Shinigami: Medicine Can't Save The Soul Reaper Society

Makoto held Yushirō's hand as they walked into the room. At first, he didn't think much of it, but it soon became impossible to ignore Yushirō's gaze lingering on him.

Instinctively, Makoto turned to glance at the young boy.

That look... without a doubt, it was one of closeness, admiration, and trust!

Huh?!

Makoto froze.

Could it be? This dark-skinned shota... had he already fallen?

Was Makoto not just overwhelmingly charming to young girls? Did his appeal extend to boys as well?

Did he perhaps possess some mysterious affinity that drew in juvenile beings of all kinds?

Makoto couldn't help but feel that he'd stumbled upon a dangerous new trait of his own.

"No, that's not it..."

He mulled it over carefully.

"Maybe it's this gentle exterior. People with simpler hearts must find it naturally easy to trust and feel drawn to it..."

"Just like how Hinamori Momo was completely duped by Aizen's mild and refined appearance, even willing to risk her life for him despite everything."

With this thought, Makoto smiled warmly at Yushirō.

In that moment, Yushirō, staring at the smile, suddenly felt a sense of familiarity. It reminded him of his sister, Shihōin Yoruichi, evoking a mix of shyness and comfort.

"D-Dr. Senju, what is it?" Yushirō asked hesitantly.

"Nothing. I was just thinking how lucky Lady Yoruichi is to have such a caring younger brother. Truly enviable," Makoto replied warmly, subtly working to further boost his favorability.

"N-no, you're too kind, Dr. Senju. I still have much to improve," Yushirō responded bashfully.

"Yushirō, you need to be more confident! If I had a younger brother like you, I'd probably wake up laughing from happiness."

Behind them, Marenoshin was utterly stunned. As Makoto spoke, he even reached out to gently ruffle Yushirō's hair.

Such an audacious move!

Surely, Yushirō would be furious at such impertinence.

But to Marenoshin's shock, Yushirō's expression resembled that of a small, contented black kitten being petted.

"Dr... Dr. Senju, if you don't mind... no, if you wouldn't find it too presumptuous... could I..."

Yushirō's lips quivered, trying to articulate a request when suddenly—

"Ahem!"

A sharp cough cut through the air.

Startled, Yushirō jumped like a kitten caught sneaking food. Yoruichi had appeared, her gaze a mixture of bewilderment and disapproval.

Yushirō instinctively hid behind Makoto, leaving Yoruichi speechless.

Huh?!

Yoruichi stared blankly.

Is this... still my little brother, the overly attached Yushirō?

Realizing his mistake, Yushirō quickly emerged from behind Makoto, his face lighting up.

"Sister! I'm so glad you're okay. Thanks to Dr. Senju's treatment, you're finally better. We must properly thank him!"

...?!

Yoruichi blinked, her expression darkening slightly.

He mentioned me once but brought up Makoto twice?

Her gaze shifted to Makoto, now tinged with suspicion, as if assessing a rival for her brother's affections.

Though Yoruichi often found Yushirō's clinginess annoying, seeing him show such warmth and closeness to someone else unexpectedly left her feeling... bitter.

Sensing the tension, Makoto wisely stepped aside, giving the siblings some space.

Just then, Marenoshin approached, his chubby face stretched into a fawning smile.

"Vice-Captain Makoto! It's an honor to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you!" he gushed, practically rubbing his hands together in obsequiousness.

Makoto was taken aback.

The Omaeda family wasn't some lower or mid-tier noble house. Though not on the level of the Four Great Noble Houses, the Omaeda were a prestigious family renowned for their immense wealth and extensive holdings in both Seireitei and Rukongai.

For someone like this to be so blatantly ingratiating... could he want something from me?

Maintaining his guard, Makoto returned Marenoshin's enthusiasm with a warm and disarming smile.

To his surprise, Marenoshin made no requests. Instead, he lavished Makoto with a 360-degree shower of praise:

"The rising star of Seireitei..."

"The pillar of Fourth Division..."

"I see the bearing of a future captain in you..."

If Makoto weren't firmly grounded, he might've been swept off his feet by the flattery.

When Marenoshin learned of Fourth Division's struggles to repair their headquarters, he immediately offered to cover the costs, asking only that Makoto provide yearly medical checkups and treatment for the Omaeda family members in return.

Makoto's perception of Marenoshin shifted. His tone grew warmer.

If money is involved...

This isn't some sycophant or fool. This is a VIP guest of Fourth Division's Vice-Captain Senju Makoto!

After all, while Fourth Division's budget wasn't exactly tight, the scale of the damage meant fully restoring the facilities would've drained their funds dry. Makoto had already resigned himself to negotiating installment plans to ensure the squad could function again.

But now, an unexpected blessing had fallen into his lap!

Of course, Makoto knew Marenoshin was simply building goodwill. The annual checkups and treatments were mere formalities, a gesture to save face.

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