Shinigami: Medicine Can't Save The Soul Reaper Society

At his core, Makoto was a man who understood the importance of gratitude.

In the past, Aoki Chiyoko had often helped Makoto untangle life's many mysteries. Now, with Chiyoko's untimely sacrifice during the "Hollowfication Incident," Makoto found himself unable to avenge her.

However, bound by honor and gratitude, Makoto felt it was his responsibility to take care of Risa.

More importantly, with his recent promotion to Vice-captain of the Fourth Division, Makoto recognized the necessity of supporting reliable subordinates, even if Yamada Seinosuke had not been particularly beloved within the division.

Of course, Makoto had no intention of undermining Unohana. His primary goal was simply to assist her more efficiently.

Risa, in Makoto's eyes, was a trustworthy candidate worth investing some effort in.

After inquiring about the division's affairs during his period of unconsciousness and issuing a few directives, Makoto tidied his attire and stepped out of his tent.

The vice-captain's badge, once belonging to Yamada, had already arrived. As per the protocols of the Gotei 13, just as captains wore their signature haori, Vice-captains were required to wear their badges at all times.

Undoubtedly, this badge was a symbol of honor and status, signifying a rank second only to the thirteen captains of the Gotei 13.

The Gotei 13 was, in fact, a strict hierarchy with clearly defined ranks and divisions.

Perhaps it was because of this rigid structure that figures like Aizen, with his feigned gentleness, or Makoto, with his genuine warmth, could attract such admiration and loyalty.

As Makoto, now wearing his vice-captain badge, walked through the temporary tents set up by the Fourth Division, he noticed that the admiring and kind gazes he was used to now carried an additional layer of respect and awe.

Yet, as always, Makoto maintained his gentle demeanor, smiling warmly at division members and patients alike, nodding occasionally.

Unsurprisingly, his actions earned him another wave of admiration and respect within the Fourth Division.

Before long, Makoto arrived at his destination—the small tent occupied by Yamada Seinosuke's wife, Yamada Rinka.

With most of the Fourth Division barracks reduced to rubble, its members now resided in temporary tents.

Makoto's purpose here was clear: to meet Yamada Rinka.

Though, technically, Yamada Seinosuke wasn't dead yet, and Rinka wasn't a widow. Officially, the Central 46 had declared all Hollowfied Shinigami as deceased to mitigate the incident's impact.

Makoto, however, knew the truth. Yamada Seinosuke, now without a place in the Seireitei, had escaped to the World of the Living with Kisuke Urahara and Shihoin Yoruichi.

As he stood before the tent, Makoto hesitated.

At that moment, a tall figure appeared beside him, her voice laced with surprise and excitement.

"Are you Vice-captain Senju?"

Makoto turned to see a strikingly tall woman with short, slightly disheveled silver-gray hair. Despite the weariness etched on her face, her demeanor conveyed respect and nervousness.

It only took Makoto a moment to recall her name.

"Kotetsu Isane?"

Hearing this, Isane's eyes lit up with a mix of joy and disbelief, clearly not expecting Makoto to remember her name.

Indeed, Makoto had an impression of Kotetsu Isane—not just from his previous life's memories but also because they had graduated in the same class and both joined the Fourth Division.

Moreover, her unique height and silver-gray hair made her unforgettable.

"I recall you were stationed in the morgue, correct?" Makoto asked.

Isane nodded politely, her voice humble.

"Yes, Vice-captain Senju. However, with the current shortage of manpower in the division, morgue staff have also been reassigned to assist other senior members."

Hearing this, Makoto remembered approving this arrangement himself, though he had forgotten that Isane was among the morgue staff.

Suddenly, Makoto recalled that Yamada Rinka, too, was part of the Fourth Division and handled administrative duties for the morgue.

Noticing the flowers in Isane's hands, Makoto asked, "Are you here to visit Yamada Rinka?"

"Yes, Vice-captain Senju," Isane replied. "After what happened to Vice-Captain Yamada... I thought it would be good to check on Lady Rinka."

Pausing, Isane quickly added, "But I've completed all my assigned tasks beforehand. I assure you, my visit hasn't disrupted the division's operations."

Makoto, amused by the contrast between Isane's tall, commanding presence and her somewhat timid personality, smiled gently.

"Why would I fault you? In fact, I'm also here to see Yamada Rinka, but I felt it might be inappropriate to enter her tent alone. Would you mind accompanying me?"

"Of course! I'd be honored!" Isane responded, her tone tinged with excitement.

"Thank you," Makoto said warmly.

Isane, feeling a wave of reassurance from Makoto's gentle demeanor, found the exhaustion of the past two days melting away.

"It's no trouble at all, Vice-captain Senju."

After a brief exchange, Isane respectfully asked for permission to enter the tent on Makoto's behalf and then led him inside.

Inside, Makoto saw Yamada Rinka—a serene and gentle woman dressed in the traditional black garb of mourning.

Her pale, grief-stricken face radiated a quiet sorrow, evoking an air of delicate fragility that made her seem even more pitiable.

=========================

Consider joining me on P@treon For 50+ Advance Chapters:

P@treon: [email protected]/JustaPasserby