Shinigami: Medicine Can't Save The Soul Reaper Society

Under the respectful gaze of several guards, Unohana, clad simply in her Shihakushō, stepped out with her characteristic elegance and gentleness.

In the next moment, the warm sunlight bathed her figure.

Although the living conditions within the Central 46 Chambers were excellent, Unohana had inevitably faced restrictions on her movement. This made her instinctively squint her eyes against the sunlight, her mood lifting slightly.

What surprised her, however, was the emptiness beyond the main gate.

Not only was Senju Makoto absent, but even the other Fourth Division members were nowhere to be seen. It was as if everyone had forgotten that today was the day she returned to the division.

The faint anticipation in Unohana's expression dimmed slightly. Her gaze swept around before she turned and began walking unhurriedly towards the Fourth Division barracks.

"Well, it makes sense. Makoto was recently promoted to Vice-captain, and his responsibilities must have increased. Forgetting such a small occasion is understandable… forgivable…"

Her expression remained as warm and graceful as ever, but a faint, dangerous glint flickered in her eyes, and her smile… began to widen.

"Still, it's been a month since I last offered him some personal guidance. Perhaps a little… correction is in order."

As Unohana approached the main gate of the Fourth Division quarters, the tall gatehouse and the newly renovated quarters came into view, meticulously arranged and orderly.

"Makoto, you've done quite well this past month," she murmured softly, evaluating the scene.

She vividly remembered the state of ruin the quarters had been in before. For Makoto to restore them to such a degree within a month was an impressive feat.

However, Unohana's brows furrowed slightly at the sight of the closed and unguarded main gate.

Sensing something, she reached out and pushed the gates open.

The next moment, a breathtaking scene unfolded before her.

Countless petals, her favorite, floated gently through the air. Rows of Fourth Division members stood in perfect formation, each wearing their Shihakushō adorned with a pristine white ume flower pinned to their chests.

At the forefront of the group, Makoto approached, cradling the Fourth Division captain's haori in both hands. His face radiated warmth and joy as he greeted her.

"Sensei, you're finally back."

With that, he shook out the haori and, with a practiced motion, draped it over her shoulders.

Unohana tilted her head slightly, gazing at the man before her. His expression, overflowing with tenderness and happiness at the mere sight of her, made her eyes curve into crescent moons as she spoke softly.

"Vice-captain Senju, I thought you'd forgotten today was my return."

"How could I?" Makoto replied, his gaze dropping slightly in deference.

"Every day that you've been away from the Fourth Division has felt like an eternity to me. I've counted every second leading up to the one-month deadline granted by the Captain-Commander…"

"To keep my thoughts at bay, I immersed myself in work, visiting you when I could, all in the hope of distracting myself from your absence."

Unohana's gentle smile deepened, her response to his words ambiguous.

After adjusting the haori on her shoulders, Makoto instinctively positioned himself at her left rear—perfectly embodying the role of a Vice-captain.

This behavior wasn't coincidental. Makoto had painstakingly sought advice from none other than Seireitei's First Vice-captain-Licker, Ōmaeda Marenoshin, to learn the nuances of proper positioning:

"How to remain visible enough for the captain to notice you, but not so obtrusive as to be an annoyance."

It had to be said, Makoto regarded Marenoshin's expertise in this area as unparalleled, a talent that deserved to be revered.

As Unohana, draped in her captain's haori, stood before the gathered Shinigami, a loud and unified chant rang out across the barracks.

"Welcome back, Captain Unohana!"

The voices were passionate and resonant, causing a subtle ripple in Unohana's calm, gentle gaze.

During her time in the Central 46 Chambers, there had been a significant reason for her absence: the lingering fear she had instilled.

When Unohana had drawn her blade in full view of the Fourth Division members, her overwhelming, murderous spiritual pressure had undoubtedly left a deep impression. She'd prepared herself for their inevitable fear upon her return.

But now, the looks in their eyes reflected nothing but reverence and admiration.

Surrounded by their welcome, Unohana joined the grand banquet they had prepared for her return.

---

As night fell and the festivities dwindled, the other members gradually dispersed, leaving Unohana and Makoto walking through the moonlit courtyard.

Makoto occasionally cast sidelong glances at her serene, graceful profile, bathed in moonlight. He couldn't decide which was gentler: the moonlight or her expression.

If only she'd vary her stance or technique while wielding her sword to pierce throats like a blood-red moon, it would be even more perfect, Makoto thought.

Not that he regretted facing both Aizen and Unohana head-on back then. His caution and prudence, after all, served the sole purpose of ensuring that when the time came to act according to his will, he'd have more strength and fewer risks.

Sensing his gaze, Unohana turned her head slightly and spoke softly.

"Thank you, Makoto."

With those words, Unohana understood everything.

The Fourth Division members hadn't overcome their fear of her entirely. Makoto had spent the past month counseling them, guiding them through their apprehension.

Those too severely affected had been strategically assigned to duties away from today's celebration.

"Sensei, there's no need to thank me. It's what I should do," Makoto replied warmly.

Unohana's smile brightened further.

Until…

She pushed open the courtyard doors, revealing a large hot spring occupying a corner of the space. Her smile froze.

"Makoto, was this also something you had to do?"

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