Chapter 35: Developmental Delay

"So… was Soi Fon really sent by the Second Division to investigate me?"

Makoto Senju stroked his chin, almost certain of the conclusion. Otherwise, he couldn't think of any reason for Soi Fon to suddenly appear here.

"Looking at the entire Seireitei, I am nothing more than an unremarkable member of the Fourth Division. But as the disciple of Captain Unohana, a figure of some sensitivity, it would make sense that the higher-ups would pay attention to me, even if only to a degree..."

"However, the Second Division doesn't operate through covert surveillance or investigations, so they likely don't consider me to be any significant threat. This must just be a routine investigation, right?"

"It seems I'll need to cooperate with Soi Fon. If she comes back with no information, it could cause a fair bit of trouble. It might even prompt other covert agents to investigate me secretly..."

As Makoto pondered these matters, his eyes drifted back to Soi Fon, who was still on the bed, her body positioned in what she believed to be a "humiliating" posture under his orders. Her glazed eyes betrayed a sense of despair and indignation.

"Captain Yoruichi… I'm no longer pure…"

At that moment, Fon bit her lip hard, trying her best to suppress any weakness in her voice.

"After this mission... I will make sure to end this bastard's life..."

"Now... I must endure! I must endure!!!"

"All of this is for Captain Yoruichi. To complete Captain Yoruichi's mission, I must approach Makoto under the guise of a patient to gather whatever intelligence I can..."

Her chest, pressed tightly against the bed, rose and fell gently with each breath, while the image of Captain Yoruichi's back steadily reinforced her resolve.

Meanwhile, Makoto's eyes swept once more over the girl before coming to rest on Soi Fon's delicate, small feet.

Her toes were neatly aligned and pale, their subtle arch betraying tension—likely from nerves. The most striking detail was that, whether due to stress or remaining in that position too long, her feet had a faint, almost rosy hue to them.

Makoto couldn't help but think this was the most beautiful pair of feet he had ever seen in all of the Soul Society—almost like a work of art. Even Captain Unohana's feet could not compare.

"Perhaps some foot fetishist would think that being trampled by those feet would be a strange, twisted form of bliss..."

However, Makoto was not the type to indulge in such lowly pleasures. He was keenly aware that, as a disciple of Captain Unohana, he had to uphold his dignity and morals—otherwise... things could end badly.

Clearing his throat, he said softly, "Alright, you can rise now."

His tone was calm, as if the earlier examination was nothing more than a routine procedure.

He then returned to his desk, taking a sip of calming tea meant to clear the liver and soothe the mind. Once refreshed, he looked at the still expressionless Soi Fon, sitting across from him.

"Just a quick check-up. There's nothing serious. A few minor injuries, possibly from over-training, and a slight delay in your development."

On the matter of actual medical concerns, Makoto had no intention of feigning anything.

The thought lingered, as it was the most basic form of respect that Makoto held toward his knowledge of both the Way of Healing and medicine.

Although... when it came to diagnoses, sometimes it was quite easy to achieve the desired outcome with a bit of deception, especially if it aligned with Senju Makoto's goals.

He paused for a moment, then looked at Soi Fon before speaking again.

"As for the pain you mentioned, I can't confirm it for now. You could try consulting with Aoki Five-seat for a diagnosis. Or perhaps, if it flares up again later, you can come back to see me for a follow-up?"

Soi Fon responded almost immediately, without hesitation. "No need for that. I'll come back to see you next time for a follow-up. I still trust the disciple of Captain Unohana."

Makoto calmly agreed, indirectly confirming Soi Fon's intentions, before lowering his head to record the medical notes.

Unlike the disruptive group led by Ikkaku earlier, Soi Fon was here for a legitimate consultation. According to the regulations of the Fourth Division, medical records needed to be kept for all patients.

This wasn't just for future consultations and treatments; it also served as a permanent record in the Seireitei regarding the condition of the Shinigami.

However, as Fon watched Senju Makoto carefully write "developmental delay" in her medical record, her face remained emotionless, but inwardly, she nearly ground her teeth in frustration.

"Damn bastard, ￥#…%@#!!"*

At that moment, Soi Fon, who had been rigorously trained in both the military and noble ways since childhood, found herself cursing in her heart with an uncharacteristic outburst of vulgarities.

But as Makoto finished writing and looked up at Soi Fon, she forced a stiff smile and said,

"Thank you so much, Dr. Senju."

"You're very welcome. Providing the most appropriate treatment for our patients is the responsibility of the Fourth Division," Senju Makoto answered kindly, then continued,

"Additionally, the minor injuries on your body are quite easy to address. I can relieve them through acupuncture and the Way of Healing, but the root cause seems to be excessive training, possibly excessive combat. My suggestion is that you take a break for a while."

Soi Fon, who had been consumed with anger and frustration just moments before, felt a warmth in her heart upon hearing the gentle, caring tone. For a moment, she froze.

Having joined the Shihouin clan's military forces at a young age, and later becoming a member of the Onmitsukido Night Squad, it was clear that Soi Fon had sacrificed far more than the average soldier. Amid the harsh and disciplined environment of her past, it was only now, aside from the comforting words of Captain Unohana, that she heard such warmth.

"Hm? Are you listening, Miss Soi Fon? If you're worried about the pressures in the Division, I can issue a medical certificate on behalf of the Fourth Division stating that you need a period of rest..."

Coming to her senses, Fon met Makoto's gaze, which was filled with genuine concern and warmth. Almost instinctively, she lowered her head and quickly refused.

"No need."

"Is that so?" Makoto's voice took on a hint of regret and helplessness as he added, "No matter what, Miss Soi Fon, you should still pay attention to your health. Especially since your body is still in a developmental phase, excessive fighting and training can have negative effects. This is likely the cause of your developmental delay."

In that moment, Fon felt her heart stirred by this unexpected kindness, and with genuine emotion, she responded,

"I can't stop. If I do, even if I slack off just a little, even if I fall behind by just a moment, I won't be able to catch up to Captain Yoruichi, and I won't be able to protect her!"

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𝕾𝖕𝖊𝖈𝖎𝖆𝖑 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖐𝖘 to 'Jacob Mooe' for accessing 'Apostle of Light' tier! (11-19-24)

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