without seeming overly eager, Unohana had already made the decision for him.

'Ah, well, since Sensei is so insistent, as a respectful disciple, I suppose I have no choice but to accept...'

Outwardly, of course, Makoto maintained his usual respectful demeanor and accepted Unohana's suggestion without hesitation.

As they walked on, Unohana continued,

"This time, to quickly address the Gotei 13's lack of combat strength, the Shin'ō Academy will expand its enrollment starting this year.

"Additionally, the standards for nobles joining the Gotei 13 will be relaxed. Those with sufficient strength can even directly assume Captain or Vice-captain positions.

"The Head Captain will also provide personal Zanjutsu instruction himself. All officers of Seated rank and above are eligible to attend."

Unohana listed the policies one by one. Clearly, each decision would contribute significantly to replenishing the Gotei 13's strength.

It was obvious that the Head Captain was growing increasingly anxious about the current state of the Gotei 13.

Finally, Unohana's voice paused slightly before she added,

"And here's the most interesting one: the Head Captain is encouraging division members to venture into the Rukongai to search for individuals with the potential to become Shinigami. They can recommend these individuals for direct admission into Shin'ō Academy.

"Furthermore, when these individuals graduate, the recommending division will have priority in recruiting them. No other division may object."

Hearing this, Makoto's expression showed a rare hint of surprise.

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