Shinigami: Medicine Can't Save The Soul Reaper Society

At this moment, Makoto finally understood why so many captains left the meeting hall with expressions of both joy and urgency.

To put it optimistically, this new policy would undoubtedly motivate each division to strengthen themselves proactively.

However, on the flip side, the policy could significantly enhance the strength of other divisions, thereby diminishing the authority of the First Division.

After all, if a division managed to recruit eight or ten geniuses, they could harbor ten captain-level Shinigami—making them nearly equivalent to the entire Gotei 13 combined.

Wait…

Suddenly, Makoto recalled what Unohana Retsu had mentioned earlier about relaxing the restrictions on nobles joining the Gotei 13.

When combined, these two policies reflected Captain-Commander Yamamoto intent to further absorb noble power to replenish the Gotei 13.

Makoto's expression shifted slightly as he vaguely grasped Yamamoto's underlying plan.

If the nobles occupied too many seats within the Gotei 13, it could lead to the organization being entirely hollowed out, eventually falling under the direct control of the nobility.

However, Yamamoto likely believed he could maintain control.

In the short term, Yamamoto intended to open the floodgates to noble involvement to address the immediate power vacuum. In the long term, he planned to cultivate talented Shinigami from Rukongai to restore balance.

"Makoto, if you have time, you should take a walk through Rukongai. Also, the graduation ceremony at Shin'ō Academy is coming up soon this year, and the Fourth Division will need reinforcements," Unohana said.

"Yes, I understand, Sensei," Makoto nodded, indicating his acknowledgment.

…

It had to be said: given the severe manpower shortages across almost all divisions of the Gotei 13, the attention on this year's Shin'ō Academy graduation ceremony was unprecedented.

Especially because a brilliant genius, Ichimaru Gin, had emerged. He had completed six years of coursework within just one year and passed the graduation exam with flying colors.

Considering Gin's mastery of Shikai at such a young age and his overwhelming spiritual pressure, all Shinigami understood that it was only a matter of time before he became a captain-level Shinigami.

Thus, when Makoto entered Shin'ō Academy alongside Kotetsu Isane, he saw representatives dispatched from every division, from the First to the Thirteenth, and even members of the Kidō Corps were in attendance.

Such fanfare… Makoto couldn't help but feel a little envious. It was undeniably the treatment of a protagonist.

'Back then…'

Oh. Makoto tightened the Vice-captain's badge strapped to his arm and thought silently, 'It wasn't that long ago, really. Just last year, when I graduated, the only captain-level Shinigami who personally recruited me was Kenpachi Zaraki, and that was because Ikkaku Madarame and Ayasegawa Yumichika wouldn't stop singing my praises.'

In comparison to Gin's current treatment, it was a world of difference.

Just then, two excited voices rang out behind him.

"Senju! Yo, you're here too!"

"Makoto-kun, long time no see…"

When Makoto turned his head, he wasn't surprised to see the familiar duo: the bald warrior and the flashy handsome man.

Under Makoto's somewhat strange gaze, Ikkaku stepped aside, swaying dramatically as he asked, "Senju, don't you notice anything different about me?"

???

Makoto blinked.

Who… who had ever seen a bald, muscular man wriggling his body incessantly in front of you, demanding to know if you noticed any changes?

The scene left Makoto utterly dumbfounded.

As for the pure and innocent Isane behind him, her eyes glazed over as if she had seen something indecent.

"Wo… Worm..."

After several breaths, Makoto still couldn't bring himself to utter the words "worm-like."

"You can't see it? It's so obvious! Senju, look closer!" Ikkaku was growing more anxious, his movements even more exaggerated.

Fearing that this eye-searing scene would soon draw the attention of the surrounding students, Makoto helplessly said, "Ikkaku, just say it."

"Rank! My rank!" Ikkaku huffed in annoyance. "I'm now the Third Seat of the Eleventh Division! A little over half a month ago, I challenged for the position and won easily."

Only then did Makoto notice the distinct change in Ikkaku's uniform, indicating his new seated officer rank.

On the other side, Ayasegawa flicked his hair and said dismissively, "I'm the Fifth Seat now, though the Fourth Seat position is still vacant."

At this moment, Isane suddenly spoke up weakly, "That's not right, is it? Vice-Captain Senju, I remember seeing their names on the hospitalization list about half a month ago. Both of them were critically injured and barely conscious. Even with your personal treatment, they were hospitalized for nearly a week before being discharged."

Instantly, Ikkaku and Ayasegawa's faces turned completely red.

Makoto gave Isane a look and said, "Eh? What have I taught you? Internal files and documents of the Fourth Division must not be discussed publicly. Protecting patient confidentiality is a fundamental duty and responsibility of a healer."

"I'm sorry," Isane quickly bowed to apologize.

Makoto then stepped forward and patted both Ikkaku and Ayasegawa on the shoulder. "Ikkaku, Yumichika, I know you didn't want me to worry. Even when you were barely conscious and being carried into the Fourth Division, you specifically reminded the medics not to notify me…"

"But your injuries were so severe that the attending healer reported the case to me anyway. During your coma, I was the one who operated on and treated you."

For a moment, Ikkaku and Ayasegawa froze in place, their expressions stiff.

"But no matter how eager you are to climb the ranks, you shouldn't challenge so recklessly. Did you think I would look down on you for having a lower rank? Of course not, right?" Makoto spoke earnestly, his words carrying weight.

Indeed, for Ikkaku and Ayasegawa—who had only just joined the Gotei 13—challenging for the positions of Third and Fifth Seat was already an incredibly ambitious task.

However, after Makoto's promotion to Vice-captain, their competitive spirits pushed them to take the risk.

Although they ultimately won, they hadn't expected to end up being carried in such a pitiful state to face Makoto.

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