Shinigami: Medicine Can't Save The Soul Reaper Society

After Makoto deliberately lightened the atmosphere, and before the graduation ceremony officially began, he wandered the halls of Shin'o Academy once more alongside Ikkaku Madarame, Yumichika Ayasegawa, and Isane Kotetsu. Together, they reminisced about the fleeting days of their youth.

The four of them had attended the academy in the same year, so their conversations were endless, filled with memories and laughter. The usually competitive Ikkaku and Ayasegawa quickly forgot the awkwardness of having their secrets revealed earlier, swept away by the cheerful exchanges.

Soon, the resonant chime signaling the start of the graduation ceremony echoed through the academy, prompting Makoto and his companions to make their way into the grand hall.

As Makoto scanned the venue, the seats reserved for division representatives were densely occupied. Among the attendees were well-known figures such as Ginrei Kuchiki and Shunsui Kyōraku, both evidently curious to witness the rumored genius, Ichimaru Gin, and perhaps even with plans to recruit him into their ranks.

Unsurprisingly, Aizen also attended the ceremony. Spotting Makoto, Aizen offered him a slight nod and a warm smile.

More notably, due to Shin'o Academy's tradition of seating division representatives by order of squad numbers, Makoto's seat happened to be right beside Aizen's.

As Makoto approached to sit, Aizen courteously patted the cushion beside him, as if brushing away invisible dust, and warmly invited him.

"Makoto-kun, come, take a seat."

"You're too kind, Vice-Captain Aizen," Makoto replied, his voice laced with polite helplessness as he took his seat alongside Isane Kotetsu.

"There's no need for such formalities," Aizen said with a friendly smile. "Just call me Sōsuke."

Aizen's demeanor exuded warmth, humility, and charm—almost as if these virtues were etched into his very being.

Scratching his head awkwardly, Makoto replied modestly, "How could I? Vice-Captain Aizen's abilities are far beyond someone like me, a mere Fourth Division Vice-captain."

Aizen chuckled, shaking his head as he poured tea for Makoto himself. "You're too modest, Makoto-kun. To me, you're truly one of a kind."

"You flatter me too much. I still have much to learn…"

"Your humility and kindness are truly admirable," Aizen praised, a hint of fascination in his voice. "I'm sure you've already won over many admirers in the Fourth Division."

"How could that compare to you, Vice-Captain Aizen? Your popularity in the Seireitei is unparalleled."

To outsiders, the conversation between Aizen and Makoto appeared to be a harmonious exchange between two refined gentlemen, showcasing camaraderie and unity between divisions. Even Isane, seated just behind Makoto, shared this impression.

The only one who wasn't convinced was Kaname Tōsen, seated among the Seventh Division representatives. Though blind, Tōsen seemed almost envious as he strained to listen.

Unlike others, Tōsen knew better than anyone how proud Aizen truly was. Despite his outward humility, Aizen had never once poured tea for another soul—not even for Tōsen, who had loyally followed him for decades.

Of course, being blind, Tōsen technically hadn't "seen" this happen.

What irritated him more, however, was Makoto's nonchalance. Despite Aizen's rare gesture of respect, Makoto hadn't taken a single sip of the tea, as if he feared it might be poisoned.

And in truth, Makoto did worry about that.

After all, the Seireitei boasted three infamous research enthusiasts—Aizen Sosuke, Kisuke Urahara, and Mayuri Kurotsuchi. Anything touched by their hands was best treated with utmost caution. Otherwise, one might find themselves inexplicably transformed into something unrecognizable without even realizing it.

Meanwhile, standing at the front of the graduates, the smallest figure among them—Ichimaru Gin—watched Makoto and Aizen closely, his ever-narrowed eyes focused intently on the exchange.

From his distance, Gin couldn't hear their conversation, but that didn't stop him from speculating.

'Makoto looks… uneasy.'

By contrast, Aizen's expression remained flawlessly composed, even taking the time to pour tea—a gesture that clearly asserted his control over the situation.

'Is Makoto asking Aizen something about me? And did Aizen refuse him? Or maybe he said something that made Makoto uncomfortable…?'

'Damn it!'

Though Gin still looked like an eight- or nine-year-old child, frustration flared within him. His hands, hidden within his sleeves, instinctively tugged at the cord wrapped around his wrist as he fought to calm himself.

Back on stage, the Shin'o Academy leadership painstakingly carried out the day's ceremonies with great pomp and circumstance. By now, Makoto's back ached, his mind wearied from enduring Aizen's persistent hospitality, and he silently hoped the event would soon end.

But just as he thought the ordeal was over—

"And now, we welcome one of last year's outstanding graduates and current Fourth Division Vice-Captain, Senju Makoto, to give a speech!"

A wave of thunderous applause jolted Makoto out of his daze.

"…???"

What?

Makoto blinked, bewildered. He hadn't received any prior notice about this!

By all logic, Shin'o Academy wouldn't dare force a Vice-captain to give an impromptu speech. They would have sought confirmation in advance.

Instinctively, Makoto turned towards Isane behind him.

Isane, avoiding his gaze, murmured sheepishly, "I'm sorry, Vice-Captain Makoto. Captain Unohana took a document from me earlier this morning… I didn't get a chance to check it. It… might have been about this…"

Suddenly, Makoto recalled Unohana's unusually warm smile earlier that day, and the gentle yet cryptic encouragement she had offered.

Unohana-sensei… Truly, you never miss a step.

But there was no turning back now.

Under the watchful eyes of countless spectators, Makoto had no choice but to steady himself, rise to his feet, and make his way to the stage. As he stood before the sea of graduates, he steeled himself, masking his exhaustion behind a composed demeanor.

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